CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/05/2024

Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunisation’

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974.

• This initiative was introduced as the global eradication of smallpox loomed on the horizon, necessitating the utilization of existing immunization infrastructure to expand vaccine benefits.
• Nearly every nation initiated its own national immunization program following the WHO’s announcement.
• India, for instance, launched its EPI in 1978, later renaming it the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.
• This year also signifies two decades since India’s last nationwide independent field evaluation of the UIP, conducted in collaboration with international experts.

Key Highlights

• Global Progress:
  • Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made globally and in India regarding immunization and vaccines.
  • What began in 1974 with vaccines against six diseases has now expanded to vaccines against 13 universally recommended diseases, with an additional 17 recommended for specific contexts.
  • Research efforts are underway to develop vaccines against approximately 125 pathogens, many targeting diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
• Success Stories:
  • The impact of immunization is evident in the rising coverage of children receiving three doses of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus), serving as a tracer indicator.
  • In the early 1970s, only around 5% of children in low- and middle-income countries received these three doses, a figure that surged to 84% globally by 2022.
  • Major achievements include the eradication of smallpox, near elimination of polio, and significant reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • In India, immunization coverage has steadily increased over the years, with 76% of children receiving recommended vaccines between 2019 and 2021.
• Impact and Benefits:
  • Numerous studies have demonstrated the life-saving potential of vaccines, preventing millions of deaths and billions of hospital visits and hospitalizations since the launch of the EPI.
  • Economic analyses reveal that vaccination programs are highly cost-effective, with each dollar (or rupee) spent yielding a seven to 11-fold return on investment.
  • In low- and middle-income countries, including India, immunization programs stand out as a resounding success among government initiatives, often boasting significantly higher coverage rates than other health programs.
  • Even in mixed health systems where both public and private sectors deliver services, immunization remains primarily a government-led effort.
  • For example, in India, where the private sector dominates nearly two-thirds of health services, government facilities deliver approximately 85% to 90% of all vaccines.
  • Experts consider immunization coverage as a tracer indicator of the highest achievable coverage for any government intervention in a given setting.
• Challenges Faced:
  • Despite its successes, the immunization program encounters challenges.
  • A concerning trend emerged in early 2023 when UNICEF’s ‘The State of the World’s Children’ report revealed a decline in childhood immunization coverage in 2021, the first such decline in over a decade.
  • Globally, an estimated 14.3 million children were unvaccinated (zero dose), with an additional 6.2 million only partially immunized in 2022.
  • While vaccination coverage in India has generally increased over the years, significant disparities persist along geographic, socio-economic, and other parameters, necessitating urgent interventions.
• Transition from Childhood Focus to Life Course:
  • Despite popular misconception, vaccines have always been available for individuals of all age groups, not just children.
  • Dating back 225 years to the first smallpox vaccine in 1798, vaccines have targeted individuals across various age demographics.
  • The earliest vaccines, including those against rabies, cholera, typhoid, and plague, were designed for adults.
  • Even the BCG vaccine, introduced in 1951 against tuberculosis, targeted all age groups.
  • Influenza vaccines have consistently been administered to both adults and children.
  • While prioritizing children for vaccination was justified due to their vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases, this focus primarily stemmed from limited vaccine supply, financial resources, and trained workforce several decades ago.
• Shift in Focus to Adult Vaccination:
  • In recent decades, while increased vaccine coverage has significantly protected children, preventable diseases targeted by vaccines are on the rise among adults.
  • This shift underscores the need for government policies to prioritize adult and elderly vaccination, a trend observed in many countries.
  • Drawing from the five-decade experience of the EPI, strategies can be devised to enhance adult vaccine coverage.
  • Policy Considerations:
    • Initial discussions on expanding immunization coverage to additional populations have begun.
    • While initiatives like HPV vaccines for teenage girls signal progress, broader provision of recommended vaccines for adults and the elderly by the Indian government is crucial.
    • Given the cost-effectiveness of vaccines, once endorsed by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), they should be freely available at government facilities.
  • Role of NTAGI:
    • The NTAGI in India, responsible for vaccine use recommendations, should extend its purview to include guidance on vaccines for adults and the elderly.
    • Endorsement by governmental bodies significantly boosts vaccine coverage, underscoring the importance of NTAGI recommendations.
  • Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy:
    • Combatting prevalent myths and misconceptions about vaccines is imperative to address vaccine hesitancy.
    • Leveraging professional communication agencies, utilizing layperson language, and harnessing social media are essential strategies.
    • Additionally, citizen education from reliable sources is crucial in dispelling vaccine-related misinformation.
    • Professional medical associations, including community medicine experts, family physicians, and pediatricians, should actively promote vaccine awareness among adults and the elderly.
    • Physicians treating various ailments can leverage patient interactions to educate them about the importance of vaccines.
    • Research and Evidence Generation:
      • Medical colleges and research institutions must generate evidence on disease burden among the adult population in India, providing essential data to inform vaccination strategies.
    • Synergy with Existing Programs:
      • Studies indicate that introducing new vaccines into national programs enhances coverage of existing vaccines.
      • Expanding vaccine coverage for adults and the elderly may consequently improve childhood vaccine coverage and reduce vaccine disparities.
      • As India launched a pilot initiative for adult BCG vaccination in late 2023 and witnessed increased awareness through COVID-19 vaccination, the timing is opportune to embark on a new journey of adult vaccination.
      • With 50 years of EPI experience, it’s time to expand the program to encompass zero dose children, address vaccination inequities, and offer vaccines to adults and the elderly, positioning EPI as an ‘Essential Program on Immunization.’

About the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

• The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is a vaccination program launched by the Government of India in 1985 to provide free vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases to all children across the country.
• The key features of the UIP are:
  • It was launched in 1985 after renaming the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) started in 1978.
  • It became a part of Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme in 1992 and is currently one of the key areas under the National Health Mission since 2005.
  • The program aims to rapidly increase immunization coverage and reduce mortality and morbidity due to vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • It provides free vaccination against 12 diseases:
    • tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis B, rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis, rubella, Haemophilusinfluenzae type B, and pneumococcal diseases.
  • New vaccines like inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), rotavirus vaccine (RVV), measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) have been added to the UIP in recent years.
  • The program covers all residents of India, including foreign residents, and the cost of all vaccines is borne entirely by the Government of India.
  • The UIP has a budget of ₹7,234 crore (US$910 million) in 2022.
  • Key milestones include the elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.

Note: India is a major global supplier of vaccines, providing 80-90% of the world’s measles vaccine and all the rubella vaccines to South America.

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The need for the use of labour statistics

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Labour institutions and the industrial relations system (IRS-LM) are subject to constant change due to various objective factors such as shifts in product markets, advancements in technology, fluctuations in trade and investment, and the evolving landscape of labour institutions like trade unions, collective bargaining, and strikes.

• These changes create an environment where the reform of labour institutions is perennially under consideration.

Key Highlights

• Aspects of Reforms:
  • Reforms in the realm of labour institutions encompass both substantive issues and procedural aspects.
  • Substantive issues involve the core elements of labour laws and regulations, while procedural aspects pertain to the mechanisms and processes through which these reforms are discussed, debated, and implemented.
  • Role of Social Dialogue:
    • Social dialogue serves as a crucial procedural institutional process for deliberating on labour reforms and reaching consensual conclusions.
    • Entities like the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) facilitate social dialogue to advance the reform agenda.
    • However, the effectiveness of social dialogue has been hindered by the absence of evidence-based reform arguments, leading to the propagation of “class-based opinions” lacking credible data or experiential support.
  • Challenges in Labour Statistics:
    • Labour statistics pose a unique challenge compared to economic and industrial data due to their lack of rigor.
    • While entities like the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) produce robust statistics, their focus on IRS-LM-related information is limited.
    • The Labour Bureau, responsible for providing labour statistics, primarily relies on administrative data generated through the implementation of labour laws.
    • While it collects data on various industrial relations and labour parameters, such as strikes, trade unions, contract labour, absenteeism, labour turnover, and labour inspections, the scope and composition of the data have remained largely unchanged over the years.
    • Need for Enhanced Data and Statistical Rigor:
      • The stagnation in the scope and composition of labour statistics, coupled with the absence of evidence-based arguments in social dialogue, highlights the urgent need for enhanced data collection and statistical rigor in the domain of labour institutions and industrial relations.
      • Enriching labour statistics with comprehensive and reliable data can provide the empirical foundation necessary for informed policy decisions and meaningful social dialogue on labour reforms.
    • Employer and Academic Reform Arguments:
      • Employers and neoliberal academics have persistently advocated for labour reforms, focusing on three main arguments.
        • Firstly, they criticize the labour inspection system as burdensome and akin to an “Inspector-Raj,” advocating for its overhaul.
        • Secondly, they lament the perceived reluctance of state governments to sanction applications for retrenchment or establishment closures.
        • Lastly, they call for restrictions on the right to strike and favor non-union workplaces.
      • Academic studies, such as those by Besley and Burgess (B&B) in 2004, often support these reform arguments, despite methodological weaknesses.
      • Trade Union Response and Data Deficiency:
        • Trade unions, in response to these reform arguments, have failed to collect relevant statistics on labour inspection and closure applications.
        • For instance, crucial data such as the number of sanctioned inspectors, actual inspection frequency, and outcomes of closure applications are often lacking.
        • This deficiency hampers informed arguments in favor of labor inspection, potentially hindering efforts to strengthen inspection mechanisms.
        • Additionally, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on retrenchment and closure applications, with limited information available, particularly outside of Maharashtra.
      • Importance of Data for Informed Arguments:
        • The absence of comprehensive data undermines the ability of trade unions to counter reform arguments effectively.
        • For instance, by collecting and analyzing data on labor inspections, unions could highlight discrepancies between inspection capacity and the scope of inspections, revealing the need for improved inspection mechanisms.
        • Similarly, data on retrenchment and closure applications could inform debates on the prevalence of denials and the impact of labor regulations in the post-reform period.
        • Such data-driven arguments are essential for informing policy decisions and countering reform narratives based on limited evidence.
      • Impact of Industrial Relations Code, 2020 on Strikes:
        • The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (CIR) has significantly constrained the legality of strikes, imposing hefty penalties for illegal strikes.
        • This legal framework has made strikes nearly unattainable for trade unions.
        • However, a closer examination of data on strikes and lockouts published by the Labour Bureau could have provided valuable insights.
        • This data reveals that lockouts are more prevalent and result in more lost workdays than strikes in the post-reform era, challenging the necessity of stringent strike clauses in the CIR.
      • Trade Union Role in Generating Labour Statistics:
        • Trade unions possess the capacity to produce statistics on various aspects of the industrial relations system and labor market at the establishment level.
        • While employers’ organizations like NASSCOM provide statistics on industries such as IT, trade unions could similarly engage in data collection to inform their advocacy efforts.
        • India’s ratification of the Labour Statistics Convention (No.160), 1985, and the Labour Inspection Convention (081), 1947, underscores the need for valid, comprehensive, and reliable statistics on the industrial relations system and labor market.
        • Trade unions must recognize that labor reforms are contested not only through street protests but also through evidence-based arguments supported by objective data and empirical studies.
        • Leveraging academic studies, trade unions can make evidence-based arguments in forums like the Indian Labour Conference (ILC), fostering a more informed dialogue on labor reforms.
      • By resolving to undertake these measures on May Day 2024, trade unions can not only advocate for labor reform but also potentially influence the transformation of statistical agencies like the Labour Bureau.

About the Indian Labour Conference (ILC)

• The Indian Labour Conference (ILC) is the apex level tripartite consultative committee in the Ministry of Labour& Employment in India, established to advise the Government on issues concerning the working class of the country.
• The ILC is often referred to as the ‘labour parliament’ of the country and is modeled on the International Labour Conference, serving as an apex level tripartite consultative committee involving the Government, Employers, and Workers.
• It was formed in 1942 and has held a total of 46 sessions, with the most recent one taking place in 2015.
• The agenda of the ILC is finalized by the Standing Labour Committee, which is a tripartite body, after detailed discussions among the stakeholders.
• The primary function of the ILC is to advise the Government on matters related to the working class in India.
• Members of the ILC include Central Trade Union Organisations, Central Organisations of employers, all State Governments and Union Territories, and Central Ministries/Departments concerned with the agenda items.

About the Labour Statistics Convention (No.160)

• The Labour Statistics Convention (No. 160), 1985 is an international labor standard adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that requires member states to regularly collect, compile, and publish basic labor statistics.
• The convention requires member states to regularly collect, compile, and publish statistics on a range of labor-related topics, including the economically active population, employment, unemployment, underemployment, wage structure, labor costs, consumer prices, and household income and expenditure.
• The statistics collected must be representative of the country as a whole and cover all branches of economic activity.
• Member states are required to consult with representative organizations of employers and workers when designing or revising the concepts, definitions, and methodology used in collecting and compiling the statistics.
• The convention prohibits the publication or disclosure of data that could reveal information about individual statistical units, such as persons, households, or enterprises.
• Member states that ratify the convention are required to communicate the published statistics and information about their publication to the ILO.

About the Labour Inspection Convention (081)

• The Labour Inspection Convention (No. 81), 1947 is an international labor standard adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that outlines the principles and guidelines for labor inspection systems in member states.
• Purpose:
  • The convention aims to ensure that labor inspectors are effectively employed to enforce labor laws and regulations, thereby promoting the welfare of workers and contributing to the economic and social development of the country.
• Key Principles:
  • The convention emphasizes the importance of labor inspection in ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, protecting workers’ rights, and promoting decent work.
• Implementation:
  • The convention provides a framework for countries to implement effective labor inspection systems, which are essential for enforcing labor laws and promoting decent work.

About NASSCOM

• NASSCOM, the National Association of Software and Service Companies, is an Indian non-governmental trade association and advocacy group that primarily serves the Indian technology industry.
• Key Points about NASSCOM:
  • Formation and Purpose:
    • Established on 1st March 1988, NASSCOM serves as a policy advocacy body for the Indian technology industry, focusing on Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Management (BPM).
  • Membership:
    • NASSCOM’s membership includes over 3,200 companies, ranging from Indian IT companies, multinational corporations with operations in India, business process management service providers, technology startups, and industry stakeholders like academic institutions and research institutes.
  • Initiatives:
    • NASSCOM has launched various programs to promote the growth of the technology sector in India, including initiatives to support startups, events targeting startups, and collaborations with entities like the Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM).
  • Founders:
    • Among the founders of NASSCOM were prominent figures in the Indian IT industry, including NandanNilekani, Siva Nadar, and Narayana Murthy.

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Implementing the Street Vendors Act

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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May 1, 2024, marks the tenth anniversary of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, a significant milestone achieved after decades of legal deliberation and the persistent advocacy of street vendor movements across India.

• While hailed as a progressive legislation, the Act confronts numerous challenges in its practical implementation, revealing gaps between legislative intent and on-ground realities.

Key Highlights

• Provisions and Significance of the Law:
  • Street vendors, constituting approximately 2.5% of any city’s population, fulfill diverse roles within urban ecosystems.
  • From providing essential daily services like selling vegetables and food to offering a vital source of income for migrants and the urban poor, street vendors play a crucial role in urban life.
  • Moreover, they contribute to the cultural fabric of Indian cities, exemplified by iconic street foods like Mumbai’s vadapav and Chennai’s dosai.
  • Enacted in 2014, the Street Vendors Act aimed to “protect” and “regulate” street vending in cities, with State-level regulations and implementation by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through by-laws, planning, and regulation.
  • It delineates clear roles and responsibilities for both vendors and government bodies, recognizing the positive urban role of vendors and emphasizing the need for livelihood protection.
  • Notably, the Act commits to accommodating all “existing” vendors in designated vending zones and issuing vending certificates.
  • The Act establishes a participatory governance framework through Town Vending Committees (TVCs), wherein street vendor representatives must constitute 40% of the committee members, with a sub-representation of 33% for women street vendors.
  • These committees are tasked with ensuring the inclusion of all existing vendors in vending zones.
  • Additionally, the Act outlines mechanisms for addressing grievances and disputes, proposing the establishment of a Grievance Redressal Committee chaired by a civil judge or judicial magistrate.
• Implications and Precedents:
  • The provisions of the Street Vendors Act set a crucial precedent for inclusive and participatory approaches to address the needs of street vendors in urban areas, at least in theory.
  • By recognizing the economic and cultural significance of street vending and mandating representation and protection measures, the Act represents a step towards promoting vendor livelihoods and fostering inclusive urban development.
  • However, its effective implementation remains a challenge, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to bridge the gap between policy intent and on-ground realities.’
• Administrative Challenges:
  • Despite the Street Vendors Act’s emphasis on protection and regulation, it faces significant administrative challenges.
  • Foremost among these is the noticeable increase in harassment and evictions of street vendors, often stemming from an outdated bureaucratic mindset that views vendors as illegal entities to be cleared.
  • Moreover, there is a pervasive lack of awareness and sensitization about the Act among state authorities, the wider public, and vendors themselves.
  • Town Vending Committees (TVCs) often remain under the control of local city authorities, with limited influence from street vendor representatives.
  • Additionally, the representation of women vendors in TVCs is predominantly tokenistic, further undermining the Act’s objectives.
• Governance Challenges:
  • At the governance level, existing urban governance mechanisms often prove inadequate in integrating the Street Vendors Act effectively.
  • The Act fails to align seamlessly with the framework established by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act for urban governance.
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) lack sufficient powers and capacities to implement the Act’s provisions effectively.
  • Moreover, flagship schemes like the Smart Cities Mission, with their top-down approach and focus on infrastructure development, largely overlook the Act’s mandates for the inclusion of street vendors in city planning, exacerbating governance challenges.
• Societal Challenges:
  • The prevailing image of the ‘world-class city’ tends to be exclusionary, posing a significant societal challenge to the implementation of the Street Vendors Act.
  • This image often marginalizes and stigmatizes street vendors as obstacles to urban development rather than acknowledging them as legitimate contributors to the urban economy.
  • Such perceptions influence city designs, urban policies, and public attitudes towards neighborhoods, creating additional barriers to the Act’s effective implementation and exacerbating societal-level challenges.
• Top-Down Direction for Implementation:
  • While the Street Vendors Act is progressive and detailed, its effective implementation requires top-down direction and management, ideally originating from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
  • This centralized approach should gradually decentralize over time to ensure responsiveness to the diverse needs and contexts of street vendors across the nation.
  • Initiatives like PM SVANidhi, a micro-credit facility for street vendors, serve as positive examples of such top-down support.
• Decentralization and Capacity Building:
  • There is a pressing need to decentralize interventions and enhance the capacities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to effectively plan for street vending in cities.
  • This shift should move away from department-led actions towards inclusive deliberative processes at the Town Vending Committee (TVC) level.
  • Moreover, urban schemes, city planning guidelines, and policies must be amended to systematically include street vending considerations.
• Addressing Emerging Challenges:
  • The Street Vendors Act faces new challenges such as the impact of climate change, a growing number of vendors, competition from e-commerce, and reduced incomes.
  • To address these challenges, the Act’s broad welfare provisions must be creatively utilized to meet the evolving needs of street vendors.
  • The sub-component on street vendors within the National Urban Livelihood Mission should adapt to changing realities and facilitate innovative measures to address emerging needs.
  • The Street Vendors Act underscores the complex interplay of contestation over urban space, the plight of urban workers, and governance dynamics.
  • It offers valuable lessons for future lawmaking and implementation processes, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policymaking, responsive governance structures, and adaptability to evolving urban realities.

More about the Street Vendors Act, 2014

• The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Government of India to protect the rights and livelihoods of street vendors across the country.
• Key features of the Act:
  • Purpose:
    • The Act aims to protect the livelihoods of urban street vendors and regulate street vending activities through the demarcation of vending zones and setting conditions for street vending.
  • Registration and Certification:
    • The Act requires street vendors to register with the Town Vending Committee (TVC) and obtain a certificate of vending to carry out their business legally.
  • Town Vending Committee (TVC):
    • The Act mandates the establishment of a TVC in each local authority, comprising officials and non-officials, including street vendors, to oversee the implementation of the Act.
  • Street Vending Plan:
    • The local authority, in consultation with the TVC, is required to prepare a street vending plan every five years to identify vending zones and the number of vendors to be accommodated.
  • Social Security:
    • The Act provides for the social security of street vendors, including access to affordable credit, insurance, and other welfare schemes.
  • Prevention of Harassment:
    • The Act prohibits the harassment of street vendors who are operating with a valid certificate of vending, protecting their right to carry out their business without fear of eviction.
  • Overriding Effect:
    • The Act has an overriding effect on any inconsistent state laws, ensuring a uniform legal framework for street vending across the country.

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About the redistribution of wealth

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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The ongoing election campaign has witnessed heated debates between the ruling government and the Opposition regarding wealth redistribution.

• Additionally, the Supreme Court has constituted a nine-judge Bench to interpret DPSP regarding ownership and control of material resources, indicating the continued relevance and complexity of these constitutional principles in contemporary governance and socio-economic debates.

Key Highlights

• The Constitution of India, through its Preamble, aims to secure social and economic justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens.
• It delineates fundamental rights in Part III, guaranteeing liberty and equality, while Part IV contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• Unlike fundamental rights, DPSP is not enforceable in court but serves as guiding principles for governance.
• Article 39(b) and (c) in Part IV emphasize securing economic justice by distributing ownership and control of material resources for the common good and preventing wealth concentration to the detriment of society.
• Historical Context:
  • Originally, the Constitution guaranteed the right to property as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f), with compensation provisions in case of acquisition under Article 31.
  • However, facing the need for land reforms and public asset construction, amendments were made to curtail property rights, notably under Articles 31A, 31B, and 31C.
  • The Supreme Court has interpreted the balance between fundamental rights and DPSP, notably in cases like Golak Nath (1967), KesavanandaBharati (1973), and Minerva Mills (1980), affirming the harmonious coexistence of the two.
  • Supreme Court Interpretations:
    • In Golak Nath, the Court ruled against diluting fundamental rights to implement DPSP.
    • However, KesavanandaBharati upheld the validity of Article 31C, subject to judicial review, marking a crucial juncture in defining the relationship between fundamental rights and DPSP.
    • The Minerva Mills case reinforced the constitutional balance, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing fundamental rights and DPSP.
  • Evolution of Property Rights:
    • In 1978, the 44th Amendment Act removed the right to property as a fundamental right, making it a constitutional right under Article 300A.
    • This shift aimed to reduce litigation in the Supreme Court by the propertied class.
    • However, the right to private property remains significant, ensuring any state acquisition is for a public purpose and provides adequate compensation.
  • Background: Socialistic Policies vs. Liberalization
    • In the initial decades after independence, India pursued a socialistic model of economy, marked by land acquisition laws, nationalization of industries, and high tax rates.
    • The aim was to reduce inequality and redistribute wealth among the majority population.
    • However, these measures stifled growth and led to inefficiencies, with taxes like estate duty and wealth tax generating insufficient revenue.
    • The 1990s witnessed a shift towards liberalization, globalization, and privatization, aimed at empowering market forces and improving efficiency.
    • Reforms included repealing laws like the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, reducing income tax rates, and abolishing estate duty and wealth tax.
  • Current Debate: Inequality and Electoral Promises
    • The transition to a market-driven economy has brought both prosperity and growing inequality.
    • Reports indicate that a significant portion of the country’s wealth and income is concentrated among the top 10%, leaving the bottom 50% with a disproportionately small share.
    • In the current election campaign, the principal Opposition party, Congress, has promised measures for the poorer sections, including financial assistance and wealth distribution surveys.
    • The ruling party, on the other hand, accuses the Opposition of planning to reintroduce inheritance tax laws that could affect even the poorer sections.
  • Way Forward: Balancing Growth and Equity
    • Addressing inequality requires a nuanced approach that balances innovation and growth with equitable distribution of benefits.
    • While past policies like high tax rates had limitations, the government must still ensure economic justice for all, especially the marginalized.
    • Policy frameworks should be debated and adapted in accordance with current economic models, with the underlying principle remaining consistent: economic justice as enshrined in the Constitution.

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AstraZeneca admits its Covishield vaccine may lead to rare side effect

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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In recent developments, global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has acknowledged a potential link between its COVID-19 vaccine, known as AZD1222, and a rare medical condition called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

• The vaccine, produced under license in India as Covishield by the Serum Institute of India (SII), has been under scrutiny due to reported cases of low platelet counts and blood clot formation.

Key Highlights

• Background and Context:
  • AstraZeneca’s AZD1222 vaccine, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, received widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic, including in India where Covishield doses were administered extensively.
  • However, concerns arose regarding potential adverse effects, prompting legal action against AstraZeneca in the UK.
  • AstraZeneca’s Submission in Court:
    • AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of a potential link between its vaccine and TTS surfaced through court documents related to a lawsuit filed against the company in the UK.
    • The lawsuit was initiated by an individual who experienced serious health complications, including a brain injury, after receiving the vaccine.
    • According to reports, AstraZeneca has refuted claims of a causal relationship between the vaccine and TTS at a generic level.
    • However, the company has admitted to the possibility of TTS occurring in “very rare cases” following vaccination.
  • Implications for Indians Who Received Covishield:
    • Given the acknowledgment by AstraZeneca of a potential link between its vaccine and TTS, individuals who have received Covishield shots may have concerns about their health.
    • While the reported cases of adverse effects are rare, the situation warrants further attention and vigilance from healthcare authorities and the public.
  • Symptoms of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS):
    • TTS presents with a variety of symptoms, including breathlessness, chest or limb pain, pinhead-sized red spots or bruising beyond the injection site, headaches, and numbness in body parts.
    • The condition can lead to blood flow restriction due to clotting, potentially resulting in severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, or breathing difficulties, as noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
  • Emergence of Concerns:
    • While concerns related to TTS have surfaced earlier, they have gained renewed attention following AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of a link between its vaccine and the syndrome.
    • The issue was highlighted in January 2021 when the Indian government issued a fact sheet cautioning against administering Covishield to individuals with thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet counts.
    • Subsequently, several European countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to reported cases of blood clotting in March 2021.
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) also noted instances of TTS following vaccinations with Covishield and Vaxzevria, another name for AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
  • Risk Assessment by WHO:
    • The WHO has emphasized that while TTS cases have been reported post-vaccination with AstraZeneca’s vaccines, the risk remains very low.
    • Data from the UK indicate an estimated risk of approximately four cases per million adults receiving the vaccine, while the rate is around 1 per 100,000 in the European Union.
    • Despite these occurrences, the overall risk associated with TTS following vaccination with Covishield and Vaxzevria is deemed to be minimal, according to the WHO’s assessment.
  • Incidents of Blood Clots in India:
    • In May 2021, the Indian government reported 26 potential thromboembolic events, or instances of clot formation in blood vessels, following the administration of Covishield, the Indian variant of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
    • The reported incidents translated to approximately 0.61 cases per million doses administered, indicating a low percentage of 0.000061.
    • Subsequent data revealed that the government’s committee on Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) confirmed at least 36 cases of TTS associated with Covishield.
    • These cases, reported mainly in 2021, included 18 deaths.
    • Despite these occurrences, the Union Health Ministry described the likelihood of such events as “minuscule” and emphasized the overall positive benefit-risk profile of Covishield, citing its effectiveness in preventing Covid-19 infections and reducing related deaths.
    • Status of Covaxin:
      • In contrast to Covishield, no instances of potential thromboembolic events were reported in connection with Covaxin, India’s indigenous vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.
    • Ethnicity and Risk Factors:
      • The Ministry highlighted scientific literature indicating that the risk of blood clotting, while present, is significantly lower among individuals of South and Southeast Asian descent compared to those of European descent.
    • WHO Classification:
      • In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) incorporated vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) into its classification of TTS, further emphasizing the need for monitoring and understanding such adverse effects associated with Covid-19 vaccines.

About COVID-19

• COVID-19, short for Coronavirus Disease 2019, is a highly contagious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.
• The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and it quickly spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic.
• Symptoms:
  • COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Some individuals infected with the virus may remain asymptomatic.
• Transmission:
  • The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
  • It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
• Prevention:
  • Preventive measures include vaccination, wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance, and following testing guidelines.
  • These measures are crucial in reducing the spread of the virus.
• Diagnosis:
  • COVID-19 is diagnosed through tests like PCR or rapid at-home tests.
  • Early diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and preventing further transmission.
• Treatment:
  • Treatment for COVID-19 varies based on the severity of the infection.
  • Mild cases may require rest and fever-reducing medications, while severe cases may need hospitalization, oxygen therapy, and other supportive measures.
• Long-Term Effects:
  • Some individuals may experience lasting health problems post-recovery, known as Long COVID, which can include respiratory issues, heart problems, and neurological complications.

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Why banks can’t seek LOCs to stop debtors from going abroad?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The Bombay High Court delivered a ruling stating that public sector banks (PSBs) cannot recommend or request the issuance of Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters.

• This decision came as the Court invalidated provisions of the central government’s Office Memoranda (OM) that granted PSBs the authority to request such LOCs.

Key Highlights

• Judicial Decision and Grounds:
  • A division Bench comprising Justice Gautam S Patel and Justice Madhav J Jamdar (since retired) declared the LOCs issued to restrain PSB debtors from traveling abroad as unjustified “strong-arm tactics.”
  • The Court deemed them violative of fundamental rights enshrined under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and protection of life and personal liberty, respectively.
• Background and Legal Challenge:
  • The challenged LOCs were issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), permitting authorities at departure ports to prohibit PSB debtors from leaving India.
  • These LOCs were authorized by OMs issued by the Ministry from October 27, 2010 onward.
  • In September 2018, an additional ground was introduced allowing LOCs to be issued if a person’s departure was deemed detrimental to the “economic interest” of the country.
  • Subsequently, a new clause empowered the chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI) and the managing directors and chief executive officers of all other PSBs to request immigration authorities to issue LOCs against default borrowers.
  • Scope of Default Borrowers:
    • The category of default borrowers extended beyond just borrowers themselves to include guarantors for loan repayment and principal officers or directors of indebted corporate entities.
  • Petitioners’ Argument:
    • The petitioners contested the validity of the Office Memoranda (OMs) that permitted public sector banks (PSBs) to request Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against defaulting borrowers.
    • Senior advocate BirendraSaraf argued on behalf of the petitioners, emphasizing that these OMs infringed upon fundamental rights, particularly the right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    • They contended that the concept of “economic interest of India” differed from the “financial interests” of PSBs, and accused the government of creating an improper classification between public and private banks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Centre’s Submission:
    • Senior advocate Anil Singh, representing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), argued that the circulars contained necessary “checks and balances” to ensure the deprivation of life or personal liberty was done through established legal procedures.
    • He highlighted the surge in wilful defaulters and economic offenders, some of whom had fled the country, as justification for the government’s actions.
  • Court’s Observations and Ruling:
    • The court held that the government had not demonstrated that debt recovery was facilitated by denying individuals permission to travel abroad.
    • It criticized LOCs as strong-arm tactics to circumvent legal processes, noting that PSBs were granted unilateral power without proper oversight.
    • The court emphasized that curtailing the fundamental right to travel abroad through executive action, without statutory provisions, was unconstitutional.
    • It rebuked the elevation of PSB officials to the status of high-ranking police officers, highlighting the violation of Article 21.
    • The case in question is noted as Viraj Chetan Shah v Union Of India &Anr.
    • Court’s Observations on Classification:
      • The court highlighted the disproportionate impact of the LOC provisions solely on public sector banks (PSBs), noting that borrowers dealing only with private banks would not face LOC issuance.
      • It criticized the arbitrary distinction between borrowers from PSBs and those from private banks, emphasizing the violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.
      • The court cited examples of entities controlled by individuals like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, who had dealings with both PSBs and private banks, indicating the flawed nature of the classification.
    • Implications of the Verdict:
      • The court clarified that its ruling would not affect existing restraint orders issued by competent authorities or agencies.
      • It affirmed the banks’ freedom to seek court orders restraining individuals from traveling abroad or to utilize provisions under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
      • While refusing the Centre’s request for a stay on the verdict, the court left open the option for the Centre to challenge the judgment in the Supreme Court.
    • Future Legislative Action:
      • The High Court underscored that its judgment did not hinder the central government from enacting appropriate legislation and establishing procedures consistent with Article 21 of the Constitution.
      • This indicates that legislative measures could be pursued to address the concerns raised by the court’s ruling regarding LOC issuance against loan defaulters.

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Hangor class submarines

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The Hangor-class submarine, built by China for Pakistan, was recently launched at a Wuhan shipyard.

• It is the first of eight submarines of this class that Pakistan Navy plans to induct into its fleet by 2028.
• The Hangor-class is an export variant of the Chinese Type 039A Yuan class submarine and is named after the decommissioned PNS Hangor, famous for sinking the Indian frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 war.

Key Highlights

• Propulsion and Features:
  • The Hangor-class submarine is a diesel-electric attack submarine, utilizing diesel engines for surface and snorkeling operations and a battery-powered system for underwater operations.
  • It is equipped with four diesel engines and features an air independent propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing its endurance underwater significantly.
  • Combat Capabilities:
    • As an attack submarine, the Hangor-class is designed for sinking other submarines or surface vessels using torpedoes and cruise missiles.
    • It is equipped with six 21-inch torpedo tubes and has the capability to launch anti-ship missiles, including the Babur-3 subsonic cruise missile with a range of 450 km.
  • Comparison with India’s Kalavari Class:
    • The Hangor-class submarine is directly comparable to India’s Kalavari class submarines, based on the French Scorpene-class.
    • While India operates six Kalavari class submarines, with three more set to join by the early 2030s, Pakistan’s Hangor class submarines boast larger dimensions.
    • The Hangor class has a displacement of 2,800 tons, is 76 meters long, 8.4 meters wide, and has a draught of 6.2 meters when surfaced.
    • In contrast, the Kalavari class displaces 1,775 tons and is 67.5 meters long.
    • Manoeuvrability and Speed:
      • While the Hangor class submarines offer slightly more comfort for their crew, their larger size poses a drawback in shallow, littoral waters compared to the more manoeuvrableKalavari class submarines.
      • Both classes have a reported top speed of 20 knots (37 kmph), ensuring comparable performance in terms of speed.
    • Endurance and Stealth:
      • The Hangor class submarines have an edge over the Kalavari class in terms of underwater endurance due to their built-in air independent propulsion (AIP) system.
      • This allows them to remain submerged for extended periods, enhancing their stealth capabilities.
      • Conventional diesel-electric submarines like the Kalavari class need to surface periodically to recharge their batteries, making them more detectable to enemy sensors.
    • Armament and Weapon Systems:
      • The Kalavari class submarines are equipped with six 21-inch German-made torpedoes and missile systems such as French Exocet anti-ship missiles and MICA anti-air missiles.
      • This armament is considered superior and more battle-tested compared to the armament of the Hangor class submarines.
      • Additionally, the lack of vertical launch systems limits both submarine classes from carrying larger cruise missiles like the Brahmos-NG.
    • Sensor Suites:
      • Both submarine classes are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor suites, although detailed information about the capabilities of Hangor class submarines in this regard is not publicly available.

About India’s Kalavari class submarines

• The Kalvari-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines operated by the Indian Navy. Here are the key features of the Kalvari-class submarines:
• Overview:
  • The Kalvari-class submarines are an export derivative of the French-origin Scorpène-class submarine, originally designed by Naval Group.
  • India ordered an initial batch of six Kalvari-class submarines in 2005, with five currently in operational service.
  • In 2023, a proposal for the purchase of three more Kalvari-class submarines was approved.
• Propulsion and Capabilities:
  • The submarines are powered by two 1,250kW MAN diesel engines and a permanently magnetized propulsion motor for silent underwater operation.
  • They are expected to be equipped with fuel-cell air-independent propulsion (AIP) modules, providing an estimated 14 days of underwater endurance without resurfacing.
  • The submarines are armed with six 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes, capable of firing a combination of heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles or mines.
  • They are also fitted with mobile C303/S anti-torpedo decoys for self-defense.
• Operational Deployment:
  • The Kalvari-class submarines are designed for a variety of missions, including littoral surveillance, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and minelaying operations.
• Construction :
  • The submarines are being constructed by a syndicate of French and Indian shipyards, namely, Naval Group and Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

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Argentine scientists find speedy 90-million-year-old herbivore dinosaur

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source :  The Indian Express

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Palaeontologists from Argentina announced the discovery of a new medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Chakisaurusnekul.

• It lived approximately 90 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period in present-day Patagonia.

Key Highlights

• Location and Habitat:
  • The fossil of Chakisaurusnekul was found in the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, located in the southern province of Río Negro, an area renowned for its rich fossil deposits.
  • This region has yielded fossils of various mammals, turtles, fish, and other dinosaur species.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Chakisaurusnekul is estimated to have reached lengths of 2.5 to 3 meters and stood approximately 70 centimeters tall.
  • Its most distinctive feature was its downward-curving tail, a unique trait among dinosaurs.
  • This tail adaptation is thought to have aided in balance and maneuverability during locomotion.
• Behaviour and Locomotion:
  • Studies suggest that Chakisaurusnekul was a fast runner, relying on its agility to evade predators.
  • Its robust hind limbs and specialized tail anatomy allowed it to maneuver quickly and maintain balance during races.
  • This adaptation was crucial for survival, as it coexisted with numerous predators in its environment.
• Cultural Significance:
  • The dinosaur’s name, Chakisaurusnekul, is derived from the Aonikenk and Mapudungún languages of the indigenous Tehuelche and Mapuche people, respectively.
  • “Chaki” means “old guanaco” in Aonikenk, referring to a medium-sized herbivore mammal native to the region, while “nekul” translates to “fast” or “agile” in Mapudungún.
• Research and Publication:
  • The discovery of Chakisaurusnekul was made by a team of Argentine paleontologists supported by the National Geographic Society.
  • While the initial discovery was made in 2018, the findings were recently published in the journal Cretaceous Research, unveiling new insights into the evolutionary history and behaviour of this dinosaur species.

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