Context

Amid a downturn in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) market, marked by declining sales and delayed purchases, innovation-led differentiation has emerged as a key challenge for most SaaS firms.

What is SaaS? – Software as a Service

• About: SaaS is a software licensing model. It provides access to applications on a subscription basis through external servers.
• Features of SaaS: It enables each user to access programmes over the Internet. The user does not required to install the software on their computers
• Examples of Saas: Salesforce, Google Workspace apps, Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Trello, Netflix, Zoom, Zendesk, DocuSign.

Benefits of Using Saas

• Business applications:  It includes file sharing, email, calendars, customer retention management, and human resources.
• Easy to Update: It is easy to implement, update and debug.
• Cost Effective:  It is not very costly as users pay for SaaS instead of purchasing multiple software licenses for multiple computers. 
• Accessing through Multiple locations: SaaS allows users to access the software through a web browser from multiple locations.

How Does Saas Work?

• Cloud Delivery model: Software as a Service works through a cloud delivery model
• Third Party Server Utilisation: SaaS vendors commonly host applications and data on their own servers and databases, or utilize the servers of a third-party cloud provider. 
• Managing Platforms: SaaS vendors also manage platforms, operating systems, and middleware.
• Granting Customer Access: Once a subscription to a SaaS solution is signed, the provider grants the customer access to the application through web browser user registration and login. 
• Multi Tenant Model: SaaS vendors usually adopt a multi-tenant model, meaning a single version of the SaaS solution will be hosted on the vendor’s servers and provided to individual subscribers.

Types of Cloud Services

• Platform-as-a-Service(PaaS): 

  • PaaS is a cloud computing model that offers users a complete cloud platform—hardware, software, and infrastructure—for developing, running, and managing applications without the high expense, complexity, and inflexibility associated with establishing and maintaining that platform on-premises.
    • Examples: Microsoft Azure App Service, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Aadhaar authentication services, etc.

• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS):

  • IaaS is a type of cloud computing service that provides critical computation, storage, and networking resources on demand and on a pay-per-use basis. IaaS is one of four forms of cloud services, which include software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and serverless.
    • Examples: Amazon E2C Services, MeghRaj Initiative, etc.

• Serverless Computing: 

  • Serverless computing allows developers to create applications without managing infrastructure. With serverless applications, the cloud service provider automatically provisioned, scaled, and managed the infrastructure required to run the code, but the code remains active.

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Context

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 centrally protected Monuments because it has assessed that they do not have national importance. 

Delisting of Monuments by ASI

• Large Scale Delisting: This is the first large-scale delisting exercise in decades, reducing ASI’s purview from 3,693 to 3,675 monuments.
• Delisted Monuments: These monuments, including landmarks like the medieval highway milestone Kos Minar No.13 in Haryana, Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, and Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi, are considered ‘untraceable’ as their precise locations or current conditions are unknown.
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: The decision follows the criteria outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

What are the Centrally Protected Monuments?

• Definition: Centrally protected monuments are locations designated as such under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological locations and Remains Act of 1958 (AMASR Act).
• Regulation: It governs the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites with national and historical significance that are over 100 years old.

Process of Deleting the Lost/Untraceable Monuments From the Protected List

• Delisting of monuments: Delisting means these monuments will no longer receive conservation, protection, or maintenance from ASI, allowing construction and urbanization in the area.
• Section 35 of the AMASR Act: The deletion necessitates denotification of the stated monument under Section 35 of the AMASR Act, which is a lengthy process.
  • Section 35 allows for the issuance of notifications only for Centrally Protected Monuments that the Union  government determines to be no longer of national interest.
• Recommendations of Parliamentary Committees: The Parliamentary Committee recommended that the untraceable monuments not to  be removed from the list because there would be no reason to find them.
  • As a result, the Committee recommended that the list of Untraceable Monuments be kept as it is , and that the AMASR Act be revised if necessary to include this phrase.

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Context

The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) working group for Planetary System Nomenclature recently approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3‘s Vikram lander.

Shiv Shakti Point on Moon

Location: 

• It is located at 69.373°S 32.319°E, between the lunar craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N.
• Significance of the Name: The term ‘Shiv Shakti’ represents nature’s masculine-feminine duality, embodying strength and resolution, and has a deep connection to India’s diverse cultural environment.

About International Astronomical Union (IAU)

• Founding: The IAU was established on July 28, 1919, at the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
• Aim: To promote and protect astronomy in all of its forms through international cooperation.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Members: IAU membership includes 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.

• • India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
• Professional Members: Its members include professional astronomers from all over the world, including those with doctorates, who are involved in astronomical research, education, and outreach.

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Context

Recently a political party filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against a prominent opposition leader for hurting Hindu sentiments with his remark on ‘shakti’.

Legal Provisions Regarding Appeals in Elections

• Section 123(3) of the RP Act 1951: It provides that appeals by a candidate or any other person to vote or refrain from voting based on his/her religion, race, caste, community, or language is a corrupt electoral practice.
• Section 123(3A) of RP Act 1951: It denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections.
• Violation of these Provisions: Violations of these regulations can result in a candidate being barred from running in elections for up to six years.

Model Code of Conduct On Religion in Election Campaign

• Guidelines for Political Parties: The MCC, a set of guidelines for political parties and candidates, forbids acts that increase existing divisions or cause animosity between groups.
• Prohibition to garner votes on Caste and Communal lines: It further states that there will be no appeal to caste or sectarian feelings to secure votes.
  • Mosques, churches, temples, and other houses of worship shall not be used as platforms for election propaganda.
• Absence of Statutory backing: Though the MCC lacks statutory backing, it has developed in strength due to the ECI’s severe enforcement since its inception in the 1990s.

Historical Context and Amendments

• Corrupt Electoral Practice: Before 1961, the term ‘systemic’ was used in Section 123(3) of the RP Act, meaning that appeals on religious, racial, caste, or communal grounds would be considered corrupt election practices.
• Amendment in 1961: However, to combat communal, fissiparous, and separatist tendencies, the word systemic’ was removed in 1961.
  • Effect of the Amendment: This meant that even a stray call for electoral success based on religion or restricted communal connection would be considered negatively by the law.
• Proceedings under the RP Act: Several examples occur in which politicians from various political parties have appealed for votes on religious grounds, resulting in proceedings under the RP Act and the Indian Penal Code.
  • The only notable leader convicted by the Supreme Court for this corrupt election practice was Bal Thackeray of the Shiv Sena in 1995.
• Prohibition from Campaigning: The ECI often prohibits leaders from campaigning for two to three days due to a violation of the MCC.

Supreme Court Rulings

• Abhiram Singh versus C. D. Commachen (2017): A majority decision in Abhiram Singh versus C. D. Commachen (2017) read Section 123(3) in a purposive manner, prohibiting votes based on the religious beliefs of both candidates and voters.
• Ramesh Yeshwant Prabhoo (Dr) versus Prabhakar Kashinath Kunte: The court observed that it is necessary “to ensure that no candidate at an election gets votes only because of his religion and no candidate is denied any votes on the ground of his religion.

Recommendations for Ensuring Secularism

• Addressing Legitimate Concerns: Political parties and candidates should address citizens’ real concerns while maintaining the country’s secular structure.
• Avoiding religious appeals: Avoiding religious appeals can help prevent greater polarisation in society.
• Avoiding Places of Religion for Campaigns: The use of places of religion for political campaigns should be avoided.
• Speedy Redressal Mechanism: The ECI and courts should provide speedy processes to redress infringement of religious appeals regulations.

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Context

India’s External Affairs Minister recently had an important meeting with the Foreign Minister of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan, to discuss trade issues. 

• The following issues were discussed in meeting:
  • Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions,  trade, green energy, supply chains, and defense issues. 

Various Facets: India Singapore Relations

• Part of various forums: Both countries agree on many global issues and are part of several forums such as the East Asia Summit, G20, Commonwealth etc.
• Trade and Economic cooperation: Bilateral trade between India and Singapore grew by 18% in 2022-23, reaching US$ 35.58 billion.
• Defense and Security Cooperation: Regular joint military exercises  such as Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is held  together
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Around 9.1% of Singapore’s population, approximately 350,000 people, are of Indian origin.

Impact of Discussion on Bilateral Ties with Singapore on Indian economy

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Context

Recently Meme Coins are Garnering considerable popularity (as their inception is rooted in the burgeoning meme culture on the internet, characterized by humor and levity) within the cryptocurrency realm.

About Meme Coin

The term “meme coin” originated with Dogecoin, conceived as a playful response to the Doge meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog.

• Definition: 

  • Meme coins, also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’, are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture. 
  • They often feature quirky names, logos, and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or internet phenomena. 
  • Presently, the market boasts over 300 different meme coins.
    • For Example: Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Retik Finance (RETIK)

• Working of Meme Coins:

• • Meme coins function similarly to traditional cryptocurrencies, leveraging blockchain technology to operate.
  • They are commonly established on platforms like Ethereum and Solana, which facilitate their functionalities. 

Pros & Cons of Meme Coins 

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Context

Recently, the Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court against the President for withholding assent to bills passed by the state legislature without disclosing any reasons.

Kerala Government Moves SC Against President for Withholding Assent to State Bills

• Concerns also raised by the Kerala Government against the Governor:  As the Governor keeping the bills for a long and indefinite period & later reserving them for the consideration of the president.
• 4 Bills are withheld  to assent: University Laws (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021, Kerala Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the The University Laws (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2022.
• Respondents in the Pleas: The plea listed the Union Home Secretary, the Secretary to the President, the Kerala Governor and the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor as respondents.
• Recent Development: In 2023, Kerala government had moved the Supreme court against the Governor, highlighting the delay in clearing bills which were passed by the Assembly.
• • In that case, The Supreme court had given its verdict as per a similar case filed by the Punjab government, in which the supreme court held that the “Governor could not thwart the normal course of law making”.

What are the Contentions Cited by The Kerala Government?

• State’s Argument Regarding Federal Structure: The state contends that the union government’s action, advising the President to withhold assent to bills passed by the state legislative assembly 11 to 24 months ago, which falls within the jurisdiction of the state government, undermines and disrupts the federal structure of the constitution. 
• Encroachment on State’s Constitutional Domain: This action represents encroachment into the domain specifically allocated to the state under the constitution, as asserted by the state. 
• Constitutional Violation by the President’s Act: The state further argues that the President’s act of withholding assent for the four bills without providing any reasoning was highly arbitrary and in direct violation of Articles 14, 200, and 201 of the Constitution. 
• Questioning the Governor’s Actions: The state questions the bona fides of the Governor’s actions, suggesting they were not carried out in good faith. Hence, the state argues that the referral of the bills to the President must be deemed unconstitutional.

Significance of Kerala Government’s Move 

• Opens Up Avenues for Judicial Review in the Decision of President: The Kerala Government’s unconventional action will stimulate a constitutional discourse on the extent of judicial review over the President of India’s decisions.
• Contentions Against Governor’s Referral: The Governor should not have referred the Bills to the President, as their subject matters were within the State List of the Constitution, where the State holds legislative powers. None of the Bills conflicted with any Central legislation.

State Bills and the Power of the Governor

• Ordinary Bills: Article 200 of the Indian Constitution includes the process for a state bill to be presented to the Governor for assent. 
• He may: 
  • Give his assent to the bill; the bill then becomes an act. 
  • Withhold his assent to the bill, the bill then ends and does not become an act. 
  • Return the bill for reconsideration of the House or Houses. 
  • Reserve the bill for the consideration of the President. 
• If the bill is passed by the House or Houses again with or without amendments and presented to the governor for his assent, the governor must give his assent to the bill. Thus, the Governor enjoys only a ‘suspensive veto’.  He may reserve the bill for the consideration of the President.

President Assent to State Bill

When an ordinary bill is reserved by the governor for the consideration of the President

• President has three alternatives: 
  • He may give his assent to the bill; the bill then becomes an act. 
  • He may withhold his assent to the bill, the bill then ends and does not become an Act. 
  • He may return the bill to the Governor for the  reconsideration of the House or Houses of the state legislature. 
    • If the bill is passed by the House or Houses again with or without amendments and presented to the President for his assent, the President is not bound to give his assent to the bill. 
    • He may give his assent to such a bill or withhold his assent.

When a Money Bill is reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President

• President has two alternatives: 
• • He may give his assent to the bill, the bill then becomes an Act. 
  • He may withhold his assent to the bill, the bill then ends and does not become an act. Thus, the President cannot return a money bill for the reconsideration of the state legislature (as in the case of the Parliament).

Conditions for the Reserving the Bills for President Assent by the Governor

• According to the Constitution, in one case such reservation is obligatory, 
  • where the bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the state High Court. 
• The Governor can also reserve the bill if it is of the following nature: 
  • Ultra-vires, that is, against the provisions of the Constitution.
  • Opposed to the Directive Principles of State Policy. 
  • Against the larger interest of the country. 
  • Of grave national importance. 
  • Dealing with compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31A of the Constitution.

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Context

Malawi has declared a state of disaster in 23 out of its 28 districts due to severe drought.

Malawi – Geographical Features

• It is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa and lies in the Southern and Eastern Hemisphere regions of the Earth.
• Bordering Regions: It is bordered by:
  • East: Lake Malawi and Mozambique 
  • West: Zambia
  • =North and northeast: Tanzania
  • South: Mozambique 
• It was formerly known as Nyasaland.
• Mountain: The Mulanje Massif, also called Mount Mulanje, is a large inselberg in southern Malawi.
  • Highest peak: Sapitwa. 
• Waterfall: Likhubula falls is one of the largest streams in Malawi. 
• Main rivers                                                                  
  • Western coast: Lufira, Songwe, Rukuru, Dwangwa, Bua, and Linthipe
  • Eastern coast: Ruhuhu and Rio Lunho 
  • The Shire River connects Lakes Malawi and Malombe. 

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Context

Recently, the Central Government has approved a simple reversionary bonus for the Postal Life Insurance Scheme and Rural Postal Life Insurance Scheme for fiscal year 2024-25 without changing the rate.

Bonus For Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance Schemes for fiscal Year 2024-25

• The bonus rates for the Financial Year 2024-25 will be applicable from April 1, 2024. 
• Interim bonus at the notified rates will also be payable for all claims arising due to maturity or death until future valuation is completed.
• High Enrolment: At the end of FY22, the number of policyholders under the PLI Scheme was over 47.5 lakh and under the RPLI scheme, the number of subscribers was over ₹57.81 lakh. 

About Postal Life Insurance (PLI)

• Introduced in: Postal Life Insurance (PLI) is the oldest in the country and was introduced in 1884.
• Objective: A welfare scheme for the benefit of postal employees and later extended to the employees of Telegraph Department in 1888.
• Coverage and Inclusiveness: In 1894, PLI extended insurance cover to female employees of the P&T (Post & Telegraph) Department when no other insurance company covered female life. 
  • It now covers employees of Union Government and State governments, Central and State public sector undertakings, universities, government aided educational institutions, nationalized banks, local bodies, autonomous bodies, joint ventures having a minimum of 10% government/PSU stake, credit cooperative societies, etc. 
  • PLI also extends insurance cover to the officers and staff of the defense services and paramilitary forces.

Features of Postal Life Insurance (PLI):

• Superlative Returns: PLI offers the highest bonus rates, on payment of the lowest premium, when compared to any other life insurer in India.
• Modification and Appointment of Nominee: PLI schemes allows the appointment of a nominee for the policy. 
  • Also, the policyholder can change the nominee during the policy term.
• Loan Facility: The policyholder is permitted to easily avail loan against his/her policy through the Department or through any other financial institution by assigning the policy.
• Revival of Lapsed Policy: Policy can be revived on any number of occasions during the entire term of the policy. 
  • However, a period of consecutive 5 years should not have passed from the date of first unpaid premium.

About Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI)

• Introduced in: RPLI was introduced in 1995 for rural people on recommendations of the Official Committee for Reforms in the Insurance Sector (Malhotra Committee) headed by ex-RBI Governor RN Malhotra. 
• Objective: The prime objective of the scheme is to provide insurance coverage to the rural public in general and to benefit weaker sections and women workers of rural areas in particular and also to spread insurance awareness among the rural population.
• There are six  life insurance plans, both in PLI and RPLI.

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Context

World TB Day is celebrated annually on 24 March to raise awareness about the tuberculosis disease.

World TB Day 2024

• World TB Day commemorates the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Discovered by: On 24 March 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB).
    • World TB Day 2024 Theme: ‘Yes, we can end TB!’

About Tuberculosis (TB):

• An Infectious Disease: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 
• Transmission: It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
  • About 5–10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease and those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it. 
• Prevention: TB is preventable and curable.
  • It is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment.
    • The most common antibiotics used are: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin.
  • In certain countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent TB, which prevents TB outside of the lungs but not in the lungs.
• Existing Forms: The disease exists in both latent and active form.
  • Latent Form: The latent type does not express any symptoms and is not transmissible unless it develops into the active type. 
  • Active Form: This form expresses symptoms such as chronic cough and bloody mucus. 
    • Antibiotics are typically administered for a minimum of six months, and ensuring the course is completed is vital to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Tuberculosis- A Concerning Disease & Statistics

• A Global Pandemic: As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB remains a global pandemic, with 1.8 billion people estimated to be infected. 
  • Top eight high-burden countries included India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Medically, the greatest challenge is posed by the multi-drug resistant (MDR) variant of the disease. 
• India’s Position: As per Global TB Report 2023 (released by the WHO), India has the highest incidence of bacterial infection and accounts for 27% of the total TB cases in the world.
• In 2022, India reported 2.8 mn TB cases, meaning one person gets TB every 11 seconds.
  • The WHO estimated that 1,19,000 new cases of MDR TB emerge in India each year.
• High Mortality Rate: Without treatment, the mortality rate is high, at about 50%.
  • However, with treatments, recommended by WHO, about 85% of TB patients can be cured.
• Drug-Resistant TB: Tuberculosis that does not respond to standard drugs is called drug-resistant TB and requires more toxic treatment with different medicines.
  • Types: It has two main types: 
    • Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): It is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two of the most effective TB drugs.
      • MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs such as Bedaquiline (practically incurable by standard first-line treatment).
    • Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB): It is a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options.

Global Actions to Eradicate Tuberculosis

• End TB Strategy By WHO: 

  • It serves as a blueprint for countries to reduce TB incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate catastrophic costs for TB-affected households by 2030.
  • The WHO has launched a joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership.
  • WHO releases the Global Tuberculosis Report.
  • WHO also published the World Development Report (1993), which labeled TB treatment for adults as the best buy among all developmental interventions.

• The Global Fund: 

• • It is a private public partnership aimed at leveraging and providing funding for HIV, TB and malaria and ensuring a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all.

• The Stop TB Partnership: 

  • It was established in 2001 to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem. Its 2000 partner organizations include international, non-governmental and governmental organizations and patient groups.
  • The 2023-2028 Operational Strategy exists to provide a living, high-level roadmap for current and future work of the Secretariat, bringing the organization together around its comparative advantages and achieving greater sustainability.

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: 

  • To end the TB epidemic by 2030.
    • Goal 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, TB, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
      • India is a signatory of the United Nations SDGs and has targeted TB elimination by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG timeline.

India’s Efforts to Eradicate Tuberculosis

• National TB Programme (NTP): The Government of India launched NTP in 1962 as District TB Centre model involving imparting BCG vaccination and TB treatment to fight tuberculosis.
• The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP): It was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • It sets out how the government proposed to eliminate TB in India describing the activities and interventions that would bring about major and effective changes in the incidence, prevalence and mortality from tuberculosis 
• The National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination: The NSP for TB Elimination 2017–25 is a bold strategic framework to drive the acceleration of progress toward TB Elimination, achieving the SDGs and the End TB targets for India. It adopts strategies under four pillars- Detect, Treat, Prevent and Build.
  • Aim: To achieve a rapid decline in burden of TB, morbidity and mortality while working towards elimination of TB in India by 2025.
• Nikshay TB Program: Nikshay is a TB control programme, to monitor and track services and status related to screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of TB cases. Alerts to TB patients regarding medication, follow-up alerts to the patients and providers etc.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY): The NPY was launched in 2018 by the MoHFW with an aim to support every TB patient by providing a Direct Benefit Transfer of Rs 500 per month for nutritional needs.
• Nikshay Mitra: In September 2022, India launched another nutrition support programme called Ni-kshay Mitra to consented TB patients.
• Patient Provider Support Agencies (PPSA): PPSA is a model under which a third-party agency/non-governmental organization is selected by a state/city/district NTEP unit to engage private-sector doctors treating persons affected by TB to provide end-to-end services, such as diagnosis, notification, patient adherence and support, and treatment linkages.
• Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) – To ensure every diagnosed TB patient is tested to rule out drug resistance before or at the time of treatment initiation itself.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA):  It is an initiative of the MoHFW to accelerate India’s progress towards TB elimination by 2025 by bringing together all community stakeholders.
• NIKSHAY 2.0 Portal: For effective implementation of PMTBMBA initiative, the Ni-kshay 2.0 portal provides a platform for community support to TB patients and is accessible in the public domain.
• Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres: To decentralize the comprehensive primary healthcare including TB care services at the grassroots level.
• The Saksham Project: It is a project of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) that has been providing psycho-social counselling to TB patients.
  • It focuses on supporting and strengthening national response for both HIV and TB without creating parallel structures.

Addressing India’s Tuberculosis Eradication Challenges

• Time Constraint for 2025 Target: 

  • In its 149th report in Parliament, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare said the task at hand is enormous and time is short to meet the End TB target by 2025.

• Regional Differences in TB Cure Rate in India:

• • With India’s 2025 deadline to end TB drawing near, some states are lagging behind others. While India’s TB cure rate stands at 27.8%, 11 states have rates lower than the national average.
    • Lowest Cure Rate: Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Goa and Maharashtra also exhibit low cure rates.
    • The majority of patients reside in the Bimaru (acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) states. 
    • Together, the Bimaru states account for two-thirds of the population in states with cure rates below the national average.

• Poverty: 

  • It is one of the big problems of undernourishment and poor and unhygienic living conditions and the majority of TB patients in India are due to undernourishment. 
    • As per the Health Ministry, undernutrition contributes to 55% of annual TB incidence in India. 
    • A 2022 study noted that 45% of people in India are undernourished, accounting for nearly 1.2 million TB cases each year.

• Underreporting: 

  • One of the major factors of TB prevalence in India is under-reporting which escalates the risk of spread of TB to other healthy individuals.
    • According to the target set by NSP, in 2022, there should have been 1.93 million TB notifications by the private sector. Yet, there were only 0.73 million notifications. A staggering 1.2 million TB cases in the private sector were missed in 2022. 

• Inadequate Diagnosis: 

  • Biomarkers and other diagnostics that identify individuals at highest risk of progression to disease are inadequate. 
    • Also, doctors in India are less and untrained to diagnose and cure the disease.

• Missing in Treatment: 

  • Inequitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment is a major issue. 
    • As per a report by a National Institute of Epidemiology team, the national level, 9.3% of the population were screened, just 1% of the screened were tested and 3.7% of the tested were diagnosed.

• Drug Resistant TB: 

  • Standard TB treatment is not followed uniformly across the private sector, resulting in the rise of drug resistance and results in MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
  • Over a quarter of Indian patients carry TB bacteria that are resistant to at least one anti-TB medication. 

• Social Stigma: 

  • Patients often hesitate to seek treatment or deny due to fear of social discrimination and stigmatisation.

• Challenge with People with Disabilities: 

  • A person with a disability finds it challenging to visit the health facility every month to collect medicines or meet the doctor. 
    • Disability is as yet not recorded in the post-treatment follow up protocol, leading to data gaps in estimating the scale of the problem.

• Miscellaneous: 

• • Human resource shortage, payment delays, procurement delays, drug stock-outs etc., are other concerning challenges.

Way Forward  to Tuberculosis – Eradication & Prevention

• Prevention and Early Diagnosis: 

  • These are key to stopping the ongoing spread of the disease. Continuous monitoring for identification of adverse TB drug reactions must be strengthened. 
    • Within a district, all high-risk populations are to be first identified (called as mapping) and active case finding should be conducted among them. 

• Vaccines Development: 

  • There is a need for updated and improved prophylactic vaccines. By investing in developing better vaccines, ultimate elimination of TB is possible. 
    • The prophylactic use of vaccines has a very low risk of generating resistance.

• Convergence of Policy Initiatives is Essential: 

  • Increased investment, improved awareness, and adoption of WHO recommendations are essential to reduce the burden of TB over time.
    • Urgent action is required to end the global TB epidemic by 2030, a goal that has been adopted by all Member States of the United Nations (UN) and the WHO.
    • Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is essential to ensure that all people who need treatment for TB disease or infection can access these treatments.

• A Comprehensive Solution: 

  • Customised, person-centred care and support takes into account for disabled persons’ unique needs and post-treatment protocols must extend to providing access to comprehensive support services.

• Reduce Stigma & Support Empowerment: 

  • By supporting frontline TB workers, strengthening supply chains and procurement mechanisms, decentralising TB services and empowering local communities can reduce stigma and enhance treatment outcomes.

• Need For a Multi-Sectoral Approach: 

• • Poverty alleviation, improvement in nutritional status, well-ventilated housing and better air quality will all contribute towards reducing TB. 

• Tapping Technology: 

• • Leveraging technology and innovation holds promise in enhancing TB care efforts. The adoption of AI and digital health solutions for TB diagnosis, adherence and surveillance can revolutionise the way TB care is delivered and accessed. 

• Person-Centred Solutions: 

• • The needs and the interests of patients and communities must be prioritized within the care paradigm and the health- care system.
    • This principle, echoed by survivors, communities, health experts and policymakers, underscores the need for a person-centred approach to TB care and management.

Conclusion

The path to TB elimination requires a concerted effort to prioritise person-centred care, address social determinants of health, and embrace innovation. By adopting a holistic and person-centred approach, India can overcome the barriers and create a healthier future for all its citizens.

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Context

Mixed reality headsets have gained widespread attention with the reveal of the Apple Vision Pro headset. 

Apple Vision Pro: Revolutionizing Mixed Reality

• Seamless Integration of Virtual and Real Worlds: This device blends the virtual world with the real one, creating a seamless experience that can perform all the functions of a smartphone, but without the need for dedicating your undivided attention to a screen. 
• Cutting-Edge Features of the Headset: The headset comes with state-of-the-art hand- and eye-tracking features with a number of immersive apps, and a set of videos that are built for three-dimensional viewing.
  • e Vision Pro clearly sets a new bar in headset technology with its unique operating system, visionOS.
• Spatial Computer” vs. “Mixed Reality Headset: Apple has called the device a “revolutionary spatial computer” but most tech enthusiasts preferred calling it a ‘mixed reality headset’.
• Spatial Computing: According to mixed reality researcher Louis Rosenberg, spatial computing “is a great overarching term for AR, MR, and VR, along with other immersive experiences such as 3D movies and telepresence.

What is Mixed Reality Technology?

• Origin: Researchers Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino coined the term in 1994 to describe the continuum between totally real and totally virtual environments. 

• About: Modern mixed reality headsets combine the best of both virtual reality and augmented reality, allowing you to experience and interact with both real and digital worlds in a natural and immersive way.
• Examples of Mixed Reality Devices: Microsoft hololens, Magic Leap One, Oculus Quest, Meta Quest.

Features of Mixed Reality Include

• Real-Time Interaction: Mixed Reality (MR) allows users to interact with virtual objects in real-time, using gestures, voice commands, or other input methods.
• Immersion: MR can create a sense of immersion, as users feel like they are interacting with the virtual world as if it were real.
• Blending of Physical and Virtual: MR blends the physical and virtual worlds, allowing users to see and interact with virtual objects in their real-world environment.
• Enhanced Reality: MR can enhance the real world by overlaying virtual elements onto it, such as information or graphics.
• Portability: MR can be accessed through various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and specialized headsets, which makes it portable and accessible. 
• Collaboration: MR can facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple users to interact with the same virtual environment from different locations. 

How Does Mixed Reality Work?

• Three-Dimensional Data Processing: An MR headset works by using advanced AI sensors, cameras, CPUs and GPUs to process and store data in three dimensions based on the mixed reality spectrum.
  • When a user puts on a set of mixed-reality glasses, the cameras and sensors in those glasses connect to a software program that gathers as much information as possible about the environment, essentially creating a virtual map of the real world.
• Mixed Reality Spectrum: It is a way of describing how physical and digital worlds can be combined in different ways to create immersive experiences. 
• Physical Reality: On one end of the spectrum, there is physical reality, where we interact with real objects and environments. 
• Digital Reality: On the other end, there is digital reality, where we are fully immersed in a virtual world. 
• Mixing of Physical and Digital Elements: In between, there are various degrees of mixing physical and digital elements, such as overlaying holograms on the real world, or blending real and virtual environments.
  • Ex– Vision Pro integrates apps within the user’s environment.

Benefits of Mixed Reality 

• Enhanced User Experience: 

  • Mixed Reality (MR) offers an immersive user experience that allows users to interact with virtual objects as if they were real.
    • This technology creates a highly engaging and interactive environment, enhancing the user experience and providing a more meaningful and memorable experience.
    • For example, Magic Leap One has been used to create a mixed-reality version of Star Wars, where users can interact with characters and environments from the franchise.

• Improved Training and Education: 

  • Mixed reality (MR) has the potential to revolutionize education and training by providing a realistic and interactive simulation environment. 
    • It can be used to train individuals in high-risk professions such as aviation, healthcare, and military, among others, by creating realistic scenarios that allow individuals to practice and refine their skills.
    • For example, Microsoft HoloLens has been used to teach anatomy, chemistry, and engineering in various universities.

• Increased Efficiency in Manufacturing: 

  • Mixed reality can be used to streamline the manufacturing process by allowing designers and engineers to visualize and test products in a virtual environment. 

• • This technology can help identify design flaws and reduce the need for physical prototypes, saving time and money.A designer could use an MR device to view a virtual model of a product and modify its design in real time. In this way, MR can help reduce production time and improve product quality.
  • For example, Trimble XR10 has been used to create a mixed reality solution for construction, where workers can access 3D models, instructions, and data on-site.

• Cost-Effective Marketing: 

  • Mixed reality (MR) can be used in marketing to create unique and memorable experiences that engage consumers. 
    • This technology can be used to create virtual showrooms, product demos, and interactive ads, among others, at a fraction of the cost of physical events.

• Healthcare: 

  • In healthcare, it will allow surgeons to use MR-powered X-ray vision to see under a patient’s skin to blood vessels and bones during surgery.
    • Telemedicine can also be facilitated through MR, enabling remote specialists to virtually examine and guide healthcare providers in real-time.

• Enhancing Communication: 

  • It also has the potential to improve communication and collaboration between people. 
    • For example, a group of people might use an MR app to view a project collaboratively and interact with it in real time. This could make it possible to work more efficiently and achieve better results.

Challenges with Mixed Reality Technology

• High Cost: Mixed Reality (MR) Technology technology is still in its early stages and is relatively expensive. The cost of developing and implementing MR solutions can be prohibitive for many organizations, especially smaller ones.
  • This financial barrier may restrict smaller companies or organizations from embracing MR due to the requirement for specialized hardware and software that may not align with existing systems or infrastructure.
• Limited Compatibility: It requires high-end hardware and software, which may not be compatible with all devices. This limitation can restrict the potential audience for MR solutions, making it less accessible to the masses.
• Limited Mobility: It requires a specific environment, such as a room or dedicated area, to be effective. This limitation can restrict the portability of MR solutions, making it less practical for certain applications.
• Technical Constraints: They also face technical hurdles, such as battery life and latency. Presence of hardware limitations that affect MR functionality, such as sensor tracking and the visual angle of Head Mounted Display (HMD) devices. 
  • These limitations can hinder the seamless integration and performance of MR experiences.
• User Discomfort and Social Acceptance: They are heavy, and uncomfortable to wear for long durations. 
  • Fixed reality headsets in their current form may not be socially acceptable due to their large, conspicuous appearance which can isolate people.
• Health Concerns: Extended use of MR  can cause physical discomfort, including headaches, nausea, and eye strain. These issues can limit the potential for mixed reality to be used in certain fields, such as healthcare and education.
• Data Privacy: Issues surrounding data privacy and intellectual property emerge with the use of MR, highlighting the need for appropriate safeguards and regulations.
  • MR technology faces even greater risks as richer information can be gathered using its highly sensitive sensors. 
• Standardisation and Interoperability: The seamless integration and cooperation of MR devices may be constrained by the absence of globally recognized standards, which might impede interoperability between various hardware and software platforms. 
• Deceptive Visuals: Mixed reality can also create deceptive visuals in the user’s environment, making it hard to distinguish what’s real and computer-generated. 
• Ethical Considerations:  MR deployment involves several ethical questions like the possibility of addiction, social isolation, and psychological consequences on users. 

Way Forward

• Prioritizing Interface Automation: The design of future Mixed Reality (MR) systems should prioritize interface automation to provide users with adaptability and a seamless experience.
• Advancements in Display Technologies:  High-resolution and wide field-of-view displays, will contribute to more realistic and engaging MR encounters.
• Harnessing MR for Education:  Educators must identify the learning objectives that MR can enhance. Understanding which content areas will benefit from immersive experiences can lead to a more purposeful and effective implementation.
  • Analyze Curriculum Needs: Determine where MR can add value, such as in complex scientific simulations or historical recreations.
  • Align with Educational Goals: Ensure that XR aligns with overall educational targets, enhancing rather than distracting from learning outcomes.
• Common protocols and measures: These must be established to foster interoperability and enable the development of a more coherent MR ecosystem.
• Reviewing Privacy Policies:  Awareness should be made regarding how the companies behind MR platforms store the data and what they do with it. For example, if they share the data with third parties.
  • Reveal of personal information should be avoided. By being vigilant and adopting robust security measures, the benefits of MR can be enjoyed and potential risks mitigated ensuring a safer digital landscape.
  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Data Protection: The online identity and data can be safeguarded by employing a VPN service.
• Ethical Rules and Framework: It is necessary to set ethical rules and standards to prevent the exploitation of MR technology, such as intrusive data collection, unlawful surveillance, or the development of damaging or deceptive information.

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