Context:

• The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for bulk drugs (APIs) has boosted local production of some key APIs, However, it would take at least 5-7 more years before India can see tangible results.

What is API?

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the biologically active component of a drug product (tablet, capsule, cream, injectable) that produces the intended effects.

Data: India’s Import from China

• ​Currently, China is the global leader in the production and export of APIs, which is around 20 percent of the world’s API production.
• The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the 3rd largest in the world by volume and 14th in value. India contributes 3.5% of total drugs and medicines exported globally.
• However, India significantly depends on importing some of the basic raw materials, viz., bulk drugs used to produce the finished dosage formulations. 
• India imports bulk drugs largely for economic considerations. Bulk drugs accounted for  around 63% of the total pharmaceutical imports in the country.
• Data from the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) shows India imported $3.18 billion worth of APIs and intermediates from China in 2022-23, up 1.74 percent from the previous year. 
• In 2021-22, India had imported $3.12 billion worth of APIs and intermediates from China, which was up 19.5 percent from 2020-21.
• Therefore, the growth rate has slowed, but the imports continue at similar levels.
• On the other hand, India’s imports of bulk drugs and intermediates worldwide (overall) came down by 4.54 percent to $4.5 billion. 
• This is in contrast to the previous year when they had grown by almost 23 percent to $4.7 billion.

Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for bulk drugs (APIs)

• The pharmaceuticals department rolled out a PLI scheme for bulk drugs with an outlay of Rs 6,940 crore.
• Objective: The scheme intends to boost domestic manufacturing of identified KSMs, Drug Intermediates and APIs by attracting large investments in the sector, thereby reducing India’s import dependence on critical APIs.
• Scope: Under the Scheme, financial incentives shall be given based on sales made by selected manufacturers for 41 products.
• The scheme offers incentive rates of 20 percent for the first year, 15 percent for the fifth year, and 5 percent for the sixth year.
• As of February, around 22 projects to make key APIs came up under the PLI scheme. These units have a total installed capacity above 33,000 tonnes.

Source: Business Standards

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Context:

• China’s growing trading relationships with ASEAN nations has propelled it far ahead of India in Southeast Asia.

India and ASEAN

• The ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• The 10 member states of ASEAN are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,  and Vietnam.
• Historically, Southeast Asia has been closer to India. 
  • Out of the 10 countries, nine have an Indic base. Only one has a Sinic base, which is Vietnam. 

Trade between India and ASEAN

• Top Goods Exported from ASEAN to India in 2021: Animal or vegetable fats, oils and products (14.7%), Electrical machinery, equipment and their parts (14.4%), Mineral fuels, oils and products of their distillation (12.5), Nuclear reactors, machinery and mechanical appliances (9.8%), Plastics and articles (6.1%), Organic chemicals (5.7%) etc.
• Top Goods Imported to ASEAN from India in 2021: Mineral fuels, oils and products of their distillation (16.2%), Iron and steel (10.3%), Nuclear reactors, machinery and mechanical appliances (7.7%), Pearls, precious metals and stones (7.4%),  Organic chemicals (5.6%), Pharmaceutical products (3.8%), Vehicles and accessories (3.7%) etc.

News Source: Mint

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Context:

• The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments.

What is avian influenza?

• Avian influenza, also known as ‘bird flu’, is a disease primarily affecting birds and is caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family.
• Subtype
  • The Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (LPAIV) can cause a mild illness, often unnoticed or without any symptoms. 
  • The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) caused by subtypes (H5 and H7) of type A, causes serious illness in birds that can spread rapidly, resulting in high death rates in different species of birds.

• Threat to Human Health: Most of the influenza viruses circulating in birds are not zoonotic. 
  • However, some HPAI strains have the ability to infect humans, posing a threat to public health. 
• Strategies to Curb Spread: Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses for the purposes of international trade and disease prevention or control.
• Monitoring: WHO continuously monitors avian and other zoonotic influenza viruses closely through its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
• India’s Approach to Control HPAI: India follows a “detect and cull” policy as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza. 
  • It includes the humane destruction of infected and exposed animals, eggs, feed, litter, and other contaminated materials. 
  • Additionally Measures: Restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products, disinfection and clean-up of infected premises, and a Post-Operative Surveillance Plan (POSP) have been implemented. 
  • Vaccination against HPAI is not permitted in India.

News Source: PIB

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Context:

• India’s Central Band Digital Currency i.e., e-rupee has seen very little adoption in its ongoing trial phase.

E-Rupee and UPI: A Close Look at Retail Transaction Preferences

• There is a slow uptake of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) CBDC at the retail level despite the involvement of 13 participating banks.
• The daily transactions of e-rupee are reportedly around in the range of 10,000-12,000, though 3.5 million merchants and 1 million customers were selected for the pilot project across 13 cities. 
• For the retail user, there is nothing that a CBDC brings to the table that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) does not.

What is CBDC?

• CBDC is a legal tender issued by the RBI in digital form. It is the same as the fiat currency, and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency. 
• It is a fungible legal tender, for which holders need not have a bank account. 
• CBDC will appear as ‘liability’ (currency in circulation) on the RBI’s balance sheet.
  • A token CBDC is a “bearer-instrument” like a banknote, meaning whoever ‘holds’ the tokens at a given point in time will be presumed to own them.

What is e-rupee?

• The retail CBDC was launched by RBI, is a digital token that will function as the digital equivalent of a banknote that can be transferred electronically from one holder to another. 
• It can be kept in a wallet on a mobile phone, and spent as cash is spent

News Source: Mint

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Context:

• Setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian space station) by 2035 and taking the first Indian to the Moon by 2040 are new targets for space agency ISRO. 

India’s Space Tech Triumphs

• The directions came from a meeting to assess the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission, which outlined the future of India’s space exploration initiatives. 
• Many technologies such as the human-rated launch vehicle, crew escape system, space suit, and the system to maintain the environment inside the crew module are being developed for the first time for the Gaganyaan mission.

India’s New Space Targets:  Indian Space Station by 2035, Indian on Moon by 2040

• Indian Space Station: According to the ISRO chief, the Indian space station is likely to be much smaller, weighing only 20 tonnes as compared to 450 tonnes of the International Space Station and 100 tonnes of the Chinese Tiangong Space Station.
• Moon Missions: The Department of Space has been tasked with developing a roadmap for Moon exploration, including a series of Chandrayaan missions. 
  • The next Chandrayaan mission will likely bring Moon samples back, eventually leading the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
• Mars Missions: India has already sent an orbiter. The next step would be to send a lander, which the US and China have already achieved. 
  • Russia also has successfully landed on Mars but their lander stopped working soon after.
• Indigenous Lander Technology: India did not have lander technology before the Chandrayaan 2 mission, the lander was indigenously developed after Russia backed out following the failure of one of their landers to the Martian moon Phobos.
• Others: The scientists will also work towards a Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission. 
  • ISRO will also work on a next-generation launch vehicle, a new launch pad, and human-centric laboratories and technologies. 

News Source: Mint

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “Global Maritime Summit Modi to unveil blue print for blue economy” which was published in the Mint. The Prime Minister recently unveiled ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, the long-term blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy during Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai.

Long-term blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy

• The blueprint outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating international collaboration.
• Next Generation Mega Port, International Container Trans-shipment port, island development, inland waterways, and multi-modal hubs would be undertaken under Vision 2047 leading to a reduction in cost of doing business and environmental degradation.

What is blue economy?

• The World Bank defines “blue economy” as “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”.
• The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book- “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs”

India’ Maritime Sector 

• India has a unique maritime position. Its 7517 km long coastline is home to nine coastal states and 1382 islands. 
• The country has 12 major ports and 187 non-major ports which handled about 633.87 million tons of cargo in the year 2019. 
• 95% of India’s trade by volume transits by sea. 
• The coastal economy  sustains over 40 lakhs fishermen and other significant populations of coastal communities. 

Also read: Ocean Resources and its potential

What are the challenges of the maritime sector in india?

• Weak oceanic governance: India does not have a specific organizational framework or complete/comprehensive regulations relating to granting of permissions, leasing, evaluation and monitoring of offshore activities such as exploration, transport, storage, etc.
• Marine Pollution: Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, plastic debris, and oil spills adversely affects marine life, degrade habitats, and disrupt the entire marine food chain.
• Low productivity of Indian ports: Indian ports have long struggled with capacity limitations and low productivity, leading to higher freight costs and slower turnaround times. 
  • In comparison to global standards, Indian ports have a significantly higher turnaround time, averaging 62.16 hours, whereas ports in Japan (8.16 hours), Taiwan (10.56 hours), and Hong Kong (12.48 hours) have considerably better performance. 
  • This poor planning has resulted in a lack of port expansion to keep up with the rising cargo traffic, further exacerbating the challenges faced by Indian ports.
• Non-traditional security challenges: The Indian Ocean has an unstable littoral and a northern periphery comprising countries experiencing conflict/in-conflict situations. 
  • Preventing the tensions in the neighboring waters from spilling into the Indian Ocean remains a concern. Ex- Growing operations of the Chinese navy as it patrols regularly in the Indian Ocean. 
  • There is strong nexus between the Pakistani and the Chinese navies.Pakistan has declared its intention to put its nuclear weapons at sea which raises the prospect of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of Jihadis.
• Illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing: Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to rise beyond India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • According to the Indian Navy, more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels have been monitored in the Indian Ocean. 
  • IUU fishing depleted fish stocks, destroys marine habitats, puts fishermen at disadvantage and impacts coastal communities, especially in developing countries.
• Lack of technology: India lacks the necessary technology to fully reap the benefits of blue economy such as adequate port facilities, maritime transportation, and monitoring systems for sustainable resource management

Way Forward

•  5-point agenda for enhancing maritime cooperation: It should be implemented to ensure maritime security and Cooperation: 
  • Removal of barriers to legitimate maritime trade
  • Resolution of maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law
  • Fight threats from natural disasters, non-state actors
  • Conservation of marine resources
  • Promoting responsible maritime connectivity
• Framing National Coastal Marine Spatial Planning Framework: Scientific and accurate mapping of India’s coastal zones will lead to integrated coastal and marine Spatial plans. 
• Plastic Elimination and National Marine Litter policy: It should address the growing menace of marine pollution specially from plastics and micro-plastics.
  • The National Coastal Mission, being proposed by Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change should be integrated with the Blue Economy activities. 
• Sustainable fishing: Setting up a national level “Institute for Marine Biotechnology” focusing on non-food sector for generation of new technologies to tap the immense potential for commercialization should be expedited. 
  • Legislation should be brought for  comprehensive management and regulation of marine fisheries and for management of aquatic diseases and ocean health. 
• Integrated Framework for Ocean Security, Strategic Dimensions and International Engagements: Multilayer surveillance and security in the Indian Ocean should be enhanced through domestic manufacturing and procurement. 
  • Coastal and marine security should be strengthened through formulation of a comprehensive and implementation in partnership with the states. 
• National Blue Economy Council: It should be the Apex body to integrate planning process between various stakeholders in the Central, State and local Governments. 
• • It would also include representatives from industry, research organizations and policy advocacy groups.
• Blue Diplomacy: There is an urgent need to evolve a seamless governance structure for the environmental management of all ocean resource-minerals, deep sea fishery resources, offshore energy development etc. in India. 

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Context:

• This article is based on the news “Same Sex Marriage Verdict Highlights: In unanimous verdict, Supreme Court says no to same-sex marriage” which was published in the Indian Express. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of India unanimously ruled against legalising same-sex marriage in India.

Same Sex Marriage in India

• Same sex marriages refer to marriages between two individuals of the same gender. In India, same-sex marriages are not currently legal.

Timeline:  How the case reached SC’s Constitution Bench

• November 25, 2022: Two gay couples filed petitions seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act 1954.
• January 6, 2023: The Supreme Court allowed the transfer of all pending pleas seeking legal recognition for same sex marriages from high courts to itself.
• March 12, 2023: The Centre filed an affidavit opposing same-sex marriage, stating that the legislative understanding in India refers to marriage between a biological man and a woman.
• March 13, 2023: The Supreme Court referred the petitions to a five-judge Constitution Bench due to the matter’s “seminal importance” involving constitutional rights and legislative enactments.
• October 17, 2023: Supreme Court delivered a 3:2 verdict rejecting the legalization of same-sex marriage, emphasizing the matter to be dealt with by the legislature.

Same Sex Marriage in India; Supreme Court (SC) Verdict

Also read: Marriage Registration Rules

What are the arguments in favor of same sex marriage in India?

• Fundamental Rights and Equality
  • Denying individuals the right to marry based on sexual orientation violates fundamental rights. Everyone should have the right to choose who they marry and enjoy the same legal benefits and protections.
• Marital Rights: Same sex couples do not enjoy Marital Rights.
  • Marital rights are rights and benefits that a couple can exercise and enjoy upon marriage. Marital rights include the right to live with each other, maintain a physically intimate relationship and procreation.
• Promotion of Equality and Inclusivity
  • Legalizing same sex marriage promotes equality inclusivity, and reduces discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a more equitable society.
• Positive Impact on Mental Health
  • Legalizing same sex marriage positively impacts the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, reducing discrimination and stigma they face, leading to a more accepting and tolerant society.
• Secularism and Democracy
  • Legalizing same sex marriage aligns with India’s democratic principles and guarantees of equality and freedom to all citizens, irrespective of sexual orientation.

Also read: Why Restrict Single Women from Surrogacy: Delhi HC to Centre

What are the arguments against same sex marriage in India?

• Preservation of Traditional Definition of Marriage: Marriage is traditionally defined as a union between a man and a woman. Altering this definition undermines traditional family values and the institution of marriage.
• Procreation and Child Upbringing
  • Opponents argue that the primary purpose of marriage is procreation and raising children, and same-sex couples cannot fulfill this purpose. They believe children need both a mother and a father for a well-rounded upbringing.
• Preservation of Cultural and Religious Traditions
  • Same sex marriage is seen as inconsistent with Indian cultural and religious beliefs by opponents. They fear legalizing it would erode traditional values and contribute to the Westernization of Indian culture.
• Issues with Adoption of Children
  • Adoption by queer couples in India can face societal stigma, harming both the child’s and parents’ well-being due to limited LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
• Gendered terms
  • Argument that gendered terms like ‘mother’ and ‘father’, ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ would be problematic in same-sex marriages.

Way Forward

• Advocacy and Awareness: LGBTQ+ organizations actively raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues through rallies, protests, and campaigns, striving for greater rights and societal acceptance.
• Policy Reforms: Organizations like Naz Foundation and Humsafar Trust are at the forefront of policy and legal reforms, advocating for anti-discrimination laws, inclusive policies, and legal recognition of same sex relationships, including marriage.
• Counselling and Support: Various organizations offer crucial counseling and support services, aiding the LGBTQ+ community in addressing discrimination, bullying, mental health issues, and other challenges.
• Community Building: LGBTQ+ organizations play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and support by organizing events, social gatherings, and support groups to create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s recent unanimous verdict against legalizing same sex marriage in India underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, prompting a critical examination of fundamental rights, legislative enactments, and societal perspectives surrounding same sex marriage in the country.

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