Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's expenditure on research and development and necessity and potential of National Research Foundation (NRF)
Central Idea
- The government’s recent approval of the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been widely hailed by the scientific community in India. The establishment of the NRF presents a significant opportunity to tackle long-standing deficiencies within the country’s scientific research sector.
*Relevance of the topic
*Despite possessing a vast pool of science and engineering graduates, extensive research institutions, and active involvement in cutting-edge scientific research, India has lagged behind several nations in research indicators.
*While the spending on research has increased over the years, it has not kept pace with the rapid growth of India’s GDP.
*It is crucial for India to harness the potential of demographic dividend
Insufficient expenditure on research and development
- Inadequate Allocation: The Indian government has failed to meet its stated objective of allocating at least two percent of the national GDP for research and development (R&D) activities. Despite this objective being set for over two decades, the current expenditure on research as a proportion of GDP stands at only around 0.65 percent, a decline from 0.8 percent at the beginning of the millennium.
- Stagnant Growth: The share of research expenditure as a percentage of GDP has remained stagnant for the past decade, indicating a lack of significant progress in increasing investment in R&D.
- Falling Behind Global Standards: In comparison to other countries, India’s expenditure on R&D falls short. According to the 2021 UNESCO Science Report, at least 37 countries spent more than one percent of their GDP on R&D in 2018, with 15 of them surpassing the two percent mark. Globally, the average percentage of GDP spent on R&D is 1.79 percent, indicating that India lags behind in research investment.
- Insufficient Funding per Researcher: The amount allocated per researcher in India is significantly lower compared to other nations. In 2020, India spent only $42 (in purchasing power parity terms) per researcher. In contrast, countries like Israel, South Korea, and the United States invested substantially higher amounts per researcher, highlighting the need for increased financial support to facilitate quality research.
- Disproportionate Growth: While funding for research in India has increased over the years, it has not kept pace with the country’s economic growth. As a result, the share of research expenditure as a proportion of GDP has declined, indicating a mismatch between the growth of the research sector and overall economic development.
Significance of sufficient allocation for research and development (R&D) activities in India
- Promoting Innovation and Technological Advancement: Adequate funding for R&D fosters innovation and technological advancement in various sectors. It allows scientists, researchers, and institutions to conduct groundbreaking research, develop new technologies, and create intellectual property.
- Addressing Societal Challenges: Sustained investment in R&D enables the exploration of solutions to pressing societal challenges. It supports research in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, climate change, and infrastructure development.
- Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Adequate funding for R&D is crucial for India to remain globally competitive. It allows the country to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and innovation. By investing in R&D, India can nurture a skilled workforce, attract talent, foster collaborations with international partners, and build a strong knowledge-based economy.
- Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation: R&D stimulates demand for goods and services, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to overall economic development. Robust R&D investment promotes entrepreneurship, encourages startups, and facilitates the commercialization of research outcomes, leading to job creation and economic prosperity.
- Strengthening Academic Institutions: Sufficient allocation for R&D enables universities and research institutions to enhance their research infrastructure, attract top talent, and engage in cutting-edge research. This strengthens the academic ecosystem, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and facilitates knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
- Leveraging Global Collaboration: Adequate investment in R&D enables India to actively participate in global collaborations and leverage international expertise. It encourages knowledge sharing, joint research projects, and scientific collaborations with renowned institutions worldwide.
India’s research output and collaboration
- Doctorates and Research Output: India produces a significant number of science and engineering doctorates. In the year 2020-21, India produced 25,550 doctorates, with 14,983 in science and engineering disciplines. In terms of absolute numbers, India ranks among the top countries globally. However, considering India’s large population, the number of researchers per million is relatively low compared to other developing nations.
- Publications: Indian researchers have shown improvement in publishing articles in international science and engineering journals. In 2020, they published 149,213 articles, which is almost two and a half times more than a decade earlier. However, Indian publications only constituted 5 percent of all articles published globally. China contributed 23 percent, while the United States accounted for 15.5 percent.
- Patents: In 2021, India filed a total of 61,573 patents, making it the sixth-largest in the world in terms of patent filings. However, this number is significantly lower compared to countries like China and the United States, which filed millions of patents in the same year.
Necessity of National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Addressing Funding Issues: The NRF has the potential to address the issue of insufficient funding for research and development (R&D) activities in India. By providing a centralized funding mechanism, the NRF can streamline and optimize the allocation of resources, ensuring that sufficient funds are directed towards scientific research.
- Coupling Education and Research: One of the key areas where India faces an anomaly is the disconnect between education and research. The NRF places emphasis on rectifying this by coupling education and research.
- Strengthening Research in Universities: The NRF aims to enhance research capabilities in universities. Currently, only a small percentage of Indian universities engage in active research. The NRF’s focus on rectifying this anomaly can lead to the establishment of robust research ecosystems within universities, making them centres for research and development activities.
- Promoting Collaboration and Innovation: By providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaborations, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and encouraging industry-academia partnerships, the NRF can foster innovation, accelerate the translation of research outcomes into practical applications, and promote entrepreneurship.
- Addressing Gender Disparity: The NRF can also contribute to addressing the gender disparity in the scientific research sector. By prioritizing gender diversity and inclusivity in research funding and initiatives, the NRF can work towards increasing the representation of women in scientific research, fostering an environment that is more equitable and diverse.
Conclusion
- The establishment of the National Research Foundation holds tremendous promise for rectifying deficiencies in India’s scientific research sector. It is imperative for the government, scientific community, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the NRF in transforming India’s research landscape
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key economic concepts
Mains level: Fiscal imbalance and its impact on an economy
Central Idea
- In India, the States play a crucial role in revenue mobilization, government expenditure, and borrowing. Understanding their fiscal situation is essential for drawing evidence-based conclusions about the country’s overall fiscal health.
Relevance of the topic
Despite the decrease in fiscal deficits, it remains important to address the challenges associated with fiscal imbalances, including persistence of revenue deficits in many States
Revise key concepts Fiscal deficit, revenue deficit, Debt-to-GDP ratio etc
Fiscal imbalance and its impact on an economy and thereby social welfare.
The fiscal imbalance at present
- Reduction in Fiscal Deficit:
- There has been a significant reduction in fiscal deficits at both the Union and State levels. The Union’s fiscal deficit decreased from 9.1% of GDP in 2020-21 to 5.9% in 2023-24 (BE).
- The aggregate State fiscal deficit also decreased from 4.1% of GDP in 2020-21 to 3.24% in 2022-23 (RE).
- Major States are expected to achieve a fiscal deficit of 2.9% of GDP in 2023-24 (BE).
- Revenue Deficit Challenge:
- Despite the reduction in fiscal deficits, there is persistence of revenue deficits in many States.
- Out of the 17 major States analyzed, 13 have a deficit in the revenue account for the fiscal year 2023-24 (BE).
- Seven States, namely Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, experience fiscal deficits primarily driven by revenue deficits.
- High Debt-to-GSDP Ratios: Some of the States with revenue deficits also have high debt-to-GSDP ratios. This indicates that these States have accumulated significant levels of debt relative to their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
The Impact of fiscal imbalance on an Economy
- Macroeconomic Instability: Fiscal imbalances, such as high fiscal deficits and revenue deficits, can lead to macroeconomic instability. Large deficits may increase government borrowing, which can put upward pressure on interest rates, crowd out private investment, and potentially lead to inflationary pressures. This instability can hinder economic growth and create uncertainty in the business environment.
- Increased Debt Burden: Persistent fiscal imbalances often result in increased government debt levels. High levels of public debt can have adverse consequences, including increased debt servicing costs, reduced fiscal flexibility, and potential credit rating downgrades. A higher debt burden can also limit the government’s ability to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
- Reduced Public Investments: Fiscal imbalances may necessitate fiscal consolidation measures, such as expenditure cuts and reduced public investments. This can impact critical areas of public spending, including infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and public services. Reduced investments can hinder long-term economic growth and development.
- Limited Policy Space: Fiscal imbalances can limit the government’s ability to implement countercyclical fiscal policies during economic downturns. A high debt burden or constrained fiscal capacity may prevent the government from effectively using fiscal stimulus measures to boost aggregate demand and support economic recovery.
- Pressure on Social Welfare: Fiscal imbalances may lead to reductions in social welfare programs and public services. Austerity measures implemented to address fiscal imbalances can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and hinder efforts to address income inequality and social welfare needs.
- Investor Confidence and Credit Ratings: Persistent fiscal imbalances can erode investor confidence and negatively impact the country’s credit ratings. A lower credit rating can increase borrowing costs, discourage foreign investment, and limit access to international capital markets.
- Inter-Generational Equity: Fiscal imbalances, particularly when driven by high levels of public debt, can have inter-generational equity implications. The burden of repaying debt and managing fiscal imbalances may fall on future generations, impacting their ability to invest, save, and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Reducing Revenue deficit: Way forward
- Link Interest-Free Loans to Revenue Deficit Reduction: Implement a mechanism where interest-free loans provided by the Union Government to States are linked to a reduction in revenue deficits. This incentivizes States to prioritize revenue generation and reduce reliance on borrowed funds for revenue expenditure.
- Defined Time Path for Revenue Deficit Reduction: Establish a clear timeline and targets for reducing revenue deficits in States. This includes setting specific goals for revenue deficit reduction and developing a credible fiscal adjustment plan to achieve those targets.
- Performance Incentive Grants: Introduce performance incentive grants to reward States that effectively reduce their revenue deficits. The grants can be designed based on the recommendations of previous Finance Commissions, considering factors such as the extent of deficit reduction, fiscal discipline, and efficient revenue management.
- Fiscal Adjustment and Expenditure Rationalization: Encourage States to undertake fiscal adjustment measures to align revenue and expenditure. This involves conducting a detailed analysis of expenditure patterns, prioritizing essential spending, and identifying areas for rationalization and efficiency gains.
- Strengthen Revenue Mobilization: Enhance efforts to improve revenue mobilization by implementing measures such as broadening the tax base, improving tax administration and compliance, and exploring new revenue sources. This includes ensuring effective collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and non-GST revenues.
- Public Financial Management Reforms: Strengthen public financial management systems to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient utilization of resources. This includes improving budgeting processes, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting mechanisms to monitor and control revenue and expenditure.
- Long-Term Revenue Planning: Develop a comprehensive long-term revenue plan that aligns with the country’s development goals. This involves forecasting revenue trends, identifying potential revenue sources, and implementing policies that support sustainable revenue generation over the long term.
- Capacity Building: Invest in building the capacity of State governments in revenue management, tax administration, and expenditure control. This includes providing training and technical assistance to enhance their skills and capabilities in managing revenue deficits effectively.
- Public Awareness and Participation: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of revenue generation, fiscal discipline, and the impact of revenue deficits on public services. Foster public participation in budgeting processes to promote transparency and accountability.
- Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism to track the progress of revenue deficit reduction efforts. Regularly assess and report the performance of States in revenue mobilization and deficit reduction to ensure accountability and facilitate necessary corrective actions.
Prelims mark enhancer
Conclusion
- Effectively managing revenue deficits is crucial for achieving fiscal balance and sustainable economic growth. By adopting a macro view and implementing appropriate measures and incentives, India can consolidate revenue deficits in its States. This would ensure fiscal stability, stimulate State-specific growth, and maintain macroeconomic stability at the national level
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SCO
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the virtual summit of the grouping.
- Iran’s membership has been discussed for years, and recent geopolitical shifts have made it more relevant.
About SCO
- The SCO, formed in 2001, aims to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.
Expansion of the SCO
- Previous membership: The SCO consisted of eight member countries, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Observer and Dialogue Partner status: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia have Observer status, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka hold Dialogue Partner status.
Importance of Iran’s Membership
- Nuclear deal context: After signing the nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2015, Iran’s path to SCO membership was facilitated.
- Changing geopolitical landscape: The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has created opportunities for increased Chinese influence in the region.
- Expanding alliances: Iran has sought to establish closer ties beyond its traditional ally Russia, including reaching out to Saudi Arabia and opening a border market with Pakistan.
Geopolitical Implications
- China’s interests: Iran’s energy resources and cooperation in areas like oil are beneficial to China as it seeks to counter the US.
- Russia’s alliances: Russia aims to strengthen its position by building alliances within the SCO, including potential full membership for Belarus.
- US-India relations: India’s growing partnership with the US and their shared democratic values contrast with Chinese authoritarianism, creating a delicate balancing act for India.
India’s Balancing Act
- Maintaining partnerships: India has strengthened ties with the US through significant technology and defence agreements, emphasizing shared democratic values.
- Historical ties with Iran: India has had traditional commercial ties with Iran, primarily in the import of crude oil.
- Challenges in balancing: India’s shifting alliances with the US and historical ties with Iran pose challenges as the dynamics of the SCO evolve.
Conclusion
- Iran’s membership in the SCO signifies the changing geopolitical landscape and the increasing influence of China and Russia in the region.
- India faces the challenge of balancing its partnerships with the US and historical ties with Iran while navigating the evolving dynamics within the SCO.
Also read
PM Modi to host SCO 2023 Summit
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Leptospirosis
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world today.
- It is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease that tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding.
What is Leptospirosis?
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that poses a significant global health threat, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding.
- It affects millions of people annually, with a high mortality rate, and its burden is expected to increase in the future.
- The disease is caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, primarily transmitted from animals to humans.
Disease Transmission and Risk Factors
- Disease transmission: Leptospira is shed in the urine of infected animals, contaminating soil and water.
- Carriers: Both wild and domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, can transmit the disease.
- Human exposure: Direct contact with animal urine or indirectly through contaminated soil and water poses a risk.
- Occupational hazards: Agricultural workers, animal handlers, and those in sanitary services are at an increased risk.
- Recreational activities: Engaging in water-based activities in contaminated lakes and rivers can also raise the risk.
Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
- Range of symptoms: Leptospirosis symptoms vary from mild flu-like illness to life-threatening conditions affecting multiple organs.
- Misdiagnosis challenges: Symptoms mimic other diseases like dengue, malaria, and hepatitis, leading to underreporting and limited awareness.
- Limited access to diagnostics: Lack of reliable diagnostic tools hinders accurate disease detection.
- Lack of environmental surveillance: Insufficient monitoring of the environment contributes to underestimating the disease burden.
Misconceptions and Preventive Measures
- Reservoir hosts: Rats are not the sole cause; various animals act as reservoir hosts.
- Environmental factors: Humidity and extreme weather events like floods increase the risk of exposure.
- Sanitary conditions: Poor waste management, high density of stray animals, and inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the disease spread.
- Prevention strategies: Adopting a ‘One Health’ approach involving humans, animals, and the environment is crucial.
- Personal protective equipment: People working with animals or in flooded areas should use gloves and boots.
- Animal health and prevention: Ensuring sanitary animal-keeping conditions reduces the risk of leptospirosis transmission.
- Health education and awareness: Promoting proper hygiene practices, educating about the disease, and improving health literacy are essential preventive measures.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GIFT NIFTY
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- GIFT NIFTY (formerly known as SGX NIFTY) commenced trading from GIFT City in Gujarat, marking the first cross-border initiative between India and Singapore’s capital markets.
- The trading session witnessed over 30,000 trades, signifying the growing significance of this collaboration.
What is GIFT NIFTY?
- The migration to GIFT NIFTY was initiated by PM Modi in July 2022.
- GIFT NIFTY plays a crucial role in expanding GIFT IFSC’s reach to foreign investors and enhancing the capital market ecosystem in GIFT City.
- The collaboration between SGX and NSE strengthens the connection between two rapidly growing economies.
- NSE IX is restricted from entering similar arrangements with other exchanges, providing stability to the partnership.
- The initial five-year contract can be extended for an additional two years.
Operating time
- GIFT NIFTY establishes a trading link where trading and matching take place in India, while clearing and settlement occur in Singapore.
- It operates from 6:30 am to 3:40 pm in the Asia time zone.
- The second session, from 4:35 pm to 2:45 am (next day), targets investors from the United States and Europe.
Deal between SGX and NSE
- Revenue sharing: The five-year contract establishes a 50:50 revenue-sharing arrangement between Singapore Exchange (SGX) and NSE International Exchange (NSE IX).
- Initial revenue split: For Singapore-generated business, SGX will receive 75% of the revenue, while NSE will receive the remaining 25%.
- IFSC business: NSE will retain 75% of the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) business, with the remaining 25% going to SGX.
- Future volume-based sharing: Once a “threshold volume” is reached, the revenue sharing will be equally split between both entities.
Shift to GIFT NIFTY
- Ceasing SGX NIFTY: On June 30, trading on SGX NIFTY in Singapore ended, with the entire trading volume and liquidity transitioning to GIFT IFSC.
- Rechristened GIFT NIFTY: The trading platform was renamed GIFT NIFTY, offering four products: GIFT Nifty 50, GIFT Nifty Bank, GIFT Nifty Financial Services, and GIFT Nifty IT derivatives contracts.
Back2Basics: GIFT City, Gandhinagar
- GIFT city is India’s first operational smart city and international financial services centre (much like a modern IT park).
- The idea for GIFT was conceived during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit 2007.
- The initial planning was done by East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI).
- Currently approximately 225 units/companies are operational with more than 12000 professionals employed in the City.
Key features
- The entire city is based on the concept of FTTX (Fibre to the home/office).
- The fiber optic is laid in fault-tolerant ring architecture so as to ensure maximum uptime of services.
- Every building in GIFT City is an intelligent building.
- There is piped supply of cooking gas. India’s first city-level DCS (district cooling system) is also operational at GIFT City.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AMR and EUA
Mains level: India's innovative mechanism for antibiotics
Central Idea
- The battle against highly drug-resistant infections has reached a critical stage, where the need for effective antibiotics cannot be overstated. In a recent incident, a team of doctors encountered a challenging situation that showcased the critical importance of taking immediate action.
Relevance of the topic
Relate it with the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR often also called antibiotic resistance, is a global health challenge and a looming public health crisis.
The Case of Extensively Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- In an intensive care room, a brave 18-year-old patient fought not only T-cell leukemia but also an aggressive and resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- With limited treatment options due to the bacterium’s high resistance to antibiotics, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly.
- The infection attacked his lungs, resulting in persisting fever spikes and severe damage to his face. Time was running out, and his life hung in the balance.
Indian Innovation in antibiotic development
- Effective Combination: Cefepime/zidebactam is an innovative antibiotic developed by Indian researchers. It combines two active components to combat drug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, including the formidable Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Promising Results: This Indian innovation has shown remarkable potential in combating highly drug-resistant infections. It has undergone phase 3 trials internationally, demonstrating its effectiveness and safety profile.
- Compassionate Use: In a compelling case, an 18-year-old patient suffering from T-cell leukemia and an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa experienced a miraculous recovery after receiving cefepime/zidebactam under a compassionate use protocol. This highlights the life-saving impact of this innovative antibiotic.
- Urgent Need for EUA: The extraordinary case of the patient’s recovery emphasizes the urgent need for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for antibiotics like cefepime/zidebactam that have shown promising results in phase 3 trials or have been licensed from other countries. Granting EUA would enable timely access to this effective treatment option.
- Strengthening the Arsenal: By recognizing the importance of cefepime/zidebactam and expediting its EUA, India can strengthen its arsenal against drug-resistant infections. This Indian innovation can contribute significantly to addressing the global challenge of drug resistance.
- Potential Global Impact: Granting EUA for cefepime/zidebactam not only saves lives within India but also extends a helping hand globally to countless individuals in desperate need of effective treatment options. India’s scientific achievements can make a substantial impact on the world stage.
- Scientific Prowess: Cefepime/zidebactam stands as a shining example of India’s scientific prowess in the field of antibiotic development. It showcases the nation’s ability to innovate and provide solutions to combat drug-resistant infections.
The Dire Situation and the Devastating Reality
- Scarcity of Potent Antibiotics: The dire situation arises from the scarcity of potent antibiotics to combat highly drug-resistant infections. The available antibiotics have lost their effectiveness due to rising resistance, leaving healthcare professionals with limited treatment options.
- Lives at Risk: The devastating reality is that countless lives are at risk due to inadequate antibiotics. Patients, particularly those who are critically ill or immunocompromised, are succumbing to infections that were once treatable. This results in significant morbidity and mortality rates.
- Ineffectiveness of Current Antibiotics: Rising drug resistance has rendered once-effective antibiotics ineffective against formidable pathogens. The constant evolution and mutation of bacteria pose a significant challenge to doctors in providing effective treatment.
- Multifaceted Challenges: Doctors face multifaceted challenges in combating drug-resistant infections. They must navigate through a shrinking arsenal of effective antibiotics, leading to limited choices and the use of suboptimal treatments. This situation adds immense pressure and helplessness to doctors on the front lines.
- High Death Toll: The dire situation and devastating reality contribute to a high death toll attributed to drug-resistant infections. Millions of lives are lost each year due to the inadequacy of available antibiotics in effectively treating these formidable pathogens.
- Race Against Time: Healthcare professionals are constantly racing against time, trying to stay one step ahead of mutating bacteria. The urgency to find effective solutions and the frustration of not having access to life-saving antibiotics in critical situations weigh heavily on doctors.
- Global Concern: The dire situation and devastating reality of drug-resistant infections are a global concern. It requires collaborative efforts from healthcare authorities, policymakers, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to address the challenge and develop effective solutions.
What is Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)?
- EUA is a regulatory pathway that allows for the expedited authorization and use of medical products during public health emergencies.
- Under EUA, medical products, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, can be made available for use in emergency situations before they receive full approval or licensure. This allows for a more rapid response to public health crises, such as outbreaks or pandemics, by providing access to potentially life-saving interventions.
- EUA involves a rigorous evaluation process by regulatory authorities, who assess the available scientific evidence, safety data, and potential benefits and risks of the medical product.
The Urgent Need for EUA
- Limited Treatment Options: In the face of highly drug-resistant infections, the available treatment options become limited and often ineffective. Conventional antibiotics may not be effective against these infections, leading to prolonged illness and increased mortality rates.
- Life-Threatening Infections: Drug-resistant infections can pose significant risks to patients’ lives, especially those who are immunocompromised or critically ill. Immediate access to effective treatments is crucial to combat these infections and improve patient outcomes.
- Time-Sensitive Situations: In some cases, time is of the essence, and delays in accessing effective treatments can have severe consequences. EUA allows for expedited authorization and access to potentially life-saving interventions in emergency situations.
- Addressing Public Health Emergencies: EUA plays a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies, such as outbreaks or pandemics, where swift action is needed to deploy interventions that can save lives and mitigate the spread of infections.
- Balancing Safety and Efficacy: While EUA expedites access to treatments, safety and efficacy remain critical considerations. Rigorous evaluation and monitoring are essential to ensure that authorized treatments meet the necessary standards for patient safety and effectiveness.
- Supporting Research and Development: EUA can provide a pathway for essential treatments that are still in clinical trials to be made available to patients who have no other viable options. This allows for the collection of real-world data and insights that can further inform research and development efforts.
- Global Collaboration: EUA for essential treatments can also enable collaboration and sharing of knowledge and resources on a global scale. It allows countries to work together in addressing public health challenges and ensures equitable access to life-saving interventions.
Conclusion
- The story of the 18-year-old patient’s recovery highlights the critical need for Emergency Use Authorization for essential antibiotics. The scarcity of potent antibiotics and the rising threat of drug-resistant infections demand urgent action. By granting EUA for promising antibiotics like cefepime/zidebactam and cefiderocol, we can save lives and make a significant impact globally. It is time for India to demonstrate its scientific prowess and commitment to combatting the challenges posed by drug-resistant infections
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alluri Sitarama Raju
Mains level: Tribal revolts
Central Idea
- The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, honoured the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju during the closing ceremony of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad.
- The President highlighted the significance of Alluri Seetharama Raju’s struggle against injustice and exploitation in India’s freedom struggle.
About Alluri Sitarama Raju
- Raju was believed to be born in 1897 or 1898 in Andhra Pradesh.
- He became a sanyasi (ascetic) at the age of 18 and gained a mystical aura among the hill and tribal people due to his austerity, knowledge of astrology and medicine, and his ability to tame wild animals.
Revolutionary Activities of Alluri Sitarama Raju
- Raju channelled the discontent of the hill people in Ganjam, Visakhapatnam, and Godavari into effective guerrilla resistance against the British.
- The Forest Act of 1882 and other colonial policies threatened the tribals’ traditional podu cultivation and forced them into labor.
- The tribals and muttadars (village headmen) who were affected by the curtailment of their powers by the British government joined together in armed resistance against colonial rule in August 1922.
Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
- Raju’s guerrilla war, known as the Rampa or Manyam Rebellion, continued until May 1924.
- The rebellion coincided with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Raju admired Gandhi and promoted his ideas of wearing khadi (homespun cloth) and giving up alcohol.
- However, Raju believed that India could only be liberated through the use of force, contrary to Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
Capture and Execution of Alluri Sitarama Raju
- Raju’s resistance came to an end when he was captured by the British in May 1924.
- He was executed for his involvement in the rebellion.
- Raju became known as the ‘Manyam Veerudu’ or Hero of the Jungle, and his efforts are remembered as a significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Conclusion
- Overall, Alluri Seetharama Raju played a crucial role in leading a guerrilla resistance against British colonial rule, fighting for the rights of tribal communities, and advocating for India’s independence through forceful means.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anaemia
Mains level: Anaemia and Maternal Health
Introduction
- Recent discussions in India have brought anaemia to the forefront, with debates surrounding the measurement and management of haemoglobin levels.
- The WOMAN-2 trial collaborators published a study in The Lancet, emphasizing the importance of anaemia in postpartum haemorrhage and calling for informed policy decisions in India.
- Anaemia affects a significant number of women worldwide and is associated with high mortality rates in postpartum haemorrhage cases.
What is Anaemia?
- Anaemia is a medical condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a deficiency in haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- This condition can lead to a reduced capacity of the blood to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs.
- The symptoms of anaemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.
However, some common symptoms of anaemia include:
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired and having a lack of energy is a common symptom of Anaemia. This occurs because the body’s tissues and organs do not receive enough oxygen.
- Shortness of breath: Due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, individuals with Anaemia may experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exertion.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat: In an attempt to compensate for the lack of oxygen, the heart may beat faster or irregularly. This symptom is particularly noticeable during physical activity or when the individual is at rest.
- Dizziness and light-headedness: Anaemia can cause a decrease in blood flow to the brain, leading to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Cold hands and feet: Reduced blood flow can result in a sensation of coldness in the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
- Headaches: Some individuals with anaemia may experience frequent headaches, which can be a result of the decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
How Anaemia is linked to maternal risks?
- Increased risk of complications: Anaemia during pregnancy raises the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
- Fatigue and weakness: Anaemia can cause exhaustion, making it harder for pregnant women to handle physical demands.
- Preeclampsia: Anaemia is linked to a higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia, a dangerous condition.
- Postpartum haemorrhage: Anaemia increases the risk of excessive bleeding after childbirth.
- Impaired immune function: Anaemia weakens the immune system, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections.
- Iron deficiency Anaemia: Common during pregnancy, it can negatively impact maternal and fetal health.
Link between Anaemia and Postpartum Haemorrhage
- Global anaemia burden: Over half a billion women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia worldwide.
- Postpartum haemorrhage risk: Anaemia increases the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- WOMAN-2 trial: The trial examined the association between prebirth haemoglobin levels and postpartum haemorrhage risk in women from Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Findings from the WOMAN-2 Trial
- Continuous relationship: Lower haemoglobin levels were directly associated with increased blood loss and clinical postpartum haemorrhage.
- Impact on maternal function: Women with anaemia experience reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to shock after smaller blood loss volumes.
- Severity of anaemia: Severe anaemia was associated with higher odds of death or near-miss events compared to moderate anaemia.
Recommendations and Prevention Strategies
- Preventive treatment: Attention should be given to preventing and treating anaemia in women of reproductive age.
- Existing initiatives: The Indian government provides iron and folic acid supplements to address anaemia, especially among adolescent girls.
- Challenges and mission-mode approach: Rising levels of anaemia in India require an intensified public health approach to combat the issue effectively.
- Cultural and social considerations: Public health programs should consider cultural attitudes and preferences regarding blood draws for accurate haemoglobin measurement.
- Outreach program considerations: A comprehensive understanding of cultural and social realities is crucial to ensure the success of anaemia prevention initiatives.
Conclusion
- The WOMAN-2 trial highlights the significance of anaemia in postpartum haemorrhage, urging policymakers in India to use evidence-based guidelines for anaemia management.
- The Indian public health program should focus on prevention, treatment, and community engagement to combat rising anaemia levels effectively.
- Cultural and social factors must be considered when designing outreach programs, ensuring their relevance and acceptance by the target population.
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