2024

Current Affairs

SEBI Chairman skips PAC summons

Context: SEBI Chairperson has sought an exemption from deposing before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee which had summoned her as a part of its review of financial regulators.

About Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

The PAC was set up first in 1921 under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919 and has since been in existence. At present, it consists of 22 members (15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha).
The members are elected by the Parliament every year from amongst its members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Thus, all parties get due representation in it.
The term of office of the members is one year. A minister cannot be elected as a member of the committee.
The chairman of the committee is appointed from amongst its members by the Speaker.
- Until 1966-67, the chairman of the committee belonged to the ruling party. However, since 1967 a convention has developed whereby the chairman of the committee is selected from the Opposition.
The function of the committee is to examine the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which are laid before the Parliament by the President. The CAG submits three audit reports to the President, namely, audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.
The committee examines public expenditure not only from legal and formal point of view to discover technical irregularities but also from the point of view of economy, prudence, wisdom, and propriety to bring out the cases of waste, loss, corruption, extravagance, inefficiency, and nugatory expenses.

The functions of the committee are:

To examine the appropriation accounts and the finance accounts of the Union government and any other accounts laid before the Lok Sabha. The appropriation accounts compare the actual expenditure with the expenditure sanctioned by the Parliament through the Appropriation Act, while the finance accounts shows the annual receipts and disbursements of the Union Government.
In scrutinizing the appropriation accounts and the audit report of CAG on it, the committee must satisfy itself that.
1. The money that has been disbursed was legally available for the applied service or purpose.
2. The expenditure conforms to the authority that governs it.
3. Every re-appropriation has been made in accordance with the related rules.
To examine the accounts of state corporations, trading concerns and manufacturing projects and the audit report of CAG on them (except those public undertakings which are allotted to the Committee on Public Undertakings)
To examine the accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, the audit of which is conducted by the CAG.
To consider the report of the CAG relating to the audit of any receipt or to examine the accounts of stores and stocks.
To examine the money spent on any ser- vice during a financial year in excess of the amount granted by the Lok Sabha for that purpose.

In the fulfillment of the above functions, the committee is assisted by the CAG who acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the committee.

Limitations of the Committee:

It is not concerned with the questions of policy in broader sense.
It conducts a post-mortem examination of accounts (showing the expenditure already incurred).
It cannot intervene in the matters of day- to-day administration.
Its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the ministries.
It is not vested with the power of disallowance of expenditures by the departments.
It is not vested with the power of disallowance of expenditures by the departments.
It is not an executive body and hence, can· not issue an order. Only the Parliament can take a final decision on its findings.

Right to die with dignity

Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released draft Guidelines for the Withdrawal of Life Support in Terminally ill Patients to operationalize the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 orders in Common Cause vs Union of India on the right to die with dignity for all Indians.

Till now, there was no dedicated legislation in India on withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. The Supreme Court’s judgment in Common Cause vs Union of India 2023, and the subsequent draft guidelines published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) have made it clear that withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment is legal in India under a defined framework.

What is withholding or withdrawing of life sustaining treatment?

It refers to discontinuing life-sustaining medical interventions such as ventilators and feeding tubes, etc., when these no longer help the condition of the patient or prolong their suffering.
1. Life-sustaining treatments are medical treatments that artificially replace bodily functions essential to the life of the person. These interventions are withheld or withdrawn with the intention of providing comfort care, allowing the underlying illness to take its course, while providing symptomatic relief.
The right to refuse medical treatment has previously existed in common law, even if it might result in death. After the Supreme Court’s decision in Common Cause vs Union of India (2018), it is also recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution.
The withholding/ withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment takes place through two ways:
1. informed refusal by a patient with decision-making capacity or
2. through an advance medical directive (or a ‘living will’, which is a document that specifies what actions should be taken if the person is unable to make their own medical decisions in the future).
In case a person is left without decision-making capacity who also does not have a living will, the decision to withhold or withdraw treatment can be considered when the treating physician determines that there is no reasonable medical probability of recovery from a terminal or end-stage condition, or vegetative state — and that any further medical intervention or course of treatment would only artificially prolong the process of dying.

Advanced medical directive (or living will):

To enforce the right to die with dignity, the Supreme Court in its 2018 judgment laid down the framework for making advance medical directives or living wills. Since the process was complex, the court simplified it in its 2023 judgment.
Living wills are written documents made by a person of age 18 years or older (just like wills on how one’s property is to be distributed) with decision-making capacity, expressing their will on how they would wish to be treated if they lose capacity of decision making.
The document should detail at least two surrogate decision-makers- anyone whom the person trusts, from family to neighbours, who can make decisions on behalf of the person if they lose decision-making capacity.
The document becomes legal when it is signed in the presence of an executor and two witnesses and attested before a notary or gazetted officer.

Guidelines published by the MoHFW for withdrawal of life support in Terminally ill patients:

Setting up of Primary and Secondary Medical Boards at the level of the hospital, which will determine when further medical treatment may not be beneficial to a terminally ill patient.
Nomination of doctors by the district Chief Medical Officer or equivalent to hospital-level Secondary Medical Boards, which will confirm or reject the opinion of the Primary Medical Boards.

Legal principles outlined by the Supreme Court in common cause vs Union of India 2018:

An adult patient capable of taking healthcare decisions may refuse Life Sustaining Treatment (LST) even if it results in death.
LST may be withheld or withdrawn lawfully under certain conditions from persons who no longer retain decision-making capacity, based on the fundamental right to Autonomy, Privacy and Dignity.
Advanced Medical Directive that meets specified requirements is a legally valid document.
For a patient without capacity, Foregoing of Life Support (FLST) proposals should be made by consensus among a group of at least 3 physicians who form the Primary Medical Board (PMB).
The PMB must explain the illness, the medical treatment available, alternative forms of treatment, and the consequences of remaining treated and untreated to fully inform the surrogate.
A Secondary Medical Board (SMB) of 3 physicians with one appointee by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district must validate the decision by the PMB.
Active Euthanasia is not lawful.

Medical procedure for withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment as laid down by the SC and reaffirmed by the guidelines:

The legal framework recognizes the rights and duties of both doctors and patients and allows for extensive independent expert opinion and the informed consent of next-of-kin/ surrogate decision-makers.

The treating hospital constitutes a Primary Medical Board to assess the patient’s condition, and to recommend the appropriateness of withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. The board is composed of the treating doctor and two subject-matter experts with at least five years of experience.
A Secondary Medical Board, to ensure another level of check is also set up by the hospital, reviews the decision of the Primary Medical Board. The Secondary Medical Board comprises a registered medical practitioner nominated by the district Chief Medical Officer, along with two subject-matter experts with at least five years of experience. All these members must be different from those on the Primary Medical Board.
The persons nominated by the patient in the advance medical directive or surrogate decision-makers (where there is no directive) must consent to the withholding or withdrawal of treatment.
The hospital must notify decisions on withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment to the local judicial magistrate.

Medical procedure for withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, Procedure flow chart as per MohFW:

Difference between Euthanasia and Withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients:

Aspect	Euthanasia	Withdrawal of life support
Definition	Actively intervening to end a patient’s life to relieve suffering	Ceasing medical interventions that are keeping a patient alive like critical life support.
Method	Administration of lethal substances	Removal of life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilators, dialysis)
Intent	To end life directly and relieve suffering	To allow natural death by stopping artificial prolongation
Types	Voluntary, Non-voluntary, Involuntary	Generally, not categorized by types
Legal status	Illegal in many countries including India; legally restricted wherever allowed	Generally legal, especially when further treatment is futile, legalized in India after Common Cause vs Union of India 2018 case.
Ethical aspect	Raises debates on sanctity of life, doctor’s role, and autonomy	Seen as respecting patient autonomy and informed consent
Patient consent	Often requires explicit consent (in voluntary euthanasia)	Typically requires patient or family consent, or a living will or medical board.
Examples	Administering lethal injection	Turning off a ventilator in a terminally ill patient.

Ethanol blending needs policy push

Context: It has been a spectacular growth story for the Indian sugar industry over the last decade. In 2012, the industry was semi-decontrolled. The Rangarajan Committee set up by the then government to look at the long-term sustainability of the sector made several key recommendations.

Key recommendation of Rangarajan committee and challenges thereof

1. Cane reservation area and bonding- Every designated mill is obligated to purchase from cane farmers within the cane reservation area, and conversely, farmers are bound to sell to the mill. This ensures a minimum supply of cane to a mill, while committing the mill to procure at a minimum price.

This arrangement reduces the bargaining power of the farmer. He is forced to sell to a mill even if there are cane arrears (occurs when sugar mill owners delay payment to farmers for the sugarcane supplied).
Mills, on their part, lose flexibility in augmenting cane supplies, especially when there is a shortfall in sugarcane production in the cane reservation area.
Mills are also restricted to the quality of cane that is supplied by farmers in the area.
The Committee recommended that over a period of time, states should encourage development of market based long-term contractual arrangements and phase out cane reservation area and bonding. Such individual contracts with farmers would give them the flexibility to decide which mill they want to sell their produce to.

2. Minimum distance criterion- Under the Sugarcane Control Order, the central government has prescribed a minimum radial distance of 15 km between any two sugar mills. This regulation is expected to ensure a minimum availability of cane for all mills.

However, this criterion often causes distortion in the market. The virtual monopoly over a large area can give the mills power over farmers, especially where landholdings are smaller.
In addition to restricting competition, the regulation inhibits entry and further investment by entrepreneurs.
In order to increase competition and ensure a better price for farmers, the Committee recommended that the distance norm be reviewed. Removing the regulation will ensure better prices for farmers and force existing mills to pay them the cane price on time.

3. Price of sugarcane- The central government fixes a minimum price, the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) that is paid by mills to farmers. States can also intervene in sugarcane pricing with a State Advised Price (SAP) to strengthen farmer‟s interests. Typically, SAP is higher than FRP. There have been divergent views on which is a fair price to both farmers and millers.

The Committee recommended that states should not declare an SAP. It suggested determining cane prices according to scientifically sound and economically fair principles.

4. Levy sugar obligation- Every sugar mill mandatorily surrenders 10% of its production to the central government at a price lower than the market price – this is known as levy sugar.

This enables the central government to get access to low cost sugar stocks for distribution through PDS. At present prices, the centre saves about Rs 3,000 crore on account of this policy, the burden of which is borne by the sugar sector.
The policy of levy sugar puts the burden of a government social welfare programme (PDS) on the industry. A price lower than the open market price implies lower returns for mills, which eventually impacts cane payments to farmers.
The Committee recommended dispensing with levy sugar and doing away with a centralized arrangement for PDS sugar. States that want to provide sugar under PDS may henceforth procure it directly from the market.

5. Regulated release of non-levy sugar-The central government allows the release of non-levy sugar into the market on a periodic basis. Currently, release orders are on a quarterly basis. Thus, sugar produced over the four-to-six-month sugar season is sold throughout the year by distributing the release of stock evenly across the year.

The mechanism of regulated release imposes costs directly on mills (and hence indirectly on farmers). Mills can neither take advantage of high prices to sell the maximum possible stock, nor dispose of their stock to raise cash for meeting various obligations.
This adversely impacts the ability of mills to pay sugarcane farmers in time.
The Committee recommended removing the regulations on release of non-levy sugar. Removal of these controls will improve the financial health of the sugar mills. This, in turn, will lead to timely payments to farmers and a reduction in cane arrears.

6. Trade policy for sugar- The government has set controls on both exports and imports. These controls are imposed after taking into account the domestic availability, demand and price of sugarcane. A number of cascading import controls and export permits are used to achieve this.

As a result, India‟s trade in the world trade of sugar is small. Even though India contributes 17% to global sugar production (second largest producer in the world), its share in exports is only 4%.
The committee recommended all existing quantitative restrictions on trade in sugar should be removed and converted into tariffs.
Appropriate tariff in the form of a moderate duty on imports and exports, not exceeding 5-10%, should be applied.

7. Regulations relating to by-products- Certain restrictions have been placed on by-products of sugarcane such as molasses and bagasse.

State governments fix quotas for different end uses of molasses and restrict their movement, particularly across state boundaries. Some states have also imposed restrictions on the mills that can sell power generated from bagasse to users other than the local power utility.
Mills are also restricted from selling power generated from bagasse to other states.
Such restrictions impede the revenue realization from cogeneration and reduce economic efficiency.
The committee recommended that there should be no restrictions on sale of by-products and prices should be market determined. States should also undertake policy reform to allow mills to harness power generated from bagasse.

8. Other issues: The Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPMA) mandates that sugar be packed only in jute bags. The sugar industry estimates that this leads to an increase in cost by about 40 paise per kg of sugar besides adversely impacting quality.

The committee recommended removing the sugar industry from the purview of the JPMA.

Recent developments - ethanol blending push in India

Through the efforts of sugarcane farmers and the sugar mills, the country witnessed surplus sugar production from the 2010-11 sugar season, with seasons 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2020-21 seeing bumper sugar production.

The annual sugar production of the country outpaced the total annual sugar consumption requirement, leading to over-availability of sugar
. Excess sugar supply led to reduced prices, straining revenues while costs related to sugarcane payments soared, causing financial constraints to the industry.
The government announced the ethanol blending programme, marking a significant shift in the industry.
The programme faced issues related to pricing and infrastructure.
The Government has taken measures in 2018 that helped accelerate the programme and boost local ethanol production.
The goal is to achieve 20% ethanol blending within the next two years

Recent Challenges to ethanol blending program

The need to balance food security with ethanol production has influenced government policy.
Unpredictable monsoon rains affected sugar production estimates, leading to:
Lowered sugar production projections.
Imposition of curbs on ethanol production from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses.
A complete ban on sugar exports.

Key suggestion/measures for boosting ethanol blending

Ensuring a steady supply of raw materials and feedstocks for the ethanol programme is critical.
The industry needs to work to increase sugarcane acreage to secure crop availability.
A stable ethanol pricing policy is essential to cover production costs and meet the 20% blending target.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Context: According to a new study, semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular blood sugar control and weight loss drugs, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Major Highlights:

Early research on semaglutide identifies a number of ways in which it might benefit the brain, such as:
- Lowering toxic effects of certain proteins linked to AD and improving how brain cells use glucose for energy.
- Reducing the buildup of harmful plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
- Reducing neuro-inflammation, which is commonly linked to Alzheimer.
Specifically, it was found to reduce the risk of a first-time Alzheimer’s diagnosis by 40% to 70%.

Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills, and it is the most common cause of dementia.
Causes: The disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.
- One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells.
- The other protein is called tau, which is a deposit that forms tangles within brain cells.
Symptoms: Early signs include forgetting recent events/conversations. Later, the person will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks. In the advanced stages, complications from severe loss of brain function result in death.
Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but certain medications can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms.
- Traditionally, Alzheimer’s has been managed largely using cognitive and lifestyle interventions.
- Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two treatments — Biogen’s Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla — that marginally slow the progression of AD by targeting the disease’s hallmark amyloid plaques in the brain. But these can cause serious side effects, including brain swelling and brain bleeding.

ISRO-DBT Collaboration on Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

Context: The collaboration between ISRO and DBT to conduct biological experiments for India's Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is a significant milestone in India's advancing space and biotechnology sectors. This collaboration, aimed for 2028-2035, will enable critical research in microgravity, fostering innovation and economic growth. It will also enhance India's strategic autonomy in space exploration and bio-manufacturing, positioning the country as a key player in global space research.

ISRO-DBT agreement Overview:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 28, 2023. This MoU outlines the terms and conditions of the collaboration, including each party's roles and responsibilities, the research's scope, and the project's timeline.Purpose: To collaborate on designing and conducting experiments for India's proposed space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):

Timeline: Planned development from 2028 to 2035.
Objective: Establish an indigenous space station to enable advanced research in microgravity conditions.
Features:
- A modular space station with capabilities for extended human presence.
- Facilities to conduct experiments in life sciences, material sciences, and astrophysics.
Strategic Importance:
- Enhances India's capabilities in human spaceflight and long-duration missions.
- Positions India as a key player in global space research.

Proposed Experiments and Research Areas:

Human Physiology in Microgravity:
- Study muscle atrophy and bone density loss in astronauts due to prolonged weightlessness.
- Develop countermeasures to mitigate health risks.
Algae Research for Life Support:
- Identify algae species suitable for oxygen generation and carbon dioxide absorption.
- Use algae as a sustainable food source and for waste recycling.
Biofuel Production:
- Explore processing algae to produce biofuels, including jet fuel, in microgravity.
- Potential applications in sustainable energy solutions on Earth.
Radiation Biology:
- Assess the impact of cosmic radiation on human health.
- Develop protective measures and materials to shield astronauts.

Gaganyaan Mission:

Overview:
- India's first indigenous mission to take humans to space.
- Launch Schedule: Human-crewed mission targeted for 2025-2026.
Mission Objectives:
- Demonstrate human spaceflight capability.
- Orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km.
Uncrewed Test Missions:
- Gaganyaan-1: Uncrewed mission to test spacecraft systems.
- Gaganyaan-2: Second uncrewed mission with a humanoid robot (Vyommitra).
- Purpose: Validate critical technologies and safety systems.
Inclusion of Biological Experiments:
- Potential to carry biological payloads developed under ISRO-DBT collaboration.

International Context:

International Space Station (ISS):
- A joint project involving NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
- Operational since 1998, with decommissioning planned by 2030.
Global Developments:
- China's Tiangong Space Station:
  - Launched core module in April 2021.
  - Completed construction with additional modules by November 2022.
  - Hosts regular crewed missions and international experiments.
- Russia's Orbital Service Station (ROSS):
  - Russia announced plans for its space station post-ISS.

BIOE3 Policy and Bio-economy Initiatives:

BIOE3 Policy:
- Stands for Biotechnology for Economic Growth, Environment, and Employment.
- Aims to accelerate the growth of India's bio-economy.
- Objectives:
  - Promote bio-manufacturing and innovation.
  - Enhance environmental sustainability.
  - Generate employment opportunities.
Economic Goals:
- Targeting a bio-economy worth $300 billion by 2030.
- Encouraging investment in biotechnology sectors.
Impact Areas:
- Human Health Research:
  - Development of novel drugs, vaccines, and therapeutics.
- Regenerative Medicine:
  - Advances in stem cell research and tissue engineering.
- Bio-based Technologies:
  - Waste management solutions.
  - Sustainable agricultural practices.
Support for Start-ups:
- Initiatives like Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
- Funding and mentorship programs for biotech start-ups.

ISRO's Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP)

Human Spaceflight Centre (HSFC):
- Established in 2019 in Bengaluru.
- Responsible for the implementation of the Gaganyaan mission.
- Functions:
  - Training of astronauts.
  - Development of crew modules and life support systems.
- Astronaut Training:
  - Indian Air Force pilots were selected as potential crew members.
  - Training conducted in collaboration with Glavkosmos (Russia).

Technologies Developed for Gaganyaan

Crew Module (CM):
- Designed to carry three astronauts.
- Equipped with Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).
Crew Escape System (CES):
- Provides emergency escape capability during the ascent phase.
- Successfully tested in Pad Abort Test (PAT).
Launch Vehicle:
- GSLV Mk III (LVM3) was identified as the launch vehicle.
- Modified to meet human-rating requirements for safety and reliability.

ISRO's Initiatives in Space Biotechnology

Space Biology Research:
- Studies on the effects of microgravity on biological systems.
- Collaboration with academic institutions and research labs.
Biotechnology Applications:
- Development of bio-regenerative life support systems.
- Research on microbial contamination control in spacecraft.

DBT's Contributions to Space Missions

Biological Experiments in Space:
- Development of payloads for studying microorganisms in space.
- Research on extremophiles and their potential in biotechnology.
Capacity Building:
- Funding research projects focused on space biology.
- Scholarships and fellowships for researchers in the field.

Policy Framework and Regulations

Space Activities Bill:
- Proposed legislation to regulate space activities in India.
- It aims to encourage private-sector participation.
- Ensures compliance with international treaties.
- Status: Under consideration by the Government of India.
International Agreements:
- India is a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty (1967).
- Committed to the peaceful use of outer space.

Private Sector Engagement

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL):
- ISRO's commercial arm was established in 2019.
- Facilitates technology transfer and commercialization.
- Encourages participation of Indian industries in space programs.
Antrix Corporation Limited:
- Engages in marketing ISRO's products and services.
- Supports international collaborations and commercial launches.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines:
- ISRO adheres to international guidelines for space debris reduction.
- Designs missions with end-of-life disposal plans.
Ethical Conduct of Experiments:
- All biological experiments follow ethical standards.
- Approval from Institutional Ethics Committees is required.

Capacity Building and Education

ISRO's Outreach Programs:
- Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA):
  - It aims to inspire school students towards space science.
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST):
  - Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in space science and engineering.
DBT's Educational Initiatives:
- Star College Scheme:
  - Supports colleges for improving science education.
- Biotech Parks and Incubation Centres:
  - Provides infrastructure for start-ups and innovators.

Global Collaborations

International Partnerships:
- ISRO collaborates with space agencies like NASA, JAXA, ESA, and Roscosmos.
- Joint missions and data sharing agreements.
Potential for International Experiments on BAS:
- BAS may host international payloads, promoting global cooperation.

Implications for India's Space and Biotechnology Sectors

Technological Advancements:
- Development of cutting-edge technologies in space travel and biotechnology.
- Enhances national capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign technology.
Economic Growth:
- Stimulates the economy through high-tech industries.
- Attracts foreign investment and partnerships.
Social Benefits:
- Improves healthcare through biotechnological innovations.
- Enhances environmental sustainability efforts.
Strategic Autonomy:
- Strengthens India's position in global space affairs.
- Contributes to national security through self-reliant capabilities.

The collaboration between ISRO and DBT for experiments on the Bharatiya Antariksh Station signifies a significant leap in India's space and biotechnology endeavors. India is poised to contribute substantially to space exploration, scientific research, and economic development by integrating resources and expertise.

What is Cybersquatting? JioHotstar domain controversy

Context: An app developer from Delhi has created a ripple on social media after he registered the JioHotstar domain before the recently announced merger between JioCinema and Disney+Hotstar. The developer attempted to sell the domain to Reliance Industries in exchange for them funding his education abroad. However, his actions invite a potential legal action against him from Reliance industries under cybersquatting.

What is cybersquatting?

Cybersquatting is a practice where the perpetrator buys or registers a domain name that is identical to a brand (recognisable trademark), company name, or personal name in order to profit from them.

Cybersquatting is a form of cybercrime because of the bad faith intent of the squatter. Due to its nature, domain squatting can be considered a form of trademark infringement.

Types of cybersquatting:

Typosquatting: Typosquatting (a.k.a URL hijacking) targets Internet users who enter a website address incorrectly into their browser. It is the practice of profiting from possible typing errors, for example, typing “Raddif.com” instead of “Reddif.com.”
Identity Theft: Identity theft describes crimes where someone unlawfully obtains and uses another individual’s private data to involve deception or fraud, usually for financial gain. For example, cybersquatters may buy a domain that was inadvertently not renewed by the previous owner.
- Cybersquatters purchase the expired domain and create clone websites of the previous domain owners.
- Unsuspecting website visitors are deceived into trusting these fake websites, falsely believing they are accessing the original owner's site. This may lead to potential fraud to the user or to the original company.
Name Jacking: Namejacking involves registration of a domain name associated with names of notable individuals (usually celebrities) to create fake websites or social media profiles. Name jackers profit from web traffic related to the individuals being targeted.
Reverse Cybersquatting: Reverse cybersquatting occurs when a trademark owner falsely accuses a domain name's rightful owner of cybersquatting. This tactic aims to intimidate legit domain owners, especially smaller organisations or individuals, to transfer their legitimate ownership of a domain name to avoid legal costs. This practice is often employed by large corporations.

Laws related to cybersquatting in India:

There is no separate/exclusive law to deal with the cases of cybersquatting in India. The cases are dealt under the Trademarks Act, 1999 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Remedy of infringement: Under the Trademarks Act of 1999, the remedy of infringement is available to the owner of the trademark, only when the trademark is registered. (In the case above, Jio is a registered trademark of Reliance Industries). The aggrieved party may file a lawsuit in an Indian court on the ground of trademark infringement and assert their rights.
Dispute resolution under Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP):
- In India, domain disputes like cybersquatting can also be resolved through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) arbitration, managed by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (India is a member of WIPO)
- Indian individuals or businesses can file a UDRP complaint, if a domain name is similar to a trademark in which the complainant holds rights. The UDRP arbitration process provides quick, cost-effective dispute resolution without needing court intervention.
- If the complainant can prove bad faith registration and usage of the domain, the domain name can be transferred to them. However, either party, if unsatisfied, has the right to challenge the outcome of UDRP arbitration in an Indian Court.
Remedy under Information Technology Act, 2000 and Indian Penal Code of 1860:
- Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Section 66 addresses dishonest or fraudulent activities involving computer systems. It penalises anyone who commits any act referred to in Section 43 (e.g., unauthorised access, data damage) dishonestly or fraudulently. Penalties include imprisonment for a term up to three years, a fine up to five lakh rupees, or both.
- Forgery under Section 469 of the IPC: A person found forging with the intent to harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that the document forged will be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to three years, as well as a fine.

India launches 4th nuclear-missile submarine

Context: India has launched its fourth nuclear powered ballistic missile (SSBN) codenamed S4* (S4 star) submarine at Ship Building Center in Visakhapatnam to strengthen its nuclear deterrence.

SSBN: Ballistic Missile Submarine

Purpose: Primarily designed for strategic nuclear deterrence. Typically, the submarines patrol in deep, remote ocean and remain submerged to provide a second-strike capability, in case of a nuclear attack.
Weapons: Armed with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) carrying nuclear warheads.
Propulsion: These submarines are powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched Uranium. This nuclear propulsion system enables the submarines to operate quietly and remain submerged in oceans for extended periods. This is a significant advantage over conventional diesel-electric submarines that need to surface regularly.
Stealth Features: These submarines have advanced stealth features like noise-reducing coatings and advanced propulsion system. This makes their detection harder by enemy submarines and ships.

Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) in India

1. S2- Arihant:

INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2016.
- Arihant-class submarines are indigenously designed and developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a displacement of 6000 tonnes.
It is powered by an 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.
INS Arihant is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), while retro-fitting of a 3500-km-range SLBM K-4 is under development.

2. S3- Arighat:

INS Arihant was commissioned into service in August 2024.
It measures 111.6 metres in length and has a submerged displacement of 6000 tons.
It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.
INS Arighat is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is armed with a 750-km-range K-15 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) and 3500-km-range SLBM K-4.

3. S4- Aridhaman:

Launched in November 2021 (expected to be commissioned in 2025).
It is an ‘Arihant-stretch’ variant, i.e., slightly larger than INS Arihant. It measures 125.4 metres and has a displacement of 7000 tons.
It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched missiles which have a range of 3500 km.
It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.

**4. S4* (yet to be named):**

Launched in October 2024 (yet to be commissioned)
The newly launched S4* SSBN has nearly 75% indigenous content.
It is an ‘Arihant-stretch’ variant, i.e., slightly larger than INS Arihant. It measures 125.4 metres and has a displacement of 7000 tons.
It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched missiles which have a range of 3500 km.
It is powered by a 83-MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.

After S4*, the next class of Indian SSBNs will be double the 6000 ton displacement of Arihant class and will be carrying nuclear missiles upwards of the range of 5000 kilometres and beyond.

Main classes of submarines in service with Indian Navy

Sindhughosh-class: Variant of the Russian Kilo-class submarines, these are diesel-electric submarines. E.g., INS Sindhurakshak, INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna.
Shishumar-class: Based on the German Type 209 design, these are diesel-electric submarines equipped with advanced systems. E.g., INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki, and INS Shankul.
Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class): Diesel-attack submarines based on the Scorpène design developed by Naval Group (France). E.g., INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer (to be commissioned in December 2024).
Arihant-class (SSBN): India's indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines are equipped with nuclear propulsion and are capable of carrying ballistic missiles. Currently, INS Arihant (S2) is the operational submarine of this class. The second submarine INS Arighat (S3) was commissioned in August 2024. Two more submarines (S4 INS Aridhaman & S4* are launched but yet to be commissioned).
Chakra-class (SSN): Nuclear-powered attack submarines leased from Russia. Currently, INS Chakra-II (S1), the submarine of this class, is in service with the Indian Navy. Chakra-III is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025.

Significance:

Nuclear submarines enhance India's nuclear triad, which includes the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
The submarine's ability to launch ballistic missiles from underwater provides India with a secure second-strike capability, a crucial component of its nuclear deterrence strategy.
- In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests under Phokran-II, and in 2003, India declared its nuclear doctrine based on ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ (CMD) and a ‘No First Use’ policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first.
- With India’s no-first use nuclear policy, SSBNs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Nuclear Submarines) play a key role in deterrence due to their stealth capabilities and capability to execute retaliatory strikes.
The presence of Arihant-class submarines will strengthen India’s nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence and strengthen maritime defence.

Gaucher’s disease

Context: In 2014, the Delhi High Court, in a ruling, allowed for free enzyme replacement therapy for a rare condition (Gaucher’s disease), to a seven-year-old child.

More information from the news:

On October 4, 2024, the Delhi High Court once again extended its support to those suffering from rare diseases, as it had done in the 2014 verdict.
The court also issued several directives, including a call for the Central Government to establish a fund of Rs 974 crores dedicated to the treatment and support of over 100 individuals affected by rare diseases across the nation.
The court cited the 2014 case, Mohd Ahmed (Minor) v. Union of India, to reaffirm that the ‘right to health is part of the right to life (Article 21).’

About Gaucher’s disease

Gaucher’s Disease (GD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of an enzyme that breaks down fatty substances called lipids. Lipids start to build up in certain organs such as spleen and liver.

There are 3 types of Gaucher’s disease:

Type 1: This is the most common type of Gaucher disease. It affects about 90% of people with the disease. In type 1, the patient does not have enough platelets in blood. This can make him/her bruise easily and feel very tired (fatigued). The symptoms can start at any age and the patient has an enlarged liver or spleen. It may also include kidney, lung, or skeletal problems.
Type 2: This form of the disease affects babies by age 3 to 6 months. It is fatal. In most cases children don’t live beyond 2 years old.
Type 3: Symptoms include skeletal problems, eye movement disorders, seizures that become more obvious over time, blood disorders, breathing problems, and liver and spleen enlargement.

Causes of Gaucher’s disease:

Gaucher disease is passed down from parents to children (is inherited). It is caused by a problem with the GBA gene.
It is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that each parent must pass along an abnormal GBA gene for their child to get Gaucher.
Parents may have only 1 GBA gene and, therefore, not show any signs of the disease, but be carriers of the disease.

Note:

The GBA gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called beta glucocerebrosidase.
This enzyme is active in lysosomes, which are structures inside cells that act as recycling centres.
Lysosomes use digestive enzymes to break down toxic substances, digest bacteria that invade the cell, and recycle worn-out cell components.
Based on these functions, enzymes in the lysosome are sometimes called housekeeping enzymes.
Beta-glucocerebrosidase is a housekeeping enzyme that helps break down a large molecule called glucocerebroside into a sugar (glucose) and a simpler fat molecule (ceramide).
More than 380 mutations in the GBA gene have been identified in people with Gaucher disease.
The mutations occur in both copies of the gene in each cell.
Most of the GBA gene mutations responsible for Gaucher disease change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in beta glucocerebrosidase, altering the structure of the enzyme and preventing it from working normally.
Other mutations delete or insert genetic material in the GBA gene or lead to the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the enzyme.
Mutations in the GBA gene greatly reduce or eliminate the activity of beta glucocerebrosidase in cells.
As a result, glucocerebroside is not broken down properly.
This molecule and related substances can build up in white blood cells called macrophages in the spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other organs.
The abnormal accumulation and storage of these substances damages tissues and organs, causing the characteristic features of Gaucher disease.

Symptoms of Gaucher’s disease can include:

Enlarged spleen; Enlarged liver; Eye movement disorders; Yellow spots in the eyes; Not having enough healthy red blood cells (anemia); Extreme tiredness (fatigue); Bruising; Lung problems; Seizures.

Treatment

There is no cure for Gaucher disease. But treatment can help control the symptoms.
The treatment will depend on the type of Gaucher disease.
Treatment may include:
- Enzyme replacement therapy, which is effective for types 1 and 3
- Medicines
- Regular physical exams and bone density screening to check the disease
- Bone marrow transplant
- Surgery to remove all or part of the spleen
- Joint replacement surgery
- Blood transfusions

Note:

Enzyme replacement therapy is typically used to replace a missing or deficient enzyme in a person with an inherited enzyme deficiency syndrome.
The missing enzyme is replaced by infusions of an enzyme that is purified from human or animal tissue or blood or produced by novel recombinant techniques.
Typically, the enzyme is modified to allow for a longer half-life, more potent activity, resistance to degradation or targeting a specific organ, tissue or cell type.
The first successful enzyme replacement therapies were for alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency using plasma derived purified human A1AT.
A second form of successful enzyme replacement therapy was established for Gaucher disease.

Mangroves: Significance & Protection

Context - Residents and activists are protesting against infrastructure projects in Mumbai and its surrounding areas citing disregard for environmental regulations and lack of inclusive planning. Depletion of mangroves and dwindling fishing spots have sparked concerns among fisherfolk, who fear displacement and feel their livelihoods are being threatened.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant communities found in the intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical zones of the world.

Ecological adaptations of Mangroves

Pneumatophores are lateral roots that grow upward out of the mud and water to function as the site of oxygen intake for the submerged primary root system.
Buttress roots also known as plank roots/ stilt roots are large, wide roots on all sides of a shallowly rooted tree. Typically, they are found in nutrient-poor tropical forest soils that may not be very deep. They prevent the tree from falling over (hence the name buttress) while also gathering more nutrients.
Adaptations to low oxygen: By propping themselves above the water level with stilt roots and can then absorb air through pores in their bark (lenticels).
Nutrient uptake: Pneumatophores (aerial roots) allow mangroves to absorb gases directly from the atmosphere.
Limiting salt intake: Mangroves exclude salt by having significantly impermeable roots.
Limiting water loss: They can restrict the opening of their stomata (pores on the leaf surfaces, which exchange carbon dioxide gas and water vapor during photosynthesis).
Increasing survival of offspring: Mangrove seeds are buoyant and are therefore suited to water dispersal.

Global distribution of Mangroves

According to Global Forest Resource Assessment, 113 countries have Mangrove forests covering estimated 14.79 million hectares.
The largest Mangrove area is in Asia (5.55 million hectares), followed by Africa (3.24 million hectares), North and Central America (2.57 million hectares) and South America (2.13 million hectares) and Oceania (1.30 million hectares).
Country wise: About 40% of global mangrove cover is in just four countries: Indonesia > Brazil > Nigeria > Mexico.

Distribution of Mangroves in India

According to India State of Forest Report, Mangrove cover in India is 4,992 sq. km constituting 0.15% of total area of India.
State-wise Mangrove Cover: West Bengal > Gujarat > Andaman & Nicobar Islands > Andhra Pradesh > Maharashtra > Odisha > Tamil Nadu > Goa > Karnataka > Kerala > Daman & Diu & Dadra & Nagar Haveli > Puducherry.

About Sundarbans

Located within the largest mangrove forest in the world. Located in the delta of Rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra on the Bay of Bengal in India & Bangladesh.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is situated within the Site and part of it has been declared a “critical tiger habitat” under national law and also a “Tiger Conservation Landscape” of global importance.
The Site is also home to a large number of rare and globally threatened species such as the critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagurbaska), the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, and the vulnerable fishing cat .
It is listed as World Heritage Site and also in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Importance of Mangroves

Important refuges of coastal biodiversity: Mangroves provide breeding grounds for marine biodiversity.
- Under water the root system provides nesting and feeding grounds for juvenile fish, oysters, mussels, and sharks. Above ground mangroves provide homes for cranes, eagles and monkeys.
- Broad and towering canopies provide nesting and resting ground for migratory and sea birds and other wildlife.
- Stable and resilient mangrove ecosystems support the associated ecosystems such as seagrass beds and coral reefs thus maintaining their health, functioning and integrity.
Act as bio-shields: Mangroves acts as natural barriers against rising tides and storm-surges. Mangrove ecosystems prevent property damages and reduce flood risk in coastal areas. The dense root systems help stabilize shorelines by trapping sediments and reducing the impact of waves and tides. They are an effective check against Cyclones and Tsunamis in the coastal regions.

Mangrove wood is a source of a wide variety of biomass and forest products. Communities along the coast depend on it for fuel, construction, fish traps, boat building and non-wood products such as traditional medicine.
Acts carbon sinks: Mangroves capture carbon from atmosphere for growth. Part of this carbon is stored in living biomass and part is sequestered in the soil. Dead mangrove material decomposes very slowly due to waterlogging of the soils with tides. It is believed that mangroves hold up to four times the amount of carbon as compared to forested ecosystems like temperate and boreal forests.

Improve water quality: Mangroves act as natural water filters, trapping sediments and pollutants from runoff before they reach the open sea, thus improving water quality.
Tourism and recreation: Mangroves have high aesthetic value and are important sites for ecotourism, bird-watching and other recreation activities.

Challenges to Mangroves

Increasing human population in coastal areas and rising demand for land, timber, fodder, fuel-wood and other non-wood forest products.
Growing land reclamation for agriculture and industrialization
Discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents
Damming of rivers, which curbs the flow of sediments to coastal areas. The silt flow is essential for the regeneration and growth of mangroves.

Initiatives for promoting Mangrove.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)
- This initiative, launched by the UAE in partnership with Indonesia, promotes Mangroves as a nature-based solution to climate change.
- It was launched during COP 27 of UNFCCC.
- Membership has 17 member countries. India is also a member.

Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)
- Envisages to comprehensively explore the possible area for development of Mangroves covering approximately 540 Sq. Kms. spreading across 11 States and 2 Union Territories during five years commencing FY 2023-24 onwards.
- The sharing of best practices on plantation techniques, conservation measures, management practices and resources mobilization through Public Private Partnership are objectives of the MISHTI scheme.

Planting of over 5 crore Mangroves under MGNREGA by West Bengal Government.
Mangroves for Future Initiative (MFF)

Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. Co-chaired by IUCN and UNDP, MFF provides a platform for collaboration among the many different agencies, sectors and countries which are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues.

Steps to promote mangrove forests.

Natural regeneration
Promotion of plantation activities in suitable land on the banks of rivers near estuary and on inter-tidal mudflats associated with the areas that are inundated by sea water on a daily cycle.
Regeneration of Mangrove forests in areas where it has been degraded.
Sharing of best practices.
Conservation of existing mangroves.
Notification of protected areas in mangroves.
Ensuring ecological flows in rivers.
Effective implementation of Coastal Regulation Zone Guidelines.

SC upholds Section 6A of Citizenship Act

Context: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) by a 4-1 majority verdict upheld Section 6A of The Citizenship Act, 1955, which codified the political consensus of the 1985 Assam Accord.

Assam Accord 1985

The tripartite Assam Accord was signed among the central and Assam governments and the leaders of the Assam Movement on 15 August 1985.
- IN 1979, All Assam Students Union (AASU) began an agitation demanding the identification and deportation of “illegal foreigners”, predominantly from Bangladesh.
- The agitation lasted six years, culminating in the historic Assam Accord between the central and state governments and the leaders of the Assam Movement.
It set January 1, 1966, as the base cut-off date for detecting “foreigners” and deleting them from electoral rolls.
It also provided a process for granting citizenship to those who arrived in the state after January 1, 1966, up to March 24, 1971. Those who arrived after this date but up to March 24, 1971, would “have their names deleted from electoral rolls” for 10 years, after which their names would be restored.
IN 1985, in order to give effect to the Assam Accord, Section 6A was introduced in The Citizenship Act, 1955.

Section 6A of The Citizenship Act, 1955

Through an amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1985, Section 6A was added to the Citizenship Act, 1955, following the Assam Accord. It deals with the issue of citizenship for residents of Assam, particularly in the context of illegal immigration from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Key Provisions of Section 6A:
- Immigrants who entered Assam before the date of January 1, 1966, are deemed to be Indian citizens.
- Immigrants who entered Assam between the dates January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, are entitled to seek Indian citizenship provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria. They would, however, be disenfranchised (i.e., they would not have voting rights) for a period of 10 years from the date of detection.
- Immigrants who entered Assam on or after March 25, 1971, are declared to be illegal immigrants and are liable to be detected, detained and deported. Section 6A outlines the establishment of tribunals to detect and verify foreigners in Assam.

Arguments challenging Section 6A

The legal scheme for granting citizenship for those who migrated from Pakistan is in Articles 6 and 7 of the Constitution. The petitioners argued that Section 6A, which deals with migrants from East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) amends this provision — a change that can only be made through a constitutional amendment.
The petitioners argued that Section 6A, which was specifically drafted for Assam, violates the principle of equality because (i) it confers citizenship only to migrants to Assam, and (ii) if curbing Bangladeshi migrants is the issue, then other border states are also excluded. They also argued that the March 24, 1971 cut-off date is arbitrary.
The petitioners argued that extending the cut-off date to include migrants as citizens went against the SC’s ruling in Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India (2005), in which the court held that “illegal immigration” falls under the definition of “external aggression”.
- In Sonowal, the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 (IMDT Act) was under challenge. The court struck down the law, which also applied only to Assam, saying it was ineffective in dealing with illegal immigration in comparison to laws such as the Foreigners Act, 1946, which applied to the entire country.
Article 29(1) of the Constitution guarantees citizens the fundamental right to conserve the “distinct language, script or culture of its own”. The petitioners argued that Section 6A is violative of Article 29, since conferring citizenship to migrants from Bangladesh increases the Bengali population and affects the “culture of the Assamese population”.

Observations by SC

Does Parliament have the power to make law regulating citizenship?

The SC held that Articles 6 and 7 are only meant to determine citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Section 6A, on the other hand, “deals with those who are not covered by the constitutional provisions”. “Section 6A aligns with the fundamental purpose of Articles 6 and 7, which was to extend citizenship rights to those affected by the country’s partition”.
- Articles 6 and 7 were aimed at safeguarding the rights of those citizens who found themselves residing in Pakistan after Partition.
- Section 6A grants citizenship to persons of Indian origin migrating from erstwhile East Pakistan “due to political disturbances in a foreign territory”
Entry 17 of the Union List gives Parliament the power to make laws to address “Citizenship, naturalisation and aliens”.
Article 11 of the Constitution, under which Parliament can make “any provision with respect to the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship”. None of the other Articles in this Part of the Constitution (including Articles 6 and 7) will “derogate” or take away from this power.
Thus, the Parliament can amend the law relating to citizenship is the most significant takeaway from the ruling — since this could have ramifications for other cases, including the challenge to the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Does Section 6A violate the Right to Equality?

The SC held that the events leading up to the signing of the Assam Accord placed the state in a unique position, even when compared to other border states. The magnitude of influx to Assam and its impact on the cultural and political rights of the Assamese and Tribal populations is higher [than elsewhere].
- Although West Bengal has a higher immigrant population than Assam, the impact on Assam is greater because of its smaller size and population.
- It is, therefore, “rational” to classify Assam as separate from other border states for the purposes of 6A.
Since a piquant situation such as that in Assam [because of the Movement] did not exist in any of the other states, Section 6A’s objective did not extend to allowing such citizenship in these other States.

Does Section 6A facilitate “external aggression” by allowing illegal immigration?

The SC expressed reservations in applying Sonowal in the challenge to Section 6A. Section 6A does not allow for “unabated migration”, and instead offers a “practical solution” in the form of a “controlled and regulated form of immigration”, which does not amount to “external aggression”.

Does granting citizenship to migrants violate the rights of Assamese people to conserve their culture?

The majority verdict rejected the argument that change in the demography of Assam erodes the rights of indigenous Assamese. Accepting this contention “would undermine the idea of fraternity envisaged by our Constitutional drafters, and bring to life their fears by threatening the cohesion of our diverse nation”.
SC held that “the mere presence of different ethnic groups in a State is insufficient to infringe the right guaranteed by Article 29(1)”.

Key Fact:

THE CAA, 2019 introduced another group-specific section, Section 6B, in The Citizenship Act, which set December 31, 2014, as the cutoff date for Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, and Jain migrants from the Muslim-majority countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)

Context: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved an increase in the ceiling prices of 11 scheduled formulations of eight drugs by 50% of their current ceiling prices.

Most of these drugs are low-cost and generally used as first-line treatments crucial to the country's public health programmes. They are used to treat asthma, glaucoma, thalassemia, tuberculosis, mental health disorders, etc.

About NPPA: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority was established on 29 August 1997 as an attached office of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (now the Department of Pharmaceuticals since July 2008), under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Functions of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority

To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 1995/2013 in accordance with the powers delegated to it.
To undertake and/or sponsor relevant studies with respect to the pricing of drugs/formulations.
To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and take remedial steps.
To collect/maintain data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, profitability of companies etc., for bulk drugs and formulations.
To deal with all legal matters arising out of the decisions of the Authority.
To render advice to the Central Government on changes/revisions in the drug policy.
To render assistance to the Central Government in the parliamentary matters relating to drug pricing.

The Drug Price Control Order (DPCO)

The Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) is an order issued by the Government of India under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the prices of drugs. The DPCO empowers the government to fix the maximum price of certain essential drugs to ensure their availability at reasonable prices. The order is enforced by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

Key Provisions of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO):

Scheduled and Non-Scheduled drugs:
- Scheduled Drugs: Drugs that are listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and are subject to price control.
- Non-Scheduled Drugs: Drugs not listed in the NLEM are outside the purview of price control but are still subject to monitoring of price increases by NPPA.
Fixation of ceiling price:
- NPPA fixes the ceiling price of scheduled drugs, which is the maximum price that consumers can be charged. This is done using a market-based pricing formula, which considers the simple average of the prices of all brands with a market share of more than 1%.
Margin to the retailers:
- DPCO allows for a 16% margin to retailers on the ceiling price of drugs to ensure that the distribution chain is financially viable.
Price revision:
- NPPA periodically revises the ceiling prices of essential drugs to ensure their affordability while maintaining market viability for manufacturers.
Monitoring of Non-Scheduled drugs:
- Though non-scheduled drugs are not under direct price control, their price increase is monitored. Prices of such drugs cannot increase by more than 10% annually without NPPA’s approval.
Regulation of formulations and bulk drugs:
- DPCO regulates the prices of both formulations (final products ready for sale) and bulk drugs (raw materials used to produce formulations) listed under the scheduled drugs category.
Control over prices in cases of emergencies:
- The government has the authority to impose price control on any drug in an emergency or extraordinary circumstances of public interest, even if it is not listed in the NLEM.
Price change compliance:
- Once NPPA sets or revises the ceiling price, all manufacturers and sellers of the scheduled drug must comply with the new price within 45 days.
Penalties for overpricing:
- Any manufacturer or seller who sells scheduled drugs at a price higher than the ceiling price can be penalized, including being required to pay the overcharged amount back to the government, along with interest.
Availability of drugs:
- NPPA monitors the availability of essential drugs and takes corrective action in case of shortages or disruptions in supply.

Amendments to DPCO:

The DPCO 1995 was revised and replaced by the DPCO 2013.
The 2013 version introduced a market-based pricing model and expanded the list of drugs under price control in alignment with the updated NLEM.
Thus, the DPCO is an essential regulatory tool for ensuring the availability of life-saving drugs at affordable prices while maintaining a balance with pharmaceutical manufacturers' interests.

A temple in a South Delhi flat is set to get an elephant, all the way from Assam

Context – Maa Baglamukhi temple atop a four-story residential apartment in south Delhi’s Greater Kailash neighborhood could soon be the owner of an elephant that it proposes to get from Assam.

What are the issues involved?

The area earmarked for the Elephant is a residential area, which might be detrimental to both the animals and the humans in the area.
The area faces chronic water shortages, which goes against the basic needs of such giant animals.
This also goes against the Delhi High Court order 2018, which mandated the rescue of all the captive elephants in Delhi.

What are the rules around the transfer and transport of elephants?

According to the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, elephants are a Schedule 1 species and, therefore, cannot be captured or traded, whether wild or captive.

Section 12 of the Act allows Schedule I animals to be translocated for ‘special purposes’ such as education and scientific research. Captive elephants, because of their historical role in forest management, timber transport, presence in estates of erstwhile royal families and in temple precincts for religious purposes, can be owned and, therefore, come under a special category.
Section 40 (2) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits the acquisition, possession and transfer of a captive elephant without the written permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.
In 2021, the Environment Ministry introduced an amendment that allowed the transfer of elephants for ‘religious or any other purposes’.
According to the latest rules, new relaxations are provided under which captive elephants can change owners or be transferred. These include, for instance, situations when an owner is no longer in a position to maintain the elephant or when a state’s Chief Wildlife Warden “deems it fit and proper” to transfer the elephant in circumstances which call for better upkeep of the elephant.