PIB Summaries 18 January 2025

Content:

1. Exponential Growth in Digital Transactions
2. Ayurveda provide new hope for Alzheimer’s Disease

Exponential Growth in Digital Transactions

Context: India’s exponential growth in digital transactions reflects the nation’s transformative journey toward a cashless economy. Spearheaded by platforms like UPI, IMPS, and NETC FASTag, this digital revolution is an embodiment of financial inclusion and efficiency.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy )

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• UPI integrates multiple bank accounts into a single app, enabling seamless fund transfers, merchant payments, and more.

• Growth Statistics:
  • Transactions in December 2024: 16.73 billion (value: ₹23.25 lakh crore).
  • Yearly Increase (2024): 172 billion transactions (+46% from 2023).

• Significance:
  • Facilitates secure, instant payments.
  • Empowers small businesses and rural merchants, fostering financial inclusivity.
  • Reduced dependency on cash transactions, aligning with government goals like Digital India.

Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)

• IMPS, operational since 2010, offers 24×7 real-time fund transfers. Accessible via mobile, ATM, internet, and SMS, it caters to both businesses and individuals.

• Growth Statistics:
  • December 2024: 441 million transactions (value: ₹6.01 lakh crore).
  • November 2024: 407.92 million transactions (value: ₹5.58 lakh crore).

• Significance:
  • Critical for instant payments across sectors.
  • Supports micro and macroeconomic financial activities.

NETC FASTag

• A cashless toll collection mechanism linked to bank accounts, saving time and fuel at national highways.

• Growth Statistics:
  • Transactions in December 2024: 381.98 million (value: ₹6,642 crore).
  • November 2024: 358.84 million transactions (value: ₹6,070 crore).

• Significance:
  • Improves highway infrastructure efficiency.
  • Encourages digital adoption in traditionally cash-heavy sectors

Drivers of Growth

• Policy Push:
  • Initiatives like Digital India and demonetization have catalyzed digital adoption.
  • Introduction of robust financial infrastructures by NPCI.

• Technological Advancements:
  • Mobile penetration and improved internet connectivity.
  • Simplified user interfaces of digital payment apps.

• Behavioral Shifts:
  • Increased trust in secure, digital transactions.
  • Growth in rural digital literacy and banking access.

Challenges to Address

• Cybersecurity Concerns: Growing digital adoption increases vulnerability to fraud and cybercrimes.
• Digital Divide: Access disparities in rural and underdeveloped areas.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for reliable internet and digital literacy in remote regions.

Future Outlook

• Enhanced Digital Ecosystem: Expansion of digital payment platforms and innovations in fintech.
• Increased Adoption: Government initiatives to incentivize digital transactions and address the digital divide.
• Global Leadership: India’s success can serve as a model for other nations aiming to transition toward a cashless economy.

Ayurveda provide new hope for Alzheimer’s Disease

Context : The integration of Ayurveda with modern science helping to develop innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases.

Relevance : GS 2(Health)

Focus:

• The study targets Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Dementia, and related neurodegenerative diseases.
  • It explores the role of amyloid proteins/peptides in the progression of these diseases.

Innovative Approaches:

• Chemically Synthesized Peptides:Designed to combat amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation.Demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting and disaggregating amyloid proteins.

• Ayurvedic Remedy (Lasunadya Ghrita – LG):Repurposed from traditional Ayurveda for treating amyloid beta 40/42 aggregation.Previously effective in addressing depression-related mental illnesses.

Ayurvedic Contributions (LGWE)

• Important Findings:
  • LG’s water extract (LGWE) disrupts amyloid fibrillation at multiple stages:
    • Initial Stages: Inhibits oligomer formation.
    • Elongation Phase: Disrupts fibrillation process.

• Demonstrates superior efficacy compared to chemically designed peptides:
  • Breaks amyloid aggregates into smaller, non-toxic, and degradable molecules.

Potential Impacts

Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients:

• Promises better management of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Offers a complementary approach to existing treatments.

Strengthening Ayurveda’s Relevance:

• Highlights the potential of traditional remedies in addressing complex medical challenges.
  • Encourages integrating modern science with traditional knowledge for innovative solutions.

Future Implications:

• May inspire further research into natural remedies for neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Opens avenues for safer, more affordable treatment options.

Challenges and Recommendations

Challenges:

• Need for large-scale clinical trials to validate findings.
  • Potential standardization issues in preparing Ayurvedic formulations.

Recommendations:

• Promote interdisciplinary research combining modern science and traditional medicine.
  • Strengthen regulatory frameworks for the integration of Ayurveda in modern healthcare.