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  • 30 Jan 2025
  • 43 min read
Governance

Crosspathy

For Prelims: Homeopathy, Indian Medical Association, Medical Council of India, Supreme Court of India, World Health Organization, eSanjeevani 

For Mains: Crosspathy, Regulation of Healthcare Professions, Healthcare Access in Rural Areas, Medical Negligence and Liability 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

In December 2024, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued a directive allowing homeopathic practitioners with a pharmacology certificate to prescribe allopathic medicines. 

What is Crosspathy? 

  • About: Crosspathy refers to the practice of healthcare professionals prescribing or practicing medicine outside their recognized scope of expertise.  
    • Specifically, it involves practitioners of alternative medicine systems (like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush)) prescribing or performing treatments typically reserved for allopathic (modern) medicine. 
  • Concerns: This practice is often criticized because it can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and risks to patient safety, as these practitioners are not fully trained in the methods and practices of modern medicine. 
  • Regulations and Legal Precedents: 
    • MCI Code of Ethics 2002: The Medical Council of India (MCI) established the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, which restricts unqualified individuals from conducting medical procedures such as abortions or issuing medical competence certificates. 
      • It also mandates that qualified doctors cannot assign non-qualified personnel for medical tasks. 
    • Supreme Court Judgments:  In a landmark 1996 case, Poonam Verma Vs. Ashwin Patel, the Supreme Court of India held a homeopath liable for negligence after prescribing allopathic medicines, which led to the patient’s death. 
      • The Court ruled that cross-system practice constitutes medical negligence.  
      • This has been upheld in subsequent rulings, stating that crosspathy is only permissible if explicitly authorized by the concerned State Government. 

What are Reasons for Promoting Crosspathy? 

  • Shortage of Specialists: A report on Health Dynamics of India 2022-23 highlights an 80% shortage of specialist doctors in Community Health Centres (CHCs) in rural areas, with only 4,413 specialist doctors available, while 21,964 are needed. 
    • The government has been promoting AYUSH doctors to help alleviate the shortage of medical professionals, particularly in rural areas.  
  • Expanding Healthcare Access: As of June 2022, there were over 13 lakh allopathic doctors and over 5.5 lakh AYUSH practitioners in India. 
    • India's doctor-population ratio is 1:836, surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 1:1000, but most doctors are concentrated in urban areas, limiting rural healthcare access. 
    • Crosspathy improves healthcare access in remote areas with fewer allopathic doctors, offering an affordable alternative for rural patients who cannot access specialists or urban facilities. 
    • Poor working conditions and low remuneration deter MBBS doctors from taking up rural posts. 

What are the Concerns Regarding Crosspathy in India? 

  • IMA's Concerns: The IMA criticizes the Maharashtra FDA’s  latest directive, arguing that the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 does not authorize AYUSH doctors to practice allopathy. 
    • Maharashtra's decision contradicts national policies, as even the Central Council for Homeopathy does not permit homeopaths to practice allopathy.  
    • The IMA insists that such practices would be detrimental to patient safety and could potentially lead to negligence or malpractice. 
    • IMA argues that it promotes "crosspathy," undermining the integrity of medical qualifications and specializations. 
  • Quality of Care: Compromises the standard of healthcare, as AYUSH practitioners lack formal training in modern medicine. 
  • Hospital Practices: The directive encourages appointment of AYUSH doctors in allopathic roles, violating medical ethics and contributing to reduced employment opportunities for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Modern medicine doctors. 

Indian Medical Association (IMA) 

  • Founded in 1928, the IMA is India's largest voluntary organization for doctors, focused on improving public health, medical education, and safeguarding the dignity of the medical profession. 
  • IMA headquartered in New Delhi, plays a pivotal role in shaping health policies and organizing national health programs.  

Way Forward 

  • Strengthen GP System: Instead of integrating alternative medicine practitioners, efforts should focus on attracting MBBS doctors to underserved areas by improving incentives and working conditions in rural areas. 
    • Strengthen India's general practice (GP) system by mandating specialist training for mid-level healthcare providers. 
  • Regulation of AYUSH and Allopathy: The government should create a regulated framework for AYUSH practitioners to work with allopathic doctors, with clear role definitions.  
    • They must undergo additional training in modern medicine, especially pharmacology, to safely prescribe allopathic drugs, under the supervision of medical regulatory bodies. 
  • Promoting Telemedicine: The Telemedicine (eSanjeevani) can bridge the gap between rural patients and urban specialists, providing quality healthcare through technology without compromising safety. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Define crossopathy and explain its impact on patient safety. Discuss the legal precedents and regulations governing cross-system medicine in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Mains 

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

 

Governance

One Nation One Time

For Prelims: CSIR- National Physical Laboratory, Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian Standard Time, Global Positioning System, Greenwich Mean Time, Atomic clocks, NavIC, Network Time Protocol 

For Mains: Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2025, Role of Self-reliant Time Synchronization, Infrastructure and Digital Economy, One Nation One Time 

Source: BS 

Why in News? 

The Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Physical Laboratory (CSIR - NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has drafted the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time (IST)) Rules, 2025. 

  • The rules aim to standardize and mandate Indian Standard Time (IST) adoption across all sectors, reinforcing the vision of "One Nation, One Time." 

What are the Key Features of the Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2025 

  • Mandatory Adoption of IST: IST, as maintained by the CSIR-NPL, will be the only legally recognized time standard in India, reinforcing "One Nation, One Time."  
    • The use of foreign time references (such as Global Positioning System(GPS) time) will be prohibited unless specifically approved by the government. 
  • Synchronization of Critical Sectors: All government institutions, financial entities, telecom service providers, power grids, and digital infrastructure must synchronize their systems with IST. 
  • Regulatory Framework & Compliance: Compliance will be monitored through periodic audits, and penalties will be imposed for non-adherence. 
  • Special Provisions: Scientific research, astronomy, and navigational applications may use alternative time references with prior government approval. 
    • The rules provide flexibility for strategic and national security applications. 

Indian Standard Time 

  • The IST is based on a longitude of 82.5°, which passes through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), now called the Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). 
    • IST was established in 1906, replacing three regional time zones from the British era (Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras Time).  

What is One Nation, One Time? 

  • About: ‘One Nation, One Time’ aims to establish a unified and precise timekeeping framework for all governmental, industrial, technological, and societal applications. 
    • The government plans to set up five Legal Metrology laboratories across India to achieve microsecond-level accuracy in time dissemination. 
  • Need for Self-reliant Timekeeping: India’s reliance on GPS satellites(controlled by the US) poses national security and  cybersecurity risks. During the Kargil War, 1999, this dependence compromised India’s ability to accurately target enemy positions.  
    • A self-reliant system would reduce dependence and protect critical infrastructure. 
  • Function: The NPL, will utilize atomic clocks to provide accurate time, synchronized via NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). 
    • The NPL’s advanced atomic clocks, which lose only one second over millions of years, will serve as the reference for IST. 
    • Synchronization protocols such as Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) will be adopted by government institutions and public organizations. 
  • Benefits: Critical sectors like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, navigation, and power grid synchronization will operate with higher precision. 
    • Financial transactions and regulatory compliance will become more accurate and fraud-resistant. 
    • Digital devices and communication networks will be synchronized, improving operational efficiency and consumer services. 
    • Strengthens India’s digital infrastructure, making it an attractive hub for global tech investments. 
      • Aligns with international best practices in timekeeping, aviation, and telecommunication standards. 

 NavIC

CSIR- National Physical Laboratory 

  • About: The NPL is one of India’s earliest national laboratories. Its foundation stone was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, and it was formally inaugurated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1950.  
  • Functions: Responsible for realizing and maintaining physical measurement units based on the International System (SI units), including metre, kilogram, second, kelvin, ampere, and candela,  
    • NPL aids industries with precision measurements and certifies emission-monitoring instruments. 
  • Key Contributions: Develops advanced atomic clocks and maintains Indian Standard Time (IST) using Cesium atomic clocks (work using Cesium atoms) and Hydrogen maser (uses hydrogen atoms to serve precision frequency). 

What are the Challenges in Implementing One Nation One Time? 

  • Adoption by Telecom and ISPs: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom operators rely on foreign time sources, mandating IST adoption requires tech upgrades, regulatory enforcement, and a centralized monitoring authority. 
  • Global Integration: Businesses engaged in international trade and financial markets require synchronization with global time standards (UTC, GMT, etc.). 
    • Mechanisms for seamless transition and dual compliance need to be established. 
  • Infrastructure Development: Ensuring seamless time synchronization across the country, including regions with limited connectivity, integration with existing networks and systems in underserved areas may face logistical and technical hurdles. 
  • Cybersecurity Concerns: Time synchronization systems are potential targets for cyberattacks. Requires secure encryption and alternative time dissemination methods. 

Way Forward 

  • Cybersecurity Measures: Implement robust encryption methods to protect time synchronization systems from cyberattacks. 
    • Develop backup systems for time dissemination to ensure resilience against potential disruptions. 
  • Monitoring Authority: Establish a dedicated Centralized Monitoring authority to oversee the implementation and compliance of IST synchronization across all sectors. 
  • Promoting Awareness: Educate industries, financial institutions, and public services on IST synchronization benefits, while collaborating with global standardization bodies for seamless international integration. 
  • Research and Development: Invest in R&D to continuously improve timekeeping technologies and protocols, ensuring India remains at the forefront of precise timekeeping. 

 Drishti Mains Question: 

Analyze how India's One Nation One Time synchronization system could enhance national security and defense preparedness.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims: 

Q.1 Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023) 

a. Australia

b. Canada

c. Israel  

d. Japan 

Ans: d 

  • Navigation Systems Operational in the World: 
    • GPS from the U.S. 
    • GLONASS from Russia. 
    • Galileo from the European Union 
    • BeiDou from China. 
    • NavIC from India 
    • QZSS from Japan. 
  • Hence, option D is correct. 

Q.2 With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (2018) 

  1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 
  2. IRNSS covers the entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders. 
  3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  
(b) 1 and 2 only  
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) None 

Ans: (a) 

Mains: 

Q. Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (2018) 

Governance

Challenges Related to Lateral Entry Scheme

For Prelims: Lateral Entry Scheme (LES), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), NITI Aayog, Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC). 

For Mains: Issue of Lateral Entry into Bureaucracy, its implication and Way Forward. 

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

 The Lateral Entry Scheme (LES), enabling private sector professionals to join senior bureaucracy on contract, faces legal and political dispute.  

  • Since 2019, 63 appointments have been made, but concerns over the lack of a statutory framework and reservations for marginalized communities persist. 

 Note: The legal dispute began in February 2020 when IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi challenged the Lateral Entry Scheme before the Nainital Central Administrative Tribunal(CAT), citing lack of legal sanctity and procedural rigour. 

What are the Challenges Related to Lateral Entry Scheme? 

  • Constitutional Validity: It challenged for conflicting with Article 309 of the Constitution which grants the authority to the appropriate legislature (Parliament, State legislatures) to enact laws regulating the recruitment and conditions of service for public servants 
    • Also, excluding reservation in recruitment undermines social justice and constitutional mandates. 
  • Short Tenure: The 3-year tenure for lateral entrants is seen as too short for effective governance adaptation and accountability. 
  • Doctrine of Pleasure and Bulk Recruitment: The government justifies LES under Article 310 , allowing the President to appoint specialists. Critics argue it's not meant for large-scale recruitment of senior, non-permanent roles.  
    • While citing an officer shortage, the necessity is questioned, given 18 empanelled officers per vacancy. 
  • Conflict of Interest: Concerns include potential biases from private-sector professionals influencing government policies and the lack of rigorous vetting, such as background checks and vigilance clearances. 
  • Bureaucratic Morale Concerns: The rise in lateral entrants may negatively affect the morale of career bureaucrats. They may resist lateral entrants, viewing them as outsiders and potentially fostering hostility due to concerns about hierarchy and disruption. 

What are the Key Facts Related to Lateral Entry Scheme (LES)? 

  • About: A LES, launched in 2018 is a recruitment process that allows private sector professionals to be directly hired into mid-level or senior government positions, bypassing the usual competitive exams. 
  • Reservation Provision: Lateral entry positions are exempt from the reservation system as these roles are considered "single posts," meaning quotas for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories do not apply. 
  • Recruitment: Since 2018, 63 lateral entrants have been appointed, with 57 serving as of August 2023.  
    • In August 2024, UPSC withdrew recruitment for 45 senior posts under LES due to opposition over reservation rights. 

 Evolution_Of_Lateral_Entry_Scheme

What are the Advantages of Lateral Entry in Civil Services? 

  • Specialized Expertise: Lateral entry enables the recruitment of specialists in fields like technology, management, and finance, addressing knowledge gaps that generalist civil servants may not fill. 
  • Addressing Shortages: With a deficit of around 1500 IAS officers, lateral entry can help alleviate this shortage and ensure the smooth functioning of government departments. 
  • Improving Work Culture: Lateral entrants can help break the bureaucratic inertia, fostering a shift away from red-tapism and towards more dynamic, results-oriented governance. 
  • Inclusive Governance: Lateral entry facilitates greater involvement of stakeholders, including the private sector and non-profits, enhancing participatory governance and multi-actor collaboration. 

Way Forward 

  • Dual Entry System: Former RBI Governor D. Subbarao suggested a dual-entry system with traditional recruitment for the 25-30 age group and mid-career lateral entry for the 37-42 age group to bring in domain experts. 
    • Relax age limits for joint secretary positions to attract younger, dynamic talent. 
  • Training for Lateral Entrants: Establish a dedicated administrative university to provide comprehensive training for lateral entrants to ease their transition from the private sector to government roles. 
  • Private Sector Exposure: Allowing IAS and IPS officers to gain experience in the private sector can enhance competition, innovation, and sectoral expertise in governance. 
Drishti Mains Question 
What is the Lateral Entry Scheme of the Government into Civil Services? What are its merits and demerits and its implications?  

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)  

Q. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020)

Social Issues

Snakebites and Antivenom in India

For Prelims: Snakebite envenoming, Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, neglected tropical disease 

For Mains: Challenges Related to Snakebites in India, Antivenom Production, Challenges and its availability in India 

    Source: TH 

    Why in News? 

    India accounts for nearly half of global snakebite deaths, with around 58,000 fatalities annually.  

    • Despite being the largest producer and consumer of antivenoms, challenges like delayed access, poor rural healthcare, and infrastructure gaps hinder effective treatment. 

     What are the Key Facts Regarding Snakebite? 

    • Global Scenario: 
      • According to WHO, 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes annually, with 1.8 to 2.7 million cases resulting in venom exposure.  
      • Snake bites cause around 81,410 to 137,880 deaths annually, and many more people suffer from amputations and permanent disabilities due to snake bites. 
      • The WHO has classified snakebite envenoming (poisoning from snake bites) as a neglected tropical disease of high priority. 
    • In India: 
      • Diversity of Venomous Snakes: India hosts over 300 snake species, with more than 60 being venomous.  
      • Snakebite Mortality and Disability: A study estimates that between 2001 and 2014, India witnessed approximately 1.2 million deaths and 3.6 million cases of permanent disabilities due to snakebites. 
        • One in 250 Indians is at risk of dying from a snakebite before 70. 
      • Vulnerable Populations: Rural communities, especially agricultural workers, are at higher risk, particularly during the monsoon, with inadequate healthcare worsening outcomes. 
      • Urban Risks: Rapid urbanisation, poor waste management, and urban flooding have increased snake-human encounters, raising risks even in cities. 

     Big_Four

    What are Antivenoms? 

    • Snake Venom: It is a potent mixture of toxic proteins that causes severe damage to the human body. 
      • Haemotoxins destroy blood cells and disrupt clotting.  
      • Neurotoxins block nerve signals and paralyse.  
      • Cytotoxins dissolve tissue at the bite site. 
    • Antivenoms: Antivenoms or antivenins are life-saving medicines used to treat snake bites.  
      • Antivenoms work by binding to the venom toxins, neutralizing them, and allowing the body's immune system to safely eliminate them over time.  
      • Polyvalent Antivenoms in India are made from the venom of the "Big Four" but do not cover other venomous species like the king cobra and pit vipers. 
    • Production of Antivenom: 
      • Antivenom production involves extracting venom from snakes, immunizing animals like horses or sheep to produce antibodies, and then extracting and purifying these antibodies from the animal’s blood to formulate the antivenom. 

     Antivenom_Production

    • Production In India: 
      • Several companies produce antivenoms. The Irula tribe of Tamil Nadu plays a vital role in venom extraction (supplying nearly 80% of the venom). 

    Note: 

    • Snakes are protected under various schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and capturing, killing, or milking venomous species is prohibited in India.  
    • The Chief Wildlife Warden may grant a permit to hunt wild animals, including for snake venom extraction for life-saving drugs, with written approval.  
      • However, for Schedule I animals, prior Central Government permission is required. 

    What are the Challenges Accessing Antivenoms in India? 

    • Geographical Barriers: Remote areas lack proximity to healthcare facilities equipped with antivenom, hindering timely treatment. 
    • Cultural and Social Factors: Superstitions and reliance on traditional practices in rural areas often delay seeking medical care, worsening outcomes. 
    • Economic Constraints: The high production cost of antivenoms limits access, especially for economically disadvantaged communities. 
    • Logistical Issues: Insufficient cold storage and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas result in degraded antivenom quality, reducing its efficacy. 

    What are the Emerging Solutions and Innovations in Antivenoms? 

    • National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE): NAP-SE aims to halve the number of deaths and disabilities caused by snakebites by 2030. 
    • Synthetic Antivenoms: Recombinant DNA technology and AI-designed proteins, as demonstrated by 2024 Nobel laureate David Baker’s team, offer safer and more effective alternatives to traditional antivenoms. 
    • Region-Specific Antivenoms: IISc Bengaluru researchers are developing antivenoms tailored to specific snake species and regional venom variations. 
    • Rapid Diagnostic Tools: Portable venom-detection kits can guide accurate and timely administration of antivenoms, improving patient outcomes. 
    • Public Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about snakebite prevention and timely medical intervention can significantly reduce fatalities. 

     

     Drishti Mains Question: 

    Discuss the challenges contributing to high snakebite mortality in India and suggest measures to reduce fatalities. 

    UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

    Prelims 

    Q 1. Consider the following statements: (2019) 

    1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 
    2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 
    3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 
    4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 3 only  

    (b) 2, 3, and 4 only 

    (c) 2 and 4 only  

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

    Ans: (d) 

    Q 2. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest? (2010) 

    (a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes 

    (b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring 

    (c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched 

    (d) It is a large, cold-blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season 

    Ans: (c ) 

    Q 3. For which one of the following snakes is the diet mainly composed of other snakes? (2008) 

    (a) Krait  

    (b) Russell’s viper 

    (c) Rattlesnake  

    (d) King Cobra 

    Ans: (d)  

    Important Facts For Prelims

    Use of Fingerprint Evidence in Crime

    Source: IE 

    Why in News? 

    The investigation into the attack on a Bollywood actor highlighted the significance of fingerprints in solving crimes. 

    What is the Legal Stand of Fingerprints as Evidence Material? 

    • About Fingerprint Use: Fingerprints are used to establish if the accused has a prior criminal record or to match prints lifted from the crime scene. 
      • The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 allows the storage of fingerprints of individuals arrested for crimes carrying more than a year of imprisonment. 
      • The top one-third part of the finger, under the Henry Classification System (HCS), that has unique patterns (whorls and arches) in each individual are considered for ascertaining identity.  
    • Constitutional Basis: Under Article 20(3), no person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.  
      • The protection against self-incrimination extends to both oral evidence and documentary evidence.  
      • However, it does not extend to compulsory production of material objects, thumb impressions, specimen signatures, blood specimens, or compulsory exhibition of the body.  
        • Further, it extends only to criminal proceedings and not to civil proceedings or proceedings which are not of criminal nature 
    • Judicial Stand: In the Kathi Kalu Oghad Case, 1961, the Supreme Court (SC) held that compelling an accused to provide specimen handwriting, signature, or fingerprints or footprints for investigation does not violate their right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution. 
      • In Ritesh Sinha vs State of Uttar Pradesh Case, 2019, the SC broadened the parameters of handwriting samples to include voice samples, adding that this would not violate the right against self-incrimination. 
      • In Selvi vs Karnataka Case, 2010, the SC prohibited forcing an accused to undergo narco-analysis or lie-detector tests, which could produce self-incriminating statements. 

     Note: Section 29 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 prohibits Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) from sharing core biometric information — fingerprint, iris scan or any such biological attribute — with any agency “for any reason whatsoever”. 

    Read More: Right against Self Incrimination and Constitutional Remedies 

    Important Facts For Prelims

    Fiscal Health Index 2025

    Source: PIB 

    Why in News?  

    In a bid to enhance fiscal governance, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) launched its inaugural Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025.  

    • The Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states for 2022-23, offering data-driven insights that will guide policy interventions at the state level.  

    What is the Fiscal Health Index (FHI)? 

    • About: The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) is an assessment tool to evaluate the fiscal health of Indian states and highlights specific areas for improvement. 
    • Parameter: FHI ranks states based on five key sub-indices. 
      • Quality of Expenditure: Measures the proportion of spending on long-term growth (developmental) vs. routine operations (non-developmental). 
        • Assesses capital investments as a share of economic output. 
      • Revenue Mobilization: Reflects a state’s ability to generate its own revenue and cover its expenditures independently. 
      • Fiscal Prudence: Tracks deficits (fiscal and revenue) and borrowing relative to economic output, signaling fiscal health. 
      • Debt Index: Assesses the state’s debt burden, focusing on interest payments and liabilities relative to economic size. 
      • Debt Sustainability: Compares Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth to interest payments, with a positive difference indicating fiscal sustainability. 

     Fiscal_Health_Index

    • Aim: Guide policymakers in formulating targeted reforms for sustainable economic growth, fiscal consolidation, and better resource management at the state level.  
      • Encourage healthy competition among states, aligning their fiscal strategies with national economic objectives. 
    • Key Findings of FHI 2025: 
      • Top Performers: Odisha leads with the highest overall FHI score of 67.8, followed by Chhattisgarh (55.2), Goa (53.6), Jharkhand (51.6), and Gujarat (50.5), with strengths in Debt Index, Revenue Mobilization, and Fiscal Prudence. 
      • Revenue Mobilization: Goa, Telangana, and Odisha lead in Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Prudence.  
        • Odisha, Jharkhand, Goa, and Chhattisgarh excel in non-tax revenue, with Odisha heavily relying on mining-linked premiums and Chhattisgarh benefiting from coal block auctions. 
        • Punjab and West Bengal lag in Revenue Mobilization, highlighting disparities in fiscal management and economic resilience. 
        • Aspirational States like Punjab, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala face significant fiscal challenges.  
          • Punjab and Kerala struggle with Debt Sustainability and Quality of Expenditure, while Andhra Pradesh faces high Fiscal Deficits. 
      • Capital Expenditure: Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh allocate 27% to Capital Expenditure, enhancing long-term investments.  
        • States like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan allocate only 10%, impacting long-term growth. 
      • Debt Management: Top states like Odisha and Goa manage debt effectively, with low risk of default, while bottom states like West Bengal and Punjab show growing debt burdens, raising concerns about debt sustainability. 

                   Fiscal_Health_Index 

    NITI_Aayog

    Read more: RBI Report on State Finances 2024-25 

     UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

    Prelims: 

    Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

    (a) Department of Science and Technology 

    (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment 

    (c) NITI Aayog 

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 

    Ans: (c) 

    Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the (2015)

    (a) Human Rights Commission 

    (b) Finance Commission 

    (c) Law Commission 

    (d) Planning Commission 

    Ans: (d)  

    Rapid Fire

    ISRO’s 100th Launch from SDSC

    Source: TH 

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved its historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F15 to deploy the NVS-02 satellite.  

     NavIC

    Read More: ISRO's new NavIC Satellite NVS-01 

    Rapid Fire

    Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit

    Source: DTE 

    • The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania aiming to accelerate energy access across Africa. 
    • Africa Energy Summit hosted by the Government of Tanzania, African Union, African Development Bank, and the World Bank. 
      • The summit focuses on the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. 
      • Over 600 million Africans lack reliable electricity access, with Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa home to 80% of the global population without electricity. 
    • At the summit, the National Energy Compacts were presented by 12 African countries, which include Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. 
    • The government-led National Energy Compacts will serve as roadmaps to achieve universal electricity access and clean cooking by 2030, aligning with the  UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) for affordable, reliable, sustainable energy access for all by 2030. 

    Read more: Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report 2023 

    Rapid Fire

    Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai

    Source: PIB 

     The Prime Minister (PM) paid tribute to freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his 160th birth anniversary. 

    Lala Lajpat Rai 

     Lala_Lajpat_Rai

    Read More: Lala Lajpat Rai - Drishti IAS 

    Rapid Fire

    WHO Recommends Lower-Sodium Salt

    Source: WHO 

     The WHO has issued guidelines promoting Lower Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) to combat hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and strokes caused by excessive salt intake.  

    • These substitutes, containing potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate, and calcium chloride, help lower sodium without compromising taste. 
    • Globally, poor diets cause 8 million deaths annually, with 1.9 million linked to high sodium intake. 

    Key Facts About Sodium Salt Consumption: 

    • WHO Recommendation: WHO recommends less than 5g of salt (2g sodium) per day for adults. 
      • It encourages governments to integrate LSSS into health programs, encourage use in processed foods, and enhance labelling regulations. 
    • India: India has high salt intake (10.4g/day) and low potassium levels contributing to hypertension.  
      • FSSAI is implementing sodium reduction policies, mandating 97% sodium chloride in edible salt, limiting anticaking agents to 2.2%, and enforcing accurate sodium labeling for "low sodium" and "sodium-free" claims. 

    Read More:  Limiting Salt Intake 

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