25.5.25 Current Affairs

Leave a Comment / By /

10th Meeting of NITI Aayog Governing Council

  • Theme: “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047”
  • Chaired by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Attended by: Chief Ministers, Lieutenant-Governors, and Union Ministers

Key Points: By PM

  • Call for Unity: Urged Centre and States to work together as “Team India” to accelerate development.
  • Tourism Push: Asked each State to develop at least one global-level tourist spot (“One State, One Global Destination”).
  • Women’s Workforce Participation: Emphasised making inclusive laws and policies to integrate more women into the workforce.

State-wise Highlights & Concerns:

1. Tamil Nadu (CM M.K. Stalin)

  • Demand: Increase share of States in Central tax revenue from 33.16% to the promised 41%.
  • Suggestions:
    • Launch a dedicated urban transformation mission like AMRUT 2.0.
    • Start a Clean-Ganga-style river rejuvenation mission for Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani rivers.
    • Use English names for national integration.

2. Punjab (CM Bhagwant Mann)

  • Complaint: Alleged “stepmotherly treatment” by Centre.
  • Main Issue:
    • Water disputes: Cited the 1972 Irrigation Commission Report; claimed equal rights over Yamuna waters if Haryana claims Ravi-Beas rivers.
    • Sought more financial support from the Centre.

3. Andhra Pradesh (CM N. Chandrababu Naidu)

  • Suggested: Creation of 3 thematic sub-groups with Centre and NITI Aayog:
    1. GDP Growth: Investment, manufacturing, exports, jobs
    2. Demography: Harnessing India’s population advantage
    3. Tech Governance: AI, drones, quantum computing, digital tools

4. Chhattisgarh (CM Vishnu Deo Sai)

  • Proposed: A ‘3T’ development model for Viksit Chhattisgarh:
    • Technology
    • Transparency
    • Transformation

India Resumes Visa Services for Afghan Citizens

  1. Background:
    • India suspended all visas to Afghan nationals after the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
    • Only limited “e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous visas” were issued, mostly to Hindus and Sikhs.
  2. Recent Development (May 2025):
    • India has resumed multiple visa categories for Afghan citizens without a formal public announcement.
    • A new visa module was rolled out in late April 2025.
  3. Online Application Portal:
    • New “AFGHAN Visa” section launched on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
    • Afghan citizens can apply for the following visa categories:
      • Student
      • Business
      • Medical
      • Medical Attendant
      • Entry
      • UN Diplomat
  4. Entry Visa Eligibility:
    • Artists, academicians, and cultural professionals attending short-term cultural events.
    • Children from previous marriages of Afghans married to Indian citizens/OCI holders.
    • Afghans owning property in India.
    • Dependent parents of students (especially those under 18 years).
  5. Business Visa:
    • Issued to entrepreneurs, investors, and those engaged in commercial sports events.
    • Includes sportspersons and coaches on contractual, paid assignments.
  6. Application Requirements:
    • Recent passport-size photo (white background).
    • Scanned passport (bio page) and National Identity Card (Tazkira).
  7. Strategic Importance:
    • Marks a shift in India’s policy toward Afghan citizens post-2021.
    • Aims to restore people-to-people contact, economic ties, and humanitarian access.
    • Done discreetly, indicating careful engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

India Criticizes Pakistan at UN over Indus Waters Treaty

Context: At a UN Security Council meeting on water protection in armed conflicts, India strongly rebutted Pakistan’s claims over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), accusing it of violating the spirit of the agreement by waging wars and sponsoring terrorism, while obstructing India’s rights under the treaty.

Key Highlights:

  1. Event:
    • Meeting hosted by Slovenia’s Permanent Mission.
  2. India’s Representative:
    • Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
  3. Main Allegation Against Pakistan:
    • India accused Pakistan of violating the “spirit of goodwill and friendship” of the IWT by:
      • Waging 3 wars against India.
      • Carrying out thousands of terror attacks targeting civilians, the economy, and communal harmony.
  4. India’s Stand on IWT:
    • India has acted responsibly as an upper riparian state.
    • India sought modification of the treaty due to evolving circumstances and safety concerns of existing dams.
  5. Pakistan’s Role:
    • Continues to adopt an “obstructionist approach”.
    • Repeatedly rejects dialogue on revising or modernizing treaty provisions.
    • Blocks infrastructural updates, including safety-critical dam upgrades, despite being permissible under IWT.
  6. Technical Concerns Raised:
    • Some old Indian dams face serious safety risks.
    • India is being prevented from fully utilizing its legitimate rights under the treaty due to Pakistan’s rigid stance.

Background on Indus Waters Treaty (1960):

  • Signed by India and Pakistan with World Bank mediation.
  • Allocates the use of six rivers:
    • India: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
    • Pakistan: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
  • Allows limited use of western rivers by India for hydroelectricity and irrigation.
  • Considered a model water-sharing treaty, but now facing geopolitical and technical strain.

Muhammad Yunus to Stay as Head of Bangladesh Interim Government

Context: Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads Bangladesh’s interim government, has confirmed he will not resign, following speculation about his departure due to political challenges. His leadership continues amid preparations for elections and reforms.

Key Highlights:

  1. Leadership Confirmed:
    • Muhammad Yunus will continue as Chief Adviser (de facto Prime Minister) of the interim government.
    • Announcement made by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud after a council meeting.
  2. Previous Resignation Speculation:
    • Yunus had hinted at stepping down during a meeting with student-led National Citizen Party (NCP).
    • Cited lack of political consensus as an obstacle to effective governance.
  3. Advisory Council Meeting:
    • Held on Saturday; lasted two hours.
    • Attended by all 19 advisers (Ministers).
    • All advisers agreed to stay in their roles, affirming the importance of their responsibilities.
  4. Core Objectives of Interim Government:
    • Conducting national elections.
    • Implementing governance and political reforms.
    • Ensuring justice for citizens and political victims.
  5. Official Statement:
    • The press wing of the Chief Adviser released a statement reaffirming Yunus’s commitment.
    • Challenges acknowledged but framed as “being overcome”.

Background:

  • Muhammad Yunus is a globally respected economist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2006) for founding the Grameen Bank.
  • The interim government was formed to oversee fair elections and institutional reforms amid political deadlock and unrest.
  • The structure includes a Chief Adviser and 19 Advisers, functioning similarly to a Cabinet.

IISER Study: Blue Light Increases DNA Mutations in Yeast

Context: A study by researchers at IISER Thiruvananthapuram has revealed that prolonged exposure to blue light significantly increases genetic mutations in yeast cells, raising concerns about its broader biological impacts.

Key Highlights:

  1. Institution & Authors:
    • Study conducted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram.
    • Led by Prof. Nishant K.T. with PhD scholars Nikilesh Vijayan, Sameer Joshi, and postdoc Praseetha Sarath.
    • Published in PLoS Genetics.
  2. Core Discovery:
    • Blue light exposure causes a high number of mutations in yeast DNA — more than other tested stress conditions.
    • Particularly increases Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) — where genetic diversity in DNA is lost.
  3. Methodology:
    • Yeast cells were grown for ~1,000 generations under different conditions:
      • Blue light
      • High temperature
      • Low sugar
      • Salt stress
      • Ethanol
      • Oxidative stress
      • Normal (control)
    • DNA from each group sequenced and analyzed.
  4. Findings:
    • All stress conditions caused more mutations than the control, but blue light caused the highest LOH.
    • Blue light led to oxidation of DNA bases and errors during DNA replication.
    • Created reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide that damaged DNA.
  5. Implications:
    • Suggests that chronic blue light exposure may have mutagenic effects on other organisms, too. More research is needed.
    • Provides a mechanistic explanation for using blue light as an antifungal agent, especially in the context of drug-resistant yeasts.
  6. Significance Beyond Sleep/Vision:
    • Highlights that blue light impacts go beyond circadian rhythms and eye health, extending to genetic integrity.

Background Note:

  • Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH): A genetic mutation where cells lose one allele of a gene, potentially leading to diseases like cancer in higher organisms.
  • Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules formed from oxygen that can damage cell structures, especially DNA.

Antimalarial Agents Bypass Insecticide Resistance

Context: Scientists have identified compounds that target the malaria parasite inside mosquitoes, potentially overcoming insecticide resistance and enhancing malaria control in resource-poor regions.

Key Points:

  1. Research & Publication:
    • Published on May 22 in Nature.
    • Focus on Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria-causing parasite, during its development inside Anopheles mosquitoes.
  2. Malaria Burden:
    • WHO reports 263 million malaria cases in 2023, a 4.3% increase from 2022.
    • Africa accounts for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths.
    • India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact group in 2024 but 95% of its population lives in malaria-endemic areas.
  3. Current Control Methods & Limitations:
    • Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a key, cost-effective intervention.
    • Mosquito resistance to insecticides reduces net effectiveness over time.
  4. New Approach:
    • Instead of killing mosquitoes, target the parasite inside the mosquito to block malaria transmission.
    • Screened 81 antimalarial compounds for effectiveness against parasite development inside mosquitoes.
  5. Key Compounds Identified:
    • 22 compounds reduced parasite infection.
    • Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) were particularly effective.
    • ELQ-456 completely blocked parasite infection.
    • ELQ-331 and combinations like ELQ-453 + ELQ-613 also showed strong effects.
  6. Application Method:
    • Compounds tested on surfaces like those of insecticide-treated nets.
    • Showed long-lasting activity, including on insecticide-resistant mosquito strains.
    • Remained effective even after one year of open-air storage.
  7. Resistance & Safety:
    • ELQs didn’t cause cross-resistance with other antimicrobial pathways.
    • Parasite mutants resistant to ELQs had reduced ability to transmit malaria.
  8. Cost & Scalability:
    • Compounds are easy to synthesize and cost-effective.
    • Suitable for incorporation into nets for wide, affordable distribution.

Significance:

  • This new method can sidestep the problem of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes.
  • Targeting the parasite rather than the vector may offer more durable malaria control.
  • Potential to save millions of lives in malaria-endemic, resource-poor regions.

Centre Launches PLI Scheme for 11 Pharmaceutical Products

Context: The Indian government’s Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited applications for a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost manufacturing capacities of 11 critical pharma products, aiming to strengthen domestic production and exports.

Key Points:

  1. Scheme Details:
    • PLI scheme covers 11 eligible pharma products, including:
      • Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Diclofenac Sodium, and others.
    • These products were either unsubscribed or partially subscribed under previous schemes.
  2. Eligibility and Conditions:
    • Allocation depends on available production capacities.
    • Incentive ceilings apply per product.
    • Incentives are valid up to FY28 for chemical synthesis products and FY29 for fermentation-based products.
    • Firms with previously cancelled or withdrawn approvals are ineligible.
  3. Policy Context:
    • Part of a broader government push to boost domestic manufacturing of key starting materials (KSMs), drug intermediates (DIs), and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
    • PLI schemes for 14 sectors were launched four years ago to promote production, job creation, and exports.
  4. Financial & Production Scale:
    • The overall PLI scheme for KSMs, DIs, and APIs covers 41 products with a budget of ₹6,940 crore.
    • Till March 2025, 764 applications approved across 14 sectors with investments of ₹1.61 lakh crore (~$18.7 billion).
    • Incentives disbursed amount to around ₹14,020 crore for sectors including pharma, electronics, IT hardware, telecom, auto components, drones, and more.
  5. Industry Response:
    • The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) encourages members to leverage the scheme.
    • Pharmexcil DG Raja Bhanu highlights it as a key opportunity to expand manufacturing capacities for critical pharma components.

Significance:

  • The scheme strengthens India’s position as a global pharma manufacturing hub.
  • It aims to reduce dependency on imports of critical drugs and ingredients.
  • Expected to boost exports, enhance self-reliance, and create jobs in the pharma sector.

Growing lion population is a worry. Why?

  • Human-Wildlife Conflict: As lions expand beyond their core habitats into human-inhabited areas, conflicts increase — livestock predation and occasional threats to human life cause economic and social issues for local communities.
  • Space and Habitat Constraints: Despite growth, lions need large, undisturbed habitats to thrive. Overcrowding or the presence near human settlements stresses lions and increases conflict.
  • Conservation Challenge: Experts warn that Gujarat can support up to 2,000 lions only if they live in pristine areas with minimal human presence. Expansion into settled areas undermines this balance.

How is a ‘lion census’ conducted in India?

  • Conducted every few years by the Gujarat Forest Department; the latest was in May 2025.
  • Survey Area: Approximately 35,000 sq km covering 11 districts and 58 tehsils.
  • The region is divided into 735 sampling units, each surveyed by one enumerator and two assistants.
  • Data collection involves:
    • Direct sightings and detailed records of lion characteristics.
    • Use of digital cameras to photograph lions for individual identification.
    • Cross-verification across adjacent sampling units to avoid duplication.
  • Involvement of 3,254 people, including experts, wildlife board members, and independent observers, to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Where are lions found apart from the Gir Forest in Gujarat?

  • Satellite Populations have been identified in several areas beyond Gir:
    • Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Jetpur and adjoining areas
    • Babra-Jasdan and adjoining areas
  • There are nine such satellite regions hosting a combined population of 497 lions.
  • District-wise population highlights:
    • Amreli district: 339 lions (highest)
    • Gir-Somnath district region: 222 lions
    • Junagadh district: 191 lions

Additional Information

  • The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, from 675 to 891 lions.
  • Over the past decade, the population has grown by 70.36%.
  • The spatial range of lions has expanded from 10,000 sq km in 1995 to 35,000 sq km in 2025, about a five-fold increase.
  • Gujarat’s conservation efforts and community tolerance (e.g., Maldharis compensating for cattle loss) have helped lion numbers grow.
  • ‘Project Lion’ has been launched with a budget of ₹2,927 crore, focusing on expanding habitats like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and involving local communities.

RBI’s surplus comes from?

  • Seigniorage:
    When RBI issues currency notes (e.g., ₹500), it costs very little to print but is sold at full face value to commercial banks. The difference is a profit called seigniorage.
  • Interest Earnings: The RBI lends money to the Central and State governments and commercial banks, earning interest on these loans.
  • Investments: The RBI invests in foreign bonds and earns interest, and may also gain from currency exchange rate changes.

How much will the RBI transfer to the Central government for 2024-25?

  • ₹2.69 lakh crore, a record high, which is 27% more than last year’s ₹2.11 lakh crore.
  • This amount is also higher than the government’s budget estimate of ₹2.56 lakh crore for dividends and surplus from RBI, banks, and insurance companies combined.

Why is this transfer not called a dividend?

  • RBI is not a typical company; it has no shareholders like a private company.
  • The transfer to the government is a ‘surplus transfer’ after provisions and expenses, not a dividend.

What is the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB)?

  • It is a buffer fund or safety net RBI keeps for financial stability risks and potential future losses.
  • The Economic Capital Framework (ECF), recommended by the Bimal Jalan committee in 2018, sets the CRB at 5.5-6.5% of RBI’s balance sheet (now widened to 4.5-7.5% from 2024-25).
  • RBI decides the CRB size each year based on risk and economic conditions.
  • Even after increasing the CRB to 7.5% this year, RBI could still transfer a record surplus.

Why has the size of the surplus transfer become a topic of controversy?

  • The government wants larger transfers; the RBI wants to maintain buffers for financial stability.
  • Past disagreements between RBI officials and government officials led to resignations and tensions.
  • The Jalan committee’s recommendations helped ease tensions by providing a clear framework for buffers and transfers.

Why is the surplus record so high this year?

  • Higher foreign exchange sales by the RBI.
  • Increased earnings from foreign exchange assets and liquidity management tools.
  • However, these may not stay at this level every year, so future transfers might fluctuate.

Impact of Land Port Closure on the Region

1. Effect on Bangladesh’s Readymade Garments (RMG) Sector

  • The closure bans import of Bangladesh’s readymade garments (RMG) through all Indian land ports, though imports via seaports (Nhava Sheva and Kolkata) remain allowed.
  • Since RMG exports to India are valued at nearly $700 million, the land port ban is a major blow, disrupting quick, cost-effective land trade.
  • This will likely slow down Bangladesh’s garment export growth to India, increase logistics costs, and force exporters to rely more on seaports, affecting competitiveness.

2. Effect on Other Sectors (Agriculture, Processed Foods, etc.)

  • Exports from Bangladesh to India banned through land ports include:
    • Fruits, fruit-flavored drinks
    • Processed foods like baked goods, snacks, chips, confectionery
    • Cotton and cotton yarn waste
    • Plastic and PVC finished goods (except pigments, dyes, plasticizers, granules)
    • Wooden furniture
  • However, imports of fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone are exempted and will continue.
  • The ban will affect small-scale traders and farmers who depend on quick land routes, disrupting supply chains and local economies especially in border states of Northeast India and West Bengal.

3. Exceptions and Allowed Trade

  • Some commodities (fish, LPG, edible oil, crushed stone) continue to move through land ports.
  • Imports via seaports remain open but will face stricter checks and regulations.
  • The ban is subject to periodic review, suggesting a possible future relaxation.

Why Has the Northeast Been Dragged into This Tussle?

  • Bangladesh reportedly views the Northeast as a “captive market” and India accuses it of not reciprocating transit trade fairly.
  • The Northeast is strategically important, integral to BIMSTEC, and part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push to boost local manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
  • Bangladesh’s interim government’s remarks in China, calling the Northeast “landlocked” and offering China transit access through Bangladesh, were seen by India as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and regional development plans.
  • Thus, the Northeast has become a flashpoint in India-Bangladesh relations.

Impact on Other Countries (Nepal, Bhutan)

  • Officially, India says Bangladesh’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan will not be affected.
  • But because Bangladesh depends on India’s land routes for trade with these countries, the closure may indirectly disrupt flow of goods, raising concerns among traders and investors.
  • The disruption has also led to investment caution in Bangladesh’s economy due to uncertainties in regional trade.

Reasons Behind India’s Order

  • Reciprocity: Bangladesh earlier banned the import of cotton yarn from India and restricted Indian rice exports via certain land ports.
  • Border trade issues: Bangladesh’s aggressive truck checks and trade restrictions frustrated Indian traders.
  • Political message: India aims to send a signal to Bangladesh over recent diplomatic tensions, including Bangladesh’s warm ties with Pakistan and remarks on the Northeast.
  • Economic assertion: India is asserting its sovereignty and trying to ensure balanced trade relations, especially in the Northeast region.

Conclusion:

  • The land port closure is a significant disruption in bilateral trade, primarily hurting Bangladesh’s garment exports and affecting other sectors.
  • The Northeast is a key geopolitical factor in the dispute, with India pushing for regional development and asserting control over transit routes.
  • The move reflects broader diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, with economic measures used as leverage.
  • While seaports remain open, stricter checks will continue, and the situation remains fluid with possible future negotiations.

Meitei flag display controversy at Shirui peak

What Happened?

  • A group of young men from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical outfit, hoisted the seven-coloured ‘Salai Taret’ flag (representing the seven Meitei clans) on Shirui peak in Manipur’s Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district during the Shirui Lily Festival.
  • The festival is organized by Manipur Tourism and is significant for the Tangkhul Naga community, symbolizing peace, ecology, and cultural pride.

Why Did It Spark a Row?

  • The Tangkhul community viewed the flag display as desecration of their revered hill, which is culturally and spiritually important.
  • Tangkhul social and student bodies condemned the act as a deliberate provocation and political statement by Arambai Tenggol aimed at undermining the festival’s spirit.
  • The NSCN (I-M), a major Naga insurgent group, echoed these sentiments, calling the display an act of warmongering and demanding an apology.
  • They emphasized the ‘Salai Taret’ flag has no cultural, historical, or political ties to the Tangkhuls and was displayed “far from their socio-religious jurisdiction.”

Response from Arambai Tenggol

  • The group denied any territorial claims or disrespect.
  • They framed the flag display and slogans like “Long live Manipur” as messages of love, unity, and peaceful coexistence among Manipur’s diverse communities.
  • They urged others to view the event in the spirit of solidarity and cultural pride, similar to how national flags are displayed in contested or symbolic areas without implying ownership.
  • They stressed that their intent was not to offend or provoke, but to celebrate their traditions.

Underlying Issues

  • The incident highlights ethnic tensions between the Meitei community (primarily from the valley) and the Naga tribes (primarily from the hills) in Manipur.
  • The hill-valley divide in Manipur is a longstanding flashpoint, involving issues of political autonomy, land rights, and cultural identity.
  • The Arambai Tenggol group has a history of involvement in ethnic conflicts and is seen as radical and polarizing.
  • The Shirui peak, located in a Naga-majority area, is culturally sacred to the Tangkhuls, making the display of a Meitei clan flag sensitive.

Broader Significance

  • This event symbolizes the fragility of peace and coexistence in Manipur’s ethnically diverse society.
  • It underscores the need for sensitivity to cultural symbols and spaces.
  • The controversy may heighten ethnic mistrust and tensions unless addressed through dialogue and reconciliation.
  • The Manipur government and civil society face challenges in balancing regional identities and fostering unity.

COCOMI campaign against President’s Rule in Manipur

Context:

  • Manipur has been under President’s Rule (direct central government control) since June 2023, following political instability.
  • The protest reflects rising regional discontent with central government decisions and perceived disrespect towards Manipur’s identity.
  • The bus incident is symbolic of wider grievances about local autonomy, cultural respect, and political control.

What is COCOMI?

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) is a coalition of various groups in Manipur advocating for the state’s autonomy and identity.

What triggered the campaign?

  • COCOMI launched a civil disobedience campaign and public boycott of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla after a 48-hour general strike ended on May 21.
  • The strike protested the masking (covering) of the words ‘Manipur State Transport’ on a bus that was carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival. The masking was allegedly done by security personnel.
  • COCOMI viewed this as a direct insult to Manipur’s identity and dignity.

Demands by COCOMI:

  • Apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for the bus incident.
  • Resignation of key officials: State Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, who were held responsible for the incident.
  • Acknowledgement of the insult to Manipur’s identity by the Governor and the Presidential Rule administration.

COCOMI’s Response to the Governor’s Silence:

  • The refusal by the Governor and the Presidential Rule administration to apologize was taken as a sign of disconnect and disrespect towards Manipur’s people and sentiments.
  • This has further fueled resentment and protest plans.

Next Steps Announced by COCOMI:

  • Organizing mass protests, rallies, torch processions, and sit-ins across the state.
  • Protests will focus on key places like the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence), Central government offices, and district headquarters.
  • Call for a public boycott of Central government offices perceived as undermining Manipur’s dignity.
  • Appeal to communities, students, women’s groups, and civil society organizations to actively promote Manipuri cultural identity through events and campaigns, including door-to-door and loudspeaker outreach.

Lancet report: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

What is the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale?

  • It is India’s first tool to measure stigma related to
  • It is also the fourth such stigma scale globally.
  • Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the scale fills a crucial gap since the existing three global scales were unsuitable for India’s diverse socio-cultural context.

Why is it important?

  • Sickle Cell Disease causes severe symptoms like pain episodes, chronic fatigue, infections, and organ damage, severely affecting quality of life.
  • SCD patients and caregivers often face stigma, including challenges related to family, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal relationships, and healthcare experiences.
  • Measuring stigma helps in understanding and addressing these social and psychological barriers.

What does the scale capture?

  • Multidimensional stigma aspects:
    • Familial and reproductive stigma
    • Social disclosure issues
    • Illness burden
    • Interpersonal challenges
    • Healthcare interaction difficulties

Validation and robustness:

  • The scale was developed with rigorous scientific methods following global standards.
  • Validated across six SCD-endemic districts in India (in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Karnataka, Assam) to represent diverse socio-cultural and geographic contexts.
  • The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia published a study confirming the scale’s psychometric robustness and utility in both clinical and research settings.

Impact and availability:

  • The scale will be immediately available to researchers and the national SCD elimination mission.
  • It is a major step forward in tackling SCD stigma in India, especially in tribal communities with high prevalence.
  • This will support the government’s efforts under the national sickle cell anaemia elimination mission by improving understanding of stigma and improving patient care.

Why is this needed in India?

  • India has the second-highest SCD burden worldwide, after sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Tribal populations have a higher prevalence of SCD.
  • Existing stigma scales didn’t consider India’s cultural diversity and social complexities.
  • There is a need to combat misinformation, healthcare access issues, and social challenges around SCD.

New COVID Variants Detected

  • Variants identified:
    • NB.1.8.1: 1 case detected in Tamil Nadu (April)
    • LF.7: 4 cases detected in Gujarat (May)
  • WHO classification:
    • Both NB.1.8 and LF.7 are currently classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM), not Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants of Interest (VOI).
    • These variants have been linked to recent COVID-19 case surges in China and parts of Asia.

Current dominant variants in India

  • JN.1 variant: Most common, accounting for 53% of tested samples.
  • BA.2 variant: Second most common, 26% of samples.
  • Other Omicron sublineages make up the remaining 20%.

COVID-19 status in India

  • As of May 19, 2025:
    • 257 active cases reported nationwide.
    • Some regions have noted localized increases in cases.

Government response

  • A recent meeting chaired by the Director-General of Health Services included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), ICMR, and other institutions.
  • The situation is under continuous review to monitor spread and respond accordingly.

SC on Life Imprisonment on Grounds of Insanity

  • Case: Dashrath Patra, convicted for murder (2018), sentenced to life imprisonment for bludgeoning a man to death.
  • Supreme Court ruling:
    • Life sentence set aside due to “reasonable doubt” about whether Patra committed the crime while mentally fit.
    • The Court emphasized that the onus to prove insanity lies on the accused, but only a reasonable doubt about the accused’s mental state at the time of the crime is required to acquit.
    • A medical examination done five years after the crime was deemed “meaningless” by the Court.
    • Witness testimonies indicated Patra suffered from bouts of insanity.
  • Legal provisions cited:
    • Section 84 of the IPC: Provides a defense for acts committed by a person who was unsound of mind, meaning unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of the act at the time.
    • The Court reiterated that no act by a lunatic is considered an offence because they cannot defend themselves, tying this to the fundamental right to life and liberty (Article 21).
  • Key legal principle:
    • Even if conclusive proof of insanity is absent, if evidence raises reasonable doubt about mens rea (intent) or mental state at the time of the offense, the accused is entitled to acquittal.

Leave a Comment

error:
Scroll to Top