Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to health care sector;
Why in the News?
India’s decentralised drug regulation system dominated by State Drug Regulatory Authorities causes inconsistent quality standards. Strengthening oversight is essential to ensure generics are as affordable and effective as branded drugs.
How Reliable Are Generic Medicines?
- Bioequivalence to Innovators: Generic medicines are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs, meaning they have the same active ingredient and are intended to work the same way.
- Affordability and Accessibility: Generics significantly lower healthcare costs, making treatment more accessible, especially for low-income populations.
- Challenges in Quality: Despite their potential, the reliability of generics has been questioned due to variability in therapeutic outcomes, often caused by differences in excipients, manufacturing processes, and bioequivalence thresholds.
What are the main quality concerns associated with it?
- Efficacy and Bioavailability: Studies have shown that while generics are bioequivalent to branded drugs, they may not always achieve the same therapeutic levels.
- For example, a study on itraconazole showed that only 29% of patients using generic versions achieved the right drug levels in their body within two weeks, compared to 73% of patients using the original branded drug.
- Manufacturing Variability: The manufacturing processes for generics can differ significantly from those of branded drugs. Variations in excipients (binders, fillers) and production methods can lead to differences in tablet hardness, dissolution rates, and overall drug stability. This variability can result in inconsistent therapeutic outcomes.
- Regulatory Oversight: India’s decentralized drug regulation system contributes to inconsistent quality standards across states.
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has limited authority over State Drug Regulatory Authorities (SDRAs), leading to regulatory arbitrage where manufacturers exploit weaker oversight. Moreover, the lack of stringent enforcement of stability testing further jeopardizes the quality of generics available in the market.
What regulatory reforms are needed?
- Centralisation of Drug Regulation: A comprehensive overhaul of India’s drug regulation system is necessary. Centralising oversight under the CDSCO would help enforce consistent quality standards across all states and reduce the risk of substandard drugs entering the market.
- Enhanced Stability Testing Protocols: Uniform stability testing protocols should be established to ensure that all generics maintain their quality under various climatic conditions. This would involve periodic reassessment of approved generics to uphold their efficacy over time.
- Stricter Impurity Standards: Aligning India’s Pharmacopoeia with international standards regarding permissible impurity levels would improve the overall quality of generic medicines available in the market.
How can patient and healthcare provider perceptions of generics be improved? (Way forward)
To enhance patient and healthcare provider confidence in generic medicines, several strategies can be employed:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating patients about the efficacy and safety of generics compared to branded drugs can help dispel misconceptions that higher-priced medications are superior.
- Incentives for Healthcare Providers: Offering incentives for prescribing generics can encourage healthcare professionals to recommend these cost-effective alternatives more frequently.
- Strengthening Quality Assurance: Implementing stronger regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance with quality standards can build trust among both patients and providers regarding the reliability of generics.
Mains PYQ:
Q Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Carbon Market;
Why in the News?
In India, current carbon credit projects by private organisations should be reviewed to ensure they are fair and work effectively.
What are the current carbon credit projects?
- Collaborative Initiatives: NABARD, ICAR, and State Universities have listed five agricultural carbon credit projects in the Verra registry to promote sustainable agriculture.
- Carbon Farming Projects: Over 50 projects targeting 1.6 million hectares aim to generate 4.7 million carbon credits annually, but none are registered, leaving farmers without financial benefits.
Note: Verra is a carbon credit registry that manages the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring high-quality carbon credit projects and facilitating transparent trading of carbon credits. |
What are the key challenges facing agricultural carbon markets?
- Lack of Communication and Training: A significant portion of farmers (45%) reported inadequate communication regarding carbon farming practices, and over 60% lacked training in new techniques. This gap in knowledge can hinder the effective implementation of sustainable practices necessary for generating carbon credits.
- Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: Many existing carbon farming projects have not adequately included smallholders and marginalized communities, with women representing only 4% of participants. This lack of inclusivity limits the socioeconomic benefits that carbon markets could provide to a broader segment of the farming population.
- Financial Incentives: A notable 28% of farmers discontinued sustainable practices by the second year due to insufficient financial incentives. The absence of timely payments for carbon credits further discourages participation and undermines project sustainability.
- Unregistered Projects: Despite over 50 agricultural carbon farming projects being listed in the Verra registry, none have been officially registered, meaning no carbon credits have been issued and farmers have not received any financial compensation.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring that projects deliver reliable environmental benefits is crucial. If projects fail to produce credible carbon credits, it may lead to a loss of confidence among buyers, which would ultimately deprive farmers of income and discourage sustainable practices.
How can farmers be incentivized to participate in carbon markets?
- Higher Prices for Inclusive Projects: Offering premium prices for carbon credits from projects that actively include smallholders and marginalized communities can encourage broader participation and ensure equitable benefits.
- Effective Communication and Training Programs: Establishing robust communication channels and providing regular training on sustainable agricultural practices will empower farmers to adopt new techniques confidently.
- Guaranteed Timely Payments: Implementing a system that ensures farmers receive prompt payments for their carbon credits will enhance trust in the market and encourage ongoing participation in sustainable practices.
- Collaboration with Research Institutions: Partnering with national and international research organizations can help identify suitable regions for carbon farming, ensuring that interventions are effective and do not compromise food security.
- Bundling Small Farmers into Cooperatives: Creating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can help reduce transaction costs, improve bargaining power, and facilitate easier access to carbon markets for smallholder farmers.
What role do technological advancements play in enhancing agri-carbon markets?
- Improved Measurement Techniques: Advances in digital technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, drones, and sensors will enhance the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes essential for assessing soil carbon levels and GHG emissions accurately.
- Data Accessibility: The increasing availability of technology will allow farmers to access real-time data on their farming practices, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with sustainable methods required for carbon credit generation.
- Enhanced Project Implementation: Technology can streamline project management by facilitating better communication between stakeholders, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with additionality and permanence criteria necessary for successful carbon credit projects.
- Scalability of Projects: Digital tools can help scale successful carbon farming initiatives by providing frameworks that can be replicated across different regions, thus expanding the reach of agricultural carbon markets in India.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Inclusivity and Farmer Incentives: Promote inclusive projects that actively engage smallholders and marginalized communities by offering premium prices for carbon credits, ensuring timely payments, and bundling farmers into cooperatives for better market access.
- Leverage Technology for Efficiency: Utilize advanced digital tools like remote sensing and real-time data systems to improve monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes, enhance project scalability, and ensure effective implementation of carbon credit initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan
Why in the News?
Since its launch, PM-AASHA has significantly benefitted farmers, contributing to the procurement of 195.39 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of agricultural commodities, valued at ₹1,07,433.73 crore, from over 99 lakh farmers.
Procurement Details:
- In the Rabi 2023-24 season, 6.41 LMT of pulses, valued at ₹4,820 crore, were procured from 2.75 lakh farmers. This included:
- 2.49 LMT of Masoor
- 43,000 metric tonnes of Chana
- LMT of Moong
- In addition, 12.19 LMT of oilseeds, valued at ₹6,900 crore, were procured from 5.29 lakh farmers.
- In the ongoing Kharif season, the government has procured 5.62 LMT of Soyabean, valued at ₹2,700 crore, benefiting 2.42 lakh farmers.
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About the PM-AASHA Scheme
| Details |
Launched in 2018, PM-AASHA is an umbrella scheme encompassing various components to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. |
| Aims and Objectives |
- Ensuring fair prices for farmers by providing price support when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Stabilize the prices of essential commodities, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
- Addressing price fluctuations and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for crops like pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
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| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Type: Central Sector Scheme (Fully funded by the Centre).
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Fund Allocation: Rs. 35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (up to 2025-26).
- Central Nodal Agencies (CNA):
- Guarantees to lender banks for extending cash credit facilities to agencies like NAFED (National Agricultural Co-operative Marketing Federation of India Limited) and NCCF (National Co-operative Consumer’s Federation of India Limited) for MSP procurement.
- Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) will procure pulses at market price from pre-registered farmers on eSamridhi Portal of NAFED and eSamyukti Portal of NCCF when prices exceed MSP.
Key Components:
- Price Support Scheme (PSS):
- The PSS is the core component of PM-AASHA, operating through state governments to procure notified commodities at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) levels.
- It provides financial relief to farmers when market prices fall below MSP, offering remunerative prices and promoting investment in agriculture.
- The government fixes the MSP for 24 crops at 1.5 times the Cost of Production (CoP) to ensure a fair income for farmers.
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS):
- Under PDPS, farmers are provided direct payments if the market prices of oilseeds fall below the MSP.
- It helps bridge the gap between MSP and market prices, ensuring that farmers still get a fair return.
- Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):
- The MIS provides financial assistance to states for price stabilization of perishable agricultural commodities like Tomato, Onion, and Potato, which are not covered under MSP.
- This scheme helps manage price volatility and benefits both farmers and consumers by stabilizing prices.
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PYQ:
[2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CTDP, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN);
Why in the News?
The Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North Eastern Region (NER) funded from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) aims to provide mobile coverage to uncovered villages and National Highways
About the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP):
| Overview |
- CTDP aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) by improving mobile and broadband access.
- The plan is funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):
- Established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- Replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
- USOF was created to provide telecom services in remote and rural areas at affordable prices.
- Funded by a 5% Universal Service Levy on the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of telecom operators.
- Aimed to expand telecom networks in low-profit remote and rural areas.
- Statutory Status: Granted in December 2003 through amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act (now superseded by the Telecom Act, 2023).
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| Salient Features |
- Mobile Coverage Expansion: Extend mobile coverage to previously uncovered villages and National Highways in NER.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Installation of 2,619 mobile towers, covering 3,223 villages and 286 highway locations.
- 4G Saturation: Providing 4G connectivity to remote villages.
- Support for Socio-Economic Development: Empower citizens through ICTs for development.
- Digital Inclusion: Help bridge the digital divide in NER.
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| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Funding: Primarily funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme.
- Implementation: Coordinated through DBN-funded schemes focusing on mobile towers, 4G coverage, and broadband development.
- Agencies Involved:
- Ministry of Communication: Oversees implementation, ensures spectrum and policy approvals.
- DBN: Provides funding and operational support.
- Telecom Service Providers: Deploy infrastructure like towers and 4G networks.
- State Governments of NER: Facilitate local implementation.
- Project Management Agencies: Involved in setting up towers and maintenance.
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PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aims/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?
- Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
- Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
- Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OPEC+
Why in the News?
- With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, OPEC+ delegates express concern over higher US oil production.
- His administration’s focus on deregulating the energy sector could lead to increased oil output, contributing to a further erosion of OPEC+’s market share.
About ‘Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Plus (OPEC+)
| What is OPEC+? |
Formation and Purpose:
- OPEC+ is a coalition of OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing nations that work together to manage oil production and stabilize global oil prices.
- The alliance was formed in 2016 in response to increasing oil production in the United States, particularly from shale oil, which led to falling oil prices.
OPEC Members:
- OPEC was founded in 1960 and includes 12 member countries:
Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Venezuela.
Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+:
- OPEC+ includes 10 non-OPEC members:
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan.
Global Influence:
OPEC+ countries together produce approximately 40% of the world’s crude oil and control about 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves. |
| Factors are influencing OPEC+’s oil production cuts |
- Rising US oil production: The shale boom in the US has increased its market share, impacting OPEC+’s influence.
- Global price stability: OPEC+ implements production cuts to prevent oil prices from falling too low.
- Weak global demand: Extended cuts due to low demand, especially in major economies.
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| Implications of OPEC+’s policies |
- Reduced market share: OPEC+’s global oil share dropped from 55% in 2016 to 48% in 2024.
- Price volatility: OPEC+’s production cuts aim to stabilize prices, but increasing US production affects this goal.
- Economic stability: Production cuts help sustain favorable prices for oil-producing economies.
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PYQ:
[2009] Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC?
(a) Argentina
(b) Bolivia
(c) Ecuador
(d) Brazil |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ganges River Dolphin
Why in the News?
- The first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) has been tagged in Assam, marking a major achievement in wildlife conservation.
About Ganges River Dolphin:
| Details |
-
- Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801.
- Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
- The announcement was made at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
- Habitat: Around 90% of the species live in India, primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.
- Features: Blind, lives in freshwater, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, travels in small groups, and surface every 30-120 seconds for breathing.
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| Importance and Threats |
- Acts as an indicator of river ecosystem health (being the apex predator).
- Threats: Unintentional killing through fishing gear, poaching for oil, habitat destruction, pollution (industrial waste, pesticides, noise).
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| Protection Status and Government Initiatives |
Protection Status:
- IUCN: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- CMS: Appendix I
Conservation Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar), National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5).
What is Project Dolphin?
- Launch: Announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020.
- Objective: Conservation of India’s riverine and oceanic dolphins.
- Duration: 10-year initiative.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
- Key Objectives:
- Safeguard India’s dolphin population by mitigating threats to riverine and oceanic species.
- Address conservation challenges while engaging stakeholders in dolphin conservation efforts.
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PYQ:
[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial |
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