Financial Assistance For Rare Disease
Syllabus: GS 2/Health
In News
- The government has announced financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh for the treatment of patients with rare diseases identified under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, covering 63 categories of rare diseases.
About Rare Disease
- A rare disease is a health condition with low prevalence, affecting a small number of people compared to more common diseases in the general population.
- Rare diseases have no universally accepted definition, however, they are typically characterized by their low prevalence, severity, and often the lack of alternative treatments.
- They include genetic diseases, rare cancers, infectious tropical diseases, and degenerative diseases.
- WHO defines rare disease as often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder condition with a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population.
Issues and Concerns
- Prevalence: India accounts for one-third of the global rare disease incidence, with over 450 identified diseases, affecting 8-10 crore people, predominantly children.
- However, rare diseases are largely neglected in India.
- Lack of a Standard Definition: India lacks a standard definition for rare diseases. This gap persists despite efforts to address the issue.
- Diagnosis Challenges: On average, rare diseases take seven years to diagnose, with healthcare professionals often unable to interpret symptoms accurately.
- Funding Issues: The budget for rare diseases remains low.
| Initiatives – The National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) was launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in March 2021. 1. 63 rare diseases are currently included under the policy, based on recommendations by the Central Technical Committee for Rare Diseases (CTCRD). 2. 12 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) identified as premier government hospitals specializing in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of rare diseases. – Exemption from GST and Customs Duty on drugs imported for rare diseases. – The National Consortium for Research and Development on Therapeutics for Rare Diseases (NCRDTRD) was established for streamlining research activities. – The ICMR has set up an Extramural Programme Task Force on Rare Diseases and initiated 19 projects focused on developing indigenous therapies for rare diseases. |
Suggestions and Way Forward
- Time is critical for rare disease patients, and the government must address these issues with urgency to improve the lives of affected individuals.
- The government needs to define rare diseases, enhance drug development, improve Centres of Excellence (CoEs) coordination, and provide dedicated funding.
- State governments should introduce social assistance programs and satellite centres, while private companies can help through CSR initiatives.
- The government should incentivize domestic manufacturers and consider repurposing drugs, reducing clinical trial requirements.
e-NAM to be Upgraded to Address Logistical Challenges
Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Role of Technology in Agriculture
Context
- The Union Agriculture Minister has announced plans to upgrade the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to e-NAM 2.0 to resolve logistical hurdles in inter-state and inter-mandi trade.
About e-NAM (2016)
- e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform that connects Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
- Implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
- Provides digital services to traders, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mandis.
- As of December 31, 2024, 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders have registered on the platform.
Key Challenges in e-NAM
- Despite integrating 1,361 mandis across 23 states and 4 Union Territories, and facilitating ₹2.79 lakh crore worth of trade, several challenges remain:
- Logistical Issues: Inefficient transportation causes high transit time and limits distribution efficiency.
- Inadequate Warehousing & Storage: Lack of proper storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses.
- Limited Digital Literacy & Internet Access: Many farmers struggle with online platforms.
- Interstate Trade Barriers: Variations in state APMC laws hinder smooth trade.
- Different state tax and compliance norms create complexity.
Key Features of e-NAM 2.0
- Integrated Logistics and Transportation Support: Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) integration for real-time tracking of produce.
- Optimized freight options to reduce transit times and improve delivery efficiency.
- Expanded Warehousing and Cold Storage Infrastructure: The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will offer subsidized loans to promote private investment in storage facilities.
- AI-Driven Price Discovery & Quality Assessment: AI and Machine Learning (ML) to suggest fair market prices.
- Automated quality testing to minimize disputes over product grading.
- Faster Digital Payments & Financial Support: Direct bank transfers and e-wallets for quick settlements.
- Fintech partnerships to provide micro-loans based on transaction history.
- Simplified Interstate Trade: Introduction of a unified digital pass to ease regulatory compliance.
- Standardized tax & compliance framework to facilitate free movement of produce.
- Mobile Accessibility & Vernacular Support: Voice-based commands and local language options on the e-NAM app.
- Digital literacy campaigns to help farmers navigate the platform.
Expected Impact of e-NAM Upgrades
- Increased Farmer Participation: Easier access and better incentives will attract more farmers.
- Higher Price Realization: Direct market access will reduce middlemen, ensuring fair prices.
- Reduced Wastage: Improved storage and transport infrastructure will cut post-harvest losses.
- Investment in Logistics Sectors: Investments in supply chain solutions will drive economic growth.
India’s Gold Investments Surge 60% to Rs 1.5 lakh Crore in 2024
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
Context
- Gold investments in India surged by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (approx Rs 1.5 lakh crore), compared to 2023, according to the World Gold Council (WGC) report.
Key highlights of the report
- India’s gold investment demand stood at 239 tonnes in 2024, the highest level since 2013.
- This represents a 29% rise from the 185 tonnes recorded in 2023.
- Global gold demand also witnessed an increase of 25%, compared to 945.5 tonnes in 2023.
- The demand is expected to expand further into gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds.
| Key facts related to Gold – Gold accounts for over 5% of India’s total imports. – Reserves in India: Bihar (44%) followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3% ), and Jharkhand (2%). – Reserves in the world: United States of America, Germany, Italy, and France. |
Reasons Behind the Surge
- Steady Rise in Gold Prices: The primary factor driving this surge is the consistent increase in gold prices throughout the year.
- Investors turned to gold as a hedge against inflation and economic volatility.
- Cultural Demand: Traditional preferences for gold during auspicious occasions like weddings led to higher retail demand and significantly boosted gold purchases.
- Urban Buying Trends: Metropolitan cities experienced increased buying activity.
- E-commerce platforms offering rapid delivery of small gold investment bars and coins facilitated ease of investment.
- Weaker Performance of Other Asset Classes: The domestic stock markets recorded average returns, prompting investors to shift towards gold.
Implications for the Indian Economy
- Current Account Deficit (CAD): Higher gold imports can widen India’s CAD, affecting foreign exchange reserves.
- Higher Inflationary Pressures: A surge in gold demand drives up its price, leading to inflationary pressures in the economy.
- Financial Market Disruptions: A shift of investment towards gold can lead to reduced liquidity in equity markets, affecting stock market performance.
Way Ahead
- Gold Monetization Schemes: Encouraging gold deposits in banks to reduce import dependence.
- Strengthening Gold ETFs and Mutual Funds: Providing tax incentives for digital gold investments.
- E-Gold Infrastructure: Expanding the accessibility of digital gold investments through fintech platforms.
| World Gold Council (WGC) – WGC is an international trade association for the gold industry formed in 1987 by some of the world’s most forward-thinking mining companies. – Governance: The World Gold Council is governed by the Board of Directors, composed of member company representatives (Chairperson or Chief Executive Officer) and the World Gold Council’s Chief Executive Officer. – Members: The World Gold Council’s 32 Members. – It is headquartered in London and has offices in India, China, Singapore, the UAE and the United States. |
Facial Recognition System (FRS)
Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology
Context
- The Maharashtra government has introduced Facial Recognition System technology for entry into Mantralaya, to improve security and efficiency in government operations.
What is Facial Recognition System?
- A facial recognition system is a technology potentially capable of matching a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces.
- Core Technologies of FRS are as;
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning and deep learning enable systems to improve accuracy over time.
- Computer Vision: It extracts, analyzes, and interprets visual data from images and videos.
- Biometric Analysis: It identifies unique facial features for authentication.
- Neural Networks (CNNs): It is essential for image recognition and feature extraction.
Examples of facial recognition systems
- Amazon Rekognition: A cloud-based service that uses facial recognition to analyze images and videos.
- Microsoft Azure Face API: A facial recognition API that’s part of Microsoft’s cloud computing services.
- DeepFace: A facial recognition program developed by Facebook.
Applications of Facial Recognition System
- Security & Surveillance: It is used in law enforcement, border control, and public space monitoring to enhance security.
- Access Control & Authentication: It unlocks devices, secures workplaces, and replaces passwords for digital logins.
- Financial Services: It enables secure banking, fraud detection, and contactless payments.
- Healthcare: It is used to identify patients, assist in diagnosis, and monitor mental health.
- Retail & Marketing: It enhances customer experience, enables targeted ads, and prevents shoplifting.
Concerns of FRS
- Privacy Violations: Unauthorized surveillance and data collection infringe on individuals’ privacy without consent.
- Data Security Risks: Facial recognition databases are vulnerable to hacking, leading to identity theft and data misuse.
- Bias and Inaccuracy: Studies have shown that facial recognition systems have higher error rates for people of color, women, and non-binary individuals, leading to wrongful arrests and misidentifications.
- Misuse for Profiling: Governments and corporations exploit the technology for racial profiling and intrusive advertising.
- Deepfake: AI-generated deepfakes can manipulate identities, undermining biometric security.
Way Ahead
- Governments should establish clear laws to prevent mass surveillance and misuse of facial recognition technology.
- Strict cybersecurity measures must be enforced to protect facial recognition databases from breaches and identity theft.
India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar Power Capacity
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
- India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey by surpassing 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity.
Growth and Achievements
- India’s solar power capacity increased 35 times over the past decade, rising from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
- As of January 31, 2025, India’s total installed solar capacity stands at 100.33 GW, with 84.10 GW under implementation and 47.49 GW under tendering.
- The rooftop solar sector saw remarkable growth, with 4.59 GW of new capacity installed in 2024, reflecting a 53% increase compared to 2023.
- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are among the top-performing states contributing significantly to utility-scale solar installations.
- India’s solar manufacturing capacity surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024, positioning the country as a global leader in solar module production, with an ambitious target of 100 GW by 2030.
Significance of Solar Energy for India
- Energy Security: Solar energy helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and imports, making India more self-reliant in power generation.
- Environmental Benefits: Solar power is a clean and sustainable energy source, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
- Economic Growth: The solar industry has created millions of jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing, boosting employment opportunities.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The falling costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have made solar power an affordable alternative to conventional energy sources.
- Rural Electrification: Solar power provides an effective solution for electrifying remote and off-grid areas, improving the quality of life for millions of Indians.
Key Government Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy
- National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, this mission aims to achieve 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.
- PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana: A transformative scheme making rooftop solar a household reality, empowering homes with clean energy.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme: Designed to support farmers by promoting solar irrigation pumps and grid-connected renewable energy solutions.
- Solar Parks Scheme: Facilitates the development of large-scale solar parks to boost capacity expansion.
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules, reducing reliance on imports.
- Net Metering Policy: Allows residential and commercial consumers to generate their own solar power and sell surplus electricity to the grid.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global initiative led by India to promote solar energy cooperation among solar-rich countries.
Challenges and the Way Ahead
- Land Acquisition: Availability of land for large-scale solar projects remains a constraint.
- Grid Integration: Ensuring stability and efficiency while integrating intermittent solar energy into the power grid.
- Financial Constraints: Investment in infrastructure and technological advancements is needed to sustain long-term growth.
- Storage Solutions: Development of cost-effective energy storage solutions is crucial for ensuring a stable power supply.
