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Type: Prelims Only

  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Reviving the Seethakali Folk Art

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Seethakali Folk Art

    Mains level: Not Much

    seethakali

    Central Idea

    • Seethakali folk dance of Kerala has been fading from the public domain, and around three decades ago, it was on the verge of extinction.

    Seethakali Folk Art

    • Seethakali is a traditional folk dance that originates from the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
    • It is performed primarily by Dalit artists from the Veda and Pulaya communities.

    Key Features

    • Seethakali is a unique form of folk art that combines elements of storytelling dance, drama, and song.
    • The central narrative revolves around the epic Ramayana, particularly focusing on the characters of Sita, Ram, and Laxman.
    • Artists adorn themselves with eye-catching makeup, traditional ornaments, and elaborate costumes, enhancing the visual appeal of the performance.

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    SEBI to introduce One-Hour Trade Settlement

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Investment Models

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: One-Hour Trade Settlement, T+1 Settlement Cycle

    Mains level: NA

    Central Idea

    • SEBI aims to implement a One-Hour trade Settlement by March 2024.
    • Additionally, an Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA)-like facility for secondary market trading is anticipated to launch in January 2024.

    Do you know?

    India is the first jurisdiction in the globe that has moved to T+1 settlement (trade plus one day).  We are now talking about one-hour settlement and that will be a stepping-stone to instantaneous settlement.

    Understanding Trade Settlement

    • Trade settlement involves the exchange of funds and securities on the settlement date.
    • It is considered complete when purchased securities are delivered to the buyer, and the seller receives the funds.
    • India transitioned to a T+1 settlement cycle earlier this year, facilitating faster fund transfers, share deliveries, and operational efficiency.

    SEBI’s Stance

    • SEBI believes that achieving instantaneous trade settlement will take additional time due to necessary technology development.
    • Therefore, SEBI plans to implement a one-hour trade settlement before the instantaneous settlement.
    • SEBI expects instantaneous trade settlement to be launched by the end of 2024.

    Benefits of One-Hour Trade Settlement

    • In the current T+1 settlement cycle, the seller receives funds in their account the day after a trade.
    • With one-hour settlement, the seller would receive funds within an hour of selling shares, and the buyer would have shares in their demat account within an hour.

    Back2Basics: T+1 Settlement Cycle

    • The T+1 settlement cycle means that trade-related settlements must be done within a day, or 24 hours, of the completion of a transaction.
    • For example, under T+1, if a customer bought shares on Wednesday, they would be credited to the customer’s demat account on Thursday.
    • This is different from T+2, where they will be settled on Friday.
    • As many as 256 large-cap and top mid-cap stocks, including Nifty and Sensex stocks, come under the T+1 settlement.
    • Until 2001, stock markets had a weekly settlement system.
    • The markets then moved to a rolling settlement system of T+3, and then to T+2 in 2003.
    • In 2020, Sebi deferred the plan to halve the trade settlement cycle to one day (T+1) following opposition from foreign investors.

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Strengthening export control measures for Dual-Use Items

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Dual-Use Items

    Mains level: Not Much

    dual-use items

    Central Idea

    • The government has recently announced its commitment to enhancing the control of dual-use items to prevent their misuse by non-state actors and terrorists.
    • Dual-use items refer to goods that can be utilized for both civilian and military purposes.

    Understanding Dual-Use Items

    • Dual-use items are commodities with the potential for application in both civilian and military contexts.
    • They are heavily regulated due to their capacity to be initially intended for civilian use and later repurposed for military or even terrorist activities.
    • Some examples include global positioning satellites, missiles, nuclear technology, chemical and biological weapons, night vision technology, thermal imaging equipment, specific models of drones, precision-engineered aluminium pipes, and certain types of ball bearings.

    Control Mechanisms for Dual-Use Items

    • International Cooperation: Most industrialized nations have established export controls on specific categories of designated dual-use technologies.
    • Multilateral Agreements: Various international treaties and agreements govern the export of these items.
    • India’s Participation: India is a signatory to major multilateral export control regimes like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), Australia Group (AG), and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). It is also party to key conventions such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention (BWC).
    • DGFT’s Role: In India, the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) plays a pivotal role as a facilitator of exports and imports. The DGFT maintains a specialized list known as SCOMET (Specialty Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) to regulate dual-use items.

    What is the SCOMET List?

    • SCOMET item is an acronym for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies.
    • These are dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military applications. India’s Foreign Trade Policy regulates the export of items on the SCOMET List.
    • Exporting these items and technologies falls under strict regulations. It can either be prohibited or permitted only under a license.
    • The SCOMET control list aligns with the control lists of various multilateral export control regimes and conventions.

    Necessity of Controlling Dual-Use Items

    • India’s Commitment: India is firmly committed to non-proliferation efforts related to dual-use items.
    • Integral Component: Export control over these items forms an integral part of India’s broader export control system.
    • Compliance: It ensures that sensitive and dual-use goods, including those covered by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), are traded in full compliance with India’s obligations under various international regimes.

    Conclusion

    • The government’s commitment to enhancing export control measures for dual-use items reflects its dedication to global non-proliferation efforts and the responsible trade of sensitive technologies.
    • Collaborative efforts among governments, industries, and stakeholders remain crucial in achieving effective export control of these items.

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Laws governing forests of Northeast India

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

    Mains level: Issues with the Bill

    forest

    Central Idea

    Why discuss this?

    • The amendment permits the diversion of forest land for certain projects near international borders without forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA) 1980.
    • Other Northeastern states, including Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, and Sikkim, governed by the ruling govt at centre or its allies, have also objected to the 100-km exemption clause.

    Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023
    Objective Clarify and enhance the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
    Scope Applicability to land designated as forest since 1980
    Exemptions Land within 100 km of borders for national security, roadside amenities, and public roads
    Assignment of Forest Land Prior approval required from central government for all entities
    Permitted Activities Expanded to include check posts, fencing, bridges, zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities

     

    Is FCA Applicable to the Northeast?

    • Constitutional protections like Article 371A for Nagaland and 371G for Mizoram prohibit the application of certain laws enacted by Parliament in these states.
    • In 1986, Nagaland extended the FCA’s application to specific forests, but its status remains uncertain due to conflicting ministry statements.
    • Mizoram, since becoming a state in 1986, has the FCA in force, covering a significant portion of its forest areas.

    FCA Application in the Rest of the Northeast

    • The FCA is applicable in the rest of the Northeast, including Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • The FCA clearance process differs among these states.

    Conclusion

    • Protecting Northeastern forests requires a balance between legal frameworks like the FCA and FRA.
    • Clear guidelines and proactive measures can safeguard both forest rights and the environment in the region.

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  • Banking Sector Reforms

    Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): Concerns and Considerations

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor recently addressed the issues and vulnerabilities surrounding Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns.

    What are Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)?

    • UCBs are primary cooperative banks primarily situated in urban and semi-urban areas, catering to the financial needs of small borrowers and businesses.
    • They are governed by the Banking Regulations Act, 1949, the Banking Laws (Cooperative Societies) Act, 1955, and registered under the Cooperative Societies Act of the respective State.
    • Initially, UCBs were permitted to lend exclusively for non-agricultural purposes; however, they have diversified their size and operations since 1996.
    • Approximately 79% of UCBs are concentrated in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

    Types of UCBs

    UCBs are categorized into different tiers by the RBI based on their deposit size:

    • Tier 1: Deposits up to Rs 100 crore.
    • Tier 2: Deposits ranging from Rs 100 to 1,000 crore.
    • Tier 3: Deposits between Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 crore.
    • Tier 4: Deposits exceeding Rs 10,000 crore.

    Key concerns/addresses raised by RBI

    (1) Operational Stability

    • UCBs must enhance their financial and operational resilience to contribute to the overall stability of the financial and banking sector.
    • The quality of governance within UCBs plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability of these individual banks.

    (2) Setting up right priorities

    • Boards and directors of UCBs must prioritize integrity and transparency in financial reporting, refraining from innovative accounting practices that obscure the actual financial position.
    • Proactive management of Asset Liability is essential to manage liquidity risk systematically.
    • Establishing robust IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, along with the availability of necessary skills at the bank level, is crucial.
    • Governance practices, especially those related to Compliance, Risk Management, and Internal Audit, need strengthening.

    (3) Functioning of Boards

    • Ensuring directors possess adequate skills and expertise.
    • Constituting a professional board of management.
    • Considering the diversity and tenure of board members.
    • Promoting transparent and participatory board discussions.
    • Ensuring the effective functioning of board-level Committees.

    (4) Credit Risk Management

    • Upholding risk management through robust underwriting standards.
    • Implementing effective post-sanction monitoring.
    • Timely recognition and mitigation of emerging stress.
    • Pursuing follow-ups with large Non-Performing Asset (NPA) borrowers to facilitate recovery and maintain adequate provisioning.

    Conclusion

    • Addressing the concerns and vulnerabilities in Urban Cooperative Banks is vital for the overall stability and resilience of the banking sector.
    • The RBI’s recommendations highlight the importance of governance, risk management, and transparency in ensuring the health of UCBs.

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  • RBI Notifications

    UPI-CBDC Interoperability: Advancing Retail Digital Rupee Adoption

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: CBDI, UPI

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    upi-cbdc

    Central Idea

    • The convergence of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Quick Response (QR) codes with Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) applications is set to revolutionize digital transactions in India.
    • This strategic integration enables users of the retail digital rupee to seamlessly transact using UPI QR codes, making transactions convenient for both customers and merchants.

    Understanding Interoperability

    • Interoperability refers to the technical compatibility that allows different payment systems to function together.
    • It empowers various payment systems to process transactions across platforms, contributing to efficiency, innovation, and adoption for end-users.

    UPI QR Code-CBDC Interoperability: Explained

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is driving this interoperability between UPI and CBDC as part of its ongoing pilot project for the retail digital rupee (e₹-R).

    • Initially, e₹-R users required a specific QR code for transactions.
    • With UPI-CBDC interoperability, any UPI QR code becomes compatible with CBDC apps.
    • The digital rupee, issued by RBI, is a tokenized digital version of the rupee stored in a digital wallet linked to a savings bank account.
    • UPI, directly linked to a user’s account, can now transact seamlessly with CBDC.

    Benefits for Customers and Merchants

    The convergence of UPI and CBDC yields several advantages:

    • Customers can use a single QR code for various transactions, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
    • Daily essentials like groceries and medicines can be purchased using any UPI QR code.
    • Merchants can accept CBDC payments without creating separate QR codes.
    • Transactions are streamlined and efficient, enhancing the user experience.

    Enhancing CBDC Adoption

    The UPI-CBDC interoperability leverages the widespread use of UPI to boost digital rupee adoption.

    • More than 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants already accept UPI payments.
    • Integrating UPI with CBDC simplifies transactions, increasing the digital rupee’s utility.
    • Prominent banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee platforms.
    • This seamless integration is expected to transform the digital currency landscape, driving its acceptance and utilization.

    Conclusion

    • The UPI-CBDC interoperability marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment ecosystem.
    • By merging the familiarity of UPI with the innovation of CBDC, the retail digital rupee becomes more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient.
    • This strategic integration is poised to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies, reshaping the way transactions are conducted in the country.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Hubble Constant to settle Universe Expansion Dispute

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hubble Constant

    Mains level: Not Much

    hubble constant

    Central Idea

    • Researchers from India and the US have come up with a new way to answer a big question about the universe.
    • This question is about how fast the universe is getting bigger.

    Story of Our Universe

    • The universe began around 13.8 billion years ago with a massive explosion called the Big Bang.
    • As time passed, the universe kept getting bigger, with moments of speeding up and slowing down.
    • Scientists want to understand this expansion to figure out what’s happening in the universe.

    Hubble Constant: A Big Question

    • The Hubble constant is a special number that tells us how quickly the universe is expanding.
    • This number was first talked about by a scientist named Edwin Hubble in 1929.
    • But scientists today are still not sure about its value.

    Two Important Things to Measure

    To know the Hubble constant, we need to measure two things carefully:

    1. How far away things in space are from us.
    2. How fast these things are moving away from us because of the universe’s expansion.

    Old Ways vs. New Idea

    Until now, scientists used a few methods to measure the Hubble constant:

    • Looking at bright explosions in space called supernovae.
    • Using special light from the early universe.
    • Studying waves created by big crashes in space.

    But now, a fresh idea has been propounded by Indian researchers:

    • To measure using a thing called “gravitational lensing.”

    Gravitational Lensing: A New Approach

    • Gravitational lensing is like bending light using gravity. Imagine it like a magnifying glass in space.
    • This idea came from a long time ago but got better recently.
    • Scientists think they can use this lensing trick to measure the Hubble constant.
    • They want to look at waves from space collisions that get bent by gravity.
    • These bent waves could tell us about how fast the universe is expanding.

    The Big Idea: A Bridge between Time

    • This new idea is cool because it connects different times in the universe’s history.
    • It could give us a good answer about the Hubble constant.

    Challenges

    • While this idea is exciting, there are some challenges to solve:
      1. Making sure the signals are clear enough to measure.
      2. Using the new method to answer other questions too.
    • If this new way works, it could help us learn about things like dark matter and other universe stuff.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    From Meluha to India: The Journey of Names

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Etymology of India

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    india bharat meluha

    Central Idea

    • India, with its rich heritage, has borne various names throughout its history, each encapsulating a distinct facet of its identity.
    • The process of naming this diverse land has sparked debates, controversies, and reflections on its collective consciousness.

    Historical Evolution of Names

    1. Meluha (Third Millennium BCE):
    • The ancient Mesopotamian texts referenced ‘Meluha’ to denote the Indus Valley Civilization, highlighting India’s antiquity and interactions with ancient civilizations.
    • ‘Meluha’ is believed to have been used to describe the Indus Valley Civilization in texts from the third millennium BCE.
    1. Bharata (Ancient Times to Modern Era):
    • Rooted in Puranic literature and the Mahabharata, ‘Bharata’ resonates with religious and socio-cultural connotations.
    • Associated with a supraregional and subcontinental territory where Brahmanical society prevailed.
    • Evident during the freedom struggle through slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.
    • ‘Bharata’ was derived from the mythological founders of the race, and its popularity during modern times is also due to its usage during the freedom movement.
    1. Aryavarta, Jambudvipa, Nabhivarsa (Ancient Vedic Period):
    • ‘Aryavarta’ referred to the land between the Himalayas and Vindhya ranges, where the Indo-Aryans resided.
    • ‘Jambudvipa’ and ‘Nabhivarsa’ were also used in Vedic texts and Jain literature to signify the subcontinent, emphasizing different cultural contexts.
    1. Hindustan (7th Century BCE):
    • Originated during Persian occupation, ‘Hindustan’ referred to the lower Indus basin.
    • ‘Hind’ in Persian meant ‘Sindhu’ (Indus river), leading to its application to the region beyond Indus.
    • The Persian suffix ‘stan’ (land) was added to form ‘Hindustan’.
    1. India (Ancient to Colonial Era):
    • The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus’, establishing ‘India’ as a name for the region.
    • Colonial usage solidified ‘India’ as a political and geographical term, signifying the subcontinent under British rule.
    • ‘India’ was adopted due to its Graeco-Roman associations, history of use in Europe, and bureaucratic usage such as the Survey of India.

    Constitutional Deliberations (1947-1949)

    • The Constituent Assembly engaged in heated debates over the nation’s official name.
    • Jawaharlal Nehru noted the significance of ‘Hindustan’, ‘Bharat’, and ‘India’.
    • Nehru’s book “The Discovery of India” captured the coexistence of these names in the collective consciousness.
    • The Constitution retained ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’, reflecting diverse visions of the nation.
    • The first Article of the Constitution reads, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of states.”

    Fact for Prelims

    • In the ancient Indian text, Vishnu Purana, the name ‘Bharat’ finds mention as the landmass that lies north of the ocean and south of snow mountains. It states:

    Uttaraṃ yatsamudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam

    varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ

    • This shloka means: “The country (Varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there live the descendants of Bharata.

     

    Contemporary Reflections

    1. Identity and Pride (2023):
    • Recent developments suggest a potential change in India’s official name to ‘Republic of Bharat’.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at the change, signaling a reset in India’s central identification.
    • Political leaders and citizens expressed opinions on the potential change, invoking sentiments of national pride.
    1. Symbolism and Debate:
    • The change of name is interpreted as a move to reflect India’s ancient identity and cultural heritage.
    • Congress leader Jairam Ramesh discussed the implications of the change on national identity and opposition alliances.
    • Shashi Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the significance of both ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’.
    1. Constitutional and Historical Context:
    • Article 1 of the Indian Constitution declares ‘India, that is Bharat’ as a ‘Union of States’.
    • Some leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the brand value associated with the name ‘India’.
    • The historical roots of ‘Bharat’ as described in ancient texts and its constitutional adoption were highlighted.
    1. ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ Coexistence:
    • Both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ have been used interchangeably, signifying the country’s diverse identity.
    • The official names ‘Bharat Ganarajya’ (in Hindi) and ‘Republic of India’ (in English) are present on Indian passports.
    • The names reflect the continuity of historical legacy and modern nation-building.

    Conclusion

    • The journey of India’s names mirrors its complex identity, blending history, culture, and politics.
    • As India continues to evolve, its names continue to encapsulate its essence, fostering a deep connection with its past and an ever-evolving future.
    • Each name is a testament to India’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and collective consciousness.

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) on DIKSHA Platform

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Disksha 2.0

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
    • PAL offers individualized learning experiences based on students’ unique needs and abilities.

    DIKSHA 2.0 Portal

    • Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 to provide a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community.
    • It serves as the National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
    • It aids teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
    • It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
    • It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.

    Integration of PAL

    • NCERT seeks MeitY’s expertise in implementing PAL within DIKSHA.
    • PAL provides customized learning paths for each student based on their learning progress.
    • PAL can loop back students to basic concepts if they make mistakes, enhancing learning efficiency.

    Challenges and Implementations in States

    • PAL development involves categorizing and tagging content, potentially creating new material.
    • Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12 are prioritized for PAL development.
    • Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana experimented with PAL, facing budget constraints.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    HC allows Stem Cell Therapy for autistic kids

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Stem Cells, Autism

    Mains level: Not Much

    stem cells

    Central Idea

    • The Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo Stem Cell Therapy for their condition.
    • The court’s decision followed a challenge against the Ethics and Medical Registration Board’s (EMRB) recommendation against stem cell treatment for ASD.

    Understanding Stem Cells

    • Stem cells are the foundational cells that can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions.
    • Two main categories: pluripotent stem cells (can differentiate into various adult cells) and adult stem cells (tissue/organ-specific).
    • Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos; reprogramming of adult cells leads to induced pluripotent stem cells.

    Stem Cells in Medicine

    • Stem cells’ regenerative properties make them valuable in regenerative medicine.
    • Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats conditions like leukaemia.
    • Challenges: Limited adult stem cells post-removal, focus on making them pluripotent.

    What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

    • ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and interactions.
    • Conventional therapies focus on symptom management, social skills training, behaviour analysis, and speech and occupational therapy.

    Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD

    • Some experts suggest stem cells could enhance immune system regulation and neural connectivity in the brain.
    • Current clinical trials show mixed results; treatment is experimental, lacks sufficient data.
    • EMRB recommendations against stem cell therapy due to limited evidence, risks, side effects, and absence of established protocol.

    EMRB’s Concerns

    • EMRB’s recommendation stemmed from “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy, giving false hope to parents about “curing” ASD.
    • The Delhi HC ruling doesn’t assess the general validity of stem cell therapy but permits ongoing treatment for specific cases.

    Conclusion

    • The court’s verdict allows continued stem cell therapy for ASD, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty and potential of the treatment.
    • The decision underlines the need for further research and data to establish stem cell therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating autism.

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