9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 12th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Generic drugs are everywhere – and that’s a problem
Contents
Source: This post has been created based on the article “” published in The Indian Express on 12th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice — Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
News: This article discusses the issue of unbranded generic drugs and the related problem of substandard and spurious drugs. It also highlights the need for Good Manufacturing Practices in the pharmaceutical sector to tackle these challenges.
What are some allegations raised with respect to pharmaceutical companies?
Manipulation of trials, hiding of side effects, establishing monopolies through patents and other means, bribing doctors and harming patients.
Asymmetric information with respect to pharmaceuticals leads to uninformed choice, and health-care costs for patients are also unnecessarily increased.
However, there is only a small amount of truth in all these allegations.
The real issue is the cost of drugs, since medicines account for a large share of costs, especially if it is out-of-pocket.
Unregulated markets where tax evasion, spurious and substandard drugs, non-adherence to temperature and lack of other quality controls takes place, are also a cause of concern.
What are the different types of medicine?
Broadly, medicines are of three types:
(1) Still on patent and therefore, a brand;
(2) Off patent and generic, but nonetheless produced by a reputed company, with a brand;
(3) Off-patent, generic and unbranded.
For a particular course of treatment, there may be a choice and substitution between (1), (2) and (3), with variations in side effects as well as prices.
What is the status of pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Out of the 8,500 drug-manufacturing MSMEs, only 2,000 are GMP-compliant (GMP = Good Manufacturing Practices).
Enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and also the lack of enforcement, increases the problem.
Mashelkar Committee 2003 on drug regulatory issues had stated that, “the extent of substandard drugs varied from 8-10% and spurious drugs (fake, counterfeit drugs) are less than half a percent.”
What are the issues with unbranded generic medicine?
Additional health costs of substandard generic drugs not taken into account: Unbranded generic medicines are being pushed through Jan Aushadi outlets due to their prices being cheaper. However, there is a health cost of substandard drugs which is not being taken into account.
Undue Influence by big pharma companies: Pharma companies may lobby and influence pharmacies which will sell these generic medicines, just like they do with doctors.
A lack of information about the effects of unbranded generic medicines hampers patients’ freedom of choice.
Concerns about govt.’s fact check unit
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Concerns about govt.’s fact check unit” published in The Hindu on 12th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance — Government policies and interventions
News: This article discusses the recent decision of the government to set up a ‘Fact Check Unit’ (FCU) – its provisions as well as the issues noted by the Bombay High Court.
The Bombay High Court recently reserved its verdict in a petition, challenging the constitutionality of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023.
The Rules permit a Fact Check Unit (FCU) to identify “fake or false or misleading” online content “related to the business of the Central Government” and demand its removal.
Petitioner’s argument: The petitioners contend that the provision would enable government-led censorship and empower it to be the “prosecutor, the judge, and the executioner” of what constitutes the ‘truth’ online.
Govt’s argument: Defending the provision, the government has argued that the FCU will only notify intermediaries or online platforms that the content they are hosting is fake, false, or misleading. The intermediaries can choose to take it down or leave it up with a disclaimer.
What does the amendment say?
The amendment brings about significant changes to provisions dealing with the responsibilities of intermediaries.
Intermediaries are now under obligation to make “reasonable efforts” to ensure that users do not share any information”. Which is “identified as fake or false or misleading by a fact check unit of the Central government” in respect of “any business of the Central government.”
Failure to comply will lead to losing the “safe-harbour protection” under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which exempts intermediaries from liability for any third-party content on their platforms.
What issues did the High Court find with the amendment?
1) Lack of necessary safeguards: The Court observed that it lacks necessary safeguards. They do not offer protection for fair criticism of the government.
2) Ambiguous terminology: It also highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the term “any business of the Central government.”
3) Unconstitutional consequences: Court remarked that if the consequences of a law are unconstitutional, it must be done away with no matter how sound the motives were.
4) Violation of Article 14: Another argument is that it violates Article 14 by discriminating between false news about the government and other false news.
5) PIB already fact-checks: A sudden need for an FCU was also questioned; pointing out that the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has been efficiently fact-checking for years.
6) Subjectivity of provisions: The Court also said that terms in the amendments are subjective and open to various interpretations.
7) Violates the principles of natural justice: There is no provision that provides an opportunity for an aggrieved intermediary to justify or defend the flagged content.
8) Lack of remedy: The Court also said that even the user whose post has been removed or whose account has been suspended after being flagged by the FCU.
UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop
Source: This post has been created based on the article “UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop” published in The Hindu on 12th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.
News: This article discusses the structural issues of equity and representation in the UN Security Council, and the various challenges associated with reforming the organisation.
The issue of fundamental reforms of the UNSC has resurfaced at the ongoing General Assembly session.
UN’s Secretary-General António Guterres mentioned that the world has changed, but not the institutions. This prevents the effective addressing of problems.
What are the issues of equity in representation at the UNSC?
1) Do not represent Present realities: 5 permanent members enjoy the privilege of a veto, merely because of winning a war 76 years ago. The UNSC reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 and not of today.
2) Disproportionate under-representation of countries: Out of 193 member-states of the UN, only 15 members (less than 8%) are represented in the UNSC. Europe, which accounts for only 5% of the world’s population, controls 33% of the seats.
3) Funders not represented: Japan and Germany have been the 2nd and 3rd largest contributors to the UN budget but are still referred to as ‘enemy states’ in the UN Charter.
4) Major players not represented: States such as India, despite its huge population, share of the world economy, or contributions in kind to the UN (through participation in peacekeeping operations, for example), are not represented.
What are the various challenges in reforming the UNSC?
1) Lack of support from small countries: These make up more than half the UN’s membership but have been indifferent to reform due to lack of incentive.
2) Lack of support from medium and large countries: They are against the select few trying to become permanent members due to a spirit of competition, historical grievance or simple envy.
3) Difficult procedure: The procedure to amend the UN Charter is very difficult. Any amendment requires a two-third majority, and further has to be ratified by two-thirds of the member states.
4) Power of veto: Any ratification also has to be supported by all of the existing permanent five members.
5) In the case of India: China won’t like diluting its status as the only Asian permanent member; Pakistan, is also opposed; and Indonesia seems to feel diminished by the prospect of an Indian seat.
6) In the case of Brazil: Argentina and Mexico opposed due to Brazil not representing the largely Hispanic Latin America.
7) In the case of Africa: Rivalry between Nigeria (largest democracy), South Africa (largest economy), and Egypt (oldest civilization).
What shows the ineffectiveness of the UNSC?
Failure to prevent conflict: In the Ukraine conflict, a Permanent Member of the Security Council invaded a sovereign state and the Council proved powerless.
Misuse of Veto Power: Russia’s veto has blocked resolutions on Ukraine, Syria and North Korea. Similar obstructionism by the West has affected proposals to reform the World Bank and IMF.
UNSC should not be allowed to fade into ineffectiveness and irrelevance as it is the only global system that brings all countries together on a common platform.
GS PAPER - 3
The EU’s CBAM has lent urgency to fair carbon prices
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “The EU’s CBAM has lent urgency to fair carbon prices” published in “Live mint” on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Ecology and environment- Pollution (carbon trading)
News: The article discusses the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which affects imports by considering their carbon emissions and pricing. This mechanism may disadvantage developing countries like India, due to differing carbon pricing and emissions standards, potentially conflicting with the Paris Agreement’s principles.
What is the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
Introduction Date: The CBAM was introduced by the European Union on October 1, 2023.
Covered Goods: It focuses on specific goods like iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer, and electricity.
Reporting Requirements: Importers must report:
Direct and indirect carbon emissions of these goods.
Production methods.
Carbon price paid in the country of origin.
Penalties: If emissions aren’t reported, penalties range from €10-50 for each tonne of unreported embedded emissions.
BAM Certificates: Starting January 1, 2026, importers will need to buy BAM certificates. These account for the price differences in emissions between the EU and the exporting country.
Purpose: The CBAM aims to balance the carbon emissions pricing between the EU and imported goods, potentially impacting the competitiveness of developing countries’ exports.
What are the impacts of CBAM on developing countries?
Competitiveness Concerns: The World Bank and UNCTAD highlight potential reductions in the competitiveness of exports from developing countries to the EU, especially for India.
Reporting and Financial Strain: These countries need to report detailed carbon emissions data and face financial penalties for non-compliance, which may strain resources.
Emission Price Differences: CBAM accounts for the differences in emissions prices between the EU and exporting countries. For example, even if Indian aluminum or steel products have similar emissions to those produced in the EU, exporters must pay the price differential, which can disadvantage them.
Inconsistent with Paris Agreement: Developing countries argue that CBAM challenges the principles of the Paris Agreement by demanding equivalent carbon emissions pricing, despite agreed differential emission reduction obligations, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Climate Transition Costs: The mechanism might inadvertently cause exporters from developing countries to financially contribute to the EU’s climate transition, opposing the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities in global climate agreements.
What are the concerns regarding carbon emission pricing?
Demand for Equivalence: The EU’s CBAM seeks equivalent pricing of emissions, which raises concerns due to varying carbon pricing among different countries.
Contradiction with Paris Agreement: Countries have agreed to diverse emission reduction obligations, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, whereas CBAM enforces a common pricing structure, possibly violating this principle.
No Global Standard: There are over 70 carbon pricing initiatives globally, but no universally agreed principles for measuring and accounting for the price of emissions.
Unfulfilled Commitments: Developed countries promised $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing nations by 2020 under the Paris Agreement, a commitment that remains unfulfilled.
Differential Obligations Ignored: CBAM potentially disregards the principle that countries with historically high emissions have higher obligations than developing countries, as established in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
What are the existing emission charges and regulations?
India’s Emission Charges and Regulations:
Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO): India has regulatory mechanisms like RPO under the Electricity Act, which mandates certain entities to source a portion of their electricity from renewable sources.
Specific Energy Consumption (SEC): Under the Energy Conservation Act, SEC norms help regulate the energy use in industries.
Coal Cess: India imposes a coal cess of ₹400 per tonne on domestic and imported coal as an emission charge.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): The government is planning a CCTS, which should enhance the adoption of market-based pricing for emissions in India.
At a Global Level:
Various Carbon Pricing Initiatives: Globally, there are over 70 carbon pricing initiatives, as per the World Bank, reflecting a wide array of approaches to managing and pricing emissions.
WTO’s Sliding Scale Proposal: WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala proposed a scheme that categorizes countries into four, based on their development status and historical emissions, influencing the carbon price they would pay.
Paris Agreement Commitments: Under the Paris Agreement, countries have submitted Nationally Determined Contributions, reflecting their self-set commitments and approaches towards reducing emissions, which implicitly involves varied pricing and managing mechanisms for carbon emissions.
Freebies: A zero-sumgame
Source: The post is based on the article “Freebies: A zero-sumgame” published in “Business standard” on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies
News: The article discusses the negative impacts of government subsidies and policies on farmers in India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It highlights issues like harmful stubble burning practices, pollution, and public health crises, linking them to political unwillingness to revise old, harmful subsidy policies.
What are the negative impacts of government subsidies and policies on farmers in India?
Stubble Burning Issues:
Farmers now burn stubble to prepare fields due to limited time between harvests.
This practice leads to severe pollution and respiratory health problems for local and distant populations.
Water Table Depletion:
Subsidies on water and electricity led farmers to excessively grow water-intensive paddy crops.
This has drastically reduced water tables in areas like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Economic Strain on States:
In Punjab, the addition of more freebies, like electricity, has resulted in a significant state debt, which is 50% of the state’s domestic product.
Subsidy Dependence:
Many subsidies, originally meant to be temporary, have become perceived rights by farmers, making them hard to remove or adjust.
This reliance affects the availability and quality of other crucial services, such as education and healthcare.
Misaligned Incentives:
Subsidies encourage practices not always beneficial in the long term, like growing crops unsuitable for the region due to short-term financial gains.
What should be done?
Alter Crop Choices: Discourage water-intensive paddy cultivation in regions like Punjab by revising subsidies.
Support Sustainable Alternatives: Consider alternatives like distributing solar cookers instead of continuing cooking gas subsidies to reduce ongoing costs and utilize renewable energy.
Revisit Subsidy Structures: Restructure subsidies so they don’t become permanent and strain state finances, ensuring they are sustainable and targeted to genuine needs.
Address Timely Harvesting: Promote and financially support the development and use of short-duration hybrid crops, like those from the Pusa Institute, to allow timely sowing and harvesting without rushing processes.
Facilitate Stubble Management: Enhance state incentives for using farm equipment that can clear fields without resorting to stubble burning, protecting both the environment and public health.
The lucky cohort- Unlike those born in the 1940s and 50s
Source: The post is based on the article “The lucky cohort- Unlike those born in the 1940s and 50s, the current generation can no longer take global peace and lifelong economic progress for granted” published in “Business standard” on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- growth and development
News: The article discusses significant global progress and challenges experienced since 1940, highlighting remarkable advancements and prosperity from 1940-2000. It also addresses negative impacts such as environmental damage, economic shifts, and social issues in more recent decades. The article suggests that the 1940-50 birth cohort may be the luckiest ever, experiencing numerous benefits and facing fewer global-scale challenges.
Why are the 1940-50 cohorts considered lucky?
The 1940-50 cohorts are considered lucky for several reasons:
Extended Peace: They experienced nearly 78 years of relative global peace after World War II.
Decolonization Benefits: From 1946 to 1966, decolonization brought self-governance to many regions, like Asia and Africa, spreading its advantages globally.
Prosperity Surge: There was a notable increase in world prosperity due to trade and technological advances after 1950.
Health and Longevity: Life expectancy soared worldwide, rising from 45 years in 1950 to 73 years in 2022, marking a significant improvement in global health and longevity.
Economic Improvements: The cohort witnessed major economic improvements, with global extreme poverty dropping significantly, from 38% in 1990 to below 10% in 2019.
Education Accessibility: Access to education and its subsequent benefits became more widespread, contributing to overall well-being.
What are the negative impacts of global prosperity and well-being?
Negative impacts of global prosperity and well-being include:
Environmental Damage: Over 200 years of fossil fuel burning has led to global warming and various climate change issues.
Resource Depletion: The planet’s natural resources have been significantly depleted due to the surge in global prosperity.
Extreme Weather: The frequency of extreme weather events, like floods and forest fires, has dramatically increased in recent years, damaging lives and livelihoods.
Economic Strains: Despite overall growth, economic problems like the global financial crisis of 2008-10 have arisen, slowing world economic progress.
Employment Challenges: Technological advancements, while beneficial, have also brought employment challenges, such as labor-saving technologies making certain jobs redundant.
Good, Do Better – For India, to be the fastest growing major economy isn’t enough
Source: The post is based on the article “Good, Do Better – For India, to be the fastest growing major economy isn’t enough. Real change needs 8% growth” published in The Times of India on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Growth & Development
Relevance: measures needed for India to increase its growth rate.
News: According to the latest forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is the fastest growing major economy in the world.
What are the key takeaways from the IMF’s forecast?
As per the IMF, India is expected to grow at 6.3% in 2023-24, followed by China at 5%. India’s growth rate is expected to remain the same next year, while China’s growth rate is expected to slow down to 4.2%.
The IMF also said that global growth has outperformed expectations of March-April 2022, due to the resilience of the Indian economy.
However, while India has shown remarkable economic growth, it’s important to note that there is a substantial gap with China, as China’s GDP is approximately five times greater.
Hence, to surpass China in contributing to global GDP, India would need to sustain an 8% growth rate for several years.
What are the challenges present with India in increasing its GDP growth rate?
The Indian economy needs to address structural challenges to push up the trend in growth from about 6.5% to 8%.
The government’s jobs data shows that a part of the labor force has gone back to agriculture, the sector with the lowest productivity.
In 2022-23, agriculture’s share of the workforce was 45.8%, over three percentage more than 2018-19, while only 11.4% of the workforce was in manufacturing.
This shift limits the potential for growth in private consumption, a critical part of the economy.
What can be the way ahead?
India needs to boost investment in traditional sectors like mining and utilities, which have a wider economic impact.
This is important because the focus on tech and manufacturing has led to construction surpassing manufacturing in job creation, which is concerning.
Hence, to close the economic gap with China and fulfill India’s geopolitical ambitions, a structural transformation is needed to have a greater impact on global growth.
Spring cleaning – Fixing grey areas is good, but the GST regime needs a broader reform plan
Source: The post is based on the article “Spring cleaning – Fixing grey areas is good, but the GST regime needs a broader reform plan” published in The Hindu on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Fiscal Policy
Relevance: About the recent decision of the GST Council and associated challenges.
News: In a recent meeting, the GST Council clarified the tax status of various goods and services.
What decision were taken by the GST Council?
The Council reduced the GST on molasses from 28% to 5% to lower cattle feed costs and improve cash flows for sugar mills.
The Council also decided not to tax extra neutral alcohol (ENA) used for alcoholic liquor.
Moreover, the GST Council has met more often this year and cleared up a number of tax issues, including harmonizing age requirements for the president and members of the GST Appellate Tribunals.
What are the concerns present with the GST Council?
The major concern for consumers and producers is the Council’s plan to discuss the future of the GST Compensation Cess and its replacement with a surcharge.
This cess was originally introduced to compensate states for revenue losses during the first five years of GST.
However, it was extended on items like aerated drinks, tobacco products, and automobiles until March 2026 as a response to the revenue loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Must Read: Recommendations of 52nd GST Council Meeting
What steps can the GST Council take to address the concern?
Although it is good to discourage consumption of certain harmful goods by levying a cess, introducing a new cess should be part of a larger plan to simplify the complex GST system.
This simplification plan was started two years ago, but it has not made progress, even though the government has been collecting a lot of tax revenue from the GST.
Hence, the Council should think about simplifying the complex multiple-rate structure of the GST and bringing excluded items like electricity, petroleum, and alcohol under the GST.
India needs to go nuclear
Source: This post has been created based on the article “India needs to go nuclear” published in The Indian Express on 12th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy — Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
News: This article discusses the need for an expansion of nuclear energy in emerging economies, especially India and proposes a strategy for the same. It highlights the importance of nuclear energy in tackling the issues of rising energy demand and tackling climate change.
Economic growth leads to a greater demand for energy. Since India’s economy is growing rapidly, there will be a significant growth in our energy consumption which is already the 3rd-highest globally.
What is the need for clean nuclear energy?
1) Rising Energy Demand: The total clean energy requirement to support a developed India would work out to around more than 4 times our present energy consumption.
2) Impact on Climate: Most of this energy consumption will be based on fossil energy, which is a major contributor to global warming. Considering this, there is now a global consensus to reach net-zero before a 2045-2070 time frame.
Failure to tackle this dual challenge would mean either compromising on development or failing to realise the net-zero target or both.
One of the most important solutions is a rapid scale-up of nuclear energy. It is the cleanest and safest of energies, with negligible waste due to a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
Based on a study by Vivekananda International Foundation and IIT-Bombay, a developed India would need 2000 GW nuclear energy to reach net-zero.
However, there is a major implementation challenge, as well as lack of determination and requisite policy/management framework.
What strategy should be followed to rapidly scale up nuclear energy?
Firstly, more projects of the indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) should be implemented leveraging multiple PSUs in addition to NPCIL.
Secondly, indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) should be built at sites that would be vacated by retiring coal plants.
Thirdly, smaller PHWR units can be offered as partially-owned captive units for energy-intensive industries such as metals, chemicals, and fertilizers.
Fourthly, reactors for direct hydrogen production without electrolysis should be developed for cheaper green hydrogen.
Fifthly, 2nd and 3rd stage nuclear-power programme should be sped up to utilize India’s Thorium.
Finally, emerging-economy countries should see rapid deployment of new nuclear-energy capacity to credibly address climate-change.
What should be done?
India’s PHWRs are globally competitive both in terms of performance and capital cost.
Focus on Thorium: Thorium fuel in PHWR can make these reactors even more attractive in terms of economics, safety, waste management and proliferation resistance.
International Cooperation: India should pilot international co-operation for global efforts to address the challenges.
Policy Support: It should be guided by bold policy support that provides a level-playing field for nuclear energy on par with renewable energy.
Emerging-economy countries, where one expects maximum net growth in energy consumption, should see rapid deployment of new nuclear-energy capacity to address climate-change.
GS PAPER - 4
We must inculcate sound values for education to be meaningful
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “We must inculcate sound values for education to be meaningful” published in “Live mint” on 12th October 2023.
Syllabus: GS4: Ethics- Human values (role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values)
News: The article discusses the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for School Education 2023 in India, emphasizing the development of various values and dispositions in students through ethical, democratic, and epistemic values, and highlights the importance of implementing these principles across all school stages and subjects.
What are the aims of education in the NCF 2023?
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 in India has five aims of education. These include independent thinking, health, democratic participation, economic participation, and cultural involvement.
How are values categorized in the framework?
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 categorizes values into three main types:
Ethical and Moral Values: This includes attributes like empathy and courage. For example, a school’s behavior towards parents and students should embody these values, demonstrating integrity and sensitivity in real-life situations.
Democratic Values: These involve a commitment to principles like liberty and equality, and embracing diversity. A fraternal spirit and social responsibility are highlighted, with practices like classroom discussions to foster democratic and communal participation, ensuring that students understand and appreciate the significance of equal rights and duties.
Epistemic Values: Pertaining to knowledge and truth, it includes aspects like scientific temper and recognizing valid sources of knowledge across various domains. Curricula in subjects like science and social science often emphasize these values, teaching students to value truth and approach knowledge with a scientific mindset.
How can the values be developed?
Embedding in School Culture: Values should not only be taught but also visibly practiced in schools. Examples include the manner in which school administrations treat parents and how teachers interact with students and amongst themselves.
Incorporating into Curriculum: Different school subjects and activities are designed to enhance specific values. For instance, regular classroom discussions might be utilized to nurture democratic values and rational thinking. Additionally, sports activities can promote values such as honesty and endurance.
Concrete Examples in Content: The content, including stories or historical episodes that highlight pluralism, equality, and justice, implicitly and explicitly influences values.
Addressing Value Conflicts: Schools need to manage conflicts in values, like disparities between school-taught values and those practiced in communities, by deploying dialogue and empathetic actions, rather than looking for simplistic solutions.
Community and School Responsibility: The onus of fostering values in students is squarely placed on schools and communities, utilizing non-judgmental assessments of the development of values in students.
What are the challenges in developing the values?
Conflict of Values: Sometimes, the values promoted in schools, such as equality, may contrast with practices in students’ communities, which might exhibit discrimination based on gender or caste.
Implementation in Schools: The practical embedding of values into school culture and practices, ensuring that interactions among school staff and with students consistently demonstrate the preached values.
Training for Educators: Teachers might need training and resources to effectively impart lessons on values, which might be tricky, considering the non-pedantic and engaging materials required.
Real-Life Application: Enabling students to understand and apply complex moral and ethical reasoning in real-world scenarios poses a substantial challenge.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Generic drugs are everywhere – and that’s a problem
Contents
Source: This post has been created based on the article “” published in The Indian Express on 12th October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice — Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
News: This article discusses the issue of unbranded generic drugs and the related problem of substandard and spurious drugs. It also highlights the need for Good Manufacturing Practices in the pharmaceutical sector to tackle these challenges.
What are some allegations raised with respect to pharmaceutical companies?
Manipulation of trials, hiding of side effects, establishing monopolies through patents and other means, bribing doctors and harming patients.
Asymmetric information with respect to pharmaceuticals leads to uninformed choice, and health-care costs for patients are also unnecessarily increased.
However, there is only a small amount of truth in all these allegations.
The real issue is the cost of drugs, since medicines account for a large share of costs, especially if it is out-of-pocket.
Unregulated markets where tax evasion, spurious and substandard drugs, non-adherence to temperature and lack of other quality controls takes place, are also a cause of concern.
What are the different types of medicine?
Broadly, medicines are of three types:
(1) Still on patent and therefore, a brand;
(2) Off patent and generic, but nonetheless produced by a reputed company, with a brand;
(3) Off-patent, generic and unbranded.
For a particular course of treatment, there may be a choice and substitution between (1), (2) and (3), with variations in side effects as well as prices.
What is the status of pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Out of the 8,500 drug-manufacturing MSMEs, only 2,000 are GMP-compliant (GMP = Good Manufacturing Practices).
Enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and also the lack of enforcement, increases the problem.
Mashelkar Committee 2003 on drug regulatory issues had stated that, “the extent of substandard drugs varied from 8-10% and spurious drugs (fake, counterfeit drugs) are less than half a percent.”
What are the issues with unbranded generic medicine?
Additional health costs of substandard generic drugs not taken into account: Unbranded generic medicines are being pushed through Jan Aushadi outlets due to their prices being cheaper. However, there is a health cost of substandard drugs which is not being taken into account.
Undue Influence by big pharma companies: Pharma companies may lobby and influence pharmacies which will sell these generic medicines, just like they do with doctors.
A lack of information about the effects of unbranded generic medicines hampers patients’ freedom of choice.
Elusive dancing frogs of Western Ghats a threatened species: Global Amphibian Assessment report
Source: The post is based on the article “Elusive dancing frogs of Western Ghats a threatened species: Global Amphibian Assessment report” published in “Deccan Herald” on 11th October 2023
What is the News?
The Second Global Amphibian Assessment report has been released.
What is Global Amphibian Assessment?
It is a comprehensive analysis of 8,011 species worldwide.
The analysis was led by Re:wild, Synchronicity Earth and the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.
What are the key findings of the Second Global Amphibian Assessment Report?
Amphibians on the brink of extinction: Around 41% of amphibian species are on the brink of extinction.
– This means around two out of every five amphibian species are at risk of extinction.
Major threats to amphibians include climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire, invasive species and over-exploitation.
Out of 426 amphibian species assessed in India, 139 are threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable).
Region rich in Amphibian Diversity: The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot spread across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is rich in amphibian diversity.
– However, around 64 species of amphibians found in the Western Ghats are on the list of endangered species.
– The Micrixalus genus (dancing frogs) in the Western Ghats is the most threatened frog genus in India.
Note: Dancing Frogs are endemic to the Western Ghats of India.They have a curious habit of waving their hind legs to defend their territory from intruding males during the breeding season.
– Nyctibatrachidae (night frogs) are also highly threatened in southern states.
Amphibian Recovery Project: Wildlife Trust of India has launched Amphibian Recovery Project in the Munnar Landscape of Kerala.
– The project is actively working to recover the population of threatened amphibians by addressing the challenges that cause the risk of extinction.
– Currently, the project is focussing on 5 species —Deccan Night Frog (Endangered), Resplendent Resplendent shrub frog (Endangered), Kadalar Swamp Frog (Endangered), Anaimalai Flying Frog (Vulnerable), and Meowing Night Frog (Near Threatened).
India launches Op Ajay to bring home citizens from Israel-Hamas war zone
Source: The post is based on the article “India launches Op Ajay to bring home citizens from Israel-Hamas war zone” published in “Indian Express” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza.
What is Operation Ajay?
Launched by: India
Aim: To facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza.
What are the other similar operations of India?
Operation Dost: It was the search and rescue operation initiated by the Government of India to aid Syria and Turkey, after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake devastated both countries.
Operation Kaveri: It is a mission by India to evacuate its nationals from violence-hit Sudan.
Operation Ganga: It was launched to help stranded Indian nationals come back to India from Ukraine through special flights amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Operation Devi Shakti: Under this Operation, Indians and foreign nationals are being evacuated from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the nation.
Operation Raahat: It was launched by the Indian Armed Forces, to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign nationals of 41 countries from Yemen during the 2015 Yemen Crisis.
Operation Maitri: It was a rescue and relief operation in Nepal carried out by the government of India and Indian armed forces in the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Operation Safe Homecoming: It was an operation launched by the Indian government in 2011 to evacuate its citizens, fleeing from the Libyan Civil War.
Russia may pull out of Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT): How the treaty tried — and failed — to stop nuclear testing
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Russia may pull out of Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT): How the treaty tried — and failed — to stop nuclear testing” published in “Indian Express” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
Russia might revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT).
What is the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT)?
CTBT is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes.
The treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.
For the treaty to enter into force, it must be signed and ratified by 44 specific nuclear technology holder countries. But the eight of these 44 countries have not ratified the agreement yet.These eight countries are: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan and the United States.
Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO): It is an international organization established by the States Signatories to the Treaty on 19 November 1996 and has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
– The objective of the organization is to achieve the object and purpose of the Treaty, to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those for international verification of compliance with the Treaty and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among Member States.
How did the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty(CTBT) come into being?
Nuclear Tests in 1940’s: USA conducted the world’s 1st successful nuclear weapons test in 1945 whereas the Soviet Union tested its 1st nuclear weapon in 1949.These tests triggered a decades-long arms race between the two superpowers.Between 1945 and 1996, more than 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out.
Limited Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (LTBT),1963: It prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater, but underground tests were still permitted.
Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT): The US and Soviet Union agreed to sign the Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), which established a nuclear threshold by banning the two countries from conducting tests that would produce a yield exceeding 150 kilotons (equivalent to 150,000 tons of TNT).
CTBT: A major breakthrough came after the Cold War ended through the CTBT in 1996 that will prohibit all nuclear weapons tests and other nuclear explosions upon its entry into force.
Did the CTBT stop nuclear testing?
Since the CTBT, 10 nuclear tests have taken place.India conducted two in 1998, Pakistan also two in 1998, and North Korea conducted tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 (twice) and 2017.
The United States last tested in 1992, China and France in 1996 and the Soviet Union in 1990. Russia, which inherited most of the Soviet nuclear arsenal, has never conducted a nuclear test.
What the GI tag can mean for the cashew industry in Goa
Source: The post is based on the article “What the GI tag can mean for the cashew industry in Goa” published in “Indian Express” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
Goan cashew (kernel) has been granted the geographical indication (GI) tag.
How did cashew come to Goa and become a contributor to the economy?
Cashew was native to northeast Brazil in Latin America and was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
At the time of its introduction on Indian coasts, cashew was known mainly as a crop for afforestation and soil conservation.
However, the economic value of cashew nuts became known about a century after its introduction.
The first cashew factory in Goa started operations in 1926 and the first consignment of cashew kernels was exported in 1930.
By 1961, the cashew processing industry accounted for about 60% of industrial production in Goa, a bulk of which was exported.
What is the significance of Goan Cashew getting GI Tag?
Cashew manufacturers and processors in Goa have said that the GI tag for Goan cashew would help consumers differentiate between authentic Goan cashews and cashews sourced from outside the state which are often marketed as ‘Goan cashews’.
Cabinet approves establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat
Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat” published in “PIB” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).
What is Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)?
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) will be an autonomous body.
Purpose: To support youth development and youth-led development with the help of technology.
– To create a platform that encompasses the entire government’s efforts for youth development.
Target group: Mera Yuva Bharat will benefit the youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy.
– In case of programme components specifically meant for adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age-group of 10-19 years.
Features: The body will allow youth to get access to resources & connection to opportunities,.This will help them become community change agents and nation builders.This will also allow them to act as the Yuva Setu between the Government and the citizens.
Key expected outcomes: The establishment of MY Bharat will lead to achieve several key outcomes.
These include: 1) enhancing youth leadership skills 2) cultivating them as social innovators and community leaders 3) empowering them to become active drivers of development 4) aligning their aspirations with community needs 5) providing a unified platform for both young individuals and ministries and 6) facilitating two-way communication to connect youth with government initiatives.
Why Gaza is known as the world’s biggest ‘open air prison’
Source: The post is based on the article “Why Gaza is known as the world’s biggest ‘open air prison” published in “Indian Express” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
Israel has announced a “total blockade” of Gaza, which includes a ban on food, water, fuel and electricity supplies.
Israel is able to impose such conditions on Gaza because Gaza has been under an air, land and sea blockade by Israel since 2007.
Where is Gaza?
Source: BBC
Gaza is a strip located on the Mediterranean Sea.It is one of two Palestinian territories, the other being the occupied West Bank.
Gaza is separated from Israel by a separation barrier and it has a southern border crossing with Egypt.
It is under the control of the militant Islamist group Hamas since 2007.
Since then, Israel and Egypt have restricted the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza saying their blockade is needed for security reasons.
Why is Gaza called an Open Air Prison?
According to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the socioeconomic situation in Gaza has been in steady decline for more than a decade.
Longstanding restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from Gaza have made living conditions extremely difficult.
Israel prevents all access to and from the Gaza Strip by sea and air.Movement of people and goods is restricted to three crossings: Rafah crossing, controlled by Egypt and Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings, controlled by Israel.
Around 63% of the population of Gaza is considered food-insecure, and 81% are living in poverty.Access to clean water and electricity were at crisis levels even before this month’s hostilities.
Hence, due to these conditions created by the blockade, many experts refer to Gaza as an “open air prison”.
Watermeal: Earth’s tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space
Source: The post is based on the article “Watermeal: Earth’s tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space” published in “Wion” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
Scientists from Thailand are conducting groundbreaking research into the potential of Watermeal plants as a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts.
What is Watermeal?
Watermeal is the world’s smallest flowering plant.It is known for its tiny size and floating habit on water bodies.It lacks roots, stems, or leaves.
Watermeal thrives in quiet, nutrient-rich freshwater environments like ponds, lakes and marshes.
It is also a producer of oxygen through photosynthesis and a rich source of protein.In Thailand, it has been part of the local diet for generations.
Why can watermeal be a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts?
Firstly, watermeal doesn’t have any roots, stems or leaves.It is basically just a sphere floating on a body of water.That means we can focus directly on the effects that gravity shifts will have on its growth and development.
Secondly, as a complete protein, it offers astronauts a sustainable source of essential amino acids.
Thirdly, watermeal is a producer of oxygen.This means it can be vital for life support systems in space.
Cabinet approves royalty rates for mining of three critical and strategic minerals- Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves royalty rates for mining of three critical and strategic minerals- Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)” published in “PIB” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved a royalty rate for lithium, niobium, and for Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
Background:
Recently, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment act, 2023 was passed by the Parliament.
The amendment delisted six minerals including Lithium and Niobium, from the list of atomic minerals, thereby allowing grant of concessions for these minerals to the private sector through auction.
Further, the amendment provided that mining lease and composite license of 24 critical and strategic minerals including Lithium, Niobium and REEs (not containing Uranium and Thorium) shall be auctioned by the Central Government.
Why have new royalty rates been approved for lithium, niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?
The Second Schedule of the MMDR Act provides royalty rates for various minerals.
The act currently specifies a royalty rate of 12% of the average sale price (ASP) for minerals that are not specifically listed in that Schedule.This rate is much higher than global benchmarks.
Hence, that’s why new royalty rates have been specified by amending the Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
These amendments effectively aligns India’s royalty rates with global benchmarks and paves the way for commercial exploitation of these minerals through auctions, which can be conducted by the Centre or states.
What are Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements(REEs)?
Lithium: It is an alkali metal.It is one of the key components in rechargeable batteries that find usage in mobiles, laptops, electric vehicles, and medical devices like pacemakers.It is also used in energy storage solutions.
Rare earth elements: It refers to a group of 17-odd minerals that cover ones like scandium, yttrium, and cerium, among others.Most of these are used as catalysts and magnets, with the most common usage being in alloys, glass, electronics, petroleum extraction, electric motors of hybrid and EVS and wind turbines, among others.
Niobium: It is a silvery metal with a layer of oxide on its surface which makes it resistant to corrosion.
– It is used in alloys, including stainless steel, to improve their strength, particularly at low temperatures.
– Alloys containing niobium are used in jet engines, beams and girders for buildings, and oil and gas pipelines.Given its superconducting properties, it is also used in magnets for particle accelerators and MRI scanners.
– The main source of Niobium is the mineral columbite, which is found in countries such as Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Nigeria.
3.21 lakh appeals pending with Information Commissions: report
Source: The post is based on the article “3.21 lakh appeals pending with Information Commissions: report” published in “The Hindu” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
The ‘Report Card on the Performance of Information Commissions in India, 2022-23’ has been released.
The report has been compiled based on the performance of Information Commissions across the country and on information accessed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), a citizens’ group working to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
What are the key findings of the report?
Pending appeals: More than 3 lakh appeals and complaints are pending in 27 State Information Commissions across the country.
– Note: In 2019, there were 2.1 lakh pending appeals/complaints.This number increased to 2.8 lakh in 2021 and then surpassed three lakh by 2022.
Vacancies: Four Information Commissions, namely Jharkhand, Telangana, Mizoram and Tripura are defunct because no new Information Commissioners were appointed after the incumbents left their positions.
– Further, six Information Commissions are currently without a head including the Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions of Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Punjab.
Time taken to dispose of an appeal: West Bengal takes around 24 years and one month to dispose of an appeal.In comparison, Uttar Pradesh may take seven months to clear an appeal.
Maharastra with the highest pendency cases may take four years and three months to clear a case.