Daily Prelims Notes 23 January 2025
- January 23, 2025
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN
Daily Prelims Notes
23 January 2025
Table Of Contents
- Tackling India’s Gender Imbalance: Successes and Challenges of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
- National Health Mission has curbed several public health concerns, says Centre’s report
- LID-568: A Rule-Breaking Black Hole Challenging Astrophysical Theories
- India’s Maritime Sector: A Trillion-Dollar Investment Opportunity by 2047
- India’s Rice Exports Remain Resilient Despite Curbs in 2024
- India Issues Guidelines on Principal Purpose Test (PPT) for Tax Treaties
- U.S. Implements Tiered Export Rules for AI Chips
- Trump announces US withdrawal from World Health Organization
- Is the government encouraging ‘crosspathy’?
- Panama complains to UN about Trump’s threat, starts audit
1. Tackling India’s Gender Imbalance: Successes and Challenges of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
Sub : Schemes
Sec: Vulnerable section
Why in News
- India recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, which was launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote gender equality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the remarkable progress achieved under this flagship program, particularly in districts with historically low CSR. However, a review of broader trends reveals that India still faces significant challenges in reversing the preference for male children, as indicated by declining sex ratio at birth (SRB) figures in some states.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme:
- Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana.
- A tri-ministerial initiative involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education.
- Aimed to address declining CSR, prevent gender-biased sex selection, and promote women empowerment.
- Implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act to prevent illegal sex determination and selective abortions.
- Nationwide awareness campaigns to educate people on gender equality.
- Focused action in 100 districts with the lowest CSR during the first phase.
- National sex ratio at birth (SRB): Improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
- Gross enrolment ratio of girls in secondary education: Increased from 75.51% to 78%.
- Institutional deliveries: Rose from 61% to 97.3%.
- First-trimester antenatal care registrations: Increased from 61% to 80.5%.
Challenges in India’s Sex Ratio:
- The NITI Aayog reported a drop in SRB from 906 (2012-14) to 900 (2013-15).
- Newer data (2014-16) from India’s Sample Registration System shows SRB further declined to 898, with Gujarat witnessing the sharpest drop (53 points).
- Cultural preference for male children persists, driven by socio-economic factors.
- Technological misuse: Sex determination through amniocentesis, ultrasounds, and pre-conception techniques led to selective abortions.
- Poor implementation of the PC-PNDT Act, with inadequate convictions and training gaps in enforcement.
- Skewed sex ratios contribute to:
- Increased violence and human trafficking.
- Male-dominated villages, particularly in Haryana and Punjab, relying on “imported brides.”
- Estimated 63 million ‘missing’ girls due to selective abortions and infanticide.
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act:
- The PC-PNDT Act, enacted in 1994, aims to prohibit sex selection before or after conception and regulate pre-natal diagnostic techniques to prevent their misuse for sex determination leading to female foeticide.
- Bans determination and disclosure of the sex of the foetus.
- Allows the use of pre-natal diagnostic methods only for detecting genetic abnormalities or disorders, not for sex determination.
- Mandates registration of all genetic counselling centres, laboratories, and clinics offering pre-natal diagnostic services.
- Imposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations such as conducting or aiding in sex selection and unregistered clinics.
- The Act was amended in 2003 to include pre-conception sex selection techniques, strengthening its scope to prevent misuse of emerging technologies for sex selection.
About Sex Ratio:
- The sex ratio is the ratio between the number of males and females in a population, typically expressed as the number of males per 100 females.
- Under natural circumstances, the sex ratio at birth is approximately 105 males for every 100 females.
- The sex ratio is a crucial demographic indicator reflecting underlying socio-economic and cultural patterns, including gender equity and the status of women in society.
About Child Sex Ratio:
- The child sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1,000 males in the age group of 0–6 years.
- 2001 Census: The child sex ratio was recorded at 927 females per 1,000 males.
- 2011 Census: It declined to 919 females per 1,000 males, indicating a worsening trend in gender imbalance among children.
2. National Health Mission has curbed several public health concerns, says Centre’s report
Sub : Schemes
Sec: Health
Context:- Listing out the key achievements of the NHM in the past three years, the Central government highlighted lowering of the maternal mortality rate, and incidence of TB and sickle cell anaemia; expansion of human resources and an integrated response to health emergencies
About National Health Mission :
- The National Rural Health Mission was launched in 2005 with the objective of building public health systems to provide accessible, affordable and quality health care to the rural population, especially the vulnerable groups, up to the District Hospitals (DH) level.
- In 2012, the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was conceptualized and the NRHM was rechristened as the National Health Mission (NHM) with the two Sub Missions viz. the NRHM and the NUHM.
Progress of NHM (2021-2024)
- Increase in human resources:-
- Engagement of 2.69 lakh healthcare workers in FY 2021-22, increasing to 5.23 lakh in FY 2023-24, including 1.38 lakh Community Health Officers (CHOs).
- Strengthening the public health system:-
- COVID-19 pandemic:- NHM was pivotal in administering over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses between January 2021 and March 2024.
- COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package (ECRP), implemented under NHM in two phases, helped further bolster the healthcare system to effectively manage the pandemic.
- Progress in key health indicators
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined significantly from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 97 per lakh in 2018-20, marking a 25% reduction.
- The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has fallen from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 28 in 2020.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) decreased from 2.3 in 2015 to 2.0 in 2020, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
- Role in elimination and control of various diseases:-
Disease | Progress (2021–24) |
TB | Incidence reduced from 237 (2015) to 195 (2023); mortality fell from 28 to 22.(National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) |
Malaria | Malaria cases and deaths have declined by 13.28% and 3.22% respectively as compared to 2020 |
Kala-azar | Elimination achieved in 100% endemic blocks. |
Sickle Cell Anemia | Over 2.61 crore individuals screened under elimination mission. |
Dialysis Program | 4.53 lakh patients benefited from 62.35 lakh sessions. The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) |
Immunization | Measles-Rubella vaccination achieved 97.98% coverage. (Mission Indradhanush) |
- Digital health initiatives:-
- The launch of the U-WIN platform in January 2023 ensures the timely administration of vaccines to pregnant women, infants, and children across India.
- By the end of FY 2023-24,the platform had expanded to 65 districts across 36 States/UTs, ensuring real-time vaccination tracking and improving immunization coverage.
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure:-
- Certification of public health facilities under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).
- The number of operational Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) centers, which provide a range of healthcare services, has increased to 1,72,148 by the end of FY 2023-24.
- Improving emergency services:-
- Establishment of 24×7 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and First Referral Units (FRUs). By March 2024, 12,348 PHCs had been converted to 24×7 services, and 3,133 FRUs were operational across the country
- The fleet of mobile medical units (MMUs) has expanded, with 1,424 MMUs now operating to ensure healthcare access in remote and underserved areas.
- Public awareness campaigns:-
- Addressed pressing public health concerns such as tobacco use and snakebite envenoming under the National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE).
3. LID-568: A Rule-Breaking Black Hole Challenging Astrophysical Theories
Sub : Sci
Sec: Space sector
Why in News
- An international team of researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory has discovered a peculiar black hole, designated LID-568, which defies established astrophysical limits. This discovery offers valuable insights into the formation and rapid growth of supermassive black holes.
What is LID-568?
- LID-568 is a low-mass supermassive black hole that existed just 5 billion years after the Big Bang.
- It was discovered through the complementary observations of JWST and Chandra X-ray Observatory.
- This black hole was observed feeding on surrounding matter at nearly 40 times the previously established Eddington limit—a theoretical threshold for black hole accretion.
- This behaviour suggests a rapid growth mechanism previously thought improbable.
- LID-568 has surpassed this limit by a factor of 40, entering the category of super-Eddington accretion. Eddington Limit
About Eddington Limit:
- The Eddington limit, named after English astrophysicist Sir Arthur Eddington, represents the theoretical maximum luminosity a star or accretion disk can achieve when there is a balance between the outward radiation pressure and the inward gravitational force.
- At this limit, the radiation pressure counteracts gravity, preventing further accretion of matter.
- If an astronomical object exceeds the Eddington limit, the excessive luminosity would generate strong radiation pressure, potentially blowing off the outer layers of the star or accretion disk.
- This self-regulating mechanism ensures stability in the luminosity and mass of stars and accreting black holes.
About Super-Eddington Limit:
- When an object, such as a black hole, accretes matter at a rate surpassing the Eddington limit, it is said to be in a super-Eddington accretion phase.
- In this regime, the object emits luminosity greater than the Eddington luminosity, challenging traditional models of radiation pressure balance.
- Observations have identified black holes exhibiting super-Eddington accretion rates.
- For instance, the black hole LID-568, existing approximately 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, was found to be consuming material at over 40 times the Eddington limit. Such findings provide insights into the rapid growth mechanisms of supermassive black holes in the early universe.
Black Holes:
- A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. Black holes form from the remnants of massive stars that have ended their life cycles, collapsing under their own gravity.
- Event Horizon: The event horizon is the boundary surrounding a black hole beyond which no information or matter can return. It marks the point of no return; once an object crosses this threshold, it inevitably falls into the black hole.
- Singularity: At the core of a black hole lies the singularity, a point where matter is thought to be infinitely dense, and the gravitational pull is infinitely strong. In this region, the known laws of physics break down, and current theories cannot adequately describe the conditions.
- Accretion Disk: An accretion disk is a structure formed by diffused material in orbital motion around a central body, such as a black hole. In the context of black holes, the accretion disk consists of gas and dust spiraling inward, heating up due to friction and emitting radiation, often visible in X-rays.
- Spaghettification: Also known as the “noodle effect,” spaghettification refers to the process where objects are stretched and elongated as they approach a black hole due to extreme tidal forces. This occurs because the gravitational pull is significantly stronger on the side of the object closer to the black hole than on the far side.
- Supermassive black holes like Sagittarius A* at the Milky Way’s centre grow to millions or billions of times the Sun’s mass.
- Chandra X-ray Observatory: Initially identified LID-568 due to its exceptional brightness in X-rays, although it was invisible in optical and near-infrared wavelengths.
4. India’s Maritime Sector: A Trillion-Dollar Investment Opportunity by 2047
Sub : Geo
Sec: Eco Geo
Why in News
- India’s maritime sector is poised for significant growth, requiring an investment of $1 trillion by 2047 and ₹5 lakh crore by 2030 to harness its full potential. This was highlighted during the FICCI Maritime Conference and Expo 2025 in Mumbai, where key announcements were made about green hydrogen hubs, ship recycling advancements, and the modernization of ports.
Key Points:
- Establishment of Green Hydrogen Production Facilities: Paradip, Tuticorin, and Kandla ports will serve as green hydrogen production hubs. Green hydrogen facilities have already leased 4,000 acres of land at these ports.
- Implementation of the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling: India’s Alang recycling yards already meet the standards of the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling. The convention, effective June 2025, positions India as a leader in the global ship recycling market.
- Growth of India’s Port Capacity: India’s port capacity is set to increase sixfold, reaching 10,000 million tonnes (MT) annually by 2047. Major ports currently handle 820 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually, a 47% increase since 2014.
- Efficiency Gains: Container dwell time has been reduced to three days. Vessel turnaround time improved to 0.9 days, surpassing benchmarks of advanced economies.
- World Bank Recognition: Nine Indian ports, including Visakhapatnam, feature in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2023. Visakhapatnam is ranked among the top 20 globally. Vishakhapatnam Port has showcased strong performance with 27.5 moves per crane hour, a turnaround time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, and minimal berth idle time. These metrics highlight the port’s efficiency in handling container ships and significantly influence customer preference. Seven other Indian ports, which secured ranks in the top 100, are Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80) and Jawaharlal Nehru (96).
World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023:
- The World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023 highlights the efficiency of global container ports, with a notable presence of Indian ports in the rankings.
- The CPPI is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates the performance of container ports worldwide.
- Developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, the index measures the total time vessels spend in port during cargo exchanges.
- This metric serves as a critical reference for stakeholders in the global economy, including governments, port authorities, and maritime trade analysts.
- East and Southeast Asian ports have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, securing 13 out of the top 20 positions in the rankings.
- 9 Major Ports of India makes it to Global Top 100 by World Bank, a First for the country
FICCI-CRISIL Knowledge Report:
- Title: Forging New Horizons: The Growth of India’s Shipbuilding and Repair Industry.
- Detailed analysis of the global and Indian shipbuilding markets. Insights into how India can become a leading hub for shipbuilding and repair.
Major Ports in India:
S.N | Port Name | State | Description |
1 | Deendayal Port (Kandla Port) | Gujarat | One of India’s busiest ports, it primarily handles crude oil and petroleum products. It is known for its efficiency in handling dry cargo like fertilizers and agricultural products. |
2 | Mumbai Port Trust | Maharashtra | Located on the natural deep-water harbor of Mumbai, it is one of India’s oldest ports and specializes in bulk cargo like POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) and chemicals. |
3 | Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) | Maharashtra | Also known as Nhava Sheva, it is India’s largest container port, handling over 50% of India’s containerized cargo. It is equipped with advanced automation systems for efficiency. |
4 | Port of Mormugao | Goa | Specializes in exporting iron ore to Japan, South Korea, and China. It also handles cargo like coal and general commodities. |
5 | New Mangalore Port | Karnataka | Handles diverse cargo such as petroleum products, iron ore, and coffee. It plays a significant role in trade for Karnataka’s industries. |
6 | Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata Port) | West Bengal | India’s only major riverine port. It has two dock systems: Kidderpore and Haldia. Known for its historical significance and handling of steel and tea exports. |
7 | Kochi (Cochin) Port | Kerala | A key gateway to India’s southwest coast. It is a hub for spices, marine products, and has a dedicated LNG terminal. It also serves as a cruise port. |
8 | Chennai Port | Tamil Nadu | The third-oldest port in India, handling bulk cargo like automobiles and petroleum products. It is crucial for Tamil Nadu’s industrial exports. |
9 | Kamarajar Port (Ennore Port) | Tamil Nadu | India’s first corporatized port, known for handling coal, automobiles, and general cargo. It supports the region’s thermal power plants. |
10 | Paradip Port | Odisha | A key port for coal and iron ore exports. It has a well-established petroleum and chemical handling capacity and contributes to Odisha’s industrial development. |
11 | Visakhapatnam Port | Andhra Pradesh | The largest port on India’s eastern coast, handling cargo like coal, iron ore, and fertilizers. It is also equipped with deep draft berths for large vessels. |
12 | Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) | Tamil Nadu | Known for its role in handling salt, petroleum products, and fertilizers. It is an important hub for Tamil Nadu’s southern industrial belt. |
13 | Vadhavan Port (Under construction) | Maharashtra | Located near Dahanu, Maharashtra, it is set to become India’s largest container port once completed. It will bolster India’s position in global maritime trade routes. |
5. India’s Rice Exports Remain Resilient Despite Curbs in 2024
Sub : Eco
Sec: External sector
Why in News?
- India’s rice exports have remained steady in 2024 despite temporary curbs earlier in the year. The surge in premium basmati rice shipments balanced the decline in non-basmati rice exports, helping India maintain its position as the world’s largest rice exporter.
Context:
- India, responsible for over 40% of global rice exports, imposed restrictions on rice exports in 2023 to control domestic prices and ensure food security. However, with curbs lifted in September-October 2024, exports rebounded by the year-end.
Key Highlights
- Export Performance in 2024
- Total rice exports: 17.8 million metric tonnes (MMT), slightly lower than 2023’s 17.86 MMT.
- Basmati rice exports:
- Increased 16.3% to a record 5.7 MMT.
- Major buyers: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE.
- Non-basmati rice exports:
- Declined by 6.9% to 12.1 MMT.
- Countries like Bangladesh, Cameroon, Djibouti, and Gambia reduced imports due to high prices.
- Lifting of Export Curbs
- India lifted most export restrictions on non-basmati and premium basmati rice in September-October 2024, enabling exports to recover in the December quarter.
- Impact on Global Markets
- India’s steady exports helped stabilize global rice prices, which had surged during the restrictions.
- The shipments also reduced India’s record-high domestic stockpile, caused by a bumper harvest.
- Domestic Factors
- India’s bumper rice crop ensured surplus availability for exports.
- Despite initial curbs, the government balanced domestic food security with global market demands.
Significance of Steady Exports
- Global Benefits:
- Stabilized global rice markets by increasing supply.
- Benefitted import-dependent nations despite high prices.
- India’s Advantage:
- Maintained its dominance as the world’s largest rice exporter.
- Record basmati shipments strengthened ties with key trading partners in the Middle East.
Why did India Pose Restrictions on the Export of Rice?
- Domestic Food Security:
- Rising Domestic Prices:
- Uncertainty Related to Monsoons:
6. India Issues Guidelines on Principal Purpose Test (PPT) for Tax Treaties
Sub : Eco
Sec: Fiscal Policy
Why in News?
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued new guidelines on the applicability of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) under Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs). The circular clarifies treaty benefits, particularly in cases involving grandfathering provisions with countries such as Cyprus, Mauritius, and Singapore.
Context:
- The PPT provisions are part of India’s efforts to curb tax treaty abuse by ensuring transactions genuinely comply with treaty objectives.
- The guidelines provide clarity on interpreting the PPT, especially in treaties with specific grandfathering provisions, which are carved out of the PPT’s scope.
Key Highlights of the Guidelines
- Applicability of PPT Provisions
- The PPT will apply prospectively for transactions and tax benefits claimed after the issuance of these guidelines.
- Taxpayers must demonstrate that the principal purpose of an arrangement is not to gain undue treaty benefits.
- Exemptions for Grandfathering Provisions
- Treaties with Cyprus, Mauritius, and Singapore include grandfathering provisions that are exempted from PPT application.
- These provisions will be governed by the specific terms outlined in their respective DTAAs.
- The CBDT clarified that these bilateral commitments are not intended to interact with PPT provisions.
- Clarity for Tax Authorities
- Tax authorities are advised to refer to:
- The Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan 6.
- The UN Model Tax Convention for additional guidance on interpreting and applying PPT provisions.
- Tax authorities are advised to refer to:
- Key Takeaways for Businesses
- The circular removes ambiguity surrounding grandfathered treaties, ensuring that treaty-specific benefits are protected.
- This development is expected to encourage foreign investments, particularly from countries with longstanding DTAAs.
Conclusion
The new CBDT guidelines provide much-needed clarity on the Principal Purpose Test in India’s DTAAs, especially for treaties with grandfathering provisions. These measures aim to balance India’s tax sovereignty with its global tax commitments while boosting investor confidence in bilateral agreements.
Principal Purpose Test (PPT)
The Principal Purpose Test (PPT) is a provision commonly found in modern tax treaties, including Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs). It is designed to prevent treaty abuse and ensure that the benefits of a tax treaty are not granted inappropriately to those who do not have a legitimate claim to them.
Objective:
- The main objective of the PPT is to counteract tax avoidance strategies that abuse tax treaties.
- It aims to ensure that the benefits of a tax treaty are granted only to those transactions or arrangements that have a genuine commercial or economic purpose.
Conditions for Application:
- The PPT provision comes into play when one of the principal purposes of a transaction or arrangement is to obtain tax benefits.
- If it is established that obtaining the tax benefit was a principal purpose, the treaty benefits can be denied.
In essence, the Principal Purpose Test is a mechanism to ensure that tax treaties are not used as a tool for tax avoidance. It emphasizes the importance of genuine economic activities and commercial purposes in availing treaty benefits, discouraging artificial or abusive arrangements solely for tax advantages.
Grandfathering rule
The “grandfathering rule” is a provision often included in tax laws or treaties to protect existing investments or arrangements from the impact of new tax laws or changes in tax treaties. It allows certain investments or transactions that were made before the new rules came into effect to continue enjoying the benefits of the old rules. It provides continuity of benefits, stability, and predictability for investors and businesses, ensuring that they are not unduly affected by sudden changes in tax regimes.
7. U.S. Implements Tiered Export Rules for AI Chips
Sub : Eco
Sec: External sector
Why in News?
- The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has introduced a tiered framework for the export, re-export, and transfer of advanced AI chips and technology to strengthen national security and curb misuse by adversaries.
Context
- The move focuses on ensuring that advanced AI systems and chips do not fall into the hands of U.S. adversaries or pose security risks.
- It comes as one of the final decisions of the Biden administration before Donald Trump re-enters office.
Key Highlights of the U.S. Regulations
- Scope of Technology Covered
- Includes advanced computing chips and certain closed AI model weights.
- AI models are software programs that use data to perform operations for generating outputs like analysis, information, or media.
- Tiered Framework for Export Licensing
- Tier 1: No restrictions for trusted allies and partners (e.g., Australia, Canada, U.K., South Korea, Japan, etc.).
- Tier 2:
- Includes countries like India and China.
- Restrictions on chip volume and mandatory Validated End User (VEU) authorisation for exports that support advanced AI model development.
- Chips with collective computation power of ~1,700 advanced GPUs do not need prior approval.
- Tier 3: Includes arms-embargoed countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran, Russia), which are completely barred from accessing AI chips.
- Objective Behind the Move
- Prevent access to advanced AI technologies for military use by adversaries.
- Mitigate risks of weapons development, offensive cyber operations, and human rights violations (e.g., mass surveillance).
- Address concerns about China’s misuse of chips via foreign subsidiaries in uncontrolled destinations.
Concerns Raised
- Impact on U.S. Tech Competitiveness
- NVIDIA and other major chipmakers argue that the rules undermine U.S. innovation without enhancing security.
- Critics point out that non-U.S. suppliers (e.g., Huawei, Tencent) can replace U.S. technology by scaling production at lower costs.
- The regulations could lead to U.S. companies losing their edge in the global AI market.
- Global Accessibility
- Chips widely available in consumer-grade devices like gaming PCs are also subject to the restrictions.
- Industry Response
- Tech companies hope the Trump administration will withdraw or revise the framework to regain global leadership in AI and chip production.
Implications for India
- VEU Authorisation Requirement
- Indian data centers or companies wishing to acquire advanced AI chips may need to apply for VEU authorisation for faster access.
- Exported items can be used for both civilian and military purposes, except for nuclear-related applications.
- Trusted Allies Exclusion
- India is not listed among the trusted allies in Tier 1 due to possible concerns about leakages to Russia.
8. Trump announces US withdrawal from World Health Organization
Sub: IR
Sec: Int Org
Context:
- On his first day back in office, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement reforms, and alleged political influence from member states, particularly China.
- Trump had previously initiated a withdrawal in 2020, which was halted by President Joe Biden when he took office.
Legal Aspects of Withdrawal:
- There is no formal provision for withdrawal in WHO’s constitution.
- The US Congress, however, at the time of joining the organisation in 1948, had laid down a condition that said the country could withdraw after giving a one-year notice and meeting the financial obligations of the current year.
Financial Implications for the WHO:
- The order pauses any future transfer of U.S. funds and resources to WHO.
- The U.S. is one of the largest contributors to the WHO, accounting for approximately 5% of the organization’s assessed contributions and 13% of voluntary contributions. The withdrawal will have a significant financial impact on WHO’s operations.
WHO’s funding:
- WHO’s funding essentially comes in two ways — the mandatory assessed contributions from all its member countries, and the voluntary contributions raised from various countries and organisations.
- Assessed contributions (AC) are a percentage of a country’s Gross Domestic Product. The percentage is agreed by the United Nations General Assembly, based on a country’s wealth and population and approved by member states every two years at the World Health Assembly.
- Over the years, the assessed contributions have remained stagnant and now cover less than 20% of the organisation’s budget.
- In assessed contributions, the United States is the biggest payer, accounting for 22.5% of the contributions, followed by China at 15%.
- In voluntary contributions too, the US is still the biggest donor, accounting for around 13% of the total contributions in 2023, China accounted for merely about 0.14%.
Implications for Global Health:
- S. withdrawal would leave a leadership void that China could exploit, giving it more political leverage in global health matters.
- WHO heavily relies on S. funding, staff, and expertise, particularly for critical areas like global influenza tracking. The loss of U.S. involvement would significantly weaken the organization’s ability to address health emergencies.
9. Is the government encouraging ‘crosspathy’?
Sub: Sci
Sec: Health
Context:
- The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recently allowed homeopathic practitioners with a certificate in modern pharmacology to prescribe allopathic medications, a decision that is being challenged.
- This follows a 2017 notification permitting certain homeopathic practitioners to practice modern medicine, which was later stayed by the Bombay High Court due to concerns about patient safety.
Supreme Court’s Stance on ‘Crosspathy’:
- The Supreme Court has consistently ruled against the practice of ‘crosspathy,’ i.e., practitioners of one system of medicine prescribing treatments from another.
- In the 1996 case Poonam Verma versus Ashwin Patel, the Court held a homeopath liable for negligence after they prescribed allopathic medicine, which led to the death of the patient.
- A 2015 research paper emphasized that across judgments, the judiciary has held that cross-system practice is a form of medical negligence; however, it is permitted only in those states where the concerned governments have authorised it by a general or special order.
The Issue of Doctor Shortage:
- The central government has been promoting AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) systems of medicine, advocating for integrative or integrated medicine to address India’s shortage of doctors.
- The rationale, in general, has been that India has a shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas, and that the AYUSH cadre of practitioners can help fill in these gaps.
- However, experts argue that integrating non-allopathic practitioners into roles meant for medical doctors without proper oversight could lead to risks in patient care.
10. Panama complains to UN about Trump’s threat, starts audit
Sub: IR
Sec: Places in news
Context:
- Panama has raised concerns at the United Nations regarding S. President Donald Trump’s threat to seize control of the Panama Canal. This follows Trump’s remarks in his inaugural address, where he criticized China’s growing influence over the canal.
- The Panama Canal, which was under U.S. control, was handed over to Panama in 1999.
Panama’s Response:
- In response to Trump’s comments, Panama’s government sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, referring to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.
- This article prohibits member states from using force or threatening the territorial integrity or political independence of any other state.
- Panama emphasized that the S. had not “gifted” the canal, but had transferred control to Panama, asserting its sovereign right over the waterway.
About Panama Canal:
- It is an 82-km long artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Isthmus of Panama.
- It is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.