Palliative care in India

Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services Relating to Health

In News

Access to palliative care in India continues to be abysmal.

Understanding Palliative Care:

• Palliative care, a branch of medicine, aims to enhance the quality of life and alleviate suffering among individuals with life-limiting illnesses such as heart failure, kidney failure, neurological diseases, and cancer. It encompasses holistic care for the patient, considering not just the disease but also the individual’s overall well-being.

Objectives of Palliative Care:

The primary objectives of palliative care are two-fold:

• Identifying Risk of Over-medicalization: Palliative care seeks to identify patients who might be at risk of receiving excessive medical interventions, which can negatively impact their quality of life and impose financial burdens on their families.
• Comprehensive Support: Palliative care addresses the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of the health of people suffering from life-limiting diseases. Moreover, it extends support to caregivers during bereavement and grieving after the patient’s death.

Magnitude of Palliative Care Need in India:

India is experiencing a surge in lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases, with approximately 1.4 million cancer cases diagnosed annually, in addition to the rising incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. It is estimated that between 7 to 10 million individuals in India require palliative care at some point in their disease trajectory.

Current Status of Palliative Care in India:

Unfortunately, access to palliative care in India remains abysmal, with the services largely concentrated in urban areas and tertiary healthcare facilities. As a result, only a mere 1-2% of those in need can avail themselves of palliative care services. Moreover, health-related expenditures have pushed around 55 million people below the poverty line, further hindering access to quality care.

Efforts Taken to Improve Palliative Care:

Various steps have been undertaken to enhance palliative care in India, including:

• Three-tier Health System and National Health Programs: The implementation of a three-tier health system and national health programs, like the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme, has aimed to improve overall healthcare services in the country.
• National Program for Palliative Care (NPPC): Launched in 2012, this program aimed to strengthen palliative care services. However, the lack of a dedicated budget has hindered its effective implementation since its inception.
• NGOs Bridging the Gap: NGOs like Pallium India, Karunashraya, and CanSupport have been instrumental in providing palliative care services where the government initiatives fall short. Nonetheless, their efforts are limited compared to what the government can achieve.

Identified Gaps in Palliative Care Guidelines:

The existing palliative care guidelines have some crucial gaps, including:

• Cancer-Centric Approach: The guidelines predominantly focus on palliative care for cancer patients, neglecting the significant need for non-cancer illnesses.
• Overlooking Home-Based Care: Home-based palliative care is ideal for patients with debilitating diseases, but the revised guidelines primarily start services from district hospitals, missing the opportunity for more accessible care.
• Neglect of Pediatric Palliative Care: The guidelines fail to address the unique challenges faced by children suffering from chronic illnesses.
• Unclear Program Linkages: The mechanisms to link various programs, including NPPC, lack clarity and coordination.

Charting the Path Forward:

To improve palliative care in India, the following steps should be considered:

• Inclusive Scope of Palliative Care: The scope of palliative care should encompass multiple diseases and services beyond cancer to meet the diverse needs of patients.
• Integrating Palliative Care into the Health System: Palliative care should be integrated at all levels of the healthcare system to ensure wider accessibility.
• Collaboration with Curative Treatment: Palliative care should be integrated with curative treatment plans to provide comprehensive care to patients.
• Emphasizing Impact Assessment: There should be a greater focus on evaluating the impact and effectiveness of palliative care programs.

Conclusion:

The urgency to strengthen palliative care services in India cannot be overstated, especially considering the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. By addressing the identified gaps and implementing comprehensive strategies, India can significantly improve access to quality palliative care for those in need.

Carbon circular economy: Promise and challenges

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

In News

While CO2 emissions are the problem, a circular economy could be the solution, at least a partial one.

Why are CO2 emissions the problem?

• Continued burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of natural habitats result in a persistent accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. 
• Additionally, atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap a portion of the heat reflected by the Earth’s surface, leading to increased temperatures on both land and oceans. 
• Consequently, this contributes to the acceleration of ice melt, rising sea levels, and a higher frequency of extreme weather events. These environmental changes trigger various adverse impacts, such as food shortages, the spread of diseases, loss of lives and property, and forced migrations, among others.

The circular economy for carbon dioxide (CO2)

• The circular carbon economy presents a comprehensive approach to address and mitigate emissions. This system operates as a closed-loop framework, focusing on the four fundamental principles known as the 4Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove.

The Importance of the Circular Economy for CO2:

The circular economy is crucial for addressing CO2 emissions on two fronts: stopping the release of “new” CO2 and removing existing CO2 from the atmosphere. To achieve the latter, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) techniques play a vital role. These technologies are designed to extract CO2 from the atmosphere and repurpose it in various applications, such as producing carbonated drinks, dry ice, fire retardants, and clean high-efficiency fuel. While transitioning to renewable energy sources is underway, it is a gradual process, and the shift to electric vehicles and the decarbonization of steel, cement, and plastics manufacturing will take time.

Challenges in Establishing a Circular Carbon Economy:

There are several challenges in establishing a circular carbon economy:

• Underdeveloped Approaches: Some carbon capture and utilization methods are already in use at a small scale, while others are still in the prototyping and testing phase.
• Energy Intensive Process: Capturing and repurposing CO2 requires a significant amount of energy. In some cases, the energy required for capturing and converting CO2 into fuel exceeds the energy that the produced fuel can generate.
• Clean Energy Requirement: The energy used for capturing and repurposing CO2 should come from clean and sustainable sources to ensure environmental benefits.

The Path Forward:

The circular carbon economy aims to achieve net-zero CO2 additions by reusing atmospheric CO2 repeatedly. Additionally, the captured CO2 that cannot be directly reused can be stored underground for long periods.

Conclusion:

• In order to achieve a swift, secure, and sustainable recovery that aligns with affordable energy access and climate goals, it is essential to overcome the real and perceived hurdles to Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) by developing comprehensive strategies. Implementing a circular economy for carbon will be a key step towards mitigating climate change and ensuring a more environmentally conscious future.

The problem with battery electric vehicles

Syllabus: Environment/ Science and Technology – Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life

In News

The government of India is solely promoting battery electric vehicles (BEVs), regardless of the problems associated with them.

Types of EVs

• Hybrid EVs (HEVs
• Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
• BEVs
• Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)

Initiatives to Promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India:

India has implemented several initiatives to boost the adoption of electric vehicles, including:

• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) Scheme – National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage
• Go Electric Campaign

Reasons for Launching these Initiatives:

• The main objectives behind these initiatives are to curb emissions and reduce the dependence on costly fuel imports.

Impact of these Initiatives:

The efforts to promote EVs have yielded significant results in the past three years, with EV sales experiencing a remarkable growth of over 2,218%. The overall sales of EVs in India have surpassed one million units, with two-wheelers accounting for over 60% of these sales in the fiscal year 2022-23. However, EVs still represent a small portion, approximately 5%, of the total vehicle market. The government has set ambitious targets for EV sales, aiming for 30% penetration in private cars, 70% in commercial vehicles, and 80% in two and three-wheelers by 2030.

Challenges with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs):

Despite the success of BEVs, there are some challenges that need to be addressed:

• Subsidies Benefit Few: Subsidies and tax breaks primarily benefit middle and upper-middle-class buyers of battery electric four-wheelers, leading to unequal distribution.
• Limited Charging Infrastructure: The availability of public charging stations remains limited, with only around 2,000 operational across the country.
• Charging Demands: Different EV models have varying charging needs, with two and three-wheelers often suited to slow charging, unlike cars and buses.
• Non-Renewable Energy Source: India’s electricity grid still heavily relies on coal-fired thermal plants, reducing the environmental impact of EVs.
• Import Dependence: India depends heavily on imports from a small group of countries to meet its demand for lithium, a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries.

The Way Forward:

To further promote EV adoption, the following steps can be taken:

• Focus on Charging Infrastructure: Investing in charging infrastructure can be more effective in encouraging EV adoption compared to upfront purchase subsidies.
• Battery-Swapping Mechanism: Implementing a battery-swapping mechanism can cater to cases where fast charging is required, making it more convenient for users.
• Exploring Alternatives: Apart from BEVs, other alternatives like hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and synthetic fuels can be explored to offer diverse and sustainable options to consumers.

Chandrayaan-3

Syllabus: Science and Technology: Space

In News

Chandrayaan-3 marks India’s third lunar mission and serves as a continuation of Chandrayaan-2 (2019), which aimed to land a rover on the lunar South Pole. 

This upcoming mission comprises three major modules:

• Propulsion Module: Responsible for carrying the lander and rover configuration to a lunar orbit of approximately 100 km.
• Lander Module: Equipped with the capability to perform a soft landing on the lunar surface and deploy the rover.
• Rover: Designed to conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface.

Challenges of Landing on the South Pole:

• Historically, spacecraft have predominantly landed near the equatorial region of the Moon, a few degrees latitude north or south of the lunar equator. Such landing sites offer smoother terrain, absence of steep slopes, and ample sunlight for solar-powered instruments, making them easier and safer for missions.
• In contrast, the lunar south pole poses several challenges, including difficult terrain, extreme temperatures, and regions that remain in permanent shadow, receiving no sunlight.

Importance of Exploring the Moon’s South Pole:

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is keen to explore the Moon’s south pole for several compelling reasons:

• Water Resources: The south pole is believed to hold significant amounts of water molecules, potentially trapped as ice in permanently shadowed craters. Confirming the presence of water is crucial for future human missions and the utilization of lunar resources.
• Scientific Discoveries: The extreme environment and permanently shadowed regions offer a well-preserved record of the Moon’s history and the early Solar System. Studying the lunar south pole can lead to significant scientific discoveries.
• Clues to Earth’s History: The Moon’s formation is thought to have resulted from a giant impact between a Mars-sized object and the early Earth. Investigating the south pole can provide insights into the materials and conditions during this formative event.
• Global Collaborations: Collaborations between ISRO and other space agencies, such as NASA and Indo-Japan collaboration LUPEX, aim to explore the Moon’s south pole. These partnerships foster international scientific cooperation.
• Technological Advancements: Missions to the lunar south pole provide opportunities for ISRO to develop and demonstrate innovative technologies for soft landing, navigation, resource utilization, and extended mission durations. These advancements have broader applications in future space missions.

About LVM3

LVM3, formerly known as GSLV-MK III, is a formidable three-stage launch vehicle, boasting two solid propellant S200 strap-ons flanking its sides. Its core stage is composed of an L110 liquid stage and a C25 cryogenic stage. Renowned for its remarkable capacity, LVM3 stands out as one of the heaviest launch vehicles, capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 8,000 kg.

Mains Question:

What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)

Prelims Question:

Q.1 Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)

The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt

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: C

Lambani Art

In News

PM has praised the Guinness World Record achieved for the “largest display of Lambani items,” totalling 1755 items, during the 3rd G20 Culture Working Group Meeting held in Hampi, Karnataka

Lambani Art and the Banjara Community:

• Lambani art is an ancient and traditional form of art and craft practiced by the Lambani community, also referred to as the Banjara community, residing in Karnataka. 
• This art form is distinguished by its vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and captivating mirror work. 
• It incorporates quilting stitches adorned with “Kangura” patchwork borders. The Lambani art encompasses a diverse array of products, including clothing, textiles, accessories, home decor items, and jewelry. 
• In recognition of its cultural significance, Lambani art was granted the prestigious Geographic Indication (GI) tag in 2010 by the state of Karnataka.

About the Banjara Community:

The Banjara community, often referred to as Gypsies, derives its name from the words “Vanaj,” meaning trade, and “Jara,” meaning travel. Historically rooted in Rajasthan, the Banjara people have migrated to various states and are known by different names, such as Lambada or Lambadi in Andhra Pradesh, Lambani in Karnataka, and Gwar or Gwaraiya in Rajasthan. Their language, called “Gorboli,” “Gor mati Boli,” or “Brinjari,” is an independent dialect classified under the Indo-Aryan language category.

Nari Adalats

In News

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian government is set to launch a distinctive initiative called Nari Adalats, establishing women-only courts at the village level. These adalats, or courts, will serve as an alternative dispute resolution forum, specifically catering to issues like domestic violence and property rights.

Pilot Project Details:

The pilot project is scheduled to commence in August and will be implemented in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. Once the pilot proves successful, the initiative will be expanded to encompass the entire nation.

Composition of Nari Adalats:

Each Nari Adalat in a village will consist of 7-9 members, with half of the members being Nyaya Sakhis, elected members of the gram panchayat, and the remaining half being women with esteemed social standing, including teachers, doctors, and social workers. The villagers will nominate these women members. The head of the Nari Adalat, called the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi or chief legal friend, will be selected from among the Nyaya Sakhis.

Tenure and Objectives:

The tenure of the head will typically last for six months, after which a new leader will be appointed. The primary objectives of the Nari Adalats are to address individual cases, raise awareness about social schemes, and provide accessible and affordable justice through alternate dispute resolution, counseling, and grievance redressal.

Mission Shakti and Inspiration:

The establishment of Nari Adalats is a crucial aspect of the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, an initiative under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, focused on empowering and ensuring the safety and security of women. The concept draws inspiration from the Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats, which were previously operated by the National Commission for Women until 2014-15, and specialized in handling family and matrimonial disputes.

Implementation and Collaboration:

The successful implementation of Nari Adalats will be the result of collaborative efforts between multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development, and Common Service Centers operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Together, they aim to foster justice and empowerment for women at the grassroots level, promoting gender equality and social progress.

Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) 2.0

In News

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), operating under the Ministry of Education, has recently unveiled the Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) combined report for the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.

• The purpose of this index is to comprehensively assess the performance of the school education system at the district level. 
• Aligned with the new initiatives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the PGI-D monitors indicators relating to Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Findings:

• The assessment revealed that none of the districts secured the top two grades, Daksh and Utkarsh. Instead, a majority of the districts were placed in the bottom three grades, ranging from less than 10% to 30% performance levels.
• The PGI-D is categorized into six domains, namely Outcomes, Effective Classroom Transaction, Infrastructure Facilities & Student’s Entitlements, School Safety & Child Protection, Digital Learning, and Governance Process.
• This version, known as PGI 2.0, follows the release of the first PGI in 2017-18. The grading system classifies states/Union Territories (UTs) into ten grades, with the highest achievable grade being ‘Daksh,’ and the lowest grade being ‘Akanshi-3.’
• The assessment covers six specific domains: Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E), Governance Process (GP), and Teachers Education and Training (TE&T).

Data for the PGI-D is sourced from various platforms, including the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM POSHAN portal, PRABAND portal, and Vidyanjali Portal. These data sources ensure a comprehensive and robust analysis of the school education system at the district level.

India joins the Champions Group of the Global Crisis Response Group

In News

India has responded positively to an invitation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and has officially joined the Champions Group of the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG).

About GCRG

• The GCRG, established in 2022 by the UN Secretary-General, is dedicated to addressing pressing global issues related to food security, energy, and finance. Its primary objective is to coordinate a unified global response to these challenges.
• The Champions Group, responsible for overseeing the GCRG’s initiatives, consists of heads of state or government from select countries, including Bangladesh, Barbados, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal.

India’s decision to join this esteemed group reflects its growing stature as a global leader and its unwavering commitment to tackling contemporary global challenges. By participating in the GCRG, India aims to contribute to the United Nations’ efforts in finding effective solutions for developmental issues that impact the world, particularly in the context of developing countries. This step reaffirms India’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and making meaningful contributions to the betterment of humanity.

Export control

In News

China has recently imposed export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two crucial elements utilized in chip production, solar panels, and fibre optics.

What is Export control?

Export control involves the implementation of government regulations and restrictions on the export of specific goods, technologies, and services. Its primary objectives are to safeguard national security, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and uphold compliance with international agreements.

Why this move?

This move by China is perceived as a response to export restrictions imposed by the US and Western allies on cutting-edge technologies, indicating a growing technology war between nations.

Impact

The impact of these restrictions could lead to a chip shortage in various countries. China’s control over the supply chain and the licensing system for gallium and germanium could potentially give them more leverage in trade negotiations and create constraints for other nations. However, it also opens up opportunities for other countries to bolster their production capabilities and substitute China’s supply. The response of other countries in diversifying their supply chains for these critical materials will be crucial in navigating the situation.

About Gallium:

Gallium is a soft, silvery metal found in small amounts in various minerals. Its low melting point makes it valuable for applications such as thermometers and alloy components. Furthermore, gallium plays a vital role in the production of semiconductors, LEDs, and various electronic devices.

About Germanium:

Germanium is a lustrous, hard, greyish-white metalloid typically found in trace amounts in specific minerals. Possessing semiconductor properties, germanium is widely used in electronic devices like transistors and diodes. It also finds applications in infrared optics, fibre optics, and solar cells, thanks to its high refractive index and excellent thermal conductivity, making it valuable for optical and thermal applications.

Captive Breeding of Fishes

In News

At its mariculture lab in Visakhapatnam, the Centre for Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is actively involved in the captive breeding and seed production of Groupers, John’s Snapper, and Indian Pompano.

Fish Species and Local Names

• Groupers (Up to 9 kg) – Bbonthalu
• John’s Snapper (Up to 8 kg) – appalu chepa
• Indian Pompano (2.5 kg – 5 kg) – chanduvapara

These fish species, which are typically found in deep waters, are being bred through captive breeding practices at the mariculture lab to support coastal fish farmers affected by frequent cyclones. This initiative aims to provide these farmers with a sustainable source of income.

• Captive breeding of fishes involves breeding and nurturing fish species in controlled environments like fish farms, hatcheries, or aquariums.
• India holds a significant status in fish production, ranking as the third-largest fish-producing country globally, contributing 8% to the total global fish production. Additionally, it holds the second position in aquaculture production.
• The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), headquartered in Kochi, was established in 1947 and operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is renowned as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute worldwide.

First-ever view of the Milky Way

In News

Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by utilizing data from the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica to present the first-ever view of the Milky Way galaxy using neutrino particles as a lens.

• This groundbreaking discovery offers researchers an entirely new perspective on the cosmos, as neutrinos provide a unique avenue to explore and study cosmic rays.

Neutrinos, being low-mass particles with weak interactions with matter, are emitted during collisions of cosmic rays with interstellar matter.

Key Findings:

• Through meticulous analysis of the data, scientists successfully distinguished between neutrinos of astrophysical origin and those generated from cosmic ray interactions in Earth’s atmosphere.
• The study unveiled that approximately 7% of the observed neutrino events were of astrophysical origin, dispelling the assumption that all events were a result of cosmic rays impacting Earth’s atmosphere.
• This research breakthrough paves the way for exploring highly energetic processes in our galaxy and holds the promise of unlocking further insights as the IceCube-Gen2 experiment expands in the future. The innovative use of neutrino particles offers an exciting and innovative approach to explore the mysteries of the universe.

Evidence of superbug found in Delhi’s stray dogs

In News

In a significant discovery, researchers from Delhi University and McMaster University in Canada have successfully identified and isolated the first live culture of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris (C. auris) from the ear canals of stray dogs in Delhi.

About C. auris:

Candida auris is a highly perilous fungus notorious for causing stubborn and severe infections, frequently resulting in widespread outbreaks within hospital settings.

This research underscores the crucial importance of investigating the role of animals in the dissemination of drug-resistant infections and the potential risks they may pose to human health. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat the spread of drug-resistant pathogens from animals to humans.

Taiwan

In News

Foxconn, a prominent Taiwan-based company and the world’s largest technology manufacturer and service provider, has decided to pull out of its joint venture with the Vedanta Group in India’s semiconductor industry. The joint venture aimed to invest in a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat.

Notably, Taiwan plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor market, producing 92% of the world’s most advanced logic chips and 70% of smartphone chipsets, along with other vital components.

Officially known as the Republic of China, Taiwan is a country situated in East Asia. It is positioned at the convergence of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, sharing borders with the People’s Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.

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