Current Affairs 29 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Judicial Intervention on Regulatory Practices in Traditional Medicine
2. New India Literacy Programme
3. Legal Troubles for Telegram CEO
4. Great Nicobar Island Infrastructure Project
5. Sonobuoys
6. Shompen Tribe

 Judicial Intervention on Regulatory Practices in Traditional Medicine

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has imposed a stay on a recent notification from the Ministry of AYUSH that omitted Rule 170 from the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This rule grants the authority to address and take legal action against misleading or inappropriate advertisements concerning Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Drug Regulation in India
2. Overview of Traditional Indian Medicine Regulation
3. Supreme Court’s Role in Regulating Misleading Advertisements

Drug Regulation in India:

• The regulation of drugs and cosmetics in India is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its subsequent rules established in 1945, delineating responsibilities across central and state regulators.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):

• Authority and Functions:
  • Operates under the Directorate General of Health Services and is India’s National Regulatory Authority.
  • Responsibilities include drug approval, clinical trial conduct, setting drug standards, quality control of imports, and coordination with state drug control organizations.
  • Recently, there has been a move to bring all medical devices under CDSCO’s scrutiny.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI):

• Serves as the head of the CDSCO.
• Specifically responsible for licensing blood products, vaccines, sera, and more.
• Sets manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution standards for drugs within India.

Overview of Traditional Indian Medicine Regulation

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 categorizes Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani treatments as medicinal products for internal or external use to address health issues in humans or animals.
• Establishes the Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB) to standardize these traditional medicines.
• The Central Government retains the authority to amend or introduce new regulations post-consultation with the advisory board.

Standardization Practices

• Good Manufacturing Practices: Detailed in Schedule T of the Act, which prescribes the manufacturing standards for Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines to ensure quality and safety.

Supreme Court’s Role in Regulating Misleading Advertisements

• Case Against Misleading Claims: Following a contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved Limited, the Supreme Court mandated in May 2024 that advertisers provide self-declarations to avoid misrepresentations in product promotions.
• Regulatory Update and Legal Challenge:
  • On July 1, 2024, the Ministry of AYUSH announced the removal of Rule 170 from the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, based on ASUDTAB’s recommendations.
  • The Supreme Court intervened, staying the government’s decision to abolish Rule 170, citing it as contrary to judicial directives.

New India Literacy Programme

Context:

In order to push for adult literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) has defined “literacy” and what it means to achieve “full literacy” in a letter to all States.

Relevance:

GS II- Education

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About New India Literacy Programme
2. Objectives of the scheme
3. Salient Features of the scheme

About New India Literacy Programme

• The scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all state/UTs in the country.
• The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode.
• The training, orientation, workshops of volunteers, may be organized through face-to-face mode.
• All material and resources shall be provided digitally for easy access to registered volunteers through easily accessible digital modes, viz, TV, radio, cell phone-based free/open-source Apps/portals, etc. 
• The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for FYs 2022-27 is 5 (five) crore learners @ 1.00 crore per year by using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS)” in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT and NIOS in which a learner may register him/herself with essential information like name, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar number, mobile number etc.
• As a progressive step, it has also been decided that from now onwards that the term “Education For All” will be used in place of “Adult Education” by the Ministry in view of the fact that the terminology “Adult Education” is not incorporating appropriately all non-literates of 15 years and above age group.

Objectives of the scheme

• To impart foundational literacy and numeracy
• To impart critical life skills (including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare);
• Vocational skills development (with a view towards obtaining local employment);
• Basic education (including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency);
• Continuing education (including engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners, such as more advanced material on critical life skills).

 Salient Features of the scheme

• School will be Unit for implementation of the scheme.
• Schools to be used for conducting survey of beneficiaries and Voluntary Teachers (VTs).
• Different strategies are to be adopted for different age cohorts. Flexibility for States/UTs will be provided to undertake innovative activities.
• Use of Technologies to impart Adult Education for wider coverage of the scheme.
• Performance Grading Index (PGI) for State/UT and district level will show the performance of States and UTs to implement the scheme and achievements on yearly basis by weighing both the physical and financial progress through UDISE portal.
• CSR/Philanthropic Support may be received by hosting ICT support, providing volunteer support, opening facilitation centres for learners and for providing IT access to economically weak learners in the form of cell phones, etc
• There will be involvement of community, participation of philanthropic/CSR organizations through volunteerism and through Vidyanjali portal.
• States/UTs will promote individual/ family/ village/ district success stories through various platforms.
• It will utilize all types of media – Electronic, Print, Folk & Inter-personal platforms including social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TV channels, radio, etc.
• Annual Achievement Survey of Learning Outcomes by samples of 500-1000 randomly selected learners from each state/UT and Outcome-Output Monitoring Framework (OOMF).

Need for this scheme

• As per Census 2011, the absolute number of non-literates of the country in 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore (Male 9.08 crore, Female 16.68 crore).
• Even after the Saakshar Bharat programme implemented during 2009-10 to 2017-18, it is estimated that currently around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.

Great Nicobar Island Infrastructure Project

Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Environment has assured that the project will not displace or disturb the indigenous tribes and that due consultations with tribal councils were conducted.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Great Nicobar Island
2. The Great Nicobar Island Project
3. Concerns and Challenges
4. Way Forward

Great Nicobar Island

• Location and Features:
  • The southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands.
  • Area: 910 sq km of tropical rainforest.
  • Home to India’s southernmost point, Indira Point, located 90 nautical miles from Sumatra.
  • Part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which include 836 islands divided into two groups separated by the 10° Channel.
  • Hosts two national parks, a biosphere reserve, and small populations of Shompen, Onge, Andamanese, Nicobarese tribal peoples, and a few thousand non-tribal settlers.

The Great Nicobar Island Project

• Project Overview:
  • Launched in 2021.
  • Aimed at developing the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
  • Includes a trans-shipment port, international airport, township development, and a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant.
• Implementation and Goals:
  • Based on a NITI Aayog report highlighting the island’s strategic position.
  • Implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
  • Includes an International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT) and a greenfield international airport.
  • Located near the Malacca Strait, facilitating regional and global maritime trade.
• Strategic and Security Importance:
  • The ICTT and power plant site is in Galathea Bay, where there is no human habitation.
  • Enhances deployment of additional military forces, larger warships, aircraft, missile batteries, and troops.
  • Essential for close surveillance and building a strong military deterrence.
  • Critical for India’s national security due to proximity to key waterways and strategic choke points like the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
  • Counteracts China’s military presence and expansion efforts in the region, particularly on the Coco Islands.

Concerns and Challenges

• Impact on Tribal Communities:
  • Potentially devastating impact on the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
  • Risks to their traditional way of life and the island’s natural environment.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Destruction of coral reefs and threats to local species like the Nicobar Megapode bird and leatherback turtles.
  • Large-scale deforestation, with the felling of nearly a million trees.
  • High seismic activity zone raising safety concerns for large infrastructure projects.
• Administrative Issues:
  • Accusations of inadequate consultation with the Tribal Council.
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the establishment of a high-power committee to review environmental and forest clearances.

Way Forward

• Inclusion of Tribal Councils:
  • Ensure the involvement of Tribal Councils in decision-making processes.
  • Respect traditional knowledge and legal rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006).
• Oversight and Monitoring:
  • Establish a high-power committee to oversee environmental and forest clearances.
  • Include representatives from environmental groups, tribal councils, and independent experts.

-Source: The Hindu

Legal Troubles for Telegram CEO

Context:

Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, was recently detained in Paris due to allegations that his messaging service was utilized for illegal activities, specifically drug trafficking and distributing child sexual abuse content.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of Telegram
2. Impact of Pavel Durov’s Arrest

Overview of Telegram

• Telegram, established in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, originated after Durov divested from VKontakte due to governmental pressures in Russia.
• Relocation to Dubai: Durov chose Dubai as Telegram’s new base, appreciating its stance on user privacy and speech freedoms.

Features and Usage of Telegram

• Messaging Capabilities: Supports individual chats, large group discussions up to 200,000 members, and extensive broadcasting channels.
• Encryption Protocols: Offers end-to-end encryption selectively; default for one-on-one but not in group settings, except in ‘secret chat’ mode.
• User Demographics: Boasts over 950 million users worldwide, with notable use in governmental sectors in France, but has also seen adoption among extremists and traffickers.

Legal Challenges in France

• Arrest of Pavel Durov: Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport over allegations linking Telegram to illicit activities including drug trafficking and cyberstalking.
• Investigation Dynamics: Initiated after multiple violations were identified, with accusations of non-cooperation by Durov, escalating to a formal arrest.
• Concerns Over Content: While Telegram is proactive in removing illegal content, it stands firm against politically charged censorship.

Impact of Pavel Durov’s Arrest

• Durov’s arrest has exacerbated existing tensions between Russia and Western nations.
• Russian government entities, including the Kremlin, have labeled the arrest as politically motivated, criticizing the perceived double standards regarding freedom of speech.
• Reports from the Russian Embassy in Paris indicate that Durov was denied consular assistance during his detention.

Criticism of French Actions

• Concerns Over Free Speech: The arrest has underscored ongoing disputes on how governments and technology companies balance free speech with the need to regulate illegal content.
• Public Condemnation: Prominent figures like Edward Snowden have criticized the French government for what they view as an infringement on fundamental human rights.

Durov’s Advocacy for Telegram’s Neutrality

• Platform Neutrality: Durov has been a vocal advocate for keeping Telegram unbiased and apolitical, resisting governmental pressures.
• Commitment to Privacy: He continually promotes Telegram’s dedication to safeguarding user privacy and upholding free speech.

Broader Context with Tech Platforms

• Global Tech Scrutiny: Telegram’s challenges mirror broader global issues where tech giants like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) face government scrutiny over content regulation.
• Specific Instances: In Brazil, X ceased operations following a Supreme Court directive that conflicted with the company’s free speech values. Meanwhile, WhatsApp in India resisted governmental pressures to compromise on user privacy by not disclosing message sources.

-Source: Indian Express

Sonobuoys

Context:

The US recently approved a USD 52.8 million government-to-government deal for the sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Sonobuoys that will be integrated with the Indian Navy’s Romeo helicopters.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Sonobuoys

• Sonobuoys are compact, disposable units utilized in marine acoustics and sonar systems for detecting and analyzing underwater sounds, especially for submarine tracking.
• These devices are integral to military operations against submarines, aiding in their detection in both deep sea and coastal zones, potentially leading to targeted torpedo strikes.
• Historical Use: Originally deployed in World War II for identifying German U-boats.

Deployment Techniques

• Methods of Deployment: Sonobuoys are typically released into the ocean via aircraft or from naval vessels like ships or submarines.
• Operation: After deployment, they descend to a set depth and start monitoring underwater sounds to identify submarine locations.
• Strategic Deployment: They can be arranged in specific patterns to precisely ascertain the location of underwater targets.

Types of Sonobuoys

• Passive Sonobuoys: These devices passively record sounds without generating any signals themselves, using a hydrophone to capture sound waves from targets.
• Active Sonobuoys: These emit acoustic pulses and measure the echoes to identify and track objects underwater.
• Special Purpose Sonobuoys: Equipped to gather environmental data such as water temperature and ambient noise levels, aiding broader scientific research.

Components and Additional Uses

• Sonobuoys are typically made up of a buoyant housing equipped with acoustic sensors, a power source, and a communication system to transmit data to a base station like a ship or aircraft.
• Broader Applications: Beyond military applications, sonobuoys are also employed in scientific studies, including oceanographic research and studying marine life behaviors, such as those of whales.

-Source: Indian Express

Shompen Tribe

Context:

The development of a port and airport in the pristine Nicobar Islands “will not disturb or displace” any of the Shompen, the Union Environment Minister said recently.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Shompen Tribe

• The Shompen are one of the most secluded tribes worldwide and are among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India that are least studied.
• They inhabit the dense tropical rainforests of Great Nicobar Island, which is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with approximately 95% of the land covered in rainforest.
• Their territory includes significant ecological sites such as Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea National Park, and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.

Demographics and Lifestyle

• As of the 2011 Census, the Shompen population was estimated at 229, though current numbers remain uncertain.
• They maintain minimal contact with outsiders, embodying a semi-nomadic lifestyle centered around hunting, gathering, fishing, and basic horticulture.
• Shompen societies are organized into small groups, defined by geographic territories along rainforest rivers, moving periodically between temporary forest camps.

Diet and Language

• Their primary diet consists of a variety of forest plants, with the pandanus fruit, locally called ‘larop,’ being a staple.
• The Shompen language features numerous dialects, with distinct linguistic variations even between closely situated bands.

Physical Characteristics and Family Structure

• Physical Appearance: Typically of short to medium height, they have rounded head shapes, narrow noses, and broad facial profiles with distinct Mongoloid traits including light to yellow-brown skin and oblique eyes.
• Family Dynamics: Families are nuclear, typically overseen by the eldest male who manages daily activities. While monogamy is the norm, polygamy is also practiced within their culture.

-Source: Indian Express