Karol Bagh | IAS GS Foundation Course | date 26 November | 6 PM Call Us
This just in:
UPSC CSE Mains 2024 Result - Roll Number ListUPSC CSE Mains 2024 Result - Namewise ListSambhav 2025UPSC CSE Prelims Test Series 2025 PCS ParikshanUPSC Calendar 2025
Language: ENहिंदी
Search
RSS
Cart
Classroom

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Study Material

State PCS

Test Series

Videos

    

Drishti Store

  • 25 Nov 2024
  • 57 min read
Biodiversity & Environment

UNFCCC COP29 Baku

For Prelims: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, New Collective Quantified Goal , Carbon markets,  United Nations, Nationally Determined Contributions, Global Methane Pledge, Lima Work Programme on Gender, Food and Agriculture Organization, Green Climate Fund, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), Mangrove Alliance for Climate. 

For Mains: India’s Climate Policy, COP29 and its Outcomes, Global Climate Governance, India’s Leadership in Global Climate Initiatives  

Source: IE 

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties 29 (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan. This conference saw around 200 countries negotiate agreements aimed at addressing global climate challenges. 

What are the Key Highlights of the COP29? 

  • New Climate Finance Goal: A major breakthrough at COP29 was the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). It aims to triple climate finance for developing countries to USD 300 billion per year by 2035 from the previous goal of USD 100, with developed countries taking the lead.  
    • It also makes a general call on all actors to scale up climate financing to USD1.3 trillion per year by 2035 from all public and private sources to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. 
  • Carbon Markets Agreement: COP29 reached a landmark agreement to finalise the mechanisms for carbon markets, including country-to-country trading (Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement) and a centralised carbon market under the United Nations (UN) (Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement). 
  • Declaration on Reducing Methane: Over 30 countries, including the US, Germany, UK, and UAE, endorsed the COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste (India is not a signatory).  
    • The declaration targets the waste sector’s methane emissions, which contribute to 20% of global methane emissions. It focuses on five priority areas: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), regulation, data, finance, and partnerships. 
    • Countries are encouraged to include sectoral targets for reducing methane emissions from organic waste in their NDCs.  
    • This builds on the Global Methane Pledge (India is not a signatory) to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030, addressing methane from agriculture, waste, and fossil fuels. 
  • Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: COP29 reinforced the importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in addressing climate change. 
    • COP29 adopted the Baku Workplan and renewed the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) mandate under the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP). 
      • The Baku work plan prioritises bridging indigenous knowledge with modern science, enhancing indigenous participation in climate dialogues and embedding indigenous values into climate policies. 
      • The FWG will implement the Baku Workplan in a gender-responsive and collaborative manner, with a review of progress scheduled for 2027. 
      • FWG of the LCIPP is a constituted body established at COP24 to further operationalize the LCIPP and facilitate its functions on knowledge, engagement, and climate policies, working with diverse bodies. 
  • Gender and Climate Change: A decision was made to extend the Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG) for another 10 years, reaffirming gender equality in climate action and the need for a new gender action plan to be adopted at COP30 (Belém, Brazil). 
    • Established in 2014, the LWPG aims to advance gender balance and integrate gender considerations to ensure gender-responsive climate policy and action under the Convention and the Paris Agreement. 
  • Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers: The COP29 Presidency in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launches the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. 
    • It is a platform that brings together the dispersed landscape of existing climate initiatives in the field of food and agriculture, in order to make support for farmers easier to find and to facilitate access to finance.  

What is India’s Stance at COP 29? 

  • Opposition to the Deal: India rejected the NCQG, criticising it for its inadequacy. The USD 300 billion pledge was deemed insufficient for addressing the climate challenges faced by developing nations. 
    • India, alongside other Global South countries, has been advocating for at least USD 1.3 trillion annually to meet the growing demands of climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing nations, with USD 600 billion as grants or grant-equivalent resources.  
  • Article 9 of the Paris Agreement: India emphasised that developed countries should lead in mobilising climate finance, in line with Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which places responsibility on developed nations.  
    • However, the final deal shifted the responsibility to all actors, including developing countries, instead of holding developed nations accountable for their historical emissions and financial commitments. 
  • Solidarity with Vulnerable Nations: India backed the concerns of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who walked out of the negotiations, citing that their demands for a fair and adequate financial target were being ignored.  

Why is COP Important for India? 

How has India’s Role in Global Climate Governance Evolved? 

  • 1970s to 2000s: India was cautious about Western environmental calls, fearing they would hinder its economic development. 
  • Post-2015: The Paris Agreement, 2015 marked a pivotal shift in global climate governance, allowing developing nations like India to contribute to climate action without facing disproportionate obligations. 
    • The transition from rigid emission reduction targets to voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) enabled India to align its climate commitments with developmental priorities. 
    • India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and updated them in 2022. 
    • India contributed USD 1.28 billion to climate finance for other developing countries in 2022, reinforcing its role as a climate leader. 
  • Advocacy for Climate Equity and Justice: India advocates for developed nations to provide financial and technological support to developing countries and actively supports mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and Loss and Damage Fund. 
  • Leading Global Initiatives:  
    • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 summit in Paris, ISA aims to promote solar energy adoption globally. 
    • Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): Advocates sustainable consumption patterns to reduce carbon footprints. 
    • Mangrove Alliance for Climate: Promotes the conservation of mangrove ecosystems to mitigate climate impacts.

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the outcomes of COP29 and their implications for global climate governance. How does India’s stance align with its climate goals and development priorities?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions 

Mains

Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

Indian Economy

Coking Coal as Critical Mineral

For Prelims: NITI Aayog,  Coking Coal, Critical Minerals, Steel Production, European Union, Lithium, Rare Earths, Sedimentary Rock, Special Purpose Vehicles,  Volatile Compounds. 

For Mains: Significance of coking coal and critical minerals for India.

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, a NITI Aayog report titled ‘Enhancing Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the import of Coking Coal’ advocated coking coal to be included in the list of critical minerals.

Why Should Coking Coal Be Declared a Critical Mineral? 

  • Meeting Critical Mineral Criteria: Coking coal meets all the criteria to declare coking coal as a ‘critical mineral’ for India. 
    • Critical minerals have significant economic importance for key sectors in the national economy. 
    • Critical minerals have a high-supply risk due to the very high import dependence and high level of concentration of set critical raw materials in particular countries. 
    • There is a lack of (viable) substitutes, due to the unique and reliable properties of these materials for existing, as well as future applications. 
  • Steel Production: Coking coal is a vital raw material for steel production, constituting approximately 42% of the cost of steel, which is crucial for infrastructure development and job-creating sectors in India,  
    • The availability of affordable coking coal is crucial for the economy. 
  • High Import Dependence: India imports about 85% of its coking coal, much higher than the European Union’s (EU) 62%, posing risks to its steel industry and economic stability. 
    • Domestic production of coking coal could have saved Rs 1.5 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 for import of 58 metric tonnes of coking coal. 
  • Large Domestic Reserves: India holds significant proved reserves of coking coal—16.5 billion tonnes of medium-quality and 5.13 billion tonnes of prime-quality coal.  
    • Using these reserves for metallurgical purposes can enhance energy security, reduce supply chain risks, and support domestic steel production. 
  • Steel Industry’s Competitiveness: In FY 2023-24, Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs)  imported 58 metric tonnes of coking coal, costing approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore.  
    • Declaring coking coal a critical mineral can boost domestic production, lowering steel production costs and enhancing global competitiveness. 
  • Full Capacity Utilisation: The capacity utilisation of PSU washeries was less than 32% in FY 2022-23 while the washed (clean) coal yields were only 35-36%. 
    • Investment and subsidies for adoption of efficient technologies in washery equipment can improve their efficiency and reduce costs.  
  • Global Practices: EU has declared coking coal as a critical raw material along with 29 other raw materials which include ‘green energy’ minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths. 
    • India’s decision to similarly classify coking coal would align with global practices and prioritise it as a key resource for economic development.  
  • Energy Security and Sustainability: India's focus on developing domestic coking coal reserves can reduce import reliance and strengthen energy security while supporting its Net Zero emissions goal by 2070. 

Coking Coal and India 

  • High Dependence on Imports: India’s coking coal imports for the first half (H1) of FY25 (April-September) reached 29.6 million tonnes (mt), marking a six-year high. 
    • Globally, India is the largest importer of coking coal. 
  • Higher Steel Production: The increase in coking coal imports coincides with a rise in India’s steel production. 
    • Globally, India is the second largest producer of crude steel after China. 
  • Top Importing Countries: Australia, US, and Russia are the largest suppliers of coking coal to India. 
  • Trend in Imports: Shipments from Russia saw a substantial 200% increase between H1FY25 and H1FY24.  
    • Australia's share of India's coking coal imports has dropped to 54% (16 mt) in H1FY25, down from 80% (21.7 mt) in H1FY22. 
  • Diversification: There has been a slight increase in sourcing from Mozambique and Indonesia. 

What are the Key Facts About Coking Coal? 

  • About: Coking coal (or Metallurgical coal) is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the earth’s crust.  
    • It encompasses a wide range of quality grades including hard coking coal, semi-hard coking-coal, and semi-soft coking coal. All are used to make steel.  
    • Coking coal typically contains more carbon, less ash and less moisture than thermal coal, which is used for electricity generation. 
  • Formation of Coke: Coking coal is heated in the absence of air in coke ovens to produce coke, a porous, carbon-rich material.  
    • This process, called coking, removes volatile compounds from the coal, making the coke suitable for use in the blast furnace. 
  • Role in Steelmaking: 
    • Fuel: Coke burns at high temperatures (around 1,000°C to 1,200°C) to produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is used to reduce iron ore (Fe2O3) into molten iron. 
    • Reducing Agent: Carbon monoxide (CO) reacts with iron ore in the blast furnace to reduce iron oxide (Fe2O3) into iron (Fe). 
  • Coking Coal Production: The largest producers of coking coal in 2022 were China (62%), Australia (15%), Russia (9%), USA (5%) and Canada (3%).  
  • Strategic Importance: Steel is cited as a strategic material in all industries related to the low-carbon transition.  
    • About 780 kg of coking coal is needed to produce 1 ton of steel. 
  • By-Products of Coke Production: By-products such as tar, benzole, ammonia sulphate, sulphur, and coke oven gas are used in chemical manufacturing and for heat/power generation. 

What are Critical Minerals for India? 

  • Global Scenario: The list of critical minerals varies among countries, depending on their industries and priorities.  
    • For example, the United States has identified 50 critical minerals, Japan has identified 34, the United Kingdom has 18, the European Union has 34, and Canada has 31. 
  • Indian Scenario: India has identified a total of 30 minerals that are found to be most critical for India where India must prioritise its efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. 
    • List: The identified minerals include Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium. 
    • States/UTs with Critical Minerals: The states/UTs housing these minerals are Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu and Kashmir. 

  • India’s Import Dependency: India is heavily reliant on imports for critical minerals, with 100% import dependency for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. 
    • This dependency is likely to continue, as demand for these minerals is expected to double by 2030.

What are India’s Initiatives to Secure Critical Minerals? 

Conclusion 

  • Coking Coal as a ‘Critical Mineral’: Coking coal should be declared a critical mineral as recommended by NITI Aayog to boost domestic production, enhance steel sector competitiveness, and create skilled manufacturing jobs. 
  • Whole-of-Government Approach: To address the shortage of domestic metallurgical coal, NITI Aayog recommends a 'whole-of-government' approach involving multiple ministries (Coal, Steel, Environment, and Forests). 
  • Private Participation: Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) should be formed in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode for the development of coalfield reserves. 
  • Optimising Coal Production: The production of metallurgical coal requires collaborative teamwork among mine planners, geologists, mining engineers, and washery operators.

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the strategic importance of coking coal for India’s steel industry and economy. How can India address its high dependency on imports of coking coal?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. In India, the steel production industry requires the import of (2015) 

(a) saltpetre  

(b) rock phosphate 

(c) coking coal  

(d) All of the above 

Ans: (c)

Q. Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal? (2012) 

  1. It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for the future, and import it from other countries for the present use.
  2. Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country
  3. Steel companies need large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)

Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)

International Relations

11th ADMM Meeting-Plus and Buddhism

For Prelims: ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, Buddhist Principles, Act East policy, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, ASEAN, Global Commons, High Seas, Antarctica, Outer Space, Vinaya Pitaka, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). 

For Mains: India’s Act East Policy, India and its neighbourhood- relations. 

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, India’s Defence Minister addressed the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) forum held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. 

 What are the Key Highlights of the 11th ADMM Meeting-Plus? 

  • Freedom of Navigation: India highlighted the need for adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 for freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific region. 
    • India advocated for a Code of Conduct that protects the rights and interests of nations that remain consistent with international law. 
  • International Order: India called for greater adoption of Buddhist principles of peaceful coexistence in a world that is increasingly polarised into blocks and camps. 
  • Advocacy for Dialogue: India’s approach to border disputes, trade agreements, and other challenges demonstrates its belief in open communication to foster trust, understanding, and cooperation. 
  • Asian Century: India described the 21st century as the "Asian Century," emphasising ASEAN’s economic dynamism and its vibrant trade, commerce, and cultural exchanges. 
  • Decade of the Act East Policy: India Highlighted the success of India’s Act East Policy, which has strengthened ties with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific nations over the past decade. 
    • The Act East Policy was launched in November 2014 at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit 2014 held in Myanmar capital Naypyidaw. 
  • Climate Change and Defence: India proposed the development of an ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change to tackle interlinked security and environmental challenges. 
  • Global Commons: India underscored the importance of safeguarding Global Commons, which include shared natural resources beyond national boundaries. 

Note:

India quoted Rabindranath Tagore’s 1927 remark during his Southeast Asia visit: "I saw India everywhere, yet I couldn’t recognise it." 

  • The statement symbolises the deep and widespread cultural & historical ties between India and SouthEast Asia. 

What is ADMM-Plus Forum? 

  • About: It is a multilateral defence cooperation framework that brings together the defence ministers of the 10 ASEAN member states, 8 Plus countries (dialogue partners), and Timor Leste. 
    • ASEAN Members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. 
    • 8 Dialogue partners include India, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the US. 
  • Establishment: The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 12th October 2010. 
    • Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus meets annually, to allow enhanced dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN and the Plus Countries. 
  • Focus Area: The ADMM-Plus currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation, namely 
    • Maritime security (MS) 
    • Counter-terrorism (CT) 
    • Humanitarian assistance and disaster management (HADR)  
    • Peacekeeping operations (PKO)  
    • Military medicine (MM)  
    • Humanitarian mine action (HMA)  
    • Cyber security (CS)   
  • Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs): EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these areas.  
    • The EWGs are each co-chaired by one ASEAN Member State and one Plus Country, operating in a three-year cycle. 

Spread of Buddhism to Southeast Asia 

  • Cultural Crossroads: Indian traders, sailors, and monks helped spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia, with ports like Srivijaya (Sumatra, Indonesia) and Champa (Vietnam) serving as key centres for learning and cultural exchange from the 7th to 13th centuries. 
  • Legitimacy of Rulers: Southeast Asian rulers adopted Buddhism to strengthen their authority, aligning with figures like Buddha or Hindu deities to legitimise their rule. 
    • The Srivijaya Empire, centered in Sumatra, was a key player in the spread of Buddhism. 
  • Fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism: In Southeast Asia, Buddhism often blended with local beliefs and Hinduism. 
    • Buddhist and Hindu temples in Southeast Asia, like Angkor Wat (Cambodia) and Borobudur (Indonesia), showcase this fusion.  
  • Cultural Diffusion: Buddhism influenced the local cultures of places like Bali and Java, seen in their dance, rituals, and temple architecture. 

What is the Role of Buddhist Ideals in Conflict Resolution?  

  • Buddhist Perspectives: Three vital Buddhist perspectives that can help us resolve or minimise conflict. 
    • Everyone is a Buddha, worthy of utmost respect. 
    • Dialogue is the most powerful means of creating understanding and respect among people. 
    • Our inner transformation is the key to changing the world (reducing the poison of anger which includes greed (lobha), hatred (dvesha), and delusion (moha). 
  • Adhikaraṇasamathadhamma: Buddhist text Vinaya Pitaka outlines adhikaraṇasamathadhammā, principles for resolving monks' conflicts. 
    • It provides detailed guidelines for monks on confession, reconciliation, resolving disputes, and healing splits in the Sangha. 
      • It applies to anyone seeking reconciliation of differences, whether personal or political. 
  • Middle Path (Madhyam Marg): Advocating balanced policies that consider all stakeholders' needs, fostering equitable solutions while avoiding extremes. 
  • Interdependence (Pratītyasamutpāda): Promoting mutual understanding and shared responsibility among nations to address global issues like climate change and resource conflicts. 
  • Karuna (Compassion): Prioritising humanitarian aid and addressing the root causes of suffering in conflict zones, such as poverty and inequality. 

What is India’s Act East Policy (AEP)? 

  • About: India's AEP is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening India's engagement with the countries of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.  
    • It evolves from the Look East Policy, 1992, focusing on proactive engagement to boost economic growth, regional security, and cultural exchanges. 
  • Strategic Partnerships: India has upgraded its relations to strategic partnerships with several key countries in the region, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, and Singapore. 
  • Regional Engagement: India is actively involved in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). 
  • Infrastructure, and Connectivity: Major infrastructure projects include the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project, India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, Rhi-Tiddim Road Project, and Border Haats.  
  • Security Cooperation: There is a shared commitment between India and ASEAN to upholding international maritime laws and norms and promoting regional stability. 
  • Northeast India: Efforts focus on improving connectivity between Northeast India and ASEAN through trade, cultural exchanges, and infrastructure development. 
    • India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway (Asian trilateral highway) will connect India (Moreh, Manipur) and Thailand (Mae Sot) via Myanmar and is planned to be extended to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Conclusion 

India's participation in the 11th ADMM-Plus highlights its commitment to regional peace, security, and cooperation. Emphasising Buddhist principles for conflict resolution, the Act East Policy's success, and climate change defence strategies reflect India's broader vision for a peaceful, integrated, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Examine the relevance of Buddhist principles in today's global order for peace and harmony.   

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. Consider the following countries: (2018) 

  1. Australia
  2. Canada
  3. China 
  4. India
  5. Japan 
  6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 

(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 

(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 

(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 

Ans: (c)

Q. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as(2016) 

(a) G20  

(b) ASEAN 

(c) SCO  

(d) SAARC 

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario. (2016)

Economy

Access to Medicine Index Report 2024

For Prelims: Malaria, Tuberculosis, Tropical Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Vaccines, Maternal Health, Supply Chains, Natural Disasters, African Union, Public-Private Partnerships, Digital Health, R&D Efforts. 

For Mains: Significance of Availability of Medicines, Vaccines and Healthcare Services for Poors and Low- and Middle-Income Countries. 

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the Access to Medicine Foundation released its 2024 Index Report, evaluating  pharmaceutical companies' efforts to enhance medicine access in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) despite ongoing challenges. 

What are the Highlights of the Access to Medicine Index Report 2024? 

  • Exclusion from Clinical Trials: LMICs, despite being home to 80% of the global population, account for only 43% of all clinical trials conducted worldwide.  
    • This limits the participation of LMIC populations in the development of new medicines and delays their access to innovative treatments. 
  • Limited Tech Transfers & Medicine Access: Voluntary licensing and technology transfers are concentrated in countries like Brazil, China, and India, leaving much of sub-Saharan Africa excluded, which limits the availability of medicines in many low-income regions. 
  • Gaps in Access for Low-Income Countries: While some companies are adopting inclusive business models, over 61% of products assessed lack specific strategies for low-income countries.  
    • This underscores persistent inequities, as access efforts remain concentrated in upper-middle-income regions. 
  • Decline in R&D for Priority Diseases: Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly moving away from R&D for priority diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which disproportionately affect LMICs. 
    • The report highlighted the urgent need for pharmaceutical companies to enhance efforts and create transparent strategies for equitable access to medicines. 

What are the Needs and Challenges in Accessing Medicines in LMICs? 

  • The Need for Improved Access to Medicines:  
    • LMICs face a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that strain fragile healthcare systems, according to WHO with 17 million people dying from NCDs before age 70 annually, 86% of these deaths occurring in LMICs. 
      • Affordable, high-quality medicines, diagnostics, and vaccines are essential to address these challenges and reduce preventable mortality.  
    • Moreover, strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution networks is critical to reliable supply of essential medicines and reduce dependence on imports in LMIC. 
  • Challenges in Providing Medicines in LMICs: 
    • Economic Barriers: Access to medicines in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is severely limited by economic barriers. 
      • Notably the high cost of essential medications, including patented drugs, significantly restricts access for patients and healthcare systems with limited purchasing power. 
    • Financial Consequences: Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures force families to make devastating choices between necessary medications and other basic needs, often resulting in catastrophic financial consequences that exacerbate health inequalities. 
    • Infrastructure Challenges: Inadequate transportation infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads and insufficient cold chain facilities.  
      • This hampers the efficient distribution of medicines, particularly in rural areas, while unreliable electricity compromises the integrity of temperature-sensitive medications. 
      • Disruptions in supply chains, particularly during pandemics or natural disasters, exacerbate medicine shortages in LMICs. 
    • Regulatory Issues: Weak regulatory frameworks contribute to the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit medicines, undermining treatment efficacy and safety, as insufficient enforcement capabilities fail to uphold pharmaceutical quality standards. 
      • Pharmaceutical innovation often focuses on diseases prevalent in high-income countries, leaving LMIC-specific health challenges, such as maternal health and childhood illnesses, largely unaddressed. 
    • Workforce Limitations: A shortage of trained healthcare professionals further restricts appropriate prescription and medication management, particularly in rural settings.  
      • Also, low health literacy and cultural beliefs hinder adherence to prescribed treatments, complicating efforts to ensure equitable access to essential medicines in LMICs. 

UHC 2030 Goals 

  • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030 aims to provide essential health services without financial hardship, promoting equitable access and strengthened health systems worldwide. 
  • UHC 2030, co-hosted by WHO, the World Bank, and OECD, mobilises stakeholders to advance UHC through political commitment and accountability efforts. 

Way Forward 

  • Strengthening Local Manufacturing: Establishing regional pharmaceutical production hubs will reduce dependency on imports and ensure a stable supply of medicines.  
    • For instance, the African Union's initiative to produce 60% of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040 is a model for fostering self-sufficiency. 
  • Investing in R&D for LMIC Needs: Public-private partnerships like Medicines Patent Pool collaboration, should focus on priority diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.  
    • These collaborations must prioritise affordable, region-specific solutions to address the unique health challenges of LMICs. 
  • Expanding Digital Healthcare: Digital health technologies and AI-driven tools can revolutionise healthcare delivery in LMICs by improving disease surveillance, enhancing diagnostics, and enabling access to remote healthcare services. 
    • For example, technology driven initiatives like telemedicine and consultation platforms can facilitate remote healthcare access, and platforms like India's U-Win (Portal for Universal Immunisation) and Co-Win (Portal for Covid-19 Vaccination Management) platforms provide vaccinations and healthcare coordination. 
  • Streamlining Regulatory Processes: Establishing harmonised regulatory frameworks will accelerate medicine approvals and facilitate the rapid deployment of life-saving treatments. 
    • Prevent patent evergreening, encourage local generic production in LMICs, and enable mutual recognition of approvals with countries that have higher standards. 
  • Expanding Financing Mechanisms: International collaborations should focus on creating pooled procurement models and increasing funding to make medicines more affordable and accessible. 
  • Addressing Gender Disparities: Expanding R&D efforts to include women and transgender’s health and prioritising policies that address gender-based barriers in healthcare access are crucial to improving overall health equity in LMICs.

Drishti Mains Question:

What key challenges do low- and middle-income countries face in accessing affordable medicines and vaccines, and how has India responded?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? (2020)

  1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
  2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
  3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Mains:

Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)

Important Facts For Prelims

Centenary of Bose-Einstein Statistics

Source: HT

Why in News?  

Recently, the centenary of 'Bose-Einstein' statistics was celebrated, honouring Satyendra Nath Bose's groundbreaking work on particle indistinguishability.  

  • His contributions laid the foundation for key advancements in quantum mechanics, including the Bose-Einstein Condensate, and continue to shape modern physics. 

Who was Satyendra Nath Bose? 

  • Early Life: Born on 1st January 1894, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bose was a promising student, excelling in mathematics from an early age. 
    • He was inspired by Jagadish Chandra Bose, a pioneer in radio wave research, SN Bose ventured into the realm of quantum mechanics, which led to his groundbreaking contributions to the field. 
  • Bose’s Contribution: 
    • Bose-Einstein Statistics: In 1924, Bose published a paper, "Planck's Law and the Hypothesis of Light Quanta," where he introduced a new way of counting particles, particularly photons, as indistinguishable entities. 
      • Albert Einstein recognized the significance of Bose's paper and expanded on his ideas, leading to the development of Bose-Einstein statistics and the discovery of Bose-Einstein condensates. 
      • Bose-Einstein statistics challenged the classical mechanics' assumption that particles are distinguishable, where each particle is considered unique and can be tracked individually. 
      • Bose-Einstein Statistics distinguishes between two classes of particles in quantum mechanics: bosons and fermions.  
        • Bosons, named after Bose, can occupy the same quantum state, making them indistinguishable. This means one boson cannot be distinguished from another. 
        • Fermions, in contrast, obey the Pauli exclusion principle (no two electrons can have the same four electronic quantum numbers), which governs the structure of matter. 
    • Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC): Bose’s work, expanded by Einstein, led to the prediction of BEC, a unique state of matter, formed when bosonic atoms are cooled to near absolute zero (- 273.15° C), causing them to merge into a single quantum entity with wave-like properties.  
      • The concept remained theoretical until it was experimentally confirmed in 1995 by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman, who received the Nobel Prize for their work in 2001. 
  • Relevance in Modern Physics: Discoveries such as the Higgs boson and advancements in quantum computing highlight the enduring relevance of Bose's principles. Bose-Einstein statistics impact not only physics but also cosmology and condensed matter science. 
  • Awards and Honours: Satyendra Nath Bose, widely known as the Father of the God Particle, received the Padma Vibhushan in 1954. In 1959, he was named India's National Professor, the highest honour for a scholar, a position he held for 15 years. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services 
(b) Quantum Computing 
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies 

Ans: (b) 

Exp: 

  • Quantum Supremacy 
    • Quantum computers compute in ‘qubits’ (or quantum bits). They exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, the science that governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale. 
  • Hence, option (b) is correct.
Important Facts For Prelims

6th AITIGA Joint Committee Meetings

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

Recently, the 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee and related meetings were held in New Delhi.

  • It marked a crucial phase in reviewing the AITIGA to enhance trade relations between India and ASEAN nations.

What are Key Highlights of the 6th AITIGA Joint Committee Meetings? 

  • Review Demand by India: India had sought a review of the AITIGA, originally implemented in 2010, citing disproportionate trade benefits for ASEAN countries. 
    • While India’s exports to ASEAN increased from USD 25.62 billion (FY 2010-11) to USD 41.2 billion (FY 2023-24), imports surged from USD 30.6 billion to USD 79.66 billion in the same period. 
  • India’s Objectives in the Review:  
    • Enhanced Market Access: India wants ASEAN countries, particularly Vietnam, to make greater market-opening commitments for Indian goods. 
    • Stricter Rules of Origin (ROO): India seeks more stringent ROO provisions to prevent Chinese goods from being routed through ASEAN nations at preferential rates. 
  • Advancement in Negotiations: India and ASEAN made initial progress towards initiating tariff negotiations, a crucial step in the review process.

Note:

ASEAN accounts for approximately 11% of India’s global trade. 

  • Bilateral trade reached USD 121 billion in FY 2023-24 and stood at USD 73 billion (April-October 2024), marking a 5.2% growth. 
  • India’s trade deficit with ASEAN widened from USD 4.98 billion in 2010-11, the first full year of operation of AITIGA to USD 38.4 billion in 2023-24.  

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. Consider the following countries: (2018) 

  1. Australia 
  2. Canada
  3. China 
  4. India
  5. Japan 
  6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? 

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 

(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 

(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 

(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 

Ans: (c)

Q. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016) 

(a) G20  

(b) ASEAN 

(c) SCO  

(d) SAARC 

Ans: (b)

Rapid Fire

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day

Source: PIB 

The President of India on the eve of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day (24th November), paid homage to the Sikh Guru, emphasizing his sacrifice for humanity and religious freedom. 

  • Early Life: Born in Amritsar in 1621, Guru Tegh Bahadur was initially known as Tyag Mal for his ascetic nature. Trained in religious philosophy and martial skills, he earned the title "Tegh Bahadur" for his valor in battle. 
  • Contributions as a Guru: Ascended as the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664, succeeding Guru Har Krishan. Established Anandpur Sahib in 1665 and contributed over 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, focusing on equality, justice, and devotion. 
  • Advocate of Religious Freedom: Opposed forced conversions during Aurangzeb's reign and encouraged fearlessness (nirbhau) and harmony (nirvair) among his followers. 
  • Martyrdom: November 24 is observed as Shaheedi Divas in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was executed by Aurangzeb in 1675 for defending Kashmiri Pandits and resisting forced conversions to Islam. His companions, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dyala, were also martyred. . 
    • Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi's Chandni Chowk marks the site of his execution. 

 

 Read more: Guru Tegh Bahadur 

Rapid Fire

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue

Source: PIB 

The Prime Minister of India announced the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' (VBYLD) to be held in January in Delhi, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s 162nd birth anniversary, and highlighted the National Cadet Corps (NCC) role in youth development. 

  • VBYLD: It aims to engage young minds from across India with no political background in politics, marking a significant initiative for youth empowerment. 
    • The event will host 2,000 selected youth, with the PM engaging them alongside national and international experts to present innovative ideas for the nation’s progress, helping to create a roadmap for India’s future. 
  • NCC: The NCC was established in 1948 (on the recommendation of H. N. Kunzru Committee-1946), under the NCC Act of 1948, with the aim to develop character, comradeship, leadership, and service ideals in the youth.  
    • It also seeks to stimulate interest in national defence and build a reserve for the Armed Forces in emergencies.  
    • The NCC was preceded by the University Corps (1917), later evolving into the University Training Corps (UTC) in 1920, and the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) in 1942. 
    • NCC is headed by a Director General, an Army Officer of the rank of Lieutenant General, who oversees its operations from the NCC Headquarters in Delhi. 

Read more:  Changing Youth Concerns and Aspirations 

Rapid Fire

National Dolphin Research Centre

Source: DTE

The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna has faced inactivity months after its inauguration, underscoring significant challenges and initiatives in conserving the Gangetic River Dolphin. 

Read more: India's First Dolphin Research Centre 

Rapid Fire

Bacteria to Solve Math Problems

Source: TH

The recent advancements in synthetic biology, particularly the engineering of bacteria to perform mathematical computations at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata, represent a significant breakthrough in the field.  

  • Researchers have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to act as biological computers capable of solving mathematical problems, such as determining whether a number is prime or whether a letter is a vowel. 
    • This was achieved by introducing genetic circuits that can be activated by chemical inducers, allowing these bacteria to behave like artificial neural networks (ANNs). 
    • The team developed bactoneurons, engineered bacteria that function like neurons in a neural network.  
      • These bactoneurons process chemical inputs and produce fluorescent proteins based on specific computations. 
    • By converting mathematical problems into binary code represented by the presence or absence of chemical compounds, the bacteria could respond to queries with fluorescent signals indicating "yes" or "no." 
  • The engineered bacteria were capable of more than just simple tasks; they could also solve optimization problems, like calculating the number of pieces a pie could be divided into with a given number of straight cuts. 
    • This capability suggests that bacterial computers can handle progressively more complex computational tasks, potentially leading to applications in various fields.

Read more: Artificial Neural Network

close
SMS Alerts
Share Page
images-2

 
images-2