Daily Prelims Notes 2 August 2023

August 2, 2023
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Daily Prelims Notes

2 August 2023

Table Of Contents

1. Climate crisis, tourism may place Venice on UNESCO heritage danger list

Subject: International Relations

Section: Places in news

Context:

The Italian city of Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger, experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have stated in a new report.

Details:

The recommendation to put the city on the World Heritage in Danger list was made by UNESCO and advisory body experts in its provisional agenda ahead of the 45th session of the agency’s World Heritage Committee.
Other sites include:Kyiv, Lviv and the historic centre of Odessa, Ukraine, the town of Timbuktu in Mali and several sites in Syria, Iraq and Libya.
The UNESCO World Heritage property comprises the city of Venice and its lagoon situated in the Veneto region of northeast Italy.
Causes of danger include:
- Too much tourist inflection
- Effects of climate change
- In November 2019, historical treasures and buildings were endangered due to flooding.
- In February 2023, the lakes dried up due to severe drought.
These issues are causing deterioration and damage to building structures and urban areas, degrading the cultural and social identity of the property and threatening the integrity of its cultural, environmental and landscape attributes and values.
Measures taken:
- Ban large ships like cruise ships from the San Marco Basin-Giudecca Canal.

UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC):

The World Heritage Committee is composed of representatives of 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention who meet annually.
- This year, the session is scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 10-25, 2023.
- The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international agreement that was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 1972.
- It is based on the premise that certain places on Earth are of outstanding universal value and should therefore form part of the common heritage of humankind.
- It basically defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List.
The Committee is in charge of implementing the Convention.

What is the List of World Heritage in Danger?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) compiles the list of World Heritage in Danger.
The List contains world heritage sites that are threatened by various conditions such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, wars, pollution, unchecked urbanization, poaching, and uninhibited tourist development.
At present there are 55 properties under the list. None of them is from India.

The following sites from India have been delisted from the List:

Group of Monuments at Hampi: Listed from 1999 to 2006. The site was listed because of the partial construction of two cable-suspended bridges within the protected archaeological areas.
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary: Listed from 1992 to 2011. The reason was poaching and damage to the park’s infrastructure and a reduction in the population of some species particularly the Greater One Horned Rhino following an invasion by militants of the Bodo tribe in 1992.

2. What is carbon capture and storage and will it cut emissions?

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

WHAT IS CCS?

There are two main types of carbon capture and storage.
Point-source carbon capture and storage (CCS) which captures CO2 produced at the source, such as a smokestack, while direct air capture (DAC) removes carbon dioxide (CO2) that has already been released into the atmosphere.
They are both designed to capture emissions from heavy-emitting sectors, such as oil and gas refining and steel manufacturing, and store them underground off the coast of Britain in depleted oil and gas fields.

Method of carbon capture and storage:

Three main methods:
- Pre-combustion,
- Post-combustion and
- Oxyfuel

Pre-combustion:

This method is normally applied to coal-gasification combined-cycle power plants.
The coal is gasified to produce a synthetic gas made from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The former is reacted with water to produce CO2, which is captured, and more hydrogen.
The hydrogen can be diverted to a turbine where it can be burned to produce electricity. Alternatively, some of this gas can be bled off to feed hydrogen fuel cells for cars.
Most suitable for:
- It could perhaps be used in natural gas stations, where a synthetic gas is first produced by reacting the methane with steam to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Disadvantage:
- It cannot be retro-fitted to the older pulverized coal power plants that make up much of the world’s installed base of fossil fuel power.

Post-combustion:

In this method, CO2 is separated from the flue gas of the power station by bubbling the gas through an absorber column packed with liquid solvents (such as ammonia).

In the most widely used system, once the chemicals in the absorber column become saturated, a stream of superheated steam at around 120^OC is passed through it. This releases the trapped CO2, which can then be transported for storage elsewhere.
More experimental techniques to scrub CO2 from flue gas without the two-step process include using seawater to absorb the gas and then returning the mixture back to the ocean for long-term storage. But, so far, these methods have proved less efficient and reliable.

Oxyfuel:

When coal, oil or natural gas is burned in normal air, CO2 makes up around 3-15% of the waste gas – and separating it out is difficult and energy-intensive.
An alternative method is to burn the fuel in pure oxygen.
In this environment, virtually all the waste gas will be composed of CO2 and water vapor.
The latter can be condensed out while the former can be piped or transported directly to a storage facility.
In the oxyfuel system, the challenge is separating large volumes of air into liquid oxygen, gaseous nitrogen, argon and other trace gasses.
This process can use up to 15% of the power produced at the station.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Firstly, the CO2 has to be separated from other gasses produced in industrial processes or during power generation.
Once captured it has to be compressed and transported to sites for storage often via pipelines. After that, it has to be injected into rock formations underground – typically 1 km (0.62 mile) or more under the ground – for storage for decades.

IS THE TECHNOLOGY PROVEN?

CCS has been in operation since the 1970s with more than 200 million tonnes of CO2 captured and storeddeep underground globally.
Many projects however have failed to deliver the carbon savings promised.
The world’s largest commercial CCS project, Chevron Corp’s (CVX.N) Gorgon project in Australia has struggled to hit capacity.

HOW MANY FACILITIES ARE THERE?

According to the Global CCS Institute, 61 facilities were added to the global project pipeline last year, bringing the total to more than 190.
Of those, 30 were in operation,11 were under construction and the remainder in various stages of development.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CCS AND CARBON CAPTURE, UTILISATION AND STORAGE (CCUS)?

CCUS – instead of just storing the CO2 – re-uses it in industrial processes such as plastics, concrete or biofuel manufacture.

Expensive technology:

CCS technology is expensive and two thirds of lifetime costs are upfront expenditure.

3. Govt launches digital crop survey in 12 States to create data on cultivation

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Space technology

Context:

The Centre has launched a digital crop survey in 12 states on a pilot basis from the kharif (summer-sown) season of this year for better sowing data collection.

Details of the survey:

The project aims “to create a single and verified source of truth about the crop sown data which is useful for accurate crop area estimation and development of various farmers centric solutions.
DCS reference application has been developed as an open source, open standard and interoperable public good.
The geo-referenced cadastral maps with Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) Technologies are used to ensure the farmland position.
The 12 states selected for pilot on DCS are Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam and Telangana.
The states have been selected based on the preparedness in respect of pre-requisite criteria for DCS i.e.geo-referencing of village map and digitised Record of Right (RoR) with ownership extent.
The survey will help in creating visibility on-
- Accurate and transparent estimates of crops sown in states;
- Crop identification for improved production, crop grown area;
- Yield estimation from crop-sown data;
- Easy implementation of departmental schemes focused on crops;
- Easy verification, estimation and settlement of crop insurance claims;
- Assess cropping patterns for environmental impacts; and
- Improve market from the village to national levels.

Role of satellites in the survey:

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launchedResourcesat -2A,Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT) – 1A (Earth Observation Satellite-04) in polar orbits and Indian National Satellite (INSAT) 3D, INSAT-3DR in geostationary orbits.
These are aimed to provide data for:
- assessing total area under cultivation,
- damage from natural calamities,
- disease attacks,
- agro-met services across the country.

How is India Focusing on the Use of Geospatial Technology in Agriculture?

The Government of India has taken several initiatives towards promoting digital agriculture. For example,
- The Remote Sensing Data Policy 2011, released by the Department of Space, mandates restricted public distribution of imagery sharper than 5.8-metre resolution.
- The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) set up a specialized organization Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) in 2012, with focus on enhancing satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies in crop estimation.
- In 2021, the government opened access to its geospatial data and mapping services for all Indian entities.
- The draft National Geospatial Policy 2021 of the Department of Science and Technology further discusses the methods to create, access, and use geospatial data.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing a new remote sensing policy, aiming to provide resolution data of up to 50 cm to all Indian organisations, including private companies.
- The satellite data (from Earth Observation Satellites like CARTOSAT) from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), which comes under the ISRO, has already been made available to the states.

4. WHO report on tobacco control: Key findings, how India fares

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Health

Context:

Bengluru finds special mention in a World Health Organisation (WHO) report on tobacco control measures released on 1 August 2023.

Details:

Hundreds of enforcement drives, putting up ‘No Smoking’ signs, and creating awareness about the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke resulted in a 27% reduction in smoking in public places in the city.
Fifteen years ago, WHO had developed the MPOWER measures:
- Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies;
- Protect people from tobacco smoke;
- Offer help to quit to-bacco; warn about dangers of tobacco;
- Enforce bans on tobacco advertising; and
- Raise taxes on tobacco products.
- The report assesses the implementation of these measures.

What does the report say?

In the 15 years since the MPOWER measures were first introduced, 5.6 billion people in the world – or 71% of the entire population – remain protected by at least one of the measures.
This has increased from just 5% of the population in 2008.
Across the world, there are 300 million fewer smokers today,with the prevalence of smoking declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021.
The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased from 44 countries in 2008 to 151 in 2022.
At least four countries – Brazil, Turkiye, Netherlands, and Mauritius– have implemented all the measures.
The report says that almost 40% of countries now have completely smoke-free indoor public spaces.

The report has some bad news as well.

There are at least 44 countries in the world that still do not implement any MPOWER measure.
There are 53 countries that do not completely ban smoking in healthcare facilities.
And only half of the countries have smoke-free workplaces and restaurants.
E-cigarettes are harmful to both the people using them and those around them, especially when used indoors.

Why is it important to curb second-hand smoke?

Of the estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year, 1.3 million are of non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Second-hand smoke has been linked to almost 400,000 deaths due to heart disease, over 250,000 deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, over 150,000 deaths due to stroke and lower respiratory disease each, and over 100,000 deaths due to diabetes.
The report also adds that severe asthma, respiratory tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome are more common among children exposed to second-hand smoke.
- Around 51,000 deaths in children and adolescents under the age of 20 years is linked to exposure to second-hand smoke.

What about India?

The report states that India has the highest level of achievement when it comes to putting health warning labels on tobacco products and providing tobacco dependence treatment.
With 85% of cigarette packs carrying health warnings both on the front and back, India figures among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of health warnings.
The cigarette packets in the country also carry a toll-free number for a quit-line.
India has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes, and banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
The report ranks the implementation of these bans an 8 out of 10 in healthcare facilities, 6 in schools, and 5 in universities.

One of the biggest steps in the works is implementing warnings on OTT platform content when actors are seen using tobacco products.
This would make India the first country in the world to do so. And it is needed.

Law to control tobacco use in India:

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA) is the principal comprehensive law governing tobacco control in India.
- Replaced the Cigarettes Act of 1975 (largely limited to statutory warnings- ‘Cigarette Smoking is Injurious to Health’ to be displayed on cigarette packs and advertisements. It did not include non-cigarettes).
- The 2003 Act also included cigars, bidis, cheroots, pipe tobacco, hookah, chewing tobacco, pan masala, and gutka.

Other initiatives:

Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020:
- It was mandated that the specified health warning shall cover at least 85% of the principal display area of the package.
- Of this, 60% shall cover pictorial health warning and 25% shall cover textual health warning.
National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), 2008:
- Objective: To control tobacco consumption and minimize tobacco consumption related deaths
- Activities: Training and capacity building; information, education, and communication (IEC) activities; tobacco control laws; reporting survey and surveillance and tobacco cessation.
mCessation Programme:
- It is an initiative using mobile technology for tobacco cessation.
- India launched mCessation using text messages in 2016 as part of the government’s Digital India initiative.
  - It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit tobacco use and programme specialists providing them dynamic support.
Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981- Recognized smoking as an air pollutant.
Cable Television Networks Amendment Act of 2000- Prohibited the transmission of advertisements on tobacco and liquor in India.
The Government of India has issued regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 which lay down that tobacco or nicotine cannot be used as ingredients in food products.
31st May is observed as ‘World No Tobacco Day’ every year to spread awareness about the deadly effects of tobacco consumption.

International Convention:

Governments adopt and implement the tobacco control provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
It is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO.
It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005.

5. Sub-categorization of OBCs: The Long-Awaited Report and Its Significance

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Context:

The report of the commission headed by Justice G Rohini on sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) was submitted to President on July 31, 2023, after numerous extensions to its tenure since its appointment on October 2, 2017.

Who are OBCs?

Other Backward Classes, are a group of socially and educationally disadvantaged communities in India.
The concept of OBCs emerged in the context of social reform movements during the colonial period and post-independence era.
The Mandal Commission’s report, submitted in 1980, led to the implementation of 27% reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions in 1990.

Why is there a need for sub-categorization?

With over 2,600 entries in the Central List of OBCs, there is a perception that only a few affluent communities have benefited from the quota.

Equitable Distribution: To ensure a fair distribution of benefits among various OBC communities.
Addressing Inequities: Recognize variations in socio-economic status and backwardness within OBCs.
Enhancing Representation: Improve access to opportunities for underrepresented OBC communities.
Supreme Court Verdict: The court emphasized the need for reexamination of sub-categorization.
Promoting Social Justice: Aligning with the principle of social justice in the Indian Constitution.
Better Data and Targeting: Improving data collection for more effective policies.

What is Rohini Commission and what are its terms of reference?

The commission was set up by the President under Article 340 of the Indian Constitution on October 2, 2017.
It is a four-member commission headed by former Delhi High Court judge, Justice G. Rohini (retd).
Mandate: To examine the issues related to the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes.
Terms of References:
- Initially:
  - to examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of Other Backward Classes, with reference to such classes included in the Central List;
  - to work out the mechanism, criteria, norms, and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorization within such Other Backward Classes;
  - to take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of Other Backward Classes and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.
- Added on January 22, 2020:
  - To study the various entries in the Central List of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies, and errors of spelling or transcription

What is Article 340 of the constitution?

Article 340 of the Constitution of India provides for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions for the improvement of backward classes.

What other commissions were formed under Article 340?

First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission):
- Appointed in 1953.
- Tasked to identify socially and educationally backward classes.
- Recommended measures for their upliftment.
Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission):
- Appointed in 1979.
- Tasked to identify socially and educationally backward classes.
- Its recommendations led to the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.

What are the challenges faced by the commission?

Lack of population data for OBC communities affected the assessment of their representation in jobs and admissions.
An all-India survey to estimate the OBC population was requested but not conducted due to elections.
Delay in the census collecting OBC data was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report’s sensitive contents could impact parties’ electoral calculations before Lok Sabha elections.
A 2020 Supreme Court verdict added complexity by revisiting a previous decision. (‘State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh’).

6. NCB unearths darknet-based LSD cartel; 3 held

Subject :Science and technology

Section: Awareness in IT

Context:

THE NARCOTICS Control Bureau (NCB) has claimed to have busted the biggest darknet-based LS D cartel operating in India with the seizure of more than 13,000 blots and Rs 26 lakh in cash and the arrest of three persons

Internet consists of three layers:

The first layer is public (Surface Web ), consisting of sites that one uses frequently such as Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and LinkedIn. This layer makes up only 4% of the entire internet.
The second layer, the deep web, is a network where data is stored in inaccessible databases (i.e. cannot be accessed through traditional search engines like Google). It is used to provide access to a specific group of people.
The data is generally sensitive and private (government private data, bank data, cloud data etc), so kept out of reach.
The third layer is the darknet which is also known as a part of the ‘Deep Web’. It is a network built over the internet which is encrypted.
It is basically a layer of the Internet accessible only by using special software like Tor (The Onion Router), or I2P, which stands for Invisible Internet Project.
Anything present on the dark web will not be pulled up in internet searches, thereby offering a high degree of anonymity.

Additional Information:

The Kerala Police has set up a ‘state-of-the-art lab’ to intervene and crack down on the rising criminal activities over the Darknet, also known as the underworld of the Internet.
Spearheading the programme is Cyberdome, the State police department’s premier facility dedicated to prevent cybercrime and mitigate security threats to the State’s critical information infrastructure.

7. Seven Products Receive GI Tags

Subject :Science and technology

Section: Intellectual property Rights

Context:

Seven products from across India including four from Rajasthan were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

What are GI Tags?

GI tags are intellectual property rights granted by, Geographical Indications Registry.
GI tags have a duration, typically renewable after a certain period (e.g., every 10 years) to maintain their validity and protection.
They indicate the specific geographical origin of a product.
GI tags protect the product’s unique qualities linked to its region.
Once granted, the GI tag is used as a label to certify the product’s authenticity and origin.

What are the advantages of granting GI Tags?

Helping consumers identify authentic products.
Protection of unique regional products and traditional knowledge.
Recognition and preservation of cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Enhancement of product quality and authenticity assurance for consumers.
Prevention of unauthorized use and imitation, safeguarding local producers.
Boost the rural economy and employment opportunities in specific regions.
Promotion of tourism and cultural exchange based on regional specialties.
Increased market value and competitiveness for GI-tagged products.
Facilitation of fair trade and export opportunities for local communities.

What are the challenges for GI Tags?

Misuse and Counterfeiting: Imitation threats, consumer deception.
Enforcement Issues: Monitoring challenges, weak protection.
Geopolitical Disputes: Territorial conflicts, delays in recognition.
Lack of Awareness: Limited consumer knowledge, communication difficulty.
Financial Constraints: High costs, limited access for small-scale producers.
Traditional vs. Modern Practices: Balancing traditional and modern methods.
Competition and Market Access: Challenges from non-GI products.
Evolution of Products: Changing traditions, diluted uniqueness.
Globalization and Homogenization: Risk of standardization.
Climate Change and Environmental Factors: Impact on production and characteristics.

Who provides GI Tags and under what law?

GI tags are provided by the Geographical Indications Registry, located in Chennai, India.
The registry operates under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

What are all products given GI Tags?

Goa
1	Goa Mankurad Mango	All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application. The mango was originally named “Malcorada” by the Portuguese, later evolving into “Mankurad” aamo (mango in Konkani). Renowned for its unique flavor and color.
2	Goan Bebinca	Application filed by All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association. Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese dessert, often called the “Queen of Goan desserts“. It is a layered pudding enjoyed during various celebrations
Uttar Pradesh
1	Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Metal Craft)	Located in Jalesar, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, famous for decorative metal craft and brassware. Over 1,200 small units are engaged in crafting intricate metal pieces. The craft involves skilled artisans creating brassware using traditional techniques.
Rajasthan
1	Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft	Craftsmen practice the ancient art of Koftgari for making ornamental weaponry. The process includes etching designs, embedding gold and silver wire, and meticulous polishing.
2	Bikaner Kashidakari Craft	Kashidakari work is primarily done on marriage-related objects, especially gift items, using mirror work. The craft showcases fine craftsmanship and intricate mirror-based designs.
3	Jodhpur Bandhej Craft	An art of tying and dyeing fabrics. Artisans print various patterns on fabrics using the tie and dye method. Bandhej fabrics are known for their vibrant colors and unique designs.
4	Bikaner Usta Kala Craft	Also known as gold nakashi work or gold manauti work. Craftsmanship prominently features golden colors. The craft has a rich historical significance and is known for its long-lasting quality.

8. Trans Lunar Injection

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Space technology

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday announced that Chandrayaan-3 has successfully completed its orbits around the Earth and is currently on its way towards the Moon.

Details:

According to an ISRO ,after the trans-lunar injection, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft successfully departed from Earth’s orbit and is now on a trajectory headed towards the Moon. The ISRO had previously announced plans to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface on August 23.

What is Trans Lunar Injection?

The TLI is a propulsive maneuver used to set a spacecraft on a trajectory that will set it on course to intercept the Moon. It involves a significant burn, usually performed by a chemical rocket engine, which increases the spacecraft’s velocity.
This increased velocity changes its orbit from a circular low Earth orbit to a highly eccentric one. The TLI burn is sized and timed to precisely target the Moon as it revolves around the Earth.
The burn is timed so that the spacecraft nears apogee (closest point) as the Moon approaches. Finally, the spacecraft enters the Moon’s sphere of influence, making a hyperbolic lunar swingby.
Upon successful completion of the TLI, Chandrayaan-3 will embark on its lunar transfer arc, approximating an elliptical orbit about the Earth with an apogee near the radius of the Moon’s orbit.
The spacecraft is expected to reach lunar orbit after a series of complex maneuvers. Once in lunar orbit, the mission will enter its moon-centric phase, with several critical events lined up, including the separation of the lander, a set of deboostmaneuvers, and finally the descent phase for a soft landing on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3 carries scientific instruments designed to study various aspects of the lunar surface, including the thermophysical properties of the lunar regolith, lunar seismicity, the lunar surface plasma environment, and the elemental composition in the vicinity of the landing site on the Moon.

9. Single pill strategy to beat cardiovascular diseases

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Health

Context:

World Health Organization (WHO) added three fixed-dose combinations of cardiovascular medicines or polypills to its revised Model Lists of Essential Medicines 2023.

What is Cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

A group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes various conditions that can lead to impaired blood flow, damage to the heart muscle, or other abnormalities in the cardiovascular system.

What are common types of CVD?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Consistently elevated blood pressure levels.
Stroke – Sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Heart Failure – Inability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
Arrhythmias – Abnormal heart rhythms (fast, slow, irregular).
Valvular Heart Disease – Problems with heart valves.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – Narrowing or blockage of leg arteries.
Aortic Aneurysm – Abnormal widening of the aorta.
Congenital Heart Defects – Structural heart abnormalities from birth.
Cardiomyopathy – Weak or thickened heart muscle.

What are the common medications used for CVD?

Statins: Lower cholesterol levels to reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Beta-Blockers: Lower blood pressure and reduce heart workload.
ACE Inhibitors: Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload.
Diuretics: Eliminate excess sodium and water to reduce fluid buildup and blood pressure.
Antiplatelet Agents: Prevent blood clot formation, used in heart attack and stroke prevention.
Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clot formation, used in atrial fibrillation and thrombosis management.
Nitrates: Relax blood vessels, relieve angina, and improve blood flow to the heart.
Digoxin: Strengthen heart contractions and control heart rate in certain conditions.

What are the challenges with current medications?

Adherence – Ensuring patients consistently follow prescribed medication regimens.
Side Effects – Managing potential adverse reactions to CVD medications.
Drug Interactions – Addressing issues when multiple medications interact.
Cost – Affordability and access to expensive CVD drugs.
Resistance – Development of reduced drug effectiveness over time.
Individual Variability – Different responses to CVD drugs among patients.
Polypharmacy – Managing multiple medications for patients with various risk factors.
Access and Availability – Ensuring widespread availability of essential CVD drugs.
Education and Awareness – Raising awareness about CVD medications and their benefits.
Patient Education – Educating patients about medications, dosage, and adherence.

What is polypill?

A polypill refers to a single pill that combines multiple medications or active ingredients into one formulation.
Polypills are designed to target cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and aspirin for antiplatelet effects.

How do polypills overcome challenges posed by traditional medications?

Simplifies treatment by combining multiple medications into a single pill.
Improves patient adherence to medication regimens.
Addresses multiple risk factors simultaneously, particularly for cardiovascular health.
Can lead to cost savings in manufacturing and distribution.
Streamlines healthcare delivery for providers and patients.
Offers preventive benefits by including medications with preventive effects.
Reduces the chance of drug interactions since the medications are formulated together.
Can be customized to target specific health conditions or risk profiles.
Potential for wider use in public health interventions to address population health issues.
Particularly beneficial in low-resource settings or areas with limited access to healthcare.
Provides a standardized treatment approach, ensuring consistent dosing for all patients.

What are the limitations of polypills?

Limited customization for individual patient needs.
Increased risk of side effects due to combining multiple medications.
Difficulty adjusting doses of individual medications.
Reduced flexibility in treatment options.
Potential for drug interactions despite efforts to minimize them.
Not all medications or medical conditions may be suitable for combination in a polypill.
Difficulty in stopping specific medications without discontinuing the entire polypill.
Long-term safety and efficacy data are limited.
Complex regulatory approval process.

What research led to their inclusion in WHO list?

Dr. Salim Yusuf, a cardiologist and researcher at McMaster University, Canada, has spent over two decades building clinical evidence supporting polypills’ efficacy..
Along with co-researchers Wald and Law from the U.K., proposed the concept of a polypill combining multiple blood pressure lowering drugs, a statin, and aspirin in the early 2000s.
Worked on formulating different polypills and conducting large trials involving over 25,000 people.
The trials demonstrated that the polypill reduced the risk of future heart attacks and strokes by approximately 40% to 50%

What is Polycap?

A four-drug combination (simvastatin + ramipril + atenolol + hydrochlorothiazide) with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Included in the WHO’s Essential Medicines List.
The Indian Polycap Study conducted between 2005 and 2019 established the safety and efficacy of the polypill, showing a 40% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart attacks.
Despite 20% to 30% of participants stopping the medicine midway through the trial, the polypill still demonstrated significant benefits.