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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) in India

    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: Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    chis

    Central Idea

    • India has taken its first step towards introducing Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), a research model widely used in other countries for vaccine and treatment development.
    • The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Bioethics Unit has prepared a consensus policy statement open for public comment, addressing the need, benefits, and ethical challenges associated with CHIS.

    What is Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)?

    • CHIS also known as human challenge trials, are scientific studies conducted to deliberately expose healthy human volunteers to infectious agents under controlled conditions.
    • The primary objective of these studies is to gain a better understanding of the pathogens’ behavior, human immune response, and to test potential vaccines, treatments, or preventive measures against the infection.

    Key points about Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) include:

    1. Informed Consent: Volunteers participating in CHIS must provide informed consent, fully understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with their participation.
    2. Types of Pathogens: CHIS can be used to study various infectious agents, such as viruses (e.g., influenza, dengue, Zika), bacteria (e.g., cholera, typhoid), and parasites (e.g., malaria).
    3. Vaccine Development: CHIS plays a crucial role in vaccine development by providing controlled environments to assess the efficacy of candidate vaccines and their ability to induce protective immune responses.
    4. Controversy: The use of CHIS has sparked ethical debates about balancing potential risks to participants against potential benefits to public health.

    Ethical Concerns Surrounding CHIS in India

    • Delicate Ethical Balance: CHIS is considered ethically sensitive due to concerns about deliberate harm to participants, fair compensation, third-party risks, and withdrawal from the study, and involving vulnerable participants.
    • Streamlined Ethics Review: ICMR acknowledges the need for a specialized ethics review process with additional oversight and safeguards to protect study participants.
    • Deterrents and Unique Context: Technical, clinical, ethical, and legal challenges deterred India from adopting CHIS earlier, partly influenced by the nation’s unique socio-cultural context.

    Potential Benefits of CHIS in India

    • High Disease Burden: India faces a significant burden of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, contributing about 30% of the disease burden in the country.
    • Novel Insights and Efficiency: CHIS offers unique insights into disease pathogenesis and enables accelerated and cost-effective outcomes with smaller sample sizes compared to large clinical trials.
    • Social Value: CHIS can contribute to public health response, healthcare decision-making, policies, economic benefits, improved pandemic preparedness, and community empowerment.

    Encouraging Collaboration and Expertise

    • Complex Nature of CHIS: ICMR highlights the complexity of CHIS and suggests that collaborations between researchers, institutions, organizations, and countries may be necessary to ensure the right expertise is available.
    • Crucial Role in Advancing Scientific Understanding: The ICMR Bioethics Unit’s consensus policy statement aims to address ethical concerns associated with CHIS, acknowledging its potential role in advancing the scientific understanding of infectious diseases and accelerating treatment strategies.

    Public Consultation and Future Directions

    • Open for Public Consultation: The ICMR’s consensus policy statement on CHIS is open for public consultation until August 16 to gather input from stakeholders and experts.
    • Striving for Ethical Research: ICMR emphasizes its commitment to conduct CHIS in India while ensuring ethical principles are upheld and human participants are protected.

    Conclusion

    • The introduction of CHIS in India is a significant step towards advancing medical research and finding cost-effective solutions for infectious diseases.
    • Public consultation and expert collaborations will help shape the future direction of CHIS research in India and contribute to scientific progress and improved healthcare outcomes.

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  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    National Broadcasting Day 2023: How the Radio came to India

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Broadcasting Day , AIR, Usha Mehta

    Mains level: NA

    radio

    Central Idea

    • This July 23, commemorated 100 years of radio broadcast in India.
    • All India Radio (AIR) started broadcasting in 1923 via 2 private stations called the Radio Club of Bombay and Calcutta Radio Club.

    Facts for Prelims: Usha Mehta’s Secret Radio

    usha mehta radio

    • On August 8, 1942, the historic Quit India Resolution was passed during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay.
    • In this response, the idea of an underground radio station, known by various names such as the Freedom Radio, the Ghost Radio, or the Congress Radio, was conceived to counter the British-controlled AIR.
    • Usha Mehta, a 22 YO master’s student at Wilson College, became the voice of the Congress Radio.
    • The radio was an expensive endeavour, but funds were procured through various means, including contributions from Mehta’s colleague, Babubhai Khakhar.
    • Radio engineering expert Nariman Abarbad Printer constructed the Congress Radio transmission set.
    • Their first broadcast was on 14 August 1942.
    • Welcome line in her voice: “This is the Congress Radio calling on 42.34 from somewhere in India.”
    • In the beginning, they were broadcasting twice a day, in Hindi and English. But they reduced it to just once in the evening between 7.30 and 8.30 pm.
    • On 12th November 1942, the police raided the radio while Vande Mataram was being played and arrested Mehta and others.
    • Mehta was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours in 1998.

    About All India Radio

    • On July 23, 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was formed, but it faced liquidation within three years.
    • To revive the IBC, Lionel Fielden, a BBC producer, was appointed as the first Controller of Broadcasting in August 1935.
    • In June 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) transformed into All India Radio.
    • In August 1937, it became the Central News Organisation (CNO) under the Department of Information and Broadcasting.

    Expansion and Name Change

    • In 1947, India had six radio stations, covering 2.5% of the area and 11% of the population. Pakistan had three radio stations.
    • In 1956, the name “AKASHVANI” was adopted as the National Broadcaster, used interchangeably with AIR, primarily for Hindi broadcasting.
    • The famous jingle of AIR was composed by Walter Kaufmann, who joined AIR in 1937 and significantly contributed to Indian music.

    Current Status of AIR

    • Today, AIR has a network of around 260 radio stations, covering nearly 92% of the country’s total area and serving almost the entire population.
    • It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects, making it a broadcasting giant in India.

    Controversies

    • Vividh Bharati Service: Launched in 1957, it included popular film music as a major component.
    • BV Keskar’s Ban on Film Music: In 1952, AIR imposed a ban on film music, causing Radio Ceylon to gain popularity among Hindi film music enthusiasts with shows like Geetmala.
    • Film Industry’s Response: The film industry withdrew music rights from AIR, leading to the absence of film music on the radio.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Donanemab: A promising drug for Alzheimer’s

    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: Donanemab

    Mains level: Not Much

    Donanemab

    Central Idea

    • Donanemab, a drug in trials has shown significant potential in slowing cognitive decline in individuals with early Alzheimer’s.

    What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

    • Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder.
    • Beta-amyloid, a protein that is crucial for brain function, turns toxic in Alzheimer’s patients, forming clumps that disrupt brain cell connections, leading to cognitive issues like memory loss.
    • These protein deposits disrupt communication between neurons, leading to their deterioration and death.
    • Early signs include forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, problem-solving challenges, confusion, and disorientation.
    • The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood but is believed to involve genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
    • Family history, genetic mutations, head injuries, cardiovascular disease, and certain lifestyle factors are also risk factors.

    Donanemab: An antedote

    • Development: Donanemab is a drug developed by Eli Lilly and aims to treat individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Targeting Amyloid Plaques: The drug targets a common hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid plaques in the brain.

    Breakthrough in Slowing Cognitive Decline

    • Alarming Burden: With an estimated 14 million cases of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, expected in India by 2050, the need for effective treatments is urgent.
    • Phase III Trial: In a phase III trial, Donanemab demonstrated promising results, slowing cognitive decline by 35% compared to a placebo.
    • Significance: This marks a significant milestone in Alzheimer’s research, as it is the second drug, within a year, to show effectiveness in checking cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Limitations: It is essential to note that Donanemab and the previous drug do not stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. However, slowing cognitive decline can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Adjournment Motion in Indian Parliament

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Adjournment motion

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • During the monsoon Session of Parliament, Opposition parties demanded discussions on alleged sexual assaults in Manipur and ongoing ethnic violence.
    • Many MPs moved adjournment motions, leading to the Lok Sabha’s adjournment.

    Let’s explore the various motions raised in Indian Parliament and their significance.

    (A) Short Duration Discussion (Rule 193)

    • Applicability: This procedure is available in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
    • Description: A short-duration discussion can take place when the Chairman or Speaker believes that a matter is urgent and of sufficient public importance. The discussion can last for a maximum of two and a half hours.

    (B) Motion with a Vote (Rule 184)

    • Applicability: This motion is relevant in Lok Sabha.
    • Description: If a motion meets certain conditions, such as not containing defamatory statements, being on a matter of recent occurrence, and not being pending before any statutory authority or court of enquiry, it can be admitted. The Speaker can then allocate a time period for the discussion. This type of motion involves a vote to determine Parliament’s position on the issue and requires the government to follow Parliament’s decision.

    (C) Adjournment Motion

    • Applicability: The adjournment motion is relevant only in Lok Sabha and is not available in Rajya Sabha.
    • Description: An adjournment motion is moved to discuss a “definite matter of urgent public importance” with the Speaker’s consent. The notice for this motion must be given before 10 AM on a given day to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General. The motion must meet specific criteria to be admitted. The passage of an adjournment motion does not require the government to resign but is seen as a strong censure of the government.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    In news: Opium Wars

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Opium Wars

    Mains level: World History: Decolonization in Asia

    opium war

    Central Idea

    • The Opium Wars, waged by European colonial powers on China, exemplify how opium, as an inanimate object, became a powerful historical agent under specific social and political circumstances.

    Possible mains question:

    Q. Discuss the historical significance of opium as a powerful agent in shaping world history, with a focus on its role in the Opium Wars and its impact on colonialism and Chinese society.

    Story of Opium and Tea

    opium

    • Tea’s Introduction to Europe: Tea, originating in China over 2,000 years ago, became popular among the British elite in the mid-17th century and transcended class barriers to become the quintessential British beverage.
    • Trade Deficit with China: However, the British East India Company faced a trade deficit with China due to the import of tea.
    • Opium as a Solution: In 1763, the British acquired a monopoly on opium production and trade, which was already in demand in China. Selling opium to China from their rapidly growing colony in India helped offset the trade deficit caused by tea imports.

    Opium Cultivation in India

    • Rapid Growth: Under the British Opium Department, opium production in India saw a massive increase, rising almost 800% within a century. India’s total opium exports to China increased a hundred-fold between 1780 and 1880.
    • Selective Selling: Interestingly, while India grew all the opium, the British avoided selling it in their own colony, choosing instead to push it into Chinese society.

    China’s Addiction and Socio-economic Crises

    • Addiction Spreads: The highly addictive and debilitating drug led to widespread addiction among China’s upper classes and literati, causing socio-economic crises.
    • Decline of Qing Dynasty: The ruling Qing dynasty’s inability to curb opium trade eroded the machinery of the state and legitimacy of China’s governance.

    The Opium Wars

    • Discovery of Opium: In 1839, after discovering his son’s opium use, the Qing Emperor launched a crackdown, leading to tensions with British opium traders in Canton.
    • First Opium War (1839-42): British forces arrived in China to protect “free trade,” leading to a series of defeats for China. The Treaty of Nanking forced China to compensate British opium traders, cede Hong Kong, and open more ports for European trade.
    • Second Opium War (1856-60): Triggered by a conflict between a Chinese official and British traders, the war further expanded European presence in China and legalized opium trade.

    Opium as a Historical Agent

    • Colonialism and Opium: The Opium Wars epitomized colonialism in Asia, generating immense profits for colonialists at the expense of Indian labor and Chinese sobriety.
    • Continued Impact: Opioid crises worldwide show opium’s capacity to transcend social classes, making it a historical force with tragic consequences.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    What are Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)?

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Marine Heat Waves

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    heat wave

    Central Idea

    • MHWs have engulfed regions like the northeast Pacific, southern Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, as reported by Mercator Ocean International.
    • In April, the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) peaked at 21.1 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record set in 2016.

    What are Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)?

    • While we often associate heatwaves with the atmosphere, they can also occur in the ocean, known as Marine Heatwaves (MHWs).
    • These prolonged periods of excessively warm sea surface temperatures (SST) can have significant consequences for marine ecosystems and industries.

      • SST is the temperature of the top layer of the ocean, typically measured at a depth of 1 millimeter to a few meters using buoys.

    • MHWs can happen in both summer and winter, with “winter warm-spells” affecting specific regions and species.

    How are MHWs measured?

    • Threshold Criteria: A marine heatwave is characterized by seawater temperatures exceeding a seasonally-varying threshold (often the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.
    • Continuity of Events: Successive heatwaves with gaps of 2 days or less are considered part of the same MHW event.

    heat wave

    Causes of Marine Heatwaves

    • Air-sea heat flux: Ocean currents and air-sea heat flux are common drivers of MHWs, leading to the build-up of warm water in specific areas.
    • Influences of Wind and Climate Modes: Wind patterns can enhance or suppress MHWs. They influence the likelihood of events occurring in certain regions.
    • Large-Scale Climate Drivers: Events like the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can also contribute to the formation of MHWs.
    • Intensification with Global Warming: Rising global temperatures have resulted in longer-lasting, more frequent, and intense MHWs in recent decades.
    • Human Influence: 87% of MHWs can be attributed to human-induced warming, with the oceans absorbing significant amounts of heat due to greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Oceans as Heat Sink: Oceans have absorbed 90% of the additional heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, increasing global mean sea surface temperature by nearly 0.9 degrees Celsius since 1850.

    Impacts of Marine Heatwaves

    • Ecosystem Structure: MHWs can disrupt ecosystem structure, supporting certain species while suppressing others.
    • Kelp Forest Destruction: MHWs along the Western Australian coast in 2010-2011 devastated kelp forests and fundamentally altered the ecosystem of the coast.
    • Economic Losses: MHWs can cause economic losses, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture industries.
    • Vulnerability of Temperature-Sensitive Species: Species such as corals are highly vulnerable to MHWs. The 2016 marine heatwaves in northern Australia caused severe bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Impact on Marine Ecosystems

    • Catastrophic Effects: MHWs have led to the death of numerous marine species, altered migration patterns, and caused coral bleaching, endangering coral reefs.
    • Coral Bleaching: High ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean in 2005 led to a massive coral bleaching event, impacting over 80% of surveyed corals, with severe consequences for marine life.
    • Invasive Species and Ecological Imbalance: MHWs fuel the growth of invasive alien species, disrupting marine food webs and posing threats to wildlife. Ex. Whale entanglements in fishing gear.

    Consequences for Humans

    • Amplifying Storms: Higher ocean temperatures associated with MHWs make storms like hurricanes and cyclones stronger, leading to severe weather events and flooding.
    • Threat to Coral Reefs: Half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection, but MHWs pose a grave threat to these ecosystems, impacting human livelihoods.
    • Socio-Economic Impact: Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of MHWs, affecting fisheries and tourism.

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

    Tele-MANAS counsels 2 Lakh distressed people

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Tele-MANAS

    Mains level: Mental health and telemedicine

    manas

    Central Idea: The government-run national tele-mental health programme, Tele MANAS, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 2,00,000 calls from individuals across India since its launch in October 2022.

    What is Tele-MANAS?

    • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.
    • It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

    Implementation of the scheme

    • Counselling: The programme includes a network of 38 tele-mental health centres of excellence spread across 27 States and UTs working in over 20 languages.
    • Helpline: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible at 1-800-91-4416.

    Two-tier working

    • Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
    • Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

    Call Demographics and Concerns

    • Age Group: Two-thirds of the callers fall in the 18-45 years age group, while 12.5% belong to the 46-64 years age group, and 8% are below 18 years of age.
    • Gender Distribution: Of the two lakh calls, 59.6% were made by male callers, and 40% by female callers.
    • Top Concerns: The most common reasons for seeking help were general feelings of sadness (28.8%), sleep-related problems (27.6%), anxiety (20.4%), relationship issues (10%), aggression (9.2%), and low interest in activities (9.7%).

    Expansion of the scheme

    • The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
    • It is being linked with other services like National teleconsultation, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, mental health professionals, health centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities for specialized care.
    • This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services but also facilitate a continuum of care.
    • Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care.

    Back2Basics: National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    • The Indian Government announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru is the nodal centre for the programme.
    • The programme sought to establish a digital mental health network that can address the mental health crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The pandemic has brought forth challenges to mental health, and the NTMHP aims to provide accessible and affordable mental health services to all.
    • The programme will involve the use of digital platforms such as teleconsultations, chatbots, and mobile applications to deliver mental health services.
    • The NTMHP will integrate with existing mental health services to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental healthcare.

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    World’s Largest Office Space: Surat Diamond Bourse

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Surat Diamond Bourse

    Mains level: NA

    surat diamond

    Central Idea

    • The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), hailed as the world’s largest office space project, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister.

    About Surat Diamond Bourse

    • The SDB is a large-scale project located in Surat, Gujarat, India.
    • It is claimed to be the world’s biggest office space in a single project.
    • It is built to expand and consolidate the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat.
    • Surat is renowned as a major hub for cutting and polishing diamonds, and the development of SDB aims to bring all diamond-related activities and infrastructure under one roof.

    Key features  

    • Location: The SDB is situated at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city in Surat.
    • Size: The bourse spans an area of 66 lakh square feet (approximately 6.6 million square feet), making it one of the largest office spaces in the world.
    • Design: The thematic landscaping of the project is based on the ‘panch tatva’ theme, representing the five elements of nature – air, water, fire, earth, and sky.
    • Infrastructure: The SDB consists of nine towers, each with ground plus 15 floors. It will accommodate over 4,200 offices with sizes ranging from 300 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
    • Security: Given the high-security nature of the diamond industry, over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations inside and outside the SDB.
    • Shifting from Mumbai: The bourse seeks to address the space crunch and expensive office real estate in Mumbai, where much of the diamond trading currently takes place.

    Economic significance of SDB

    • Businesses: The complex will house various diamond-related businesses, including the sale of rough and polished diamonds, diamond manufacturing machinery, diamond planning software, diamond certificate firms, lab-grown diamonds, and more.
    • Employment: The SDB is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, providing direct employment to over 1 lakh people in various roles related to the diamond industry.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    [pib] IMD launches Heat Index

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: IMD Heat Index

    Mains level: Not Much

    heat index

    Central Idea

    • Union Ministry of Earth Sciences informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.

    IMD Heat Index

    • The Heat Index aims to provide general guidance for regions in India where the combination of temperature and humidity leads to higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
    • It is derived using an equation similar to the one used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA.
    • It considers the impact of humidity on high temperatures, providing a “feel-like” temperature for human beings and indicating the level of discomfort.

    Color Codes for Experimental Heat Index

    The Heat Index is represented with different color codes to signify the varying levels of heat impact and discomfort:

    1. Green: Below 35°C
    2. Yellow: Range of 36-45°C
    3. Orange: Range of 46-55°C
    4. Red: Above 55°C

    Mitigating heat impact in India

    • The Heat Index is currently being implemented on an experimental basis across India, including Andhra Pradesh.
    • Under the Heat Action Plan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborates with local agencies such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad.

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

    Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index, 2022

    DOMRPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Export Preparedness Index (EPI

    Mains level: Not Much

    export
    PC: Live Mint

    Central Idea

    • Tamil Nadu has emerged as the most export-competitive state in India, securing the top spot in the Export Preparedness Index 2022 by Niti Aayog.

    Export Preparedness Index (EPI)

    • EPI is a comprehensive tool aimed at gauging the export readiness of India’s states and union territories (UTs).
    • The index analyses various parameters, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in each region and offering valuable insights for effective policy formulation.
    • EPI focuses on four pillars:
    1. Policy: This pillar evaluates the effectiveness of a state’s trade policy, providing strategic direction for both exports and imports.
    2. Business Ecosystem: The efficiency of a business ecosystem is crucial for attracting investments and fostering an enabling infrastructure for startups and entrepreneurship.
    3. Export Ecosystem: This pillar assesses the business environment specific to exports, determining the level of support and facilitation provided to exporters.
    4. Export Performance: The sole output-based parameter, this pillar examines the reach of export footprints in states and UTs, measuring their actual export achievements.
    • 10 Sub-pillars include: Export Promotion Policy; Institutional Framework; Business Environment; Infrastructure; Transport Connectivity; Export Infrastructure; Trade Support; R&D Infrastructure; Export Diversification; and Growth Orientation.

    States performance

    • Export-Competitive State: Top Contenders: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat (last year’s leader) followed closely, while Haryana claimed the fifth position.
    • Coastal States’ Dominance: Coastal states dominated the top rankings, with four out of the top five positions occupied by them. Andhra Pradesh also secured the ninth spot.
    • Gujarat- Leading Merchandise Exporter: Gujarat holds the top position as the leading merchandise exporter, accounting for one-third of India’s total merchandise exports.
    • Top Five Exporting States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh complete India’s top five exporters.
    • Seven States’ Dominance: An impressive 75% of India’s total exports are contributed by just seven states.

    Reasons for export boost

    • Export Promotion Policies: The top-performing states have implemented export promotion policies at both state and district levels.
    • Diversified Export Basket: These states have a diverse export basket, showcasing their global footprint.
    • Promoting Unique Products: Successful states focus on promoting products unique to their region. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lead in exporting geographical indication (GI) products.

    India’s Export Performance

    • Resilient Exports: Despite pandemic challenges and supply-side issues, India’s goods exports remained robust, reaching an all-time high of $447 billion in FY23.
    • Target for FY24: The government refrained from setting a specific export target for FY24 due to global headwinds but may aim for $450 billion to $500 billion in goods exports.
    • Services Exports: Services exports amounted to $323 billion in FY23, bringing India’s overall exports to $770 billion.

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