Context: The tiny South Pacific nation of Nauru announced it was switching diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China, a move that bolsters Beijing’s ambitions in the region. The Nauru government said it would no longer recognize Taiwan “as a separate country” but “rather as an inalienable part of China’s territory”.
About Nauru
Nauru is a 21 sq km oval-shaped island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, south of Equator.
Nauru (formerly known as Pleasant Island), is an island country and microstate in Micronesia, part of Oceania in the Central Pacific.
Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world, larger than only Vatican City and Monaco, making it the smallest republic and island nation.
Its population of about 10,800 is the world's third smallest (not including colonies or overseas territories) larger than only Vatican City and Tuvalu.
The plateau is largely composed of rock phosphate, leached from guano, or bird droppings.
Economy of Nauru
Phosphate has been mined in Nauru since 1907. For decades it was Nauru’s main resource and sole export, dominating the island’s economy, and its quality was the highest in the world.
Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism are of minor value to the overall economy.
The sale of commercial fishing licenses began to bring in a steady revenue during the 1990s.
As one consequence of its colonial history, Nauru is within the Australian monetary system, and Australian currency is the country’s legal tender.
Polity of Nauru
It got its independence in 1967. In 1999 Nauru became a full member of both the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Nauru is a republic with a parliamentary system of government.
Society of Nauru
Most of the island’s residents are indigenous Nauruans.
There are small numbers of I-Kiribati (Gilbertese), Australians, New Zealanders, Chinese, and Tuvaluans population.
A diode is an electronic component that has two points of contact, or terminals, called its anode and cathode.
It is typically made from a semiconductor material, such as silicon or germanium. A diode’s primary purpose is to allow current to flow in only one direction. It achieves this using a p-n junction.
Semiconductors:
Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor (like copper) and an insulator (like rubber). A diode consists of two regions of semiconductor material: the p-type region and the n-type region.
P-type Semiconductor: A p-type semiconductor is a type of semiconductor material that has an excess of positive charge carriers (holes) and is created by introducing certain impurities into the semiconductor crystal.
N-type Semiconductor: An n-type semiconductor is a type of semiconductor material that has an excess of negative charge carriers (electrons) and is also created by introducing specific impurities into the semiconductor crystal.
P-N Junction: When a p-type and n-type semiconductor are joined, they form a special jone/ interface called the p-n junction.
At the p-n junction (depletion region) when a forward voltage is appliedacross the diode (positive voltage at the p-type and negative voltage at the n-type), the depletion region becomes thinner, allowing current to flow easily through the diode.
On the application of a suitable voltage across the diode, more electrons flow from the n-side to the p-side, implying an electric current flowing from the p-side to the n-side, that is from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal. But if the voltage is reversed, current won’t flow in the opposite direction.
What is an LED?
An LED is a diode that emits light. Inside the diode’s p-n junction, the electrons have more energy than the holes. When an electron meets and occupies a hole, it releases energy into its surroundings.
If the frequency of this energy is in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the diode will be seen to emit light. The overall phenomenon is called electroluminescence.
In LEDs, the energy emitted when an electron and a hole recombine is the energy of the band gap.
The colour of the light emitted by the LED depends on the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material used.
By carefully choosing the materials that make up the p-layer and the n-layer, researchers can engineer the composite p-n junction to have a band gap that corresponds to visible light.
LEDs can produce all three primary colours — red, green, and blue — different LEDs can be combined on a display board to produce a large variety of colours.
Scientists were able to create red and green LEDs more than 40 years before they created blue LEDs.
In the late 1980s, three Japanese researchers produced a bright blue LED with gallium nitride. For this feat they received the physics Nobel Prize in 2014.
Advantages of LEDs:
Energy Efficiency: LEDs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light.
Per watt of power consumed, LEDs can produce up to 300 lumen (amount of visible light emitted per second) versus incandescent bulbs’ 16 lumen and fluorescent lamps’ 70 lumen.
Together with their greater durability and light contrast, LEDs’ lead to higher cost savings and less material waste.
Long Lifespan: LEDs have a much longer lifespan and durability compared to conventional bulbs. They can last up to 25 times longer, which means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs over time.
Instantaneous Lighting: LEDs light up instantly without any warm-up time. They reach their full brightness immediately, which is particularly useful in applications where quick and frequent switching is required.
Compact Size: LEDs are compact and can be made in very small sizes. This makes them versatile and allows for innovative lighting designs and applications where space is limited.
Applications:
Lighting: Residential lighting, Commercial lighting, Automotive Lighting, Dashboard and instrument panel lighting, Backlighting for LCD screens in smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Electronic Displays: LED TVs and monitors, Digital billboards and signage, Information displays (public transportation, airports).
Traffic Signals and Signs: Pedestrian crossing signals, Road signs and signal boards.
Indicator Lights: Power indicators on electronic devices, Status indicators on appliances and equipment.
Medical Applications: Surgical lights, Phototherapy for medical treatments.
Horticultural Lighting: Grow lights for indoor farming and plant cultivation, Greenhouse lighting.
UV-C Disinfection: UV-C LED lights for disinfection and sterilisation purposes, Water and air purification systems.
Context: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles announced initiation of work on Trade Connect ePlatform.
Trade Connect ePlatform
It is an intermediary platform providing the facility to connect Indian exporters and entrepreneurs with various stakeholders in international trade.
The ePlatform is expected to:
Provide facilitation for new and aspiring exporters.
Provide information on various regulations to access markets, sectors, export trends.
Provide access to sector specific events along with a facility to address trade related queries to officials in Government of India and associated entities to get expert advice.
Anyone can get all the information for export promotion activities, including contact details of all resource persons.
It provides a platform to the State governments and UTs for sharing State-oriented perspectives on exports.
It also acts as a platform for the Government of India for appraising State and UTs about international developments affecting India’s trade and the role States and UTs can play in promoting exports.
It remains an important mechanism for deliberations on trade related issues with Industry bodies, Associations, Export Promotion Councils, and State/UT governments.
Significance
To achieve the $2 trillion export target for year 2030.
To internationalize the goods and services to help in improving the quality of the products and increase the size of the economy.
The launch of the Trade Connect ePlatform is to increase the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and startups in exports, a move aimed at promoting exports with the involvement of small and medium traders.
Context: The Supreme Court of India, through an order, permitted the Union Government to unilaterally extend the tenure of the incumbent Chief Secretary despite the opposition from the Delhi government on allegations of conflict of interest.
Timeline of Current Issue with respect to Service of Chief Secretary in Delhi
Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India Case, 2017 (Service Judgement):
In this case, the Supreme Court unequivocally held that references to "state government" in the relevant All India Rules (AIR) or Joint Cadre Rules (JCR) related to Delhi would mean the Government of Delhi.
Following this ruling, the Delhi government's recommendation became necessary for extending the Chief Secretary's tenure under Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021:
This act amended Section 21 of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, by inserting subsection (3), specifying that the expression "Government" referred to in any law to be made by the Legislative Assembly shall mean the Lieutenant Governor.
Current Supreme Court Order:
The Supreme Court carved an exception for the Chief Secretary of Delhi, asserting that he is differently placed than other officers under the AIR or JCR and is not bound by the Services judgement.
Despite the earlier ruling emphasizing the Delhi government's role in extending the Chief Secretary's tenure, the Supreme Court's current order permits the Union Government to unilaterally extend the incumbent Delhi Chief Secretary's tenure.
This decision comes despite the opposition of the Delhi Government, citing serious allegations of conflict of interest against the Chief Secretary, which are currently under investigation.
Chief Secretary of a State
While the Constitution of India does not have an explicit provision related to the chief secretary of states under Article 166, it provides for the conduct of the business of the state government. Their appointment is an executive action done by the chief minister in the name of governor.
Depending on the state, the powers and functions of chief secretaries are defined in the rules of business.
The Chief Secretary is at the apex of the administrative hierarchy of a state.
Many of their functions have evolved through parliamentary custom and convention, and the rules are amended from time to time to accommodate new evolving roles.
Role of Chief Secretary
The Chief Secretary of a state acts as the ex-officio Secretary to the Council of Ministers and, in that capacity, he is known as the Secretary to the Cabinet and plays an important role in policy formulation.
Head of the Cabinet Secretariat Department: The Chief Secretary oversees the Cabinet Secretariat Department, functioning under the Chief Minister's political leadership.
Work Pertaining to Cabinet Meetings:
The Chief Secretary is responsible for preparing agenda papers for cabinet meetings.
As the ex-officio Secretary to the Council, they attend cabinet meetings and sub-committee meetings.
The Chief Secretary records decisions made in cabinet meetings and forwards copies to the Governor, Chief Minister, and council of ministers.
Participation in the Policy Formulation Process:
The Chief Secretary serves as the primary source of information and advice to the Chief Minister and other ministers.
Their presence in cabinet meetings is crucial to counterbalance ministers who may be influenced by public opinion or constituency pressure, ensuring decisions are made with long-term considerations.
Role in the Follow-up of Cabinet Decisions:
After cabinet decisions, the Chief Secretary oversees the implementation by the secretary of the concerned department.
The Chief Secretary has the authority to request documents related to any department's case.
Representation at the National Level Consultations:
The Chief Secretary represents the state in national-level consultations, contributing to discussions and decisions on broader issues.
Function and Responsibilities of Chief Secretary
1. He chairs an expert body, which decides matters of awarding honours and distinctions.
2. He deals with matters relating to inter-state disputes.
3. The Chief Secretary can initiate changes in Rules of Business but the final decision in this respect rests with the cabinet.
4. All matters of housing accommodation and government buildings and circuit houses fall under his jurisdiction.
The functioning and responsibilities of the Chief Secretary affect all the departments and, therefore, the role of the Chief Secretary as the head of the General Administration Department remains of substantial significance.
Context: Himalayan Wolf has been assessed for the first time in the IUCN's Red List as Vulnerable.
About Himalayan Wolf
Himalayan Wolf (scientific name: Canis lupus chanco) is a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas.
It is well adapted to cold environment and is found in alpine steppe and tundra habitats above 3,900 m on the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas.
Himalayan Wolf possesses genetic adaptations to cope with hypoxic conditions in their high-altitude habitats.
They are sympatric with snow leopards in large parts of their range. Both Wolves and Snow Leopards are apex predators in the high-altitude habitats with some degree of competition for prey resources.
Himalayan Wolf feeds on ungulates (Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali, blue sheep) and small mammals (Himalayan Marmot, Pika, Wolly hare) and livestock such as domestic yaks and goat.
The population size of Himalayan Wolf has been estimated to be 2,275-3,792 individuals by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India. Of this, India has 277-378 individuals in its part of Himalayas.
Found in Tibet, Nepal and Indian Himalayas.
Locations where it is found in India: Ladakh (Ut of Ladakh), Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Threats to Himalayan Wolf
Depredation conflict (Man-Animal Conflict)
Habitat modification and encroachment
Depletion of wild prey populations
Hybridisation with dogs
Illegal hunting for fur and body parts including paws, tongues, heads and other parts.
Distinction from Indian Wolf
Earlier the Himalayan Wold and Indian Wolf were considered to be the same species. However, in 2018 researchers confirmed that Himalayan or Woolly Wolf was a genetically unique clade/lineage/race of wolves.
Indian/Common/Peninsular Wolf is found in the plains and the Deccan Plateau.
Context:The World Economic Forum is holding its annual meeting from January 15 to 19 in Davos, Switzerland.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
Professor Klaus Schwab founded WEF in 1971, originally called the European Management Forum, as a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
It introduced the concept of ‘stakeholder capitalism’ i.e. a form of capitalism in which companies do not only optimize short-term profits for shareholders, but seek long term value creation, by taking into account the needs of all their stakeholders, and society at large.
In 2015, the Forum was formally recognised as an international organization.
The Forum is chaired by Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab.
The Managing Board, chaired by the Forum's President, Børge Brende, acts as the executive body of the World Economic Forum.
The Great Reset Initiative is an economic recovery plan drawn up by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Global Redesign Initiative(2010) of WEF was a global, multistakeholder dialogue on the future of international cooperation. Set up in the midst of the global financial crisis, its purpose was to stimulate thinking and debate about how the international community and its institutions and organizations in their widest sense can be adapted to contemporary challenges.
Context: According to Niti Aayog, India’s multidimensional poverty rate has reduced to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14.
Findings of NITI Aayog:
It estimated that around 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan recorded the sharpest decline in the number of people classified as poor.
Indicators in the standard of living dimension showed highest levels of deprivation in 2005-06. For instance, 74.4 per cent of the population was deprived of cooking fuel in 2005-06, which fell to 43.9 per cent between 2019-21.
Similarly, 70.92 per cent of the population was deprived of adequate sanitation facilities in 2005-06, which reduced to 30.93 per cent between 2019-21.
Bihar recorded a 53 per cent drop from 56.3 per cent share of MPI poor in 2013-14 to 26.59 per cent in 2022-23.
About Multidimensional Poverty:
Multidimensional poverty encompasses the many deprivations that people can experience across different areas of their lives. This could include a lack of education or employment, inadequate housing, poor health and nutrition, low personal security, or social isolation.
Applying a narrow definition of poverty and focusing on one dimension alone, such as income, fails to capture the true reality of people’s circumstances. In contrast, multidimensional poverty measurement offers a more holistic approach which better reflects peoples lived experiences.
About Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
Global MPI: Developed by Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), in its flagship Human Development Report since 2010 and is the most widely used non-monetary poverty index in the world. It captures overlapping deprivations in health, education and living standards.
These dimensions are broken into ten indicators, including child mortality, nutrition, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, and assets.
National MPI: Niti Aayog released its Multidimension Poverty Index in 2021 for the first time.
India’s national MPI is a contribution towards measuring progress on target 1.2 of the SDGs which aims at reducing “at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions.
Government initiative to reduce poverty in all dimensions:
Poshan Abhiyan: To reduce malnutrition and stunting in children, adolescent girls, and women. It focuses on promoting a healthy diet, proper nutrition, and addressing related health issues.
Anemia Mukt Bharat: This initiative is part of the larger Poshan Abhiyan and focuses specifically on preventing and reducing the prevalence of anemia among women, children, and adolescents.
Targeted Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act: Covers 81.35 crore beneficiaries, providing food grains to rural and urban populations.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Provide additional free food grains to the poor and vulnerable sections of society to alleviate the hardships faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ujjwala Yojana : To provide free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households.
Saubhagya: Providing electricity to rural and urban areas, aiming to enhance the quality of life and economic development.
Swachh Bharat Mission: To achieve universal sanitation coverage and make India open-defecation free.
Jal Jeevan Mission: To provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: To provide access to banking services for all households.
PM Awas Yojana: To facilitate access to affordable housing for the low and moderate-income residents of the country.
Significance of multidimensional poverty:
It is qualitative measure of poverty and it used non-monetary metrics to measure poverty in the world by measuring overlapping deprivations in access to health, education and living standards.
Monetary measures of poverty based on poverty lines only give headcount ratios i.e., number of people who are poor. However, these measures fail to measure depth of poverty. It is possible that while the overall number of poor individuals reduce, while at the same time the poorest get poorer. Also, gains in quality of life may be completely missed unless the poor cross the poverty line or exit poverty.
Thus, MPI provides insights not just into the distribution of poverty within a country but also indicates contribution of each indicator to multidimensional poverty.
Using MPI, it has been possible to device schemes which target specific deprivations.
Helps to create a comprehensive understanding of poverty by identifying who is poor and the manner in which they experience poverty.
Limitations with MPI:
It does not capture intra-household inequality or inequality among the poor.
The multitude of indicators can be overwhelming and may result in ineffective implementation.
Determining the relevance of dimensions and deciding how many should be considered or prioritized is also challenging.
Poverty is a complex issue with numerous factors, making it challenging to address all aspects.
Collecting data for multidimensional indicators can be extremely challenging and demanding, requiring additional efforts from the agency to achieve meaningful results.
MPI data released by NITI Aayog based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which raises the issues of reliability of poverty assessments and subsequent policy decisions. (no independent assessment by NITI Aayog).
Way forward:
Integrating the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) with government policy measures can indeed enhance the effectiveness and precision of schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Simplify the set of indicators to avoid overwhelming complexity. Prioritize the most relevant and impactful dimensions, taking into account the local context and priorities. This will help focus efforts on the most critical aspects of poverty.
Involve local communities in the data collection process to enhance accuracy and inclusivity.
Baseline survey should be conducted with the involvement of local communities to enhance accuracy and inclusivity.
Context: RBI prepared a draft framework for fintech sector Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) to balance innovation and regulations, ensuring consumer protection. In this context, let us analyse the existing framework for regulation of fintech activities in India.
In the backdrop of increasing digital lending activity in India due to the mushrooming growth of fintech companies, RBI has released guidelines on regulating digital lending by the banks. These guidelines are applicable to all commercial banks, Urban cooperative banks and NBFCs.
As per the guidelines:
Lending Service Provider (LSP) is an agent of a bank who carries out functions like customer acquisition, underwriting support, pricing support, servicing, monitoring, recovery of specific loan on behalf of the banks.
Digital Lending Apps/Platforms (DLAs) is any Mobile or web-based applications that facilitate digital lending services.
Customer Protection:
Loan disbursement and repayments should be undertaken directly between the bank and the borrower without any pass through account of any third party like LSP.
The guidelines did not prohibit banks passing on the recovery responsibilities to an LSP. However, it mandated them to conduct due diligence while entering into partnerships with the LSPs and impart necessary guidance to LSPs acting as recovery agents to discharge their duties responsibly.
Data Protection: Banks shall ensure that LSPs/DLAs engaged by them do not store personal information of borrowers except some basic minimal data (viz., name, address, contact details of the customer, etc.) that may be required to carry out their operations. Banks shall also ensure that all data is stored only in servers located within India.
It is mandatory for the banks to report all the loans advanced through Digital lending platforms to credit information companies.
First Loss Default Guarantee (“FLDG”): It is an arrangement between a fintech and banks, wherein the bank issues the loan to the borrower, and the fintech promises to compensate the bank to a certain extent if the borrower defaults in repayment. FLDG is provided at a certain pre-decided rate. However, The guidelines have capped the amount of FLDG to 5% of the outstanding loan amount.
Context: Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment has merged 03 Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely: (a) Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) (b) Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) & (c) Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) into Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana.
Aim of PM-AJAY Scheme
PM-AJAY scheme has been implemented since 2021-22 with an aim to:
Aim to reduce poverty among the SC communities.
Emphasizes on generation of additional employment opportunities through Skill development,
Income generating schemes to improve socio-economic developmental indicators
Ensuring adequate infrastructure and services in the SC dominated villages.
Components of Scheme:
Development of SC dominated villages into an “AdarshGram”.
‘Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs for:
Creation of infrastructure in SC dominated villages including those elected under Adarsh Gram component.
Construction of Hostels/Residential schools, Comprehensive Livelihood Projects including components like Skill development, related infrastructure development, financial assistance towards loans taken by beneficiaries for asset creation needed for livelihood generation etc.
Which are top-ranked as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and are funded by the Centre/State/UT Governments either fully or partially.
Construction of hostels in schools which are either fully or partially funded by the Centre/State/UT Governments and recommended by the Ministry of Education
Details about the Components:
Development of SC dominated villages in to an “AdarshGram” (previously Pradhan Mantri AdarshGram Yojana): Objective of Adarsh Gram Component is to ensure integrated development of SC majority villages so that there is:
Adequate infrastructure
All requisite infrastructures necessary for socio-economic development needs are to be provided under the Scheme.
Improvement in Socio-Economic Indicators.
The identified socio-economic indicators, called as Monitorable indicators, are to be improved so that the disparity between SC and non-SC population is eliminated and the level of indicators is raised to at least that of the National average. Specifically:
all BPL SC families should have food and livelihood security.
all SC children should complete education at least up to the secondary level.
all factors leading to maternal and infant mortality are addressed.
incidence of malnutrition, especially among children and women, is eliminated.
Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects component (previously scheme of Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan): It aims at socio-economic development of SCs through grants for following types of projects:
Comprehensive Livelihood Projects: To create an eco-system for producing sustainable income, or social advancement to the Scheduled Castes only shall be taken up. The projects should preferably be a combination of two or more of following:
Skill Development: Skilling courses as per norms of MSDE. Related facilities and infrastructure for conducting Skill Development Activities conducted by the Government. Skill Development Institutions can also be funded.
Grants for creation/acquisition of assets for beneficiaries/households: Standalone individual asset distribution under the scheme. However, if project has provision for acquisition/creation of assets for beneficiaries/households needed for livelihood generation, financial assistance towards loans taken by the beneficiary for such acquisition/creation assets, would be up to Rs.50,000 or 50% of the asset cost, whichever is less, per beneficiary/household.
Infrastructure development: Development of infrastructure related to the project and Hostels and residential schools. Other infrastructure- Various other infrastructure development projects in SC majority villages.
Special Provisions:
Upto15%of the total Grants exclusively on viable income generating economic development schemes/programme for SC Women.
Up to 30% of the total Grants utilized for infrastructure development, at least 10% of the total funds for skill development.
Promote SC Women Cooperatives engaged in production and marketing of consumer goods and services.
Objectives: Scheme for construction of hostels to enable and encourage Scheduled Caste students to attain quality education and reduce their dropout rate
Central assistance for construction:
Northeastern Region:
Rs. 3.50 lakh per inmate
Northern Himalayan Regions:
Rs 3.25 lakh per inmate
Gangetic Plains & Lower Himalayan Region:
Rs3.00 lakh per inmate
Additionally, one time Grant of Rs. 5000/- per student for making provisions of cot, table etc.
Repair and maintenance cost uptoRs.5.00lakh for a hostel of 50 inmates constructed under the scheme, once in 5 years.
Recent changes (Since2021-22): 100% Central assistance for hostels for boys’ hostels, earlier it was on cost sharing basis with State Implementing agencies.
Achievements during the current Financial Year2023-24
A total of 1834 villages have been Declared as Adarsh Gram during the current FY2023-24 under Adarsh Gram Component.
15 new hostels have been sanctioned under Hostel component of the scheme.
Perspective plan for 17 States have been approved under Grant-in-aid component during the current financial year.
Context: Central Government is set to roll-out human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for girls in the age group of 9-14 years. The roll-out of HPV vaccination is expected to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women in India. India accounts for one-fifth of the global burden of cervical cancer, recording 1.25 lakh cases and 75,000 deaths each year.
HPV Vaccination Campaign:
The government plans to launch an HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 9-14 years to reduce cervical cancer rates.
This campaign will be carried out in three phases over three years.
The immunisation will be carried out through schools and existing immunization points.
The two-dose HPV vaccine, which will be free under the government's immunization program, protects against various cancers and genital warts caused by HPV.
This safe and effective vaccine can help prevent six HPV cancers. Five of these occur in women: vulvar, anal, vaginal, throat, and cervical. And other is penile cancer.
The campaign aims to immunize one-third of girls in the target age group each year, with an initial phase requiring 6.5-7 crore vaccine doses.
Currently, the two-dose HPV vaccine is commercially available for about Rs 2,000 per dose. However, once included in the immunization program it will be made available for free.
Production Capacity Increase for HPV Vaccine:
The Serum Institute of India (SII) is increasing its production capacity for Cervavac, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four HPV strains.
The current capacity of 2-3 million doses per year is expected to increase to 60-70 million doses
Cervavac is a quadrivalent vaccine developed to protect against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Quadrivalent Vaccine: "Quadrivalent" means that the vaccine targets four different types of HPV. Specifically, Cervavac is designed to protect against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
Targeted HPV Types: HPV Types 16 and 18 are high-risk types that are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, as well as other types of cancers like anal and oropharyngeal cancers.HPV Types 6 and 11 are low-risk types that commonly cause genital warts but are not typically associated with cancer.
Use and Effectiveness: Cervavac is primarily used to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases. The vaccine is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active, as it protects against HPV types that they have not yet been exposed to.
Administration: The vaccine is typically administered in a two-dose schedule for young adolescents, with the doses spaced several months apart. For older recipients or those with certain health conditions, a three-dose schedule might be recommended.
Development and Availability: Cervavac is developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers. It represents a significant advancement in the global effort to combat cervical cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of HPV-related diseases is highest and access to vaccines can be limited.
Importance in Public Health: By providing protection against key HPV types, Cervavac plays a critical role in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and other HPV-related conditions. It is an important tool in public health strategies aimed at reducing the global burden of these diseases.
Single-Dose HPV Vaccine Trials:
National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) has advised Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to trial single-dose HPV vaccine efficacy in ages 9-15.
While there is no global recommendation for a single-dose schedule, the WHO suggests it can be followed for public health programs. The ICMR is considering an antibody persistence study post-one dose instead of a Phase-3 trial.
Combination of Screening and Vaccination:
Scientists and health experts emphasize the importance of combining efficient screening programs with HPV vaccination to effectively tackle cervical cancer.
About Cervical cancer
It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Types of Cervical Cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma: This type begins in the thin, flat cells lining the outer part of the cervix and accounts for the majority of cervical cancers.
Adenocarcinoma: This type starts in the glandular cells that line the cervical canal.
Causes of Cervical Cancer:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: The primary risk factor for cervical cancer is a persistent infection with certain types of HPV/wart virus, a sexually transmitted virus.
Other factors can increase the risk, such as smoking, having a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and having multiple sexual partners.
Who is Impacted Most: Cervical cancer most frequently affects women over 30 years of age. It's less common in developed countries due to widespread screening with Pap tests which can detect precancerous changes in the cervix.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Early stages often have no symptoms.
Advanced stages may include irregular bleeding and discharge, pelvic pain, and bleeding after menopause.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer:
Surgery: To remove early-stage cancers or precancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy: Often used along with chemotherapy for more advanced stages.
Chemotherapy: Used to treat advanced cervical cancer, often in combination with radiation.
Current Status of Cervical Cancer in India
Incidence and Mortality: Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in India, after breast cancer with age-specific incidence and mortality rates of 22 and 12.4 per 100,000 women per year, respectively.
Globally: As of now, it is fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 3,00,000 women every year, or one life every two minutes.
9 out of 10 women dying of cervical cancer live in lower- and middle-income countries.
India: India accounts for 25% of all global deaths due to cervical cancer.
Survival Rates: The overall 5-year relative survival rate for cervical cancer in India is 46%. This rate varies significantly with the stage of cancer at diagnosis, dropping to 7.4% for advanced stage disease compared to 73.2% for localized cancer.
Challenges
Limited access to screening and treatment.
Lack of health care infrastructure.
Social and cultural barriers impact awareness and early detection.
Healthcare Disparities: Geographic disparities exist in healthcare access and quality. E.g. rural urban divide Current Global Statistics of Cervical Cancer
Incidence and Mortality: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020.
Geographical Variation: The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are found in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and South-East Asia.
Risk Factors: Persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those without HIV.
Strategies and Initiatives by WHO to tackle Cervical Cancer
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set goals, establishing targets of 90-70-90, to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer with a set of three targets to be met by 2030:
HPV Vaccination:
Vaccination against HPV, particularly targeting 90% girls aged 9–14 years before they become sexually active, is a key preventive measure. As of 2023, six HPV vaccines are available globally, protecting against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers.
Cervical Screening and Treatment of Precancers:
Regular cervical cancer screening is recommended for 70% of women, every 5–10 years starting at age 30, and every 3 years for women living with HIV starting at age 25. The use of high-performance HPV tests for screening is encouraged.
Self-collection of samples for HPV testing is an option that has been shown to be as reliable as samples collected by healthcare providers.
Awareness and Access to Information and Services:
90% of women detected with cervical pre-cancer and cancer lesions must receive treatment and care.
Boosting public awareness and access to information and services are crucial for prevention and control of cervical cancer.
Other prevention steps include being a non-smoker, using contraceptives.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) It is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through direct sexual contact. Among these, several are known to cause cervical cancer.
Types of HPV:
Low-risk HPVs: These types generally do not cause cancer but can cause skin warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat.
High-risk HPVs: These types can lead to cancer. Two high-risk HPVs, types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.
Transmission: HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often through sexual transmission. It's possible to contract HPV even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
Symptoms: Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms or health problems from it. In some individuals, the virus can cause genital warts, which may appear weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner.
Health Risks: In women, high-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer. These viruses can also lead to other genital cancers and throat cancer.
Prevention:HPV Vaccination: The best way to prevent HPV is through vaccination, which is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) and for unvaccinated adults up to age 26.
Safe Sex Practices: Using contraceptive and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV.
Screening: Regular cervical cancer screening (Pap smear and HPV test) is recommended for women to detect precancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV.
Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified revised rules under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945
Reasons for revised rules
The country felt intense global scrutiny after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert about cough syrups being contaminated with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol which is fatal to humans.
Cases of alleged contamination have also been reported from cough syrups made in India.
Observations from ongoing risk-based inspections further emphasise the need for a relook at current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations and quality management systems being followed by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
To bring our GMP recommendations on a par with global standards WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practices.
The amended Schedule M will help in greater acceptance and trust in exports of India’s pharmaceutical products across the globe.
Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 provides Good Manufacturing Practices for pharmaceutical products.
Under the amendment, the words ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ has been replaced by ‘Good Manufacturing Practices and Requirements of Premises, Plant & Equipment for Pharmaceutical Products’.
These amendments to the Schedule M of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 will bring ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ being followed in India at par with the global standards, especially the ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ laid down by the World Health Organisation.
Revised rules
The latest revision includes five new categories of drugs —
pharmaceutical products containing hazardous substances such as sex hormones, steroids (anabolic and androgenic),
Cytotoxic substances.
Biological products and
Radiopharmaceuticals.
It also has additional sections including —
Introduction of a pharmaceutical quality system (PQS),
Quality risk management (QRM),
Product quality review (PQR),
Qualification and validation of equipment.
computerised storage system for all drug products.
According to the new notification, the manufacturer must assume:
Responsibility for the quality of pharmaceutical products
To ensure that they are fit for use,
Comply with the requirements of the license,
Do not place patients at risk due to inadequate safety, quality, or efficacy.
The revised rules are set to be implemented on the basis of company turnovers.
Medium and small manufacturers with an annual turnover of less than Rs 250 crore have to implement the revised rules within 12 months from the date of publication,
Large manufacturers with an annual turnover of over Rs 250 crore will be given six months.
Significance
The revision aims to ensure that the pharma sector recommits to the manufacture of safe, effective, and high-quality drugs in compliance with international quality standards, thus benefiting both patients and industry.
This is a response to the backlash India has been receiving over reports of sub-standard medicine being exported from India.
WHO Good Manufacturing Practices
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are also referred to as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is the aspect of quality assurance that ensures that medicinal products are consistently produced and controlled to the quality standards appropriate to their intended use and as required by product specifications.
WHO Good Manufacturing Practices is an integral basis of the WHO Certification Scheme of pharmaceutical products moving in international commerce and prequalification of vaccines for procurement by UN agencies.
Context: The first meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) was convened under the leadership of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on 8th January 2024 on board the MV Ganga Queen in Kolkata. During the meeting, HARIT NAUKA GUIDELINES and RIVER CRUISE TOURISM ROADMAP - 2047 were released.
The meeting will focus on airway development, private sector engagement and best practices, optimizing cargo transport efficiency in Inland Water Transport (IWT), fostering the promotion and development of eco-friendly vessels for passenger transportation, exploring the economic advantages of river cruise tourism, and emphasizing sustainable practices etc.
Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC)
The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) was established in 2013 under the guidance of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the chairman of the IWDC. Ministers of States/UTs and representatives of other union ministers are also members of this body.
IWDC aims to accelerate the holistic development of Inland Water Transport in India. This will lead to enhanced cargo, passenger movement and river cruise tourism.
Functions of Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC)
Development and Maintenance of Inland Water Transport Infrastructure:
It focuses on enhancing the infrastructure for India's inland water transport (IWT), which includes a network of rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks.
The IWAI, with its head office in Noida, undertakes projects for the development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways, supported by grants from the Ministry of Shipping.
Investment in River Cruise Tourism:
The Council has committed a significant investment for the development of river cruise tourism in India.
This includes earmarking funds for cruise vessels and cruise terminal infrastructure, aiming to substantially increase the number of river cruise circuits and terminals by 2047.
Enhancing Cargo Trade:
The IWDC is working to increase the volume of cargo trade through inland waterways, with plans to boost the capacity and infrastructure to handle a much larger volume of cargo by 2047
Promotion of Eco-Friendly Transportation:
The Council is focused on promoting the use of electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and other eco-friendly propulsion fuels for ships.
This is part of its broader initiative to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly development of inland waterways.
Vision for Inland Waterways Sector
Increase the modal share of the inland waterways sector from the current 2% to 5% by 2030.
Substantially increase the existing IWT cargo volume from 120 MTPA to over 500 MTPA by 2047.
"Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels" and the
"Harit Nauka" guidelines aim to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices in the operation of inland vessels. These guidelines are part of a broader effort to increase the modal share of Inland Water Transportation (IWT) from the current 2% to 5% by 2030, in alignment with the Maritime India Vision 2030. Key initiatives include:
Use of electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and derivative propulsion fuels for ships.
Deployment of electric catamaran vessels for pilgrimage tourism.
Focus on transforming logistics and passenger movement through IWT.
River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047
The "River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047" sets out an ambitious vision for the development of river cruise tourism in India. Key points include:
A ₹45,000 crore investment to develop river cruise tourism, which is part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The investment breakdown includes ₹35,000 crore for cruise vessels and ₹10,000 crore for cruise terminal infrastructure.
Plans to expand river cruise tourism from 8 to 26 waterways and increase cruise circuits with night stays from 17 to 80.
The number of river cruise terminals is expected to rise from 15 to 185, significantly boosting cruise tourism traffic by 2047.
The roadmap outlines over 30 potential cruise routes and includes an action plan for river cruise development.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Role
The IWAI, established in 1986, is responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. IWAI's network spans 14,500 km of navigable waterways. The authority's role includes building infrastructure, surveying economic feasibility, and administering projects to enhance cargo efficiency and passenger movement.
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)
The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is a significant infrastructure project in India aimed at developing National Waterway-1 (NW-1) for enhanced navigation and transportation.
key details:
Background and Implementation: Initiated in 2014, the JMVP is being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Shipping, with financial support from the World Bank. The project seeks to augment the capacity of navigation on National Waterway-1, which spans from Haldia in West Bengal to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, covering a distance of 1,380 kilometers.
Objectives:
Develop a fairway with a depth of 3 meters between Varanasi and Haldia, enabling commercial navigation of vessels with a minimum weight of 1500 tonnes.
Provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation, reducing logistics costs in the country.
Build infrastructures such as multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, Ro-Ro facilities, ferry services, and navigation aids.
Create significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, through various development activities associated with the project.
Components:
Key components of the JMVP include the development of fairways, construction of multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, and new navigation locks, among others.
The project also focuses on building essential infrastructure to support the operationalization and sustainability of the waterway.
Financial Aspects: The estimated cost of the project is around Rs. 5,369 crore (approximately 800 million US Dollars). The project has witnessed prudent financial management, leading to substantial savings from the initially estimated costs.
Strategic Importance:
National Waterway-1 is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity, not just within India but also with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Nepal, via the Kolkata Port and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
The project is aligned with India's broader objectives of promoting economic integration and sustainable development through efficient use of inland waterways.
