PYQ Relevance:
Q) Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC CSE 2018) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the ‘Health for All’ (2018) and primary health structure is a necessary precondition (2021).
No students enrolled in postgraduate (PG) medical pre-clinical courses like anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, forensic medicine, microbiology, and pharmacology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMS), Bengaluru, until the second round of PG-NEET counselling.
Today’s editorial discusses the issues related to postgraduate medical seats. This content would help in GS Paper 2 and 3 in the mains paper.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Many postgraduate medical seats are vacant this year because students are choosing pre-clinical courses.
Why are postgraduate medical students reluctant to choose pre-clinical courses in Karnataka?
- Lack of Job Opportunities: Pre-clinical graduates cannot practice as doctors and are limited to working in laboratories, diagnostic centers, or as faculty. Example: Despite reducing tuition fees and offering job guarantees, private institutions like the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences struggle to fill pre-clinical seats due to limited employment avenues.
- Lower Salary Compared to Clinical Courses: Pre-clinical roles offer significantly lower remuneration than clinical practice, making them financially unattractive. Example: A clinical doctor can earn a higher salary working in hospitals or private practice, while pre-clinical graduates face salary stagnation in academic or lab-based roles.
- Limited Career Progression and Mobility: Clinical course graduates have the flexibility to work globally and in various healthcare sectors, while pre-clinical graduates are restricted to teaching or research roles. Example: An MD in General Medicine can practice as a physician anywhere, whereas an MD in Anatomy primarily qualifies for academic positions.
- High Capital Requirement for Self-Employment: Establishing independent diagnostic centers requires significant investment, which deters pre-clinical graduates from entrepreneurial ventures. Example: Diagnostic centers with advanced technology demand substantial startup costs, making it challenging for pre-clinical graduates to become self-employed.
- Persistent Seat Vacancies Reflect Low Demand: Consistent under-enrollment over the years signals a long-term disinterest in these courses. Example: In 2024-25, only 6 out of 104 MD Anatomy seats were filled in Karnataka, despite five rounds of counselling and reduced cut-off percentages.
What is the trend of student enrollment in PG medical courses at the all-India level?
- Substantial Increase in PG Medical Seats: The number of PG medical seats has risen from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,645 by the 2023-24 academic year, marking a 127% increase.
- Growth in Medical Colleges: The total number of medical colleges has expanded by 82%, from 387 before 2014 to 704 in 2023. This expansion has contributed to the increased availability of both undergraduate (UG) and PG medical seats.
- Rising Demand for Medical Education: The number of candidates aspiring to study MBBS grew from 16 lakh in 2019 to 24 lakh in 2024, reflecting a heightened interest in medical education.
- Improved UG to PG Seat Ratio: The ratio of UG to PG medical seats improved from 2.1:1 in 2018-19 to 1.9:1 in 2022-23, indicating better alignment between the number of medical graduates and available PG training opportunities.
- Emerging Challenges: Despite the increase in seats, challenges such as geographic disparities in seat distribution and concerns about the quality of education persist.
- For example, Karnataka has the highest number of PG medical seats, totaling 5,984, with a significant contribution from private institutions, but States like Arunachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Mizoram, and Nagaland currently do not offer PG medical seats.
What is the significance of pre-clinical courses?
- Foundation for Advanced Medical Practice: Pre-clinical courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) provide the scientific basis for understanding human biology and disease mechanisms. Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of biochemistry in vaccine development and understanding viral behavior.
- Essential for Medical Education and Training: These courses are crucial for training future doctors, ensuring they understand the human body before clinical practice. Example: Medical schools worldwide adopted virtual anatomy labs during the pandemic, enhancing remote learning and maintaining education continuity.
- Innovation in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques: Pre-clinical research drives advancements in diagnostic tools and medical treatments. Example: Advances in physiology have contributed to wearable health devices like continuous glucose monitors for diabetic patients.
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How has the National Medical Commission (NMC) addressed the issue of unfilled PG medical seats in Karnataka?
- Reduction of NEET-PG Cut-off Scores: In an unprecedented move, the NEET-PG 2023 cut-off was reduced to zero, making all candidates who appeared for the exam eligible for PG medical programs. This decision aimed to expand the pool of eligible candidates and fill vacant seats across various specialties.
- Guidelines for Interstate Posting Under District Residency Programme: The NMC issued directives emphasizing strict adherence to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
- These guidelines facilitate the interstate posting of PG medical students under the District Residency Programme, ensuring a more even distribution of medical professionals and addressing regional disparities in seat occupancy.
- Monitoring and Rectifying Seat Allocation Discrepancies: The NMC has been proactive in addressing discrepancies between its records and those of state authorities. For instance, admissions to 23 PG medical seats in Bengaluru were put on hold due to mismatches between NMC and Directorate of Medical Education (DME) lists. Such actions ensure that seat allocations are transparent and accurate.
- Annual Increase of PG Seats: The NMC has facilitated the process for medical institutions to apply for an increase in PG seats for the academic year 2025-26. By inviting applications and setting clear guidelines, the commission aims to enhance the availability of PG medical seats, thereby reducing the likelihood of vacancies.
Way forward:
- Enhance Pre-Clinical Career Prospects: Introduce incentives like research grants, industry collaborations, and fellowship programs to improve career progression and salary prospects for pre-clinical graduates.
- Targeted Seat Distribution and Quality Monitoring: Implement region-specific seat allocation policies and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure quality education and equitable access across underserved states.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Natural disaster;
Why in the News?
Earlier this week, the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police rescued 23 workers trapped under snow and ice after an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand.
What were the key challenges faced by the rescue teams during the avalanche operation in Mana Village?
- Harsh Weather Conditions: The rescue teams operated under heavy snowfall and extreme cold at an elevation of 10,500 feet above mean sea level.
- Blocked Access Routes: Snow-blocked roads required the use of helicopters for evacuation, complicating logistics and delaying rescue efforts.
- Physical Exhaustion: Rescuers worked in near-continuous 60-hour shifts, demanding immense physical and mental stamina.
- Buried Structures: Containers housing workers were buried under several feet of snow, ice, and rock, making detection and extraction challenging.
- Limited Visibility and Navigation: Poor weather conditions hindered visibility, requiring the use of advanced technology like drone-based detection systems.
Why is Mana village particularly vulnerable to avalanches and other natural disasters?
- High-Altitude Location: Situated at 10,500 feet above sea level in the upper Himalayas, the village experiences heavy snowfall and extreme weather, increasing the risk of avalanches. Example: The recent avalanche buried containers under several feet of snow, making rescue operations challenging.
- Geological Instability: The Himalayan region is tectonically active, making the terrain prone to landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards. Example: Frequent landslides during the monsoon season disrupt roads and infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
- Seasonal Climate Extremes: Harsh winters with severe snow accumulation create unstable snowpacks that can trigger avalanches. Example: Villagers traditionally migrate to lower areas like Gopeshwar during winter to avoid extreme weather risks.
- Construction and Human Activity: Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as road-building by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disturb the fragile environment and increase disaster risks. Example: Workers were caught in an avalanche while working on a BRO construction site.
- Proximity to Glacial Zones: Close to glacial areas where melting ice and shifting snowpacks heighten the probability of snow slides. Example: Melting glaciers in the region have previously triggered flash floods, like the 2021 Chamoli disaster.
What lessons can be learned from other hazardous environments?
- Enhanced Shelter Design for Safety: Use reinforced, insulated shelters designed to withstand extreme weather and heavy snow loads, similar to Antarctic research stations. Example: Antarctic research bases like the Amundsen-Scott Station use elevated, modular designs to prevent snow burial and provide long-term safety.
- Advanced Early Warning Systems: Implement real-time monitoring using satellite imaging, drones, and weather forecasting to detect potential avalanches and other hazards. Example: Switzerland’s avalanche warning system uses advanced sensors and weather models to alert communities and workers in mountainous areas.
- Comprehensive Safety Protocols and Training: Provide specialized safety training, emergency drills, and evacuation plans to workers in high-risk zones. Example: Oil platforms in the Arctic conduct regular safety drills and have rapid-response systems for extreme weather emergencies.
How could better infrastructure and safety measures reduce the risks faced by workers in high-altitude, disaster-prone areas? (Way forward)
- Improved Worker Shelters and Living Conditions: Construct insulated, avalanche-resistant shelters with emergency exits and heating systems to protect workers from harsh weather. Example: The Siachen Glacier military base uses reinforced prefabricated shelters designed to withstand extreme snow and sub-zero temperatures.
- Deployment of Real-Time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Use geospatial technology, drones, and automated weather stations to track snow accumulation and predict avalanches. Example: Japan’s snow monitoring system uses remote sensors to provide early warnings, reducing avalanche risks in mountainous areas.
- Enhanced Emergency Response Infrastructure: Establish permanent rescue facilities with specialized equipment (e.g., thermal detectors and rapid evacuation routes) for quicker disaster response. Example: The Alps region in Europe maintains well-equipped avalanche rescue stations, ensuring faster response times and reducing casualties.
Mains PYQ:
Q Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Manufacturing sector;
Why in the News?
The rise in the services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) to 59 in February has brought relief to investors and policymakers.
What is the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)?
- The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic indicator that measures the business activity in manufacturing and services sectors, indicating expansion if above 50 and contraction if below 50.
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What is the significance of the sharp rise in the services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)?
- Indicator of Economic Expansion: A PMI reading above 50 signifies sectoral growth. The rise to 59 in February reflects a strong rebound in the services sector. Example: Increased demand for financial services and hospitality indicates higher consumer spending and business confidence.
- Boost to Investor Confidence: A higher PMI suggests a positive business environment, encouraging domestic and foreign investments. Example: Global investors may increase FDI in India’s technology and telecommunication sectors due to sustained growth signals.
- Job Creation and Income Growth: Growth in the services sector leads to higher employment opportunities and better wages. Example: The rise in IT services and healthcare sectors can create new jobs in software development and medical support.
- Balancing Manufacturing Weakness: A strong services PMI can offset slowdowns in manufacturing, ensuring overall economic stability. Example: Despite the manufacturing PMI falling to a 14-month low, growth in financial services has maintained economic resilience.
- Improved Fiscal Outlook: Higher activity in services increases tax revenues, improving the government’s ability to fund infrastructure and social programs. Example: Growth in e-commerce and logistics boosts GST collections, strengthening public finances.
Which major challenges do India’s services and manufacturing sectors face according to industry leaders and NASSCOM’s 2025 Strategic Review report?
- Technological Disruption from Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven solutions are transforming traditional business models, reducing revenue from new contracts, and reshaping hiring and training practices. Example: Automation in IT services is reducing the need for entry-level jobs, impacting employment growth.
- Global Protectionism and Rising Tariffs: Increasing reciprocal tariffs and trade barriers, particularly from major economies like the United States, pose a threat to export-oriented industries. Example: U.S. tariffs on Indian textiles and pharmaceuticals may reduce market competitiveness and profit margins.
- Slowdown in IT Sector Growth: India’s IT sector growth is expected to be 5.1% in FY25, a decline from its historical 16% CAGR, due to reduced demand and shifting client priorities. Example: Major IT firms report fewer large-scale outsourcing contracts as clients adopt in-house AI solutions.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions increase business risks and operational costs. Example: Disruptions in the Red Sea trade route affect electronics and automotive supply chains.
- Potential U.S. Recession Risk: A U.S. economic slowdown could reduce export demand, significantly impacting both manufacturing and services, as the U.S. is India’s largest trading partner. Example: A U.S. recession may lead to fewer orders for Indian IT services, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components.
How could the reciprocal tariffs announced by the U.S. impact India’s manufacturing sector?
- Reduced Export Competitiveness: Higher import duties on Indian goods will increase prices in the U.S. market, making Indian products less competitive against local and other global manufacturers. Example: Indian textile exports to the U.S. could decline as higher tariffs make them more expensive compared to those from Vietnam or Bangladesh.
- Disruption of Supply Chains: Tariff barriers may affect cross-border supply chains, increasing production costs and causing delays in delivery. Example: Indian automotive components exported to U.S. manufacturers may face disruptions, affecting just-in-time production systems.
- Reduced Investment and Market Access: Tariffs create uncertainty, discouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) and limiting India’s access to the lucrative U.S. market. Example: Electronics manufacturers considering India as a production hub may shift investments to low-tariff countries to maintain U.S. market access.
Way forward:
- Diversify Export Markets: Strengthen trade ties with emerging economies (e.g., Africa, Southeast Asia) and regional blocs to reduce dependence on the U.S. market.
- Enhance Domestic Manufacturing Competitiveness: Promote Make in India, invest in advanced technologies, and offer export incentives to reduce costs and improve global market access.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)
Why in the News?
Researchers have found that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is slowing due to melting ice sheets. By 2050, it may weaken by 20%, affecting global climate, ocean circulation, and marine ecosystems.
What is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)?
- The ACC is the strongest and largest ocean current on Earth.
- It flows continuously from west to east around Antarctica, acting as a boundary between the Southern Ocean and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- It flows from west to east, driven by the westerly winds and the Coriolis effect, creating a loop that completely encircles Antarctica.
- The ACC interacts with several regional currents, such as the Brazil Current, East Australian Current, and Agulhas Current.
- It is influenced by both westerly winds and polar easterlies, which affect its strength and flow patterns.
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- It is five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and transports 130 million cubic meters of water per second.
- It plays a crucial role in global heat and nutrient distribution, influencing climate patterns worldwide.
- It prevents warmer northern waters from reaching Antarctica, helping to preserve the region’s ice sheets.
- The ACC drives the global conveyor belt, regulating deep ocean currents and heat flow.
- Its upwelling of nutrient-rich waters sustains Antarctic marine life, including krill, whales, and penguins.
Why does Antarctic Ice Melt affect ACC?
- Freshwater Dilution: Melting ice lowers salinity, weakening ocean density gradients that drive the ACC.
- Slower Heat Exchange: Reduced current strength disrupts global heat distribution, leading to stronger storms and rising sea levels.
Key Findings of the New Research
A study by the University of Melbourne and NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, published in Environmental Research Letters, reveals:
- ACC could slow by 20% by 2050 due to melting ice sheets.
- Disrupted global climate as a weaker ACC reduces heat distribution, carbon absorption, and weather stability.
- Antarctic ecosystem at risk, with invasive species threatening penguins, krill, and whales.
- Supercomputer simulations confirm that deep ocean circulation is slowing, worsening climate instability.
- Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to prevent further ice melting and ACC weakening.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following factors:
1. Rotation of the Earth
2. Air pressure and wind
3. Density of ocean water
4. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has acknowledged a serious issue regarding the lack of disabled-friendly infrastructure in prisons, following a petition citing the trauma and inhumane conditions faced by Professor G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that even the Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) lacks a legal framework to safeguard the rights of disabled prisoners.
Challenges Faced by Disabled Prisoners:
- Inaccessible Infrastructure: Most prisons lack ramps, handrails, wheelchair-accessible cells, and essential assistive devices.
- Denial of Medical Care: Many disabled prisoners do not receive necessary medical treatment, physiotherapy, or even basic aids like hearing devices or walking supports.
- Psychological Distress: Isolation, lack of facilities, and mistreatment lead to anxiety, depression, and deteriorating mental health among disabled prisoners.
- Data Deficiency: No official records track the number or condition of disabled prisoners, making policy implementation difficult.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (in Prisons)
- Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, ensuring that prisoners are not discriminated against based on disability.
- Article 21 upholds the right to life and dignity, including humane treatment for prisoners.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates accessible public spaces, medical care, and assistive devices for persons with disabilities, but implementation in prisons remains inadequate.
- Model Prison Manual, 2016 recommends disability-friendly infrastructure such as ramps and medical care provisions, yet many states have not adopted these reforms.
- Supreme Court Judgments:
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- In Upendra Baxi vs. State of U.P. (1983), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that prisoners are entitled to humane treatment.
- In Rama Murthy vs. State of Karnataka (1996), the Court highlighted the urgent need for prison reform, including facilities for disabled inmates.
- The Stan Swamy Case (2021) brought attention to the denial of essential assistive tools such as straws and sippers for Parkinson’s patients.
Past Committees on Prison Reform:
- Mulla Committee (1983):
- Recommended improved prison infrastructure, special provisions for disabled inmates, and measures to reduce overcrowding.
- Suggested protection against abuse and better training for prison staff.
- Krishna Iyer Committee (1987): Focused on the welfare of women prisoners, recommending separate facilities, healthcare, and special provisions for pregnant inmates.
- Justice A.N. Mulla Committee (1993): Emphasized the need for humane treatment and rehabilitation, along with stricter measures against custodial torture.
- Justice Krishna Iyer Report (2000): Called for legal aid for undertrial prisoners and mandatory inspections to monitor prison conditions.
- Model Prison Manual (2016):
- Provided guidelines for standardized prison reforms, including healthcare, accessibility, and rehabilitation programs.
- Despite being issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, many states have failed to adopt its recommendations.
PYQ:
[2016] Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ‘AI Kosha’ Platform
Why in the News?
The Union Government has launched AI Kosha, a platform dedicated to non-personal datasets, marking a major step in India’s AI research and development efforts.
What is AI Kosha?
- AI Kosha is a government-backed platform for non-personal datasets to support Artificial Intelligence (AI) R&D in India.
- It serves as a centralized repository of structured datasets aimed at training AI models, particularly for Indian languages.
- The platform is a key part of the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, one of the seven pillars of the ₹10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI access and innovation.
- At launch, it hosts 316 datasets, with a significant portion focused on language translation tools for Indian languages.
- The government has commissioned 14,000 GPUs for AI research, up from 10,000 earlier this year.
- More computing power will be added quarterly to support advanced AI research and training.
Key Features of AI Kosha:
- AI Kosha aims to support India’s first foundational AI model, similar to China’s DeepSeek.
- Works alongside the Open Governance Data Platform (data.gov.in), which already hosts 12,000 datasets from various government agencies.
- Focuses on Indian languages, ensuring regional language AI development.
- Includes health records, satellite imagery, Census 2011 data, meteorological and pollution data.
- Supports AI development with access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
- Equipped with secure API access, data encryption, and real-time filtering for data protection.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ongole Cows
Why in the News?
India’s indigenous cattle breed from Ongole is experiencing a sharp decline domestically, even as it has become one of the most prized and expensive cattle breeds in Brazil.
About Ongole Cows
- Ongole cattle, also known as Ongolu Gitta, are a native Indian breed originating from Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh.
- This Bos indicus breed is historically renowned for its strength, resilience, and disease resistance.
- It has been widely used for draught power, milk production, and breeding programs.
- The breed has gained global prominence, especially in Brazil, where it forms the foundation of several superior cattle breeds used for beef production.
- Though declining in India, they thrive in Brazil, where they form 80% of the cattle population and are used extensively for beef production.
- LAM Farm, Guntur, is using IVF and embryo transfer for preservation.
Distinct Features of Ongole Cattle:
- Heat & Disease Resistance: Naturally adapted to high temperatures and immune to foot-and-mouth and mad cow disease.
- Strength & Draught Power: Historically used for ploughing, transport, and bull races.
- A2 Milk Production: Produces high-quality A2 milk, fetching ₹150+ per litre in premium markets.
- Global Demand & Genetic Superiority: Exported to Brazil, USA, Argentina, and Australia. Used to develop breeds like Brahmana (USA) and Santa Gertrudis (USA).
- Efficient Feed Conversion: Survives on minimal fodder, ideal for drought-prone regions.
- High Fertility & Longevity: Strong reproductive lifespan, producing robust calves.
- Cultural & Historical Importance: Revered in Indian scriptures and associated with prosperity.
PYQ:
[2011] What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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