Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Healthcare progress and challenges
Central Idea
- The Indian healthcare system has overcome many challenges and has made significant progress, but there are still many tough health challenges that need to be addressed. There is need to bridge the gap between the services available in metropolitan and Tier-II and Tier-III cities, provide healthcare insurance to the unorganised middle class, and use Artificial Intelligence and digital technology to improve healthcare services.
Overcoming past challenges
- The Indian healthcare system has overcome seemingly insurmountable problems, including high maternal and infant mortality rates, and low hospital delivery rates.
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) results show that even in the so-called BIMARU states, hospital deliveries have soared to 89 per cent.
Current Health Challenges
- Five interrelated challenges: The current macro picture shows at least five interrelated challenges that are pervading the population, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), obesity, and chronic respiratory diseases.
- NCDs: The proportion of deaths due to NCDs has increased from around 38 per cent in 1990 to 62 per cent in 2016.
- Obesity: Obesity has increased from 19 per cent to 23 per cent between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. Awareness about leading healthy lives will save millions from illness and decelerate premature death.
- Infrastructure:
- The state of infrastructure matters. Since 2018, governments at the Centre as well as the state have been trying to bolster primary healthcare by establishing health and wellness centres.
- But there are still huge variations between states, and some states have better arrangements than others. States must step up efforts to improve infrastructure in the healthcare sector.
- Bridging the gap in hospital services:
- In urban areas, the challenge is to bridge the gap in hospital services between large urban agglomerations and Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- Large hospital chains provide only 4-5 per cent of the beds in the private sector.
- Standalone hospitals and nursing homes provide 95 per cent of private hospital beds but are unable to provide multi-specialty, leave alone tertiary and quaternary care.
- The gaps between services available in the metros and big cities and in districts must be bridged.
- Health Insurance Coverage:
- Low health insurance penetration and the very high personal outgo on healthcare remain a challenge.
- But over the past three years, more than four crore Indians have bought health insurance.
- From 2018, the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme for 10 crore poor families has been undertaken to provide insurance against hospitalisation for up to Rs 5 lakh per year per family.
- Nearly 74 per cent of Indians are either covered or eligible for health insurance coverage.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence and digital technology:
- An emerging concern is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology to improve healthcare services.
- Surgery assisted by robots, the use of genetic codes, clinical decision support systems, and telemedicine can help in making healthcare more accessible and efficient.
Conclusion
- India has shown how the impossible can be achieved, but the healthcare system needs to overcome various challenges to fully redeem its advantage of having the youngest population. The government needs to step up efforts in improving infrastructure, bridging the gap in hospital services, and providing health insurance coverage for the unorganized middle class. It is also essential to regulate the use of AI and digital technology in the healthcare sector to ensure accountability and prevent malpractice.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DPDP Bill 2022
Mains level: DPDP Bill 2022, Data Privacy and Protection
Central Idea
- India’s digital economy is growing rapidly and generating massive amounts of personal data. As citizens embrace convenience, understanding how this data is handled and protected has become critical. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022 aims to safeguard citizens’ information from misuse and unauthorised access but lacks specificity in certain clauses such as the interaction with sectoral data protection regulations.
The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022
- The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022 is a proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding the personal data of Indian citizens from misuse and unauthorized access.
- The bill aims to regulate the handling of personal data in the rapidly growing digital economy of India.
According to an explanatory note for the bill, it is based on seven principles-
- Lawful use: The first is that usage of personal data by organisations must be done in a manner that is lawful, fair to the individuals concerned and transparent to individuals.
- Purposeful dissemination: The second principle states that personal data must only be used for the purposes for which it was collected.
- Data minimisation: Bare minimum and only necessary data should be collected to fulfill a purpose.
- Data accuracy: At the point of collection. There should not be any duplication.
- Duration of storage: The fifth principle talks of how personal data that is collected cannot be stored perpetually by default, and storage should be limited to a fixed duration.
- Authorized collection and processing: There should be reasonable safeguards to ensure there is no unauthorised collection or processing of personal data.
- Accountability of users: The person who decides the purpose and means of the processing of personal data should be accountable for such processing
Challenges regarding conflicting sectoral regulations in India
- The DPDP Bill 2022 lacks specificity in certain clauses regarding the interaction with sectoral data protection regulations.
- While the Bill allows for filling regulatory gaps, conflicting sectoral regulations may create confusion.
- India already has sectoral regulations regarding data protection, such as the Reserve Bank of India’s directive on storage of payment data and the National Health Authority’s Health Data Management Policy. Any deviation from existing regulations will further require the industry to readjust their operations again at considerable cost.
Approach to regulate privacy and protect data
- The two major approaches to regulating privacy and protecting data is comprehensive legislation and sector-specific regulations
- The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as an example of comprehensive legislation with sector-specific provisions
- The American sectoral approach as a patchwork of regulations tailored to specific industries, with flaws in inconsistent protection, enforcement, and lack of federal regulation
Way ahead: Finding the right balance for India
- There is a need for greater clarity and specificity in the interaction between the DPDP Bill and sectoral regulations in India
- It is important to build on existing sectoral regulations to avoid undermining their efforts and require further costly adjustments
- The role of sectoral experts in ensuring a safer, more secure, and dynamic digital landscape for Indian citizens in the future is important.
Conclusion
- The DPDP Bill must serve as the minimum layer of protection, with sectoral regulators having the ability to build on these protections for a safer and more secure digital landscape.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AFSPA
Mains level: North east insurgency, security challenges and AFSPA
Central Idea
- The Centre’s decision to lift the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from more police station limits in Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland is a positive development that sends a message of hope to the region. While insurgency has necessitated the imposition of AFSPA in the past, the prevalence of violence in the region has been on the decline, and the government’s peace negotiations with rebel groups have borne fruit.
What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA )1958?
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in disturbed areas.
- AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
- The Act further provides that if reasonable suspicion exists, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.
What are the Special Powers?
- Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
- Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
- Power to arrest: Without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
- Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.
Reason for the decision
- Improved security: The decision was taken due to a significant improvement in the security situation in Northeast India.
- Decrease in Violence: The prevalence of insurgencies in almost all states in the Northeast may arguably have necessitated the imposition of AFSPA in the past. Statistics suggest that violence in the region has been on the decline. The MHA cited a reduction of 76% in extremist incidents, 90% decrease in deaths of security personnel and a 97% decrease in civilian deaths since 2014.
- Negotiations with Rebel Groups: The government has negotiated peace with rebel groups in the region, including NSCN-IM, Ulfa, Bodo, and Dimasa groups, with some success.
- Peace accords: The Mizo rebels, who signed a peace accord in 1986, joined electoral politics and won office. The Tripura government successfully negotiated with the insurgency and got AFSPA removed in 2015. The government must continue to engage with rebel groups to maintain peace in the region.
Conclusion
- The Centre’s decision to withdraw AFSPA in an incremental manner is a positive development for the region, and the government must continue to reduce its dependence on AFSPA to impose its writ. The Northeast’s stability is critical, especially with unrest in Myanmar, and the government must make judicious choices to balance regional and ethnic identity assertion with nationalism.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Facts related to mutual funds
Mains level: Mutual funds, debt mutual funds, tax benefits, etc
Central Idea
- The Finance Bill 2023, passed by the Lok Sabha with 64 amendments, includes the controversial decision to remove the tax benefit for debt mutual funds. While the aim is to remove the advantage of debt funds over bank deposits, this decision will have far-reaching consequences that need to be examined.
Mutual Funds
- Investment decisions on behalf of the investors: Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors in the fund.
- Diversified portfolio of securities: Investors in a mutual fund own a proportional share of the fund’s underlying assets, and the value of their investment rises or falls in response to changes in the value of the securities held by the fund. Mutual funds can provide investors with access to a diversified portfolio of securities, which can help to mitigate the risk of investing in individual securities.
Key differences between Mutual funds and debt mutual funds
- Mutual funds and debt mutual funds are both types of investment funds, but there are some key differences between them
| Comparison |
Mutual Funds |
Debt Mutual Funds |
| Types of Investments |
Stocks, bonds, commodities, and other asset classes |
Fixed-income securities such as bonds, debentures, treasury bills, and commercial papers |
| Risk |
Generally higher risk due to the inclusion of stocks and other volatile assets |
Generally lower risk due to the focus on fixed-income securities |
| Returns |
Potentially higher returns over the long term, but subject to more volatility |
Lower returns compared to equity mutual funds, but also come with lower risk |
| Investment Objective |
Can vary widely depending on the type of fund |
Provide regular income to investors while preserving capital |
| Liquidity |
Can be less liquid than debt mutual funds due to volatility in underlying securities |
Generally considered more liquid due to less volatility in underlying securities |
The Debate Over Scrapping Tax Benefit for Debt Mutual Funds
- Removal of the tax benefit for debt mutual funds: The Finance Bill 2023 passed by voice vote in the Lok Sabha last week with 64 amendments, including the removal of the tax benefit for debt mutual funds.
- What it means: This change means that investors in debt mutual funds cannot avail the benefit of indexation for the calculation of long-term capital gains. From April 1, such investments will now be taxed at income tax rates applicable to an individual’s tax slab.
- Motive: This move aims to remove the advantage that such debt funds have over bank deposits. However, the consequences of this decision need to be carefully examined.
The Impact of Removing Tax Benefit
- Impact on flow of funds: The removal of the tax benefit will lead to investors reassessing their allocations to debt mutual funds, which may impact flows into these funds.
- Impact on bond market: This, in turn, may impact the growth and development of the bond market in India since debt mutual funds channel funds into the bond market.
- For instance: According to a report by Crisil, 70% of the investment in debt funds flows from institutional investors, while individual investors, including high net worth individuals, accounted for 27% as of December 2022.
- Impact on corporate debt: This change in rule may trigger a shift in investments away from debt mutual funds to other instruments, which will possibly affect flows to the corporate bond market, and demand for corporate debt is likely to be impacted.
The Need for Rationalization
- There is a need to acknowledge the finer points of differentiation between bank deposits and debt funds since bank deposits are insured up to Rs 5 lakh while debt mutual funds carry risk depending on the risk profile of the bonds they hold.
- It has been argued that the capital gains architecture in India needs to be reexamined and reconfigured.
- Not only are there different rates of taxation for different asset classes, but even the holding period for differentiating between short- and long-term capital gains varies across assets. Thus, rationalisation with regard to the tax rate and/or the holding period is desirable.
Conclusion
- While the removal of the tax benefit for debt mutual funds may remove the advantage of such funds over bank deposits, its far-reaching consequences need to be carefully examined. There is a need to acknowledge the finer points of differentiation between bank deposits and debt funds, as well as rationalisation of the tax architecture in India. Therefore, there is a need for broader discussions and debates on these issues.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Blue economy initiatives
Mains level: Blue economy, significance for sustainable development and challenges
Central Idea
- The potential of the oceans for the sustainable development of the blue economy is immense and the initiatives taken by the Government of India towards achieving it demonstrate India’s commitment to building a sustainable future for its marine resources and the global community. India’s G20 presidency provides an opportunity to promote collective action for the transition.
What is Blue Economy?
- Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ecosystem.
- Gunter Pauli’s book, “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs” (2010) brought the Blue Economy concept into prominence.
- The UN first introduced “blue economy” at a conference in 2012 and underlined sustainable management, based on the argument that marine ecosystems are more productive when they are healthy. In fact, the UN notes that the Blue Economy is exactly what is needed to implement SDG 14, Life Below Water.
- The term ‘blue economy’ includes not only ocean-dependent economic development but also inclusive social development and environmental and ecological security.
The Potential of the Oceans
- The oceans offer vast opportunities for the prosperity of our planet, with 45% of the world’s coastlines and over 21% of the exclusive economic zones located in G20 countries.
- They are reservoirs of global biodiversity, critical regulators of the global weather and climate, and support the economic well-being of billions of people in coastal areas.
Facts for prelims: Government Initiatives
- The Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the development of a blue economy, such as
| Initiative |
Description |
| Sagarmala initiative |
A program launched in 2015 to promote port-led development and boost the country’s maritime sector. It aims to modernize ports, improve connectivity and logistics, and promote coastal community development. |
| Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy |
A policy introduced in 2016 to provide financial assistance to Indian shipyards for the construction of ships. It aims to boost domestic shipbuilding and make Indian shipyards globally competitive. |
| Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana |
A scheme launched in 2020 to boost the fisheries sector in India. It aims to increase fish production, modernize fishing infrastructure, and create employment opportunities in the sector. |
| Sagar Manthan dashboard |
An online dashboard launched in 2018 to track the progress of the Sagarmala initiative. It provides real-time information on project implementation, fund utilization, and other related metrics. |
| Deep Ocean Mission |
A program launched in 2021 to explore the deep sea and harness its resources for national benefit. It aims to explore the deep sea, map its resources, develop technologies for deep-sea mining, and promote ocean conservation. |
| Coastal Regulation Zone notification |
A regulation introduced in 2019 to manage development activities along India’s coastline. It aims to balance the economic development of coastal areas with the conservation of coastal ecosystems and livelihoods of coastal communities. |
- The government has also taken steps to eliminate single-use plastic and combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
- Key priority: India’s G20 presidency has prioritized the blue economy as a key area under the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group.
- Promote sustainable and equitable development: The aim is to promote the adoption of high-level principles for sustainable and equitable economic development through the ocean and its resources while addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.
- A guide for future G20 presidencies: India’s commitment to prioritizing oceans and the blue economy under its presidency would ensure continued discussions on this crucial subject and pave the way for future G20 presidencies.
- Communication and collaboration: Effective and efficient ocean and blue economy governance presents a significant challenge, and India’s G20 presidency can build an effective communication with all stakeholders to share best practices, foster collaborations for advancements in science and technology, promote public-private partnerships, and create novel blue finance mechanisms.
Challenges and Responsibility
- Ambitious efforts by countries to expand their blue economies are threatened by intensifying extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise.
- Marine pollution, over-extraction of resources, and unplanned urbanization also pose significant threats to the ocean, coastal and marine ecosystems, and biodiversity.
- The inherent inter-connectedness of oceans implies that activities occurring in one part of the world could have ripple effects across the globe.
- Therefore, the responsibility of their protection, conservation, and sustainable utilization lies with all nations.
Conclusion
- India’s G20 presidency offers an opportunity to promote individual and collective actions towards a sustainable blue economy. The stewardship of oceans is an investment that will sustain future generations, and the global community must unite for the well-being of our ocean commons.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various Insurance Schemes
Mains level: Insurance based healthcare funding, benefits and drawbacks
Central Idea
- The Tamil Nadu public health model has achieved success in improving healthcare outcomes and maintaining equity in healthcare delivery. However, the shift in healthcare funding to insurance companies has brought both benefits and drawbacks to the public healthcare system.
The key features of the Tamil Nadu public health model
- Primary Healthcare: The Tamil Nadu public health model is based on a strong emphasis on primary healthcare, which is the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention. Primary healthcare centres provide basic healthcare services and preventive care, which are critical to reducing the burden of disease.
- Public Health Infrastructure: The state has a well-established public health infrastructure, including a network of primary healthcare centres, secondary and tertiary care hospitals, and medical colleges. The state government has also invested in health infrastructure, including sanitation facilities, water supply, and waste management.
- Health Insurance: The Tamil Nadu government has implemented a comprehensive health insurance scheme, the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), which provides free healthcare services to families living below the poverty line and low-income groups.
- Human Resource Development: The state government has also focused on developing human resources in healthcare. It has set up a large number of nursing and paramedical institutions to train healthcare professionals.
- Health Awareness: The Tamil Nadu government has launched various health awareness campaigns to educate people about health issues, including communicable and non-communicable diseases. The government has also launched campaigns to promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Partnership with NGOs: The government has partnered with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement various health programs. These partnerships have helped in the effective delivery of healthcare services in remote and rural areas of the state.
- Innovations: Tamil Nadu has implemented several innovative approaches in healthcare, such as telemedicine, which enables patients to receive medical consultation and treatment remotely using technology. The state has also established mobile clinics to provide healthcare services to people living in remote areas.
Benefits of Decentralization
- Improved access to healthcare: Decentralization can help to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural or remote areas. By empowering local communities and healthcare providers to make decisions about healthcare delivery, services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the population.
- Better quality of care: Decentralization can lead to better quality of care by enabling healthcare providers to respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of their patients. It can also promote innovation and experimentation in healthcare delivery, leading to new and improved approaches to patient care.
- Increased accountability: Decentralization can increase accountability in healthcare delivery by empowering local communities and healthcare providers to monitor and evaluate the quality of care. This can help to identify and address problems in healthcare delivery, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
- Cost savings: Decentralization can lead to cost savings in healthcare delivery by reducing the administrative costs associated with centralized decision-making and management. It can also promote greater efficiency in healthcare delivery, leading to reduced waste and duplication of services.
- Insurance funding in healthcare refers to the use of insurance mechanisms to finance healthcare services. This involves pooling financial resources from individuals or groups through insurance schemes, which are then used to pay for healthcare services.
- Insurance funding can help to mitigate the financial risks associated with healthcare, and ensure that individuals have access to the care they need without incurring excessive costs.
Drawbacks of Insurance Funding
- Shifted focus: The focus on indemnity and negotiations with insurance companies has shifted the focus of hospitals from patient care to claiming money.
- Compromised quality of service: The appointment of contractual employees with meager pay has created a divide between permanent high-paid staff and temporary low-salaried staff, leading to a compromise in the quality of service.
Facts for prelims
| Type of Insurance Funding |
Description |
| Private health insurance |
Purchased by individuals or employers to cover healthcare costs. Coverage, cost, and benefits vary widely and may be offered by commercial insurers, nonprofit organizations, or government programs |
| Public health insurance |
Provided by government-run programs, typically funded through taxes or other government revenues. Coverage is provided to eligible individuals based on criteria such as age, income, or medical need. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free health coverage to economically disadvantaged families across India. |
| Social health insurance |
A hybrid model that combines elements of private and public insurance. Individuals and employers contribute to a national insurance fund that is used to pay for healthcare services, typically managed by a government agency but delivered by private providers |
| Employer-sponsored insurance |
Private insurance provided by employers to their employees, often mandatory in many countries. Employers are required to provide a certain level of coverage to their employees. |
Conclusion
- While insurance funding has brought benefits, it has also created challenges, including the erosion of compassion among health professionals and a diversion of funds from public to private hospitals. It is necessary to strike a balance between decentralization, insurance funding, and preserving the fundamental principles of equity, compassion, and excellence in care to maintain the success of Tamil Nadu’s public healthcare system.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight the benefits of decentralization in healthcare delivery. Analyse the benefits and drawbacks of insurance funding in India?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mission Adaptation
Mains level: Climate change, Allocation of funds and Mitigation measures Mission Adaptation
Central Idea
- The budget for 2023-24 in India includes some measures towards climate change mitigation, but adaptation has not been given adequate attention. The government needs to adopt a Mission Adaptation to create a supportive ecosystem for all entities to come together and work towards developing locally-sound adaptation solutions.
- Allocation for green transition: The budget for 2023-24 in India has allocated funds towards climate change mitigation, with a focus on green growth initiatives targeted at reducing the carbon intensity of the economy such as green mobility, energy efficiency, and the green hydrogen mission announcement.
- Promoting nature based initiatives: Nature-based solutions such as the mangrove plantation initiative and the community-based wetland conservation scheme also promise to have potentially positive impacts in mitigating climate change.
Lack of Attention to Climate Change Adaptation
- Climate change is addressed indirectly: While climate change mitigation has received attention in the budget, climate change adaptation has been addressed only indirectly.
- No measures towards enhancing resilience: The budget does not include measures towards enhancing the resilience of communities and habitations to climate change’s impact, despite India’s high vulnerability to climate change.
- For instance: Measures to account for climate change-induced risks, such as the recent example of Joshimath, do not find explicit mention in the budget.
Funding for Adaptation
- Adaptation has traditionally received far less attention than mitigation in the global climate discourse, resulting in lower funding for adaptation.
- In India, the ratio of funding for climate adaptation to mitigation stands at 1:10. While funding for mitigation is also underfunded, with only 25% of the requirement met, the gap for adaptation stands much higher, at only 7.9% of the needed funds.
Challenges in Funding Adaptation
- Adapting to climate change often requires highly local and nature-based solutions that do not have a classically-measured ROI. Consequently, mainstream, interest-seeking capital flowing into adaptation is scant.
- Climate adaptation has largely remained a publicly-funded endeavor in India, with nearly 100% of the funding for adaptation coming from public sources. International funding has also remained scarce due to the skewed discourse on climate change.
The Need for a Strategic Investment
- Climate shocks are anticipated to get more frequent and severe, and in the absence of resilience-building for communities and habitations, the impact could be devastating.
- The public sector must view resilience building as a strategic priority and actively address this matter.
- Climate adaptation must come to be seen as a strategic investment by the public sector, which it must make in order to climate-proof lives, livelihoods, the environment, and the economy.
Mission Adaptation
- Mission Adaptation is a term used in the context of climate change and refers to the need for a strategic, proactive approach to building adaptive capacity in order to climate-proof lives, livelihoods, the environment and the economy.
- It is a proposed initiative for creating a supportive ecosystem for all entities, including the private sector, non-profits, and civil society, to come together and work towards developing and scaling up locally-sound adaptation solutions in India.
- The idea is to view climate adaptation as a strategic investment by the public sector and to bridge complex challenges faced by society today using the idea of public purpose to guide policy and business activity.
Conclusion
- Given the increasing frequency at which climate-related stress is occurring and is expected to occur, the public sector will remain a crucial contributor to funding for climate adaptation. The government must work towards developing a more systemic understanding of resilience and support efforts aimed at building such an understanding across the ecosystem to make Mission Adaptation a reality.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Internet shutdowns in India and its impact
Central Idea
- Earlier this month, the Punjab government suspended mobile internet and SMS services for more than four days as it launched an operation to arrest a pro-Khalistani preacher. This is not an isolated incident in India, with the country recording the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world.
Internet shutdowns in the world
- India has recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world.
- Such shutdowns are never or almost never implemented in most parts of Europe, North and South America, and Oceania, while they are rampant in Africa and Asia.
- Punjab: The Software Freedom Law Center has recorded eight such shutdowns in Punjab alone.
- Southern states: Southern states, on the other hand, have only recorded six such shutdowns in the same period, with no instance of internet shutdown in Kerala.
- Northern states: Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns in India.
Absence of Centralised Data
- Absence of data: The Central government does not collate data on internet shutdowns imposed by state governments, which was strongly recommended by the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology.
- Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology: The Committee came down heavily on the use of internet shutdowns as a substitute for enforcing law and order and wanted the reasons, duration, decision of the competent authority and of the review committees to be noted for every internet shutdown, and for the information to be made public.
Need for Internet Shutdowns
- Civil unrest: Internet serves as a medium for the transmission of information through pictures, videos and text that have the potential to cause civil unrest and exacerbate the law and order.
- Fake news: Shutdowns in order to block the flow of information about government actions or to end communication among activists and prevent the spread of rumors and fake news.
- Rumors: Shutdown helps prevent the “spreading of rumors and misinformation using social media platforms which can hinder peace and law and order”.
- Preventive Response: Cutting off the Internet is both an early and preventive response to block restive groups to organize riots against the Government.
- National Interest: The Internet cannot be independent of national sovereignty. Therefore, the necessary regulation of the internet is a reasonable choice of sovereign countries based on national interests.
Costs of Internet Shutdowns
- Education: Shutdowns also impact education, as students and teachers are unable to access online learning materials and tools. This can lead to a disruption of education and a negative impact on academic performance.
- For instance: A UN report noted that in Kashmir, long-standing restrictions on connectivity undermined the education of students relying on remote education,
- Economy: Businesses that rely on the internet to operate may suffer significant financial losses during shutdowns. This is particularly true for online retailers, e-commerce platforms, and other digital service providers.
- For instance: A 2018 paper estimated that India lost around $3 billion between 2012 and 2017 due to shutdowns.
- Health: The internet plays a critical role in disseminating health information and enabling telemedicine. Shutdowns can make it difficult for people to access vital health information or receive medical care.
- Communication: Internet shutdowns severely limit people’s ability to communicate with one another, both within the affected region and with the rest of the world. This can make it difficult to coordinate protests or other forms of social and political activism, as well as to stay in touch with friends and family members.
- Human rights: Internet shutdowns violate people’s human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information. They can also hinder the ability of journalists and activists to report on human rights abuses.
- Politics: Shutdowns can be used to suppress political opposition and prevent dissent. This is particularly true during elections or times of political unrest, where the government may seek to limit the spread of information that could be used against them.
Mains Question
Q. What are the reasons behind the high number of internet shutdowns in India also discuss socio economic impact of such shutdowns.
Conclusion
- Internet shutdowns in India are a growing concern, with a significant impact on education, healthcare, and the economy. However, the government has no mechanism to assess the socioeconomic impact of internet shutdowns. It is also important to consider the principle of proportionality and the socioeconomic impact of such shutdowns while enforcing law and order.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Disqualification of MP, Constitutional provisions
Mains level: Disqualification of sitting MP's, Constitutional and legal issues
Central Idea
- The recent conviction and disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have raised some important constitutional and legal issues, especially related to the disqualification of members of the legislature. The interpretation of Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the role of the President in cases of disqualification is resurfaced again.
- The Congress leader during campaigning for the 2019 parliamentary polls had made a remark, “How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname?”
- On the basis of this remark, a criminal defamation case was filed against him in a surat court by a BJP MLA who had alleged that the congress leader while addressing a poll rally in 2019 in Karnataka defamed the entire Modi community with his remark.
- The Surat court on Thursday convicted the Congress leader in a criminal defamation case and awarded him a two-year jail term.
- On basis of this, the Congress leader has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha,. A notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said that he stood disqualified from the House from March 23, the day of his conviction.
Disqualification under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951
- Grounds of disqualification: Section 8 of the RPA, 1951 specifies the various offenses, conviction for which entail the disqualification of a member of the legislature.
- Clause (3): Clause (3) of this section says that a person convicted of any offense other than those mentioned in the other two clauses, and sentenced to not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of conviction.
- Exemption under clause (4): The clause (4) has exempted sitting members from instant disqualification for three months to enable them to appeal against the conviction.
Role of the President in Disqualification
- President has the authority: Article 103 of the Indian Constitution provides the President of India as the authority who decides that a sitting member has become subject to disqualification in all cases which come under Article 102(1).
- President’s adjudicatory and declaratory functions: There are differences of opinion on the scope of Article 103, but the Supreme Court, in Consumer Education and Research Society vs Union of India (2009), upholds the position that the President performs adjudicatory and declaratory functions here.
Flaws in the Judgment in Lily Thomas Case
- Parliament cannot enact a temporary exemption: It says that Parliament cannot enact a temporary exemption in favor of sitting members of the Legislature.
- Article 103 provides an exception: But Article 103 itself provides an exception in the case of sitting Members by stating that the disqualification of sitting Members shall be decided by the President.
- Distinction between the candidates and sitting Members: The Constitution itself makes a distinction between the candidates and sitting Members. This was ignored by the judgment and the Court struck down the three months window given to the sitting members to enable them to appeal against their conviction.
Defamation in India
- What is Defamation: Defamation refers to the act of publication of defamatory content that lowers the reputation of an individual or an entity when observed through the perspective of an ordinary man. Defamation in India is both a civil and a criminal offence.
- The Laws which Deal with Defamation: Sections 499 and 500 of IPC: Sections 499 and 500 in the IPC deal with criminal defamation. While the former defines the offence of defamation, the latter defines the punishment for it.
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Facts for prelims: Lily Thomas Verdict
- The Lily Thomas verdict was a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 2013.
- The verdict struck down a provision in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), which allowed convicted lawmakers to continue in office if they filed an appeal within three months of their conviction.
- The provision, which was part of Section 8(4) of the RPA, had been criticized for allowing convicted politicians to continue to hold public office while their appeals were pending in higher courts, and for contributing to the criminalization of politics in India.
- The verdict was seen as a major step towards cleaning up Indian politics and ensuring that convicted criminals do not get to occupy public offices.
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Conclusion
- The recent conviction and disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have raised important constitutional and legal issues related to the disqualification of members of the legislature. While the issues relating to the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi will be dealt with by the appellate courts, the legal and constitutional issues raised by this case need to be examined carefully
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: China’s West Asian peace diplomacy and Implications for India
Central Idea
- China’s increasing involvement in global power dynamics has been propelled by its diplomatic work in West Asia, which has been facilitated by regional states leveraging its influence with Iran. China’s role as peacemaker in the region has given it a significant advantage in global power tussles, especially in the wake of the Saudi Arabia-Iran diplomatic thaw. However, the implications of China’s role in global power dynamics are far-reaching.
China’s Diplomatic Influence in the Region
- Saudi Arabia-Iran diplomatic thaw: The diplomatic thaw between Saudi Arabia and Iran has propelled China further into global power tussles. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been in a long-standing rivalry, which has caused instability in the region. However, the recent diplomatic thaw has provided an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region.
- China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia: China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia has given it a significant advantage in global power tussles. Beijing has leveraged its influence with Iran to broker peace deals in the region. China’s diplomatic efforts have been largely successful, and it has emerged as a key player in global power dynamics.
- Implications of China’s role in global power dynamics: China’s diplomatic efforts have put it in a unique position to shape the global order, especially as the United States’ influence wanes. China’s growing influence has also raised concerns among other major powers, who fear that China’s ambitions may threaten their interests.
India’s Political and Diplomatic Outreach in West Asia
- Cultural and geographical proximity: India’s outreach in West Asia has been extensive, with a deep cultural history and geographic proximity to the region.
- Diplomacy and dialogue: India has not commented on the Saudi Arabia-Iran thaw but has always stood for diplomacy and dialogue.
- India’s official position “No third-party mediation”: Many in West Asia believe that India is in a good position to act as a mediator in the region’s conflicts, but India has baulked at such an idea due to its official position of not supporting third-party mediation on Kashmir with Pakistan.
India’s Relations with Iran
- India’s relations with Iran have been impacted by sanctions and difficulties in fastening or upscaling developmental activities at Chabahar Port.
- India’s economic relations with Iran have suffered due to sanctions and India’s efforts to build closer ties with the US by promoting talks with Iran over the latter’s nuclear program.
- Strategic interests in Iran for India remain palpable, especially in light of the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
China’s influence and impact on India’s relations in the region
- China’s capacity to influence Iran: China’s growing economic and political influence in Iran could potentially give it leverage over Iran’s foreign policy decisions, especially with regard to its relations with India. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has also been a major factor in shaping China’s relations with Iran, and India’s decision not to join the initiative has limited its economic ties with Iran.
- Russia and middle east: China’s increasing collaboration with Russia in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, is also a cause of concern for India. Russia’s closer military cooperation with Iran, coupled with its drifting towards China, could potentially create a power bloc in the region that may not be aligned with India’s interests.
- Peacemaker in West Asia: China’s efforts in brokering a diplomatic thaw between the two countries could potentially lead to a reduction in tensions in the region. While this could be seen as a positive development, it could also impact India’s interests in the region, particularly given its close ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
New Delhi’s need to readjust its positions in the region
- India’s historic ties with Iran and its strategic interests in the region make it imperative for India to maintain strong ties with Iran.
- India will also need to balance its relations with other regional players, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been key partners in India’s energy security and economic growth.
- India may also need to explore new avenues for economic engagement with Iran, given the limitations posed by sanctions and China’s growing presence in the region.
Conclusion
- China’s role as peacemaker in West Asia still needs to play out, but its influence on the region and global politics has implications for India’s relations with Iran. Given China’s growing influence in West Asia, India will need to reassess its position in the region and adjust its foreign policy accordingly.
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the impact of China’s growing diplomatic influence in West Asia on India’s relations with Iran and other regional players. How should India readjust its positions in the region to maintain its strategic interests?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TB, TB day and Theme and Government initiatives
Mains level: TB burden, Government's efforts and challenges
“The theme of World TB Day 2023 — “Yes, we can end TB!”
Central Idea
- India’s National TB Elimination Programme has set a goal to eliminate TB by 2025. However, with India contributing 28% of the global TB burden and spending only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, the pace of program implementation has slowed down, especially during COVID-19. Increased investments and multi-sector collaboration are required to meet the target. 24 th March is marked as World TB day.
Back to basics: TB
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
- TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- Symptoms of TB include coughing that lasts for three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
- TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant forms of TB are a growing concern.
- International Union Against TB: India’s fight against TB began in 1929, when it joined the International Union Against Tuberculosis.
- TB division: After independence, the Union government established a TB division under the Directorate General of Health Services with the Ministry of Health to oversee the plan.
- National TB Control Programme: The National TB Institute was established in Bengaluru in 1959, and the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) was formulated in 1962. The Revised National TB Control Programme was developed in 1963.
- National TB Elimination Programme: India’s National TB Elimination Programme now leads the effort to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals.
- TB Harega Desh Jeetega: TB Harega Desh Jeetega (TB will lose, the nation will win) campaign to raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to get tested and treated.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lower budgetary allocation: India contributes 28% of the global TB burden, and as of 2022-23, it spends only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, the lowest among BRICS countries, and comparable to Bangladesh (2.5%) and Pakistan (3.4%).
- Slow release of funds: The Joint Monitoring Mission Report 2019 by the Ministry of Health mentions that the slow release of funds has had a significant impact on the program’s effectiveness.
- Low fund utilization: The low fund utilization has resulted in a lack of resources for critical TB control interventions such as early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
- COVID-19 slowed down implementation: Implementation of the TB program has slowed down with COVID-19 and requires further policy development, planning, and additional financing.
Way Ahead: Opportunities for Collaboration
- Different actors need to join hands to support the government’s inter-sectoral, multi-centric program approach for TB elimination and empower community response at the grass roots level.
- Investing in strategic areas like diagnostics and access that have been barriers in the past is critical for reshaping the national TB strategy.
- The theme of World TB Day 2023, “Yes, we can end TB!” conveys a message of hope that getting back on track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible.
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Facts for Prelims: CB-NAAT
- CB-NAAT stands for Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, which is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of genetic material of certain types of bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- CB-NAAT is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect MTB and drug-resistant strains of MTB in a short amount of time.
- The test uses a small cartridge that contains all the necessary reagents and probes to detect MTB nucleic acid. The sample (usually sputum or other respiratory specimen) is mixed with the reagents and the cartridge is placed into a machine that performs the amplification and detection of the nucleic acid.
- CB-NAAT has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred test for the diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB.
- The Government of India has launched a national program called Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) to provide free diagnosis and treatment of TB, and CB-NAAT is a key component of this program.
- However, the cost of the test remains a challenge, and efforts are underway to make the test more affordable and accessible to all.
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Conclusion
- To successfully eliminate TB by 2025, India must prioritize sustainability through strategic investments, focusing on areas with the greatest need and adequately resourcing TB initiatives. With collaborative efforts and commitment, India can overcome its TB burden and achieve its ambitious target. Together, we can make it happen.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight the major initiatives taken by India to combat Tuberculosis and enumerate the challenges and way ahead towards achieving the goal of TB elimination by 2025.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tipu Sultan
Mains level: Historical significance of Tipu Sultan
Central Idea
- Tipu Sultan, a historical figure who continues to fascinate people even today, had a powerful hold on the imaginations of the British during his reign. His afterlife in India has been more mixed, with conflicting views and interpretations from different communities and stakeholders. However, in the currently overheated State of Karnataka, the province of the historian has severely shrunk, yielding place to politicians and religious heads who now adjudicate historical truth.
Who was Tipu Sultan?
- Tipu was the son of Haider Ali, a professional soldier who climbed the ranks in the army of the Wodeyar king of Mysore, and ultimately took power in 1761.
- Tipu was born in 1750 and, as a 17-year-old, fought in the first Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69) and subsequently, against the Marathas and in the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84).
- Haider died while this war was on, and Tipu succeeded him in 1782
Tipu Sultan’s portrayal in England
- During his reign, Tipu Sultan was feared and envied by the British, who portrayed him as a formidable foe and used him as a metaphor in multiple art objects, skits, and plays.
- The pictorial versions of his defeat and death satisfied a very British need, asserting a badly dented British valour following decades of Mysore opposition to easy conquest.
Tipu Sultan’s afterlife in India
- Contested legacy: In 19th century Mysore, Tipu was admired for his firm stand against the British and for his efforts to prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs. However, in Karnataka today, the only story that can be told about Tipu is of his villainy and his opposition to Kannada and Hindus (and some Christians) alike.
- Politicization and suppression of viewpoints: The politicization of historical scholarship has resulted in conflicting interpretations and the suppression of certain viewpoints.
Admiration for Tipu Sultan
- Resistance against British colonialism: Tipu Sultan was known for his resistance against British colonialism and fought against the British East India Company in four Anglo-Mysore wars. He refused to accept British supremacy and formed alliances with the French to fight against them. His bravery and military tactics are admired by many.
- Agricultural and economic reforms: Tipu implemented several agricultural and economic reforms in his kingdom, including the introduction of new crops, irrigation systems, and the construction of roads and canals. These reforms helped to improve the agricultural productivity and the overall economic condition of his kingdom.
- Support for the arts and culture: He was a patron of the arts and culture and supported the development of literature, music, and architecture. He was known for his love for poetry and encouraged the development of the Urdu language.
- Use of new military tactics: Tipu Sultan is credited with pioneering new military tactics, including the use of rockets and iron-cased warships. His use of rockets in particular gave him an advantage over the British, who were initially unprepared for his tactics.
- Promotion of religious tolerance: Tipu Sultan abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims and promoted interfaith dialogue and understanding. He had a diverse court that included Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, and he was known for his tolerance towards other religions.
- Religious policies: Tipu Sultan’s religious policies have been a subject of criticism, with some accusing him of being intolerant towards non-Muslims. He was known for his forced conversions of Hindus and Christians to Islam and the destruction of temples and churches. The destruction of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, which is said to be carried out on Tipu Sultan’s orders.
- Treatment of prisoners of war: Tipu Sultan has been criticized for his treatment of prisoners of war, especially during the Third Anglo-Mysore war when he ordered the execution of several British prisoners.
- Oppression of certain communities: Tipu Sultan’s oppression of certain communities, including the Kodava people of Coorg and the Nairs of Kerala, has been a subject of criticism. He imposed heavy taxes on these communities and forced them to convert to Islam.
- Suppression of dissent: Tipu Sultan is known to have punished those who spoke out against his rule, including writers and poets. One example of this is the punishment of the poet Diwan Kurnool Srinivas, who was imprisoned and tortured for writing a satirical poem about Tipu Sultan’s rule.
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Facts for Prelims
- Tipu Sultan had alliances with the French and Ottoman empires, and he had diplomatic relations with the United States.
- He was also a supporter of the French Revolution and sent a delegation to Paris to learn about the principles of the revolution.
- Tipu Sultan’s kingdom of Mysore was one of the few Indian states to have a coinage system independent of the Mughal Empire.
- He was interested in science and technology, and he established a library and a centre for scientific research in his palace.
- He is credited with introducing new crops and plants to his kingdom, such as the silk worm and the sandalwood tree.
- Tipu Sultan was a polyglot and could speak Kannada, Persian, Arabic, and Urdu fluently.
- Tipu Sultan was known for his innovative military tactics, such as the use of rockets and iron-cased warships.
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Conclusion
- The contested legacy of Tipu Sultan highlights the importance of protecting historical scholarship from politicization and using it to promote understanding and dialogue instead of being weaponized for narrow political gains. The conflicting views and interpretations of Tipu Sultan’s legacy demonstrate the need for a nuanced and multi-perspective approach to history.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPCC's report
Mains level: Climate change, dire consequences, efforts of mitigation, progress and challenges
Central Idea
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released the synthesis report of its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) cycle, which serves as a survival guide for humanity. The report highlights the urgent need for a climate-resilient development model that integrates adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development for all.
- Human activity is driving global temperature rise, currently at 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, with an estimated trajectory of 2.8°C by 2100.
- While the rate of emissions growth has slowed in the past decade, humanity is estimated to be on a 2.8° C (2.1°-3.4° C range) trajectory by 2100.
- This temperature rise is causing widespread impacts on climatic systems, with greater risks at lower temperatures than previously assessed.
- The IPCC report highlights that by 2019, humanity had already used up 80% of its carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C, with developed economies being the biggest contributors.
- The report also notes that existing modelling studies, which are often used to assess emission trajectories, do not explicitly account for questions of equity.
Major implications for limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C
- Carbon Budget and Temperature Targets:
- The world’s carbon budget for 1.5°C is much lower than for 2°C. Global pathways show that limiting warming to 1.5°C requires a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, while for 2°C it is 21%.
- Even more concerning is that projected CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructure already surpass the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C.
- Striving for a 1.5° C target implies deep and immediate reductions in emissions in all sectors and regions, which makes more salient different national circumstances and questions of climate equity and operationalisation of the UNFCCC’s core principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities.
- Climate adaptation itself has limits:
- The report highlights that adaptation itself has limits, which implies that some losses and damages of climate change are inevitable.
- For example, the report finds that some coastal and polar ecosystems have already reached hard limits in their ability to adapt to a changing climate.
Key message of the report
- Climate-resilient development: Urgently adopting climate-resilient development a developmental model that integrates both adaptation and mitigation to advance sustainable development for all.
- Green transition: The report assesses the plethora of technologies and design options, such as solar energy or electric vehicles, that can help countries reduce emissions or become more resilient today at low costs, and in a technically feasible manner.
- Equity and social justice: Prioritising and addressing equity and social justice in transition processes are shown to be key to climate-resilient development.
- Net-zero emissions: To achieve climate-resilient development, the world needs to reach net-zero emissions. This may depend on large-scale carbon dioxide removals, which are challenging to achieve.
Progress and gaps in Climate Response
- Some progress has been made in policies and laws, with the effectiveness of policy tools like carbon markets.
- The report points out that there are gaps between modelled sustainable pathways and what countries have pledged (ambition gaps) as well as substantial gaps between what countries pledge and what they actually do (implementation gaps).
Way ahead
- Policy package: Policy packages that comprehensively address climate objectives can help countries meet short-term economic goals.
- Investment: Delayed action risks locking-in to high carbon infrastructure in this decade, and creating stranded assets and financial instability in the medium term. Therefore, high upfront investments in clean infrastructure are imperative.
- Financing needs to be increased manyfold: Despite sufficient global capital, both adaptation and mitigation financing need to increase many-fold, between three to six times for annual modelled mitigation investments, from 2020 to 2030.
Conclusion
- The IPCC AR6 synthesis report provides a blueprint for sustainable development and presents a sobering account of the present and future damages to ecosystems and vulnerable populations. It is crucial for governments and individuals worldwide to act urgently to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and pursue climate-resilient development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Judiciary, Family courts, Challenges and Reforms
Central Idea
- Mumbai’s only family court, inundated with divorce applications and family disputes, showcases a range of emotions and highlights the need for additional family courts to better address these complex and sensitive issues.
The Nature of Family Court Cases
- Mostly divorce cases: Common grounds for divorce include domestic violence, adultery, and dowry, but absurd reasons can also be found among the cases.
- Other issues and counselling: Family courts handle not only divorce cases but also maintenance, child custody, and alimony cases, with judges first suggesting counseling for couples seeking to end their marriages.
- Emotional scenes: Family courts witness heightened emotions, such as anger, blame, heartbreak, relief, and joy, as people struggle with the consequences of broken relationships.
- Inequal treatment: Instances of inequality in the judicial system are evident, with influential individuals sometimes receiving preferential treatment.
- Role of technology and empathy: During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-custodial parents sought to maintain contact with their children through video calls.
- For instance: A lactation room was recently inaugurated at the Bandra family court to provide a refuge for women with infants amidst child custody and divorce proceedings.
Why Family courts were established?
- Family courts were established to provide a forum for speedy settlement of family-related disputes, emphasizing non-adversarial conflict resolution and promoting conciliation.
What are the challenges faced by Family courts in India?
- Backlog of cases: One of the most significant challenges faced by family courts in India is the backlog of cases. Family disputes are often complex and require a significant amount of time to resolve, which results in long waiting periods for litigants.
- Lack of infrastructure: Many family courts in India lack adequate infrastructure, such as courtrooms, staff, and equipment, which makes it difficult to manage cases efficiently.
- Shortage of judges: There is a shortage of judges in family courts, leading to delays in the disposal of cases.
- Low awareness: Many people in India are not aware of the role and functions of family courts, which often leads to confusion and delays in the resolution of disputes.
- Socio-cultural factors: In many cases, socio-cultural factors such as patriarchy, gender discrimination, and dowry-related issues pose significant challenges to family courts in India.
- Limited jurisdiction: Family courts in India have limited jurisdiction and can only hear certain types of cases related to family disputes. This can result in some cases being heard by multiple courts, leading to delays and confusion.
The Need for Expansion and Reform in Family Courts: A Case of Mumbai’s family court
- With over 5,000 divorce cases pending in Mumbai’s family court, frivolous applications and counter-applications add to the pendency of cases and negatively impact children.
- The current seven judges at Mumbai’s family court are insufficient to handle the caseload, and the promise of 14 additional family courts in Mumbai, along with one each in Thane and Navi Mumbai, is a much-needed and welcome move.
Conclusion
- Mumbai’s family court reveals the complexity and emotional intensity of family disputes, and the urgent need for additional family courts to better address these sensitive issues. Expanding the number of family courts will help ensure that more families receive the support and resolution they need during these challenging times.
Mains Question
Q. Establish the purpose of Family courts. Discuss the challenges faced by family court in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's Water Vision and various schemes
Mains level: India's Water Vision, Challenges and solutions for Sustainable water use
Central Idea
- India’s Water Vision addresses key water-related challenges, highlights ongoing interventions, and offers recommendations for ensuring sustainability and serving as a model for other countries to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.
India’s Water vision
- India’s Water Vision is a government initiative aimed at providing clean and safe water to all citizens of India.
- It was launched in 2019 and aims to provide water security, improve water use efficiency, and increase the use of recycled water.
- The initiative also focuses on conservation of water resources and promoting sustainable water practices.
- It is a plan announced as part of the Prime Minister’s Vision India @ 2047 initiative.
- Climate change: India’s Water Vision comes at a critical time when the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report confirms the adverse impacts of human-caused climate change on water availability and security, and the UN 2023 Water Conference takes place after a 46-year gap.
- G20 presidency: India’s G20 presidency can set an example for other countries to prioritize water action, leading to a global water action agenda with clear commitments and pledges to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.
Challenges and Interventions in India’s Water Sector
- Jal Jeevan Mission: The Jal Jeevan Mission has increased tap connections in rural households, but there is a need to ensure reliability and quality of water supply through investments in source sustainability and water quality surveillance for improved social, economic, and public health outcomes.
- Groundwater regulation: Strengthen groundwater governance by making substantial progress in decision-making through groundwater atlas, aquifer mapping, and extensive monitoring. Encourage states like Rajasthan and Punjab to pass bills and fully implement the central government’s model law for regulating groundwater.
- Namami Gange Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation: Focus on pollution abatement and river rejuvenation by improving wastewater management through initiatives like Namami Gange Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. Realize the potential of treated wastewater for irrigation by strengthening treatment infrastructure and pricing freshwater adequately.
- Per Drop More Crop initiative: Improve water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture by promoting micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler technologies through the Per Drop More Crop initiative. Scale up water-saving technologies through targeted subsidies for small and marginal farmers.
- Atal Bhujal Mission: Engage local communities in water management through programs like Atal Bhujal Mission, which aims to improve groundwater management in water-stressed blocks by involving communities in the preparation of water security plans, ensuring climate resilience.
Recommendations for Ensuring Sustainability of Water Actions
- Ensure sustainable source: Ensure access to safely managed domestic water services by focusing on source sustainability and water quality surveillance, leading to positive social, economic, and public health outcomes.
- Prompt groundwater regulation: Encourage all states to fully implement groundwater regulation laws and take prompt action to address groundwater overexploitation, especially in major groundwater-consuming states.
- Improve wastewater treatment: Strengthen wastewater treatment infrastructure to treat a larger proportion of municipal sewage and ensure that freshwater is adequately priced to promote safe reuse of treated water for irrigation.
- Efficient water use practice: Scale up water-saving technologies in agriculture by providing targeted subsidies to small and marginal farmers, facilitating the adoption of water-efficient practices and potentially saving 20% of currently used irrigation water by 2050.
- Improving community engagement: Support ongoing community engagement in water management by ensuring the development and implementation of annual water security plans, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure water security in vulnerable regions.
Facts for prelims
| Initiative |
Objective |
| Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) |
Ensure piped water supply to every household in the country by 2024 |
| Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) |
Improve groundwater management in the country |
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) |
Provide irrigation facilities to all agricultural lands in the country |
| National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) |
Collect, collate, and disseminate water-related data from various sources |
| National Hydrology Project (NHP) |
Improve the country’s hydrological data management system |
| Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) |
Create awareness about water conservation and promote the judicious use of water |
Conclusion
- India’s Water Vision offers a comprehensive roadmap for addressing water-related challenges and achieving clean water and sanitation for all. By sharing its successes, discussing the sustainability of its initiatives, and offering support to other countries, India can leverage its G20 presidency to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 and serve as a model for global water action.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Changing Geopolitical world order and India's diplomacy
Central Idea
- The changing geopolitical landscape, characterized by realignments and recalibrations among major powers, demands nimble, flexible, and open-ended diplomacy from India, as it faces the challenges posed by the deepening partnership between Russia and China.
Changing geopolitical landscape
- Geopolitical Churn overview:
- Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to elevate Indo-Pacific partnership with India.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Moscow to consolidate the Eurasian alliance with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
- Recalibration of relations among major middle powers, such as the thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
- Such events signify the ongoing realignment of major powers in the world.\
- Realignment and Dealignment:
- The breakdown of the post-Cold War world order has accelerated due to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the conflict over Taiwan.
- Countries are adapting to the breakdown of the old order at different speeds and with varying senses of urgency.
- Some trends in the geopolitical landscape are enduring, while others represent short-term adjustments.
- Middle East Dynamics:
- Saudi-Iran rapprochement could be tactical or strategic, but the regional powers have some room for bargaining with both Russia-China and the West.
- Domestic crises in Turkey and Iran might encourage them to scale down their foreign policy adventurism.
- East Asia Developments:
- The recent summit between South Korea and Japan marked the first meeting between the two leaders in nearly twelve years.
- The volatile domestic politics of South Korea and its deep economic relationship with China make the regional dynamic uncertain.
- India needs to navigate this shifting regional landscape with agile diplomacy.
- Russia-China Partnership:
- The deepening partnership between Russia and China poses challenges for India.
- Different perspectives on how this partnership might affect India-Russia relations.
- Strengthening the Strategic Partnership: The visit helps to reaffirm and expand the strategic partnership between India and Japan, which is crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries share common concerns about China’s growing influence and assertiveness, and the visit highlights their commitment to working together to address these challenges.
- Enhancing Defense Cooperation: Kishida’s visit to India provides an opportunity for both countries to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and collaboration on defense research and development. This collaboration could help both countries build their capabilities to address regional security challenges.
- Expanding Economic Ties: The visit offers an opportunity to further expand trade and investment relations between India and Japan, which are already robust. Both countries can explore new areas of economic cooperation, such as infrastructure development, technology collaboration, and supply chain diversification, thereby reducing their dependence on China.
- Focus on Connectivity and Infrastructure: Japan has been actively involved in major infrastructure projects in India, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and high-speed rail projects. Kishida’s visit could lead to further collaboration in connectivity initiatives, both within India and across the Indo-Pacific region.
- Collaboration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Both India and Japan are committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. Kishida’s visit can help strengthen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, low-carbon technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- People-to-People Exchanges: The visit can also contribute to enhancing people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan, such as academic exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism promotion, which can foster greater understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
Value addition
The deepening partnership between Russia and China in recent years
- Shared Interests: Both Russia and China have an interest in creating a multipolar world and countering Western dominance. They often share similar perspectives on international issues and work together in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
- Economic Ties: China has become Russia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $110 billion in 2020. Both countries have been working to strengthen their economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology.
- Energy Cooperation: Russia is a major exporter of natural resources like oil and gas, and China is the world’s largest energy consumer. The two countries have signed numerous agreements on energy cooperation, including the construction of pipelines and joint development of natural gas projects.
- Military Collaboration: Russia and China have increased their military cooperation in recent years, conducting joint military exercises and sharing defense technologies. Russia has been a significant arms supplier to China, helping to modernize the Chinese military.
- Political Support: Both countries have supported each other on the international stage, often backing each other’s positions in the United Nations and other international forums. For instance, China has supported Russia’s stance on issues like Crimea and Syria, while Russia has backed China on issues related to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Response to Western Sanctions: In the face of Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine, the partnership with China has become increasingly important for Moscow. China has provided economic support to Russia, helping to mitigate the impact of these sanctions.
- The US Factor: The United States’ strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific and its efforts to counter China’s rise have pushed Beijing closer to Moscow. Likewise, strained US-Russia relations have led Moscow to seek stronger ties with Beijing.
Russia and China axis: Implications for India
- Strategic Concerns: A closer Russia-China alliance could potentially undermine India’s strategic interests, as both countries are India’s neighbors and have had historical disputes with it. A stronger partnership between Russia and China could complicate India’s efforts to maintain a balance of power in the region.
- Impact on India-Russia Relations: India has traditionally enjoyed a strong relationship with Russia, especially in defense cooperation. However, Russia’s growing ties with China could potentially affect this relationship, as Moscow may prioritize its partnership with Beijing over New Delhi.
- Influence in the Indo-Pacific: A stronger Russia-China partnership could challenge India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries are trying to expand their presence. This might lead to increased competition and tensions between India and the Russia-China alliance.
- Security Challenges: Increased military cooperation between Russia and China might pose security challenges for India, as it could result in a more assertive and capable China in the region. This could also affect India’s efforts to maintain a stable security environment along its borders.
- Multilateral Forums: India’s role in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) might be impacted by the Russia-China partnership. India may find it challenging to pursue its interests in these forums if both countries work together to promote their shared goals.
- Diplomatic Balancing Act: India will need to navigate a delicate diplomatic balancing act as it seeks to maintain strong ties with both Russia and the US, while also pursuing closer relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s rise.
- Economic Implications: India’s trade and investment relations with Russia and China could be affected by the evolving geopolitical situation. India might need to diversify its economic partnerships to minimize the risks associated with the Russia-China alliance.
India’s diplomacy in response to the changing geopolitical landscape
- Act East Policy: India has strengthened its focus on East and Southeast Asia, both economically and strategically, through the Act East Policy. This approach aims to deepen India’s engagement with the ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, promoting regional connectivity, trade, and investment while also addressing shared security concerns.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, India has been actively participating in regional forums and partnerships, such as the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States). This strategy aims to maintain a rules-based order, ensure freedom of navigation, and promote regional stability in the face of China’s growing influence.
- Balancing Relations with Major Powers: India has been navigating its relationships with major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. While India has strengthened its strategic partnership with the US, it also maintains its long-standing ties with Russia, despite Moscow’s growing closeness to Beijing. At the same time, India seeks to manage its complex relationship with China, balancing cooperation on regional and global issues with competition and strategic rivalry.
- Neighbourhood First Policy: India has been prioritizing its relationships with its immediate neighbors in South Asia, focusing on enhancing connectivity, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges. This policy aims to foster regional stability, counterbalance China’s growing influence, and promote India’s leadership role in the region.
- Multilateralism and Global Governance: India has been actively participating in and seeking reforms in global governance institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council reflects its ambition to play a more significant role in shaping global norms and addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and international terrorism.
- Economic Diplomacy: India has been leveraging its economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, promote its exports, and diversify its supply chains. By engaging with various regional trade blocs and negotiating bilateral trade agreements, India aims to integrate itself more closely with the global economy and enhance its economic competitiveness.
Conclusion
- As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift and evolve, India needs to adapt its diplomacy to navigate the changing dynamics effectively. The deepening partnership between Russia and China requires India to reassess its strategic relationships and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with both traditional and emerging partners.
Mains Question
Q. India-Japan relations have witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. Discuss the strategic significance of the bilateral partnership and also evaluate the challenges in further strengthening the relationship.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TB
Mains level: TB Burden, Challenges and solutions
Central Idea
- The fight against tuberculosis (TB) has been going on for over 30 years since it was declared a global health emergency, yet the goal of ending TB by 2030 is still uncertain. The fight against TB needs a renewed focus on three key areas i.e., vaccine development, newer therapeutic agents, and improved diagnostics to meet the goal of ending TB by 2030.
Background
- In 1993, the World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency and the 1993 World Development Report stated that TB treatment for adults was the best buy among all developmental interventions.
- Since then, the global response to TB has been slow and lacks urgency.
Global Fund
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria was created in response to the call for action against TB at the G7 summit in Okinawa, Japan, in 2001.
- The Global Fund has become the single largest channel of additional funding for global TB control.
- However, it faces constraints due to zero-sum games from donor constituents and competition between the three diseases it finances.
StopTB Partnership
- The StopTB Partnership was constituted to mobilize and marshal a disparate set of actors towards the goal of ending TB.
- It has been adapting to changes, such as using molecular diagnostic tools developed to respond to bioterrorism to diagnose TB and using social safety programs to address the poverty drivers of the TB epidemic.
- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
- TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- Symptoms of TB include coughing that lasts for three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
- TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant forms of TB are a growing concern.
Three key areas that need attention
- Vaccine development:
- The development of an adult TB vaccine is the first area that needs urgent attention.
- The current vaccine is 100 years old, and the development and wide use of an adult TB vaccine are essential to ending TB.
- COVID-19 vaccine development process provides insights into accelerating the process.
- India’s capabilities can play a significant role in vaccine development and equitable distribution.
- Newer therapeutic agents for TB:
- A few new anti-TB drugs are available but face cost and production constraints.
- Shorter, injection-free regimens are needed to improve compliance and reduce patient fatigue.
- A continuous pipeline of new drugs is essential to combat drug resistance.
- Improved diagnostics:
- AI-assisted handheld radiology and passive surveillance of cough sounds can revolutionize TB diagnostics.
- Incentivize biotech startups to disrupt the complexity and price barriers of molecular testing.
Conclusion
- India’s leadership role in the G20 and the upcoming StopTB Partnership board meeting in Varanasi provide the perfect opportunity for India to lead the way in ending TB. With the collective will and action of leaders, it is possible to end TB sooner rather than later.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NPS
Mains level: Pension reforms and challenges
Central Idea
- The demand for the old pension scheme (OPS) is growing in India, particularly after some states announced plans to revert to it. The mainstream critique of OPS is centered around inefficiency and fiscal deficit concerns. However, it is crucial to examine the policy from the class and welfare perspectives.
What is pension?
- A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.
What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
- The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
- Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
- This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.
- NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals.
Analyzing the Impact of OPS on India’s Socio-Economic Landscape
- Inequality and Regressive Redistribution: Under the National Pension System (NPS), the Sixth Pay Commission increased the basic salary of government employees to cover pension contributions and promote post-retirement savings. As a result, the salary of a government employee is higher than the income of more than 90% of the population. The OPS thus acts as a regressive redistribution mechanism favoring a better-off class.
- Rising Pension Liabilities: Pension liabilities of the government increased substantially due to the Sixth pay matrix, reaching 9% of total state expenditure. By 2050, pension expenditure will account for 19.4% of total state expenditures, assuming the current growth rate remains constant.
- Disproportionate Burden on the Lower Class: The bottom 50% of the population faces the inequitable burden of indirect taxation, six times more than their income. Due to OPS, they must bear the burden of supporting government employees’ pensions, which could push them further into poverty.
- Expenditure Challenges and Public Goods: As India’s population ages and public provision of education and healthcare becomes more critical, OPS poses expenditure challenges for providing public goods. This situation compels governments to compress already low social sector expenditures, pushing marginalized groups into further destitution.
- Monopolization of Future Labor Markets: The OPS facilitates the monopolization of future labor markets in the private sector by a proprietary class, allowing supervisory bureaucracy to consolidate its position and emerge as a dominant group.
Recommendations for Equitable Resource Distribution
- Opposition to the OPS should focus on equitable distribution of resources and expansion of universal provisions of public goods.
- Implement a participatory pension system for government employees to provide more egalitarian outcomes.
- Tweak the NPS to provide a guaranteed monthly return for lower-rung employees.
- Address unequal pay among various ranks of employees through administrative reforms.
- Advocate for progressive taxation of the top 10% and a rationalization of political executives’ pensions and profligacy.
Facts for prelims: NPS vs OPS
| Parameter |
National Pension System (NPS) |
Old Pension Scheme (OPS) |
| Type of System |
Defined Contribution System |
Defined Benefit System |
| Funding |
Contributions from employee and employer |
Government-funded |
| Investment |
Market-linked investments in various asset classes |
No direct investment involved |
| Returns |
Subject to market risks |
Predetermined and not market-linked |
| Pension Amount |
Depends on accumulated corpus and investment returns |
Based on last drawn salary and years of service |
| Annuity & Lump-sum Withdrawal |
Minimum 40% corpus used to purchase annuity, remaining can be withdrawn as lump-sum |
Fixed monthly pension, no annuity or lump-sum withdrawal |
| Portability |
Portable across jobs and sectors |
Limited to government employees |
| Flexibility |
Choice of investment options, fund managers, and asset allocation |
No flexibility, pension determined by predefined formula |
Conclusion
- It is essential to recognize the disenchantment with neoliberalism driving the demand for the OPS. Government employees and policymakers must work together to address the challenges posed by OPS and implement pension reforms that prioritize equitable resource distribution, efficient allocation, and social welfare.
Mains Question
Q. Compare and contrast OPS with the National Pension System (NPS) and discuss the impact of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on India’s socio-economic landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cancer and Innovative Treatment and therapies
Mains level: Rising Cancer and economic burden
Central Idea
- Cancer cases in India are predicted to cross the 15 lakh mark by 2025, highlighting concerns about the economic burden of expensive cancer treatments and the accessibility of affordable healthcare for patients.
Cancer
- Cancer is a group of diseases that arise when cells in the body begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors.
- Normally, cells in the body grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion, but in cancer, this process goes awry, leading to the accumulation of abnormal cells that can form a mass or tumor.
- There are many different types of cancer, which can affect any part of the body. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors but still involve the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
- Symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but common signs include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and changes in the skin or the appearance of a lump or mass.
Economic Burden of Cancer Treatment
- Inaccessible and Increasing Costs:
- The average medical expenditure per hospitalization case for cancer treatment was ₹68,259 in urban areas, according to the NSS 2017-18 report.
- A Parliamentary Standing Committee report expressed concern about the inaccessible and increasing cost of cancer treatment.
- Regulatory Challenges:
- While anti-cancer medicine costs can be regulated, the cost of radiotherapy cannot, as it has not been declared an essential service.
- Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
- Impact on Patients:
- Cancer often strikes around the retirement age, leading to mounting debt burdens.
- The average hospital stay for 14.1% of cancer patients is more than 30 days, further increasing bills.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Poor Insurance Penetration: More than 80% of hospital bills are paid out of pocket, as per the NSS 2017-18 report.
- Ayushman Bharat Limitations: The Committee observed that the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme launched in 2018 does not cover entire prescriptions, latest cancer therapies, or many diagnostic tests.
- State-Specific Insurance Schemes: The Committee suggested a convergence of State and Central schemes, as some State-specific insurance schemes have been highly beneficial.
State-wise Variation in Cancer Treatment Expenditure
- State-wise average medical expenditure per hospitalization case for cancer treatment in government hospitals varies, with the lowest in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the highest in northern and north-eastern India.
- Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which require mass-produced injectable or oral medication, CAR T-cell therapies use a patient’s own cells.
- The treatment involves modifying a patient’s own T-cells, which are a type of immune cell, in a laboratory to target and attack cancer cells.
- CAR stands for chimeric antigen receptor, which refers to the genetically engineered receptor that is added to the patient’s T-cells.
- The patient’s T-cells are collected and genetically modified in a laboratory to express the CAR.
- The modified T-cells are then infused back into the patient’s body, where they can seek out and destroy cancer cells that express the antigen targeted by the CAR.
- The cells are even more specific than targeted agents and directly activate the patient’s immune system against cancer, making the treatment more clinically effective.
- This is why they’re called living drugs.
- CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results in treating certain types of blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Conclusion
- The rising number of cancer cases in India underscores the need to address the economic burden of expensive cancer treatments and improve the accessibility of affordable healthcare for patients. Converging State and Central insurance schemes, expanding insurance coverage, and exploring ways to regulate treatment costs are essential steps to ensure that patients can access life-saving treatments without facing insurmountable financial challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI), Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project
Mains level: Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project and related concerns
Central Idea
- The ₹70,000 crore Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project raises concerns about its ecological impact and the Union government’s hasty clearances, while its feasibility and sustainability remain questionable.
- The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project is a major infrastructure development initiative launched by the Indian government in 2020.
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has cleared the way for the ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project.
- The project aims to transform the Great Nicobar Island, the largest island in the Nicobar group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, into a modern, sustainable, and self-sufficient territory.
- The project includes an international transhipment port, an international airport, a gas and solar-based power plant, and an ecotourism and residential township.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
- Quick Clearances and Exemptions: The project’s quick approvals, clearances, exemptions, and de-notifications indicate the Union government’s keenness to implement it.
- Urbanization and Biodiversity: The project is expected to attract a population equal to the entire island chain, with potential negative impacts on the region’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
- Biosphere Reserve and Tribal Reserves: The island was declared a biosphere reserve in 1989 and is home to vulnerable tribal communities, such as the Nicobarese and Shompen.
Feasibility and Sustainability Issues
- Hinterland Economic Activities: A successful transhipment hub requires viable hinterland economic activities, which may be wishful thinking in Great Nicobar.
- Afforestation and Coral Reef Translocation: The far-field afforestation recommendation and coral reef translocation are questionable compensation methods.
- Tectonic Instability: Great Nicobar Island’s proximity to the Ring of Fire and its history of earthquakes raise concerns about the feasibility of developing an urban port city.
Facts for Prelims: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)
- Location: Located between 6° and 14° North Latitude and 92° and 94° East Longitude lie the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory in India.
- Two groups of Island: It consists of two groups of islands. The islands located north of 10° north latitude are known as Andaman while islands located south of 10° north latitude are called Nicobar.
- The Andamans: More than 300 islands make up the Andamans. North, Middle, and South Andaman, known collectively as Great Andaman, are the main islands;
- The 10- degree channel: The 10-degree channel which is about 145 km long separates Little Andaman in the south from the Nicobar Islands.
- The Nicobars: The Nicobars consists of 19 islands. Among the most prominent is Car Nicobar in the north; and Great Nicobar in the south. About 90 miles to the southwest of Great Nicobar lies the northwestern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
- Formation: Both the Andaman and Nicobar groups are formed by the above-sea extensions of submarine ridges of mountains and are a part of a great island arc. The highest peak is 2,418 feet at Saddle Peak on North Andaman, followed by Mount Thullier at 2,106 feet on Great Nicobar and Mount Harriet at 1,197 feet on South Andaman. Barren island, the only known active Volcano in south Asia lies in the Andaman Sea. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there were volcanic eruptions on Barren Island.
- Andaman Terrain: Formed of sandstone, limestone, and shale of Cenozoic age, the terrain of the Andamans is rough, with hills and narrow longitudinal valleys. Flat land is scarce and is confined to a few valleys.
- Nicobar Terrain: The terrain of the Nicobar is more diverse than that of the Andamans. Some of the Nicobar Islands, such as Car Nicobar, have flat coral-covered surfaces with offshore coral formations that prevent most ships from anchoring. Other islands, such as Great Nicobar, are hilly and contain numerous fast-flowing streams.
- Great Nicobar is the only island in the territory with a significant amount of fresh surface water.
- Climate: The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is tropical but is moderated by sea.
Conclusion
- The Great Nicobar Island project’s ecological and environmental costs, along with its questionable feasibility and sustainability, raise concerns about India’s commitment to conservation, sustainability, and green development models. It is crucial that the green developmental model becomes the guiding principle for future economic activities, ensuring that growth does not result in irretrievable loss of natural capital.
Mains Question
Q. Recently Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has cleared the way for the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project. In this backdrop, discuss environmental and ecological concerns and sustainability issues.
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