Category: Strategy Sessions

Context

• The judgments delivered by the Supreme Court will now be translated into four languages —Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati and Odia — Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud informed.
• We must understand that the language which we use namely English, is a language which is not comprehensible, particularly in its legal avatar, to 99.9% of our citizens, said CJI.

CJI pitches for judgements in regional languages

• Expert committee under Justice Abhay Oka: A committee has been formed, headed by SC Judge Abhay Oka, to translate the judgments into four languages. CJI also intends to appoint retired judicial officers, apart from translators, for verifying machine translation of the Supreme Court judgments.
• State-wide translations: It has a mission that every high court across the country should will have a committee of two judges, one of whom should be a judge who is drawn from the district judiciary “because of their sheer width of experience”.
• AI-based translation: CJI further said that they are also developing a software and setting up a team where machine learning for translation of the SC judgments will be used.

Why such move?

• English barrier: The use of obsolete, archaic or old English words which have passed from the English language but have been kept alive by their frequent use in the Legal profession.
• Excessive use of jargons: The use of Latin, and sometimes French, words, and phrases to express a rule, principle, doctrine, maximum, etc. which can be easily phrased in English
• Legal language complexities: The practice of assigning common English words a new, different, unusual and purely legal meaning or assigning these words some exclusive legal definitions.
• Attitude of legal professionals: The ridiculed tendency of legal professionals both lawyers and judges to write often long and complex sentences without any punctuation.

Why is English such prominent legal language in India?

• Better than legacy language: The language used in Courts in India has seen a transition over centuries with the shift from Urdu to Persian and Farsi scripts during the Mughal period which continued in subordinate courts even during the British Rule.
• Codified laws and legal system: The British introduced a codified system of law in India with English as the official language.
• Creating cohesiveness: Just like cases from all over the country come to the Supreme Court, judges and lawyers of the Supreme Court also come from all parts of India.
• Ease of legal education: Without the use of English, it would be impossible to discharge their duty. All judgments of the Supreme Court are also delivered in English.

Need for such reform

• Creating awareness: The judgements should be converted into other regional languages so that the masses can benefit and the true meaning of legal education can be achieved.
• Create law abiding citizens: Obscurity of law creates complexity. If law is comprehensible to the common man, it will have a positive impact.
• Removing language barriers: Masses in India has always been uncomfortable with English language despites its popularity in education system.
• Promoting multilingualism: Ever since the introduction of New Education Policy, the centre has been very active in promoting multilingualism across the country.

Various provisions for regional languages

• India Constitution: Article 348(1) provides that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English language until Parliament by law otherwise provides. Article 348 (2) provides that the Governor of the State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorize the use of the Hindi language or any other language used for any official purpose of the State.
• Official Language Act, 1963: The Act reiterates this and provides under Section 7 that the use of Hindi or official language of a State in addition to the English language may be authorized, with the consent of the President of India, by the Governor of the State for the purpose of judgments, decrees etc. made by the High Court for that State. No law has been made in this regard by the Parliament so far.  
• Law Commission of India: The 18th Law Commission Report on “Non-Feasibility of Introduction of Hindi as Compulsory Language in the Supreme Court of India” (2008) has, recommended that the higher judiciary should not be subjected to any kind of even persuasive change in the present societal context. The Government has accepted the stand of the Commission.
• Demand from various States: The centre has received proposals from the Government of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Karnataka to permit use of Tamil, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali and Kannada in the proceedings of their respective High Courts. The use of Hindi has been authorized long back in the proceedings as well in the judgments, decrees or orders in the High Courts of the States of Rajasthan, MP, UP and Bihar.

How can this be achieved?

• Encourage local languages: The need of the hour is to encourage local language in courts, which will not only increase the confidence of common citizens in the justice system, but they will feel more connected to it.
• Executive-judiciary liaison: The confluence of the judiciary and legislature will prepare the roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial system in the country.

Way forward

• The language of law should be cleaned up so that any person of average intelligence can understand its meaning.
• The legal language can be simplified by using the following steps.
  • It should be insisted that the laws written by the legislatures can be made understandable to average laymen as well as to the legal professional
  • These laws must be written in non-technical terms
  • Legislatures should use short sentences with adequate punctuation
  • Use of Latin and French phrases should be abandoned
  • Use of obsolete archaic English words should be abandoned and at last, the same meaning of words should be applied to those legal terms as the same meaning in common usage

Conclusion

• It is true that language acts as a barrier in the spread of Legal education however language barrier coupled with professional barrier acts as the real challenge.

Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

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Two best UPSC Mentors coming together for UPSC Prelims 2023

February Edition of Smash Prelims 2023 will have 1-1 mentorship by Prelims guru Zeeshan sir and his Destroy Prelims module as the game changer. Read more below

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With less than 4 months to go for UPSC Prelims 2023, you stand at a decisive crossroads in your prelims preparation journey.

At this moment it is not just about covering the syllabus or just attempting the mock tests. You have to integrate every element in your preparation to ensure your success in UPSC Prelims 2023.

Syllabus coverage + Mock Tests + Paper attempting skills + Intelligent Elimination Techniques + Revision + Mentorship = UPSC Prelims 2023 success

Launching Smash Prelims February Edition

This Smash Prelims February Edition program is not just about learning, but about balancing syllabus completion with the application of that knowledge, so you can maximize your score and achieve your goal of becoming an IAS in 2023.

Smash Prelims integrates every element required to help you get in the 1% who will clear UPSC Prelims 2023.

Enrollments are open for Smash Prelims 2023 February Edition

Course completion (GS+Current Affairs) Lectures, Test Series, Destroy Prelims module, 1-to-1 Mentorship by Zeeshan sir, Weekly zoom sessions by Santosh sir, daily quiz on Telegram group, and PDF Notes

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Table of Content:

1. About Smash Prelims 2023- February batch
2. Why Smash Prelims February Batch for UPSC Prelims 2023?
3. Smash Prelims Test Timetable
4. Smash Prelims Lecture Timetable
5. Program details
6. What do our students have to say?

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Smash Prelims 2023

Smash Prelims February batch is exactly what you need at this moment for UPSC Prelims 2023 success.

The focus of this program will be on:

1. Syllabus completion through LIVE lectures – both GS and Current affairs for 1.5 yrs
   • Most important and probable topics will be covered in a timely manner leaving ample time for multiple revisions.
   • Special classes on topics including Polity, History, Economics, Geography, Sessions to cover Environment innovatively, Science & Technology and more. (check timetable for lectures here)
   • To be done through LIVE lectures, Notes will be shared.
   • Comprehensive and exhaustive notes covering everything that is important.
2. Dual Mentorship for Time management and result-oriented preparation
   • Personalized 1-1 mentorship by Zeeshan sir
   • Strategy and plan- both micro and macro. This will ensure syllabus completion and rigorous practice through the test series.
   • Santosh sir’s personal guidance through weekly Zoom sessions
3. Smash Prelims Test series – Evidence-based questions based on the UPSC’s current trends
   • To keep your preparation relevant to UPSC 2023 pattern
   • Bringing efficiency to your preparation. Leaving out what is not important.
4. Constant and gradual improvement through
   • One-to-one mentorship sessions with Zeeshan sir
   • Weekly Zoom sessions with Santosh sir
   • Daily quiz on Telegram group
   • Sessions with UPSC rankers
5. Destroy Prelims module by Zeeshan sir: Imparting skills to attempt and solve Prelims paper
   • Targeting an accuracy rate of 90% and attempting maximum questions.
   • Logical and intelligent question-solving techniques and Practical hacks by Zeeshan sir .
6. Evolving your personal approach for attempting UPSC prelims paper
   • Accuracy vs a high number of attempts. Accuracy improvement sessions.
   • Attempting from question 1 or go section-wise.
7. Collaborative learning under Zeeshan sir’s supervision
   • Telegram group membership administered by Zeeshan sir
   • Daily quiz session on hot topics for UPSC Prelims

February Edition of Smash Prelims 2023 will have 1-1 mentorship by Prelims guru Zeeshan sir and his Destroy Prelims module as the game changer.

What makes Smash Prelims the best program for UPSC Prelims 2023?

1-1 Dedicated Mentorship by Zeeshan sir, Prelims guru who mentored AIR 65, AIR 117, and many more

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Smash Prelims 2023: Program inclusion

1. One-to-One mentorship for UPSC Prelims 2023 by Zeeshan sir
2. Evidence-based and UPSC level test series: 60 Tests
   • 44 tests (14 basics + 8 Advanced + 10 FLT + 6 CSAT + 6 CA ) for back to back intensive revision
   • 16 Tests for Practice
   • Mandatory mentorship and doubt resolution call after every test
3. Smash Value LIVE lectures: Most important and probable GS and Current Affairs topics for Prelims 2023. Lectures will be recorded and PDF notes will be share
4. Weekly LIVE Zoom sessions with Santosh Sir for strategy, doubt clearance, and QnA
5. Destroy Prelims module by Zeeshan sir- Imparting skills to attempt and solve UPSC MCQs
   • LIVE MCQs solving session
   • Intelligent Elimination techniques and practical hacks for a sure score of 120+ marks
6. 1.5 yrs worth of complete current affairs topics (LIVE) covered by the core CD faculty in featured classes with a LIVE discussion + PDF notes
7. CA magazine + budget and economic survey will be provided for free
8. Telegram group membership for collaborative learning

Smash Prelims 2023 Lecture Timetable

Smash Prelims 2023 Test Timetable

Other Details:

Test start date: 4th Feb 2023

Lecture ongoing

Course fee: Rs 25,000 Rs. 20,000 + GST

You are 8 times more likely to clear Prelims 2023 with Zeeshan sir’s mentorship under the Smash Prelims program

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What CivilsDaily’s Smash Prelims students have to say?

Smash Prelims, a crucial part of the first prelims success for Rahul

A miracle for Debarpita, Smash Prelims 2022 student

Schedule a free mentorship call for prelims 2023 | click and fill up the form

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Other messages showering gratitude for Zeeshan sir and Smash Prelims team

February Edition of Smash Prelims 2023 will have 1-1 mentorship by Prelims guru Zeeshan sir and his Destroy Prelims module as the game changer.

Join Zoom Meeting

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Get Free Prelims Notes on Registration. UPSC-CSE 2023 Notification is out.

1st February (Wednesday) at 7:30 PM | UPSC webinar on How to utilize the last 4 months (120 Days) before UPSC Prelims 2023 by Zeeshan sir | Get Free Prelims Notes on Registration

Last 120 Days’ Preparation will decide if you are writing UPSC Mains 2023 or not.

The UPSC Prelims 2023 is just knocking at the door because UPSC-CSE 2023 notification is out. The majority of candidates are about to finish their syllabus, which includes reading books and newspapers, taking notes, attending classes, taking practice exams, and—most importantly—psychologically preparing for the exam.

But, these are not enough to clear UPSC Prelims in 2023.

Zeeshan sir, a senior IAS mentor who helped many to crack UPSC Prelims with 120+ marks often says, “When time is limited, you must maintain more balance between learning and execution.”

In this case, 2 different rock-steady strategies are the only things that are required for… 

• GS Paper
• CSAT Paper

And in such a situation even a veteran fails to manage time for both papers. On the other hand, you can’t value your time without a workable strategy. 

You can neither afford to fail UPSC Prelims 2023 nor regret it later. Don’t miss the super important session by Zeeshan sir

Know how to utilize the last 120 days before UPSC Prelims 2023 and get a Master Timetable with strategy

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Webinar DETAILS:

Topic: 4 months’ rock-steady strategy for UPSC Prelims 2023.

Date and Time: 1st February (Wednesday) at 7:30 PM

Link: Zoom link will be shared on email post registration

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Key takeaways: How to make a timetable for UPSC?

• What should be your approach for the next 4 months even if you have not covered the entire syllabus for the preparation for UPSC 2023? Strategy for the next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and the last 30 days will be shared with you.
• How to divide your time for both GS and CSAT papers?
• How to cover uncovered and revise segment-wise?
• How to cover the UPSC syllabus? The syllabus, and not the books, must be completed. Focussing on the essentials first.
• Time management: You just need to invest 5 to 6 hours per day effectively for UPSC’s success. How to effectively manage preparation time? Update your timetable and set new revision targets.
• Managing UPSC preparation with a serious time crunch; job – working professionals, college students, and family (especially for homemaker aspirants)
• He made a UPSC trend analysis and based on that decoded the expectations and pattern of UPSC 2023. Zeeshan sir will share 10 essential themes for the upcoming exams that one must not ignore whether it’s UPSC Prelims 2023.
• Short-time smart Revision techniques that are common, standard, and used frequently. What exactly are they?
• How to take full advantage of the FREE CivilsDaily’s Preparatory Package and personalized mentorship session

You can neither afford to fail UPSC Prelims 2023 nor regret it later. Don’t miss the super important session.

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CivilsDaily’s FREE Webinar package

Post-webinar we will share important PDFs, timetable framework, and notes.

Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

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Context

• The National Green Tribunal has pointed out a huge lack of compliance of biomedical waste management rules across the country.
• The tribunal has asked for the implementation of the framework, which emphasizes on strict adherence to the norms related to the maintenance, storage, and movement of Biomedical Waste Treatment.

What is Biomedical Waste?

Biomedical waste/hospital waste is any kind of waste containing infectious materials.  It may also include waste associated with the generation of biomedical waste that visually appears to be of medical.

• Hospital waste: It refers to all waste, biological or non‐ biological that is discarded and not intended for further use.
• Bio-medical waste: It means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological and including categories mentioned in Schedule I, of the BMW rules, 2016.

Biomedical waste consists of-

• Human anatomical waste like tissues, organs and body parts
• Animal wastes generated during research from veterinary hospitals
• Microbiology and biotechnology wastes
• Waste sharps like hypodermic needles, syringes, scalpels and broken glass
• Discarded medicines and cytotoxic drugs
• Soiled waste such as dressing, bandages, plaster casts, material contaminated with blood, tubes and catheters
• Liquid waste from any of the infected areas
• Incineration ash and other chemical wastes

How is biomedical waste treated in India?

• Autoclaving: The process of autoclaving involves steam sterilization. Instead of incineration, which can be expensive, autoclaving simply introduces very hot steam for a determined amount of time.  
• Incineration: The major benefits of incineration are that it is quick, easy, and simple. It effectively removes the waste entirely and safely removes any microorganisms.  
• Chemicals disinfection: When it comes to liquid waste, a common biomedical waste disposal method can be chemical disinfection. Chlorine is a regular choice for this process, and is introduced to the liquid waste in order to kill microorganisms and pathogens.  
• Microwaving: Microwave technology can also disinfect wastes. Wastes are first placed into a shredder. This wastes are mixed with water and internally heated that neutralizes present biologicals.
• Irradiation: This method involves waste sterilization by exposing waste to cobalt sources. Cobalt emits gamma rays that kill all the microbes in wastes.
• Shredding: It is a process by which waste are deshaped or cut into smaller pieces so as to make the wastes unrecognizable. It helps in prevention of reuse of bio-medical waste and also acts as identifier that the wastes have been disinfected and are safe to dispose-off.

Who deals with biomedical wastes in India?

• Central Pollution Control Board: The CPCB has been following up with all SPCBs/PCCs to ensure effective management of biomedical waste in States/UTs.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT has been stringent on the application of the BMW 2016.
• Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBWTDF): There are now over 200 licensed CBWTDF or Common Treatment Facility (CTF) in India.

Salient Features of Biomedical Waste Rules, 2016

• Compulsory pre-treatment: The method of sterilization/disinfection should be in accordance with National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) or WHO.
• Phasing out plastic use: The use of chlorinated plastic bags, gloves, blood bags, etc. should be gradually stopped and this phasing out should be within 2 years from the date of notification of these rules
• Safe disposal of Liquid waste: They need to be separated at source by pre-treatment before mixing with other liquid waste
• Incineration guidelines: The existing incinerator should be upgraded/modified to achieve the new standard within 2 years from the date of this notification

Color coding of Biomedical wastes in India

As per Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, Bio-medical waste is required to be segregated in following color coded waste categories-

• Red Bag: Syringes (without needles), soiled gloves, catheters, IV tubes etc. should be all disposed of in a red coloured bag, which will later be incinerated.
• Yellow Bag: All dressings, bandages and cotton swabs with body fluids, blood bags, human anatomical waste, body parts are to be discarded in yellow bags.
• Cardboard box with blue marking: Glass vials, ampules, other glass ware is to be discarded in a cardboard box with a blue marking/sticker.
• White Puncture Proof Container (PPC): Needles, sharps, blades are disposed of in a white translucent puncture proof container.
• Black Bags:  These are to be used for non-bio-medical waste. In a hospital setup, this includes stationary, vegetable and fruit peels, leftovers, packaging including that from medicines, disposable caps, disposable masks, disposable shoe-covers, disposable tea cups, cartons, sweeping dust, kitchen waste etc.

International Agreement and Conventions

There are three international agreements and conventions which are particularly pertinent in BMWM. These are-

1. Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste: It is the most inclusive global environmental treaty on hazardous and other wastes. It has 170 member countries, and its objectives are to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, and disposal of hazardous wastes, specifically clinical wastes from health care in hospitals, health centers, and clinics.
2. Stockholm Convention on POPs: It is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs (POPs – dioxins and furans). POPs are toxic chemicals that accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and cause damage. These chemicals are formed by medical waste incinerators and other combustion processes. It deals with BEP including source reduction, segregation, resource recovery and recycling, training, and proper collection and transport.
3. Minamata Convention on Mercury: It is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. On October 10, 2014, in Japan, more than 90 nations signed the first new global convention on environment and health. This treaty includes the phasing out of certain medical equipment in health-care services, including mercury-containing medical items such as thermometers and blood pressure device.

Environmental impacts of Biomedical Wastes

Improper management of health care waste can have both direct and indirect health consequences for health personnel, community members and on the environment.

• Toxin emissions: The most serious effect that biomedical waste has on our seas is the discharge of poisons into the waters that could then be consumed by ocean life creatures.
• Food chain contamination: Toxins would interject into the food chain and eventually reach humans who consume sea creatures.  
• Plastic pollution: 85% of disposable plastic materials make up all medical equipment.
• Groundwater Contamination: Deep burials of biomedical wastes may result in groundwater contamination.

CASE STUDY Syringe tide disaster: The syringe tide environmental disaster of 1987–1988 raised awareness about medical waste as medical syringes washed ashore in New Jersey and New York.

Broader concerns with biomedical wastes

Pollution and health hazards are the two important impacts of medical wastes.

• Land Pollution: If not treated and dumped into landfills then there is a high chance for heavy metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. get released. Further, there is a chance these metals get absorbed by plants and can then enter the food chain also.
• Air Pollution: Pathogens present in the waste can enter and remain in the air for a long period in the form of spores or pathogens. As Covid-19 spread through the air, improper treating/not treating it might lead to a new wave of respiratory syndromes.
• Radioactive pollution: Hospitals are increasingly using radioactive isotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The main radioisotopes used in hospitals are technetium-99m (Tc-99m), Iodine-131(I-131), etc. These have carcinogenic properties.

Health hazards due to biomedical waste

• Epidemic: According to the WHO study, improper waste management is one of the major causes of an increase in infectious diseases globally. This is why the Covid-19 pandemic wastes require proper treatment.
• Operational health hazards: Improper handling of biomedical waste might lead to Injuries from sharps and exposure to harmful radioactive wastes. This will create issues for nurses, emergency medical personnel, and sanitary workers.
• Increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR): Biomedical wastes aggravate the problem of AMR. Ever since the pandemic, the use of biocides (sanitizers, disinfectants, and antibiotics) increased manifold. If there is no proper treatment of biocides then the AMR will increase rapidly.

Challenges in India

• Increase in waste: In a highly populous country like India, there is a rise in residential biomedical waste and its collection without adhering to safety protocols could also trigger a surge in caseload.
• Poor Compliance of BMW rules: States are not following the CPCB guidelines.
• Non-segregation: In some states, improper segregation of waste has been reported.
• Improper disposal: The non-segregation of waste results in the incineration of contaminated plastics producing toxic gases and adding to air pollution.
• Lack of infrastructure: Currently, in India, there are only 198 CBMWTF in operation and 28 are under construction.  .
• No alternative to incineration: During incineration and post-combustion cooling, waste components dissociate and recombine forming new particles.

Why addressing this is important?

• Preventing another pandemic: The COVID pandemic was the outcome of virus leak from Wuhan.
• Uncontrolled outcomes: This has presented a challenge in terms of the capacity to scientifically dispose of generated waste and a challenge for civic authorities in charge of its collection and disposal.
• Hazard to healthcare personnel: Without proper scientific management of such waste, it can potentially affect patients and can affect the concerned workers and professionals.

Way forward

• Multi-stakeholder involvement: Proper management of Bio medical waste is a concern that has been recognized by both government agencies and the NGOs.
• Stringent regulatory push: In order to accelerate the rate at which proper processing and management methods are designed, timely regulatory and legislative policies and procedures are needed.
• Raising awareness: An effective communication strategy is imperative keeping in view the low awareness level among different categories of staff in the healthcare establishments regarding biomedical waste management.
• Infrastructure push: The centre and states in liaison should set up recycling plants across the country as envisaged under the Smart cities project.
• Proper collection: To properly separate, process and isolation of wastes, they must be well-characterized, which is challenging.
• Safe disposal: Several hazards and toxic materials containing should be disposed-off with proper take and care.

Conclusion

• Safe and effective management of biomedical waste is not only a lawful obligation but also a civil duty.
• The current BMWM 2016 rules are an improvement over earlier rules in terms of improved segregation, transportation, and disposal methods, to decrease environmental pollution and ensure the safety of the staff, patients, and public.

Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

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Join Zoom Meeting

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30th January (Monday) 2023 | How to utilize NCERTs for UPSC? Learn the art of Making notes for Prelims 2023 & 2024.

What would be the grave mistake? The reply is “To exclude NCERTs.” Learn to cherish NCERTs if you want to enjoy UPSC prep.

The ideal starting point for any UPSC aspirant is NCERTs, the key to success. They serve as a basic juncture where your understanding of the fundamentals for solving MCQs and analytical skills for long answer writing unite.

Almost all UPSC aspirants start with NCERTs but do they all clear IAS?

The answer is ‘No’.

Though everyone read NCERTs, 99% of them don’t even know what is the proper way to read them, utilize them, make notes, revise, etc.

On the other hand, only reading NCERTs alone isn’t the way to success; you’ll only succeed in the IAS test if you understand how to read NCERTs, which 4-5 we specifically need to study, and how to Make notes from them.

Since these books are aspirants’ weakest area, you should make them your strength. Follow this session to learn how to utilize NCERTs and What is the art of making notes.

Masterclass Details: 30th January 2023 (Monday) At 7:30 PM

Grasp the opportunity to get outstanding tips on how to utilize NCERTs for UPSC. ’, ‘how to read & what to read, And how to make notes for Prelims 2023 & 2024.

Strategies & Approaches, in This Free Live Webinar by Diksha Ma’am!

• How to utilize NCERT Books? How to improve your reading and analytical skills from NCERTs which are super crucial for UPSC-CSE? Which portion of every NCERT must be utilized for making notes?
• Best, minimum NCERT materials for UPSC-CSE Preparation. Do’s & Don’t, Understanding the science behind how society works is important, so what are the best 4 to 5 NCERTs to read?
• For foundational preparation for prelims, students can read & make quick revision notes with the NCERT books, to begin, their history preparation. What are those books that have proven to be highly beneficial in the case of students that come from commerce or science backgrounds?
• It is critical to understand Indian and global geography. Maps and information about different climatic regions provided in NCERT Geography books help answer many questions about geography. How to learn & what maps/diagrams/footnotes are not to be ignored will also be discussed.
• Political Science covers the country’s legal and fundamental aspects, which makes it an extremely important subject. How to & what to cover from NCERTs so that ‘Laxmikant’ becomes easier to read and revise.
• The subject of the Indian Economy covers India’s current and past economic aspects, which makes it an important topic. Knowing its fundamentals is crucial for UPSC exams. So, What is to be learned by heart & which NCERTs are fit for the economy will be comprehensively discussed.
• What is the difference between ‘The Old Version NCERTs’ & ‘The New Version NCERTs & which subjects, and which versions of NCERTs you should focus on,  this will also be discussed thoroughly in this ask me anything session? 
•  The untold secret of ‘how & from where UPSC asks direct questions from NCERTs. How to build command over NCERTs is going to be another crucial point of this awesome session.

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What The Hindu mentioned about Civilsdaily Mentorship

Or call here: 073033 16700

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Greetings UPSC Civil Service Aspirants,

On the occasion of the Republic Day of India, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of you who are working hard to become a part of the administration and contribute to the betterment of our nation.

As you all know, the UPSC Civil Services Exam is not an easy task and requires a lot of hard work, determination, and perseverance. But we believe in you and your abilities to clear this exam with flying colors.

We understand that the journey to becoming a civil servant can be challenging and at times overwhelming. But we want to remind you that the end goal is worth all the sacrifices and efforts you are putting in. The opportunity to serve your country and make a positive impact on the lives of people is truly an honor and a privilege.

To celebrate this special occasion and to show our support for your efforts, we are offering a special 26% off on all our courses for the next 2 days. We believe that with the right guidance and resources, you can achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your preparation and take one step closer to your goal. Grab the offer now and let us be a part of your journey to success.

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming exam.

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LIVE webinar Concluded successfully on 27th January (Friday), 2023 | Register for Recorded Video & Get Value-Added PDF materials for UPSC Prelims 2023

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Preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam is a long and arduous journey that requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. Most of you might have already invested ~2yrs of time, huge money, emotions, and effort in this preparation.

However, despite all of the effort and input that you put in, small mistakes can have a significant impact on your final result. These mistakes can be compared to the butterfly effect or domino effect, where a small event can cause a chain reaction leading to grave issues.

As your mentor, it is our duty to inform and educate you on the importance of being aware of these small but fundamental mistakes that can have a significant impact on your success in the UPSC prelims exam.

To help you identify these mistakes and learn how to avoid them, we are excited to invite you to a LIVE webinar or 1-1 session by IPS, Shubham Sir.

This webinar will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

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About Shubham Nagargoje:

UPSC 2020 Topper–IPS Officer Shubham Nagargoje lived by this saying during his entire UPSC and RBI Grade B preparation for three years. Hence, failing to clear the UPSC Prelims twice didn’t deter him. He finally got appointment letters both as an RBI Grade B officer and an IPS officer.

Webinar Details: Concluded Successfully

Date: 27th January 2023 (Friday)

Time: 7:30 PM to 9 PM

Infallible ideas & Tips in This Free Live Webinar by Shubham Nagargoje!

• 20 blunders that can cost you UPSC Prelims and how to avoid them.
• Understanding the importance of a well-structured study plan and how to make one: A structured study plan is essential for effective time management and staying on track with your preparations. This should include a daily, weekly and monthly plan, along with specific targets.
• Identifying and avoiding common pitfalls: Students should be aware of common mistakes that many candidates make during their preparation and know how to avoid them. For example, procrastination, lack of focus, not seeking feedback, not updating oneself with current affairs, not testing oneself etc.
• Utilizing basic and fundamental resources like NCERTs and Current Affairs effectively: Students should learn how to use resources effectively and efficiently. This includes selecting the right study materials, identifying the best study methods, and utilizing online resources such as mock tests and practice questions.
• How do 99% of UPSC aspirants make mistakes to understand and differentiate between UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus?
• How to utilize the remaining 3 months for UPSC Prelims 2023?
• How to cover the syllabus in the remaining time so that you can make maximum revision cycles?
• How to clear UPSC Prelims with self-study? If you’re not getting any mentor, where are you making mistakes that will cost you Prelims?
• Attempting test series is important. But, analyzing test series in the wrong way will make you do silly mistakes.
• Additionally, the webinar will also provide guidance on how to identify and overcome personal barriers, such as lack of motivation, lack of direction, and self-doubt.

Don’t let small mistakes become Himalayan Blunders and hold you back from achieving your dreams. Join us in this webinar and learn how to avoid these mistakes and unlock your full potential. Sign up now, as spots are limited.

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What The Hindu opined about Civilsdaily Mentorship

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About Smash Prelims 2023 January edition

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Context

• All vehicles owned by central and state governments, including buses owned by transport corporations and public sector undertakings, that are older than 15 years will be de-registered and scrapped starting April 1.
• This has been announced by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) through a notification.

Vehicle Scrappage Policy, 2021

• As per the notification, disposal of such vehicles should be ensured through the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility after the expiry of the fifteen years from the date of initial registration of the vehicle.
• Announced in the Union Budget 2021-22, the policy provides for fitness tests after 20 years for personal vehicles, while commercial vehicles will require it after 15 years.

Key Features

• Fitness testing: The government plans to set up between 450-500 automated vehicle fitness testing stations across India on a PPP basis. Private vehicles – which are over 20 years old – will have to undergo fitness tests, at an estimated cost of Rs 300-400 per test.
• Scrappage: A total of 60-70 vehicle scrapping centers will also be built, situated no further than 150-200 kilometers away from any location in India.
• Green Tax: Vehicles that pass the automated tests will be subjected to a ‘green tax’, which will see owners shell out an additional 10 percent to 25 percent of road tax at the time of the renewal of the vehicle’s fitness certificate, along with re-registration fees.
• Penalties: Those who choose to drive a vehicle that has failed the automated test will face substantial penalties, and such vehicles could also be impounded.
• Choice of owners: The scrappage policy leaves the choice of scrapping to the owner of the vehicle, with MoRTH saying the automated tests will place emphasis on vehicle fitness, and not its age.
• Exemptions: The rules, however, shall not apply to the special purpose vehicles, which include armoured and other specialised vehicles used for operational purposes for the defence of the country and for the maintenance of law and order and internal security.
• Disincentives: As a disincentive, increased re-registration fees would be applicable for vehicles 15 years or older from the initial date registration.

Why need such a policy?

• Clean mobility: More than one crore of vehicles on India’s roads contribute greatly to rising pollution levels, as well as their tendency to be less fuel-efficient towards the end of their life.
• Reducing oil import: The promotion of clean mobility necessitates a reduction in the country’s fuel import bills, and a reduction in emissions is a pressing need at this time.
• Road safety: Such vehicles are also inherently unsafe and can be a threat to their occupants as well as other road users.
• Consumer benefits: Scrapping an old vehicle and replacing it with a new one will bring substantial monetary benefits for motorists, in addition to reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.
• Emission control: The mere implementation of BS6 norms won’t help in the reduction of the pollution being caused by the already inefficient vehicles on the roads.

Benefits for a vehicle owner

• Rebate offer: States and Union Territories will provide up to 25% tax rebate on road tax for vehicles that are purchased after scrapping old vehicles.
• Discount on new purchase: Once the vehicle has been scrapped, the owner will receive anywhere between four to six percent of their old vehicle’s ex-showroom price, and a scrappage certificate.
• Considerate savings: This will essentially make a new vehicle cheaper for someone who has scrapped their old vehicle, with potential discounts in the range of Rs 30,000 (for a car costing Rs 6 lakh) to Rs 50,000 (for a car costing Rs 10 lakh).

Significance of scrappage policy

• Investment and Employment: The policy will attract investment of over Rs 10,000 crore, and generate 50,000 jobs in the country.
• Scrap yard economics: Proper recycling of raw materials obtained from the scrapping will help reduce the import of materials such as aluminium, copper, steel and more.
• Vehicle price control: With the potential to recycle up to 99 percent of materials used in a vehicle, raw material costs are estimated to drop by as much as 40 percent.
• Transition to EVs: There’s also a possibility to derive materials needed for local production of lithium-ion batteries from scrapping older vehicles, which could help drive the growth of the EV business.
• Circular Economy: A circular economy depends on reuse, sharing, repair, and refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling of resources to create a closed-loop system, minimizing the use of resources, generation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions.
• Demand boost: Globally, a scrappage policy has been followed by a boost in demand in the auto manufacturing sector, especially in Europe and the US.
• Steel sector boost: Most steel-producing countries are trying to bring down emissions by shifting from iron-ore-based production to scrap-based production.
• Emission control: As older vehicles pollute the environment 10 to 12 times more, and estimated that 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles are more than 15 years old.

Issues with the scrappage policy

• Lack of scrappage infrastructure: Scrapping in India is highly unorganized. We have a perfect example of ships scrappage where it is not largely mechanized.
• Advisory nature: This policy has only ‘advised’ the state governments and the automobile industry to provide voluntary incentives to the owners of old vehicles.
• No initial incentivization: The central government has not committed to make it a fiscal stimulus strategy for quicker renewal of ageing, heavy-duty vehicle fleet with BS-VI vehicles — or to link other segments with targeted electrification.
• Fleet renewal: The focus on targeted fleet renewal for maximum emissions gains is still weak.
• Burden on States: The proposed policy puts the entire onus of incentivizing on the state governments. They have been advised to waive off a big chunk of road tax and registration fees on replacement vehicles.
• Expected revenue loss: These are important sources of state revenue, and the reaction of the state governments is still not known.

What can be an effective strategy?

(1) For Transportation vehicles

• More nuanced approach: Consider that some truck owners may want to only dispose of the very old trucks without replacing them. But others may want to scrap and replace the older trucks.
• Targeting end-of-life vehicles:  In that case, a rebate can be given to the owners of end-of-life vehicles who are interested in ‘only scrapping’ the vehicle without immediately replacing them.

(2) For Personal vehicles

• EV boost: For them, the central incentive can be linked with the replacement with electric vehicles.

(3) Build-in manufacturers’ responsibility

• Mandatory recyclability: The new policy also needs to align with the mandate for the manufacturers to meet targets for the recyclability of material. Make this mandatory as part of the scrappage policy.

(4) Implementing AIS 129 standard

• It is encouraging that the Automotive Industrial Standard-129 (AIS 129) on reuse, recycling and material recovery from vehicles were framed in 2015.
• This requires 80-85 per cent of the material used in vehicle manufacturing by mass to be recoverable/recyclable/reusable at the end of life.

Way forward

• Safe disposal of scrappage: This first-ever formal scrappage policy in India is urgently needed to help build infrastructure for safe disposal and material recovery to minimise environmental hazards.
• Proper incentivization: It is necessary to leverage this targeted fleet renewal with well-designed central support for a post-pandemic green deal.

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Context

• The government has made it mandatory for celebrities and social media influencers to disclose their material interest while endorsing any product, service or brand.
• Any violation will attract strict legal action, including ban on the endorsement.
• This has been announced by the Consumer Affairs Ministry as part of the new guidelines named ‘’Endorsement Know Hows’.

In this article, we’ll try to understand more about its objective, what the details entail on the disclosures, penalties on violations and the way forward towards effective implementation.

What is Endorsement?

• Endorsements are a form of advertising that uses famous personalities or celebrities who command a high degree of recognition, trust, respect or awareness amongst the people.
• Such people advertise for a product lending their names or images to promote a product or service.
• Advertisers and clients hope such approval, or endorsement by a celebrity, will influence buyers favourably.
• For example, Sachin Tendulkar endorsing motorcycles and biscuits can influence young men or children who look to him as role model.

Endorsement Know Hows: To whom it is aimed for?

• These rules mandate endorsers – which include celebrities, social media influencers and the virtual influencers – to behave responsibly.
• The government hopes these rules will act as a deterrent against misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.

Celebrity Endorsement: A quick backgrounder

• Last year, the department of consumer affairs published Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022.
• The criteria for valid advertisements are outlined in these guidelines, as are the responsibilities of manufacturers, service providers, advertisers, and advertising agencies.
• These guidelines also addressed celebrities and endorsers.
• It states that misleading advertising in any form, format, or medium is illegal.

Why need such policy?

• Manipulating consumer behaviour: India is a country where stars are idolized and worshipped. Marketers use them so as to influence their existing or potential customers to succeed and reap huge profit.
• Celebrity-brand disconnect: There are also cases where celebrities are blamed for not performing due diligence on brands they end up endorsing.  
• Competition promotion: A small brand would get badly hit by statements like the one made by Bachchan, unlike a larger brand that is on equal footing with a well-known celebrity.
• Ensuring consumer rights: The new guidelines are in alignment with the Consumer Protection Act, of 2019, which was enacted to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and deceptive advertising.
• Global examples: Countries such as the UK, Ireland and Belgium have specifically banned celebrity endorsement of unhealthy foods. The impact of such restrictions has been reported to be significant.

Key highlights of the recent guidelines

• Intent declaration: Any celebrity, influencer, or virtual influencer with an access to influence audience and their purchasing decisions must disclose any material connection to the advertiser.
• Disclosures of the deals: This include monetary or other compensation, trips or hotel stays, media bartering, coverage and awards, free products with or without conditions, discounts, gifts, and any family, personal, or employment relationship.
• Disclaimers: A disclaimer shall be in the same language as the claim made in the advertisement and the font used in a disclaimer shall be the same as that used in the claim.
• Communication ease: Endorsements must be made in simple, clear language, and terms like ‘advertisement,’ ‘sponsored,’ or ‘paid promotion’ are permitted.
• Due research about the product: The celebrity or influencer should not endorse any product or service that has not been thoroughly researched by them or that they have not personally used or experienced.

Why do companies resort to celebrities for endorsement?

• Instant brand awareness: People will begin associating the celebrity with the brand, meaning the brand is more recognizable, building stronger brand awareness.
• Build brand equity: Celebrities are perceived to hold qualities such as attractiveness, expertise, trustworthiness and likeability, which advertisers hope will be transferred to the brand or product.
• Persuading customers: Celebrities in advertising make the advertisement more noticeable to some consumers, and are therefore a good basis of capturing and retaining consumer attention.
• Capturing celebrity cult: Many consumers idolize celebrities and strive to imitate their lives with the clothes they wear and products they consume.
• Lasting Publicity: Even after the endorsement deal is over, consumers will still associate the brand with the celebrity.  
• Create social impact: Celebrity is presumed to be more passionate about the product and would therefore promote the product in a believable way that consumers would find more persuasive. Ex. Polio campaign by AB.

Ethical principles involved

There are several ethical principles that are typically considered when evaluating the use of celebrity endorsements for certain products. Some of these include:

• Honesty and Transparency: Celebrity endorsements should be honest and transparent, and should not mislead or deceive consumers. This includes making sure that any claims made in the endorsement are truthful and can be substantiated.
• Responsibility and Respect: Celebrity endorsements should be responsible and respectful towards the public, and should not promote products or behaviours that are harmful or dangerous.
• Fairness and Non-discrimination: Celebrity endorsements should be fair and non-discriminatory, and should not exploit or marginalize certain groups of people.
• Transparency of Relationship: Celebrity endorsements should be transparent about the nature of the relationship between the celebrity and the product or company being endorsed. This is important to avoid conflicts of interest and to maintain the trust of consumers.
• Social Responsibility: Celebrity endorsements should promote socially responsible products and causes, and should support the well-being of communities and the environment.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Celebrity endorsements should be culturally sensitive and should not perpetuate stereotypes or harmful cultural narratives.
• Legal and regulatory compliance: Celebrity endorsements should comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to advertising and marketing.

It’s important to note that these principles are not always mutually exclusive, and that different situations may require different considerations.

Challenges to these principles

• Authenticity of use: Celebrity endorsement exploits our rationality. Usage of by famous Celebrities may look unethical when he is a non-user of the product.  
• Tarnished image: Celebrity endorsements are unethical when the people involved in any controversies in their life endorse the product reflecting their negative image poorly on the brand so endorsed. Ex. Perfumes ad casualizing women’s modesty.
• Unsafe or ineffective product endorsement: Unethical aspects pave the way again when celebrities endorse some products which are hazardous to society. Ex. Darr ke aage jeet hai!
• Compel to buy unwanted products: There are chances wherein celebrities indirectly drive consumers’ impulsive buying behaviour resulting in the purchase of unnecessary/harmful products. Ex. Bolo Zubaan Kesri!!
• Misleading information: When celebrities say something deceptive / make false claims then the endorsement is lacking in ethics. Ex. Fairness creams and the notion of beauty.
• Conflict of interest: When a particular ad conflicts with the celebrity’s image, principles, interests etc., the Celebrity is totally money-minded, hence the ethical implications can be very serious. Ex. Pan masala ad glorifying tobacco for individual success.
• Override expert opinion: It is especially unethical when a celebrity endorsement overtakes the expert judgment. i.e. when he interjects his non-expert opinion he undermines the opinion of more qualified individuals. Ex. Liquors promotion!

Way forward for the Celebrities

• Consider supporting causes rather than organisations.
• Have a genuine connection to the brand. Use the organisation’s product or services.
• Do due diligence to ensure the organisation’s ethics are in line with own beliefs.
• Have an exit clause if the organisation’s values no longer align or fails.
• Ensure relationship with the organisation is disclosed in adverts and social posts..

Conclusion

• Celebrities symbolize knowledge, belief and aspiration in the eyes of consumers.
• It is necessary for the enterprise and the celebrity that to consider all ethical considerations prior to publicly supporting a product or service.
• Hence celebrities have to possess a sense of moral and ethical responsibility while endorsing any product whether it is consumable or any or product.

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What are Sunshine Industries? Sunrise industry is a colloquial term for a burgeoning sector or business in its infancy stage showing promise of a rapid boom. They are typically characterized by high growth rates, numerous start-ups, and an abundance of venture capital funding.

Medical Device Industry in India

• This has been recognized as a key industry under the Make in India initiative and accorded the status of ―Sunshine Sector.
• Vaccines, drugs and medical devices are the three vital pillars of the modern healthcare industry.
• The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be USD 11 billion and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5%.
• India is the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia after Japan, China and South Korea and is amongst the top 20 markets in the world.
• Indian medical devices industry has potential to reach 50 billion dollars by 2030.

Segments of medical devices

There are different segments into which the medical device industry is classified based on the type of products produced.

• Equipment and instruments: They contribute largely to the total market share and include devices like ophthalmic instruments, dental products, medical and surgical sterilizers, and therapeutic respiration apparatus.
• Diagnostic imaging: The total market share of this segment is the second and categorizes devices like electro-diagnostic apparatus, radiation apparatus, and imaging parts and accessories.
• Patient aids: This segment mainly depends on orthopaedic and prosthetics, portable aids, wheelchairs, and hospital furniture and these contribute to a small amount of the total market share.
• Consumables and implants: These are devices that are used internally or for injecting into the patient, such as syringes, needles, catheters, bandages, suturing materials, etc., and a percentage of it contributing to the total market share is managed by these devices.

Push factors for growth

• India’s population and life expectancy: It is expected to reach 1.45 billion by 2028, making it the world’s most populated country.  Life expectancy in India is anticipated to rise to 70 years by 2025, up from the current 67.5 years.
• Disease Burden Shift: In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for half of the disease burden and 60% of all deaths.
• Preferences changes: Increasing health knowledge, a shift in attitudes toward preventative healthcare, and an increase in the occurrence of lifestyle disorders
• Increasing Disposable Income: By 2026, 8% of Indians will earn over $12,000 per year. Over the next ten years, 73 million Indian households will enter the middle class, increasing their purchasing power, including in the area of medical devices.
• Health insurance reforms: About 20% of Indians are covered by health insurance. With increased affluence and urbanization, this number is anticipated to rise.
• Medical Tourism: It is on the rise in India, because of the relatively low cost of medical care. It contributes more than $2 billion to India’s healthcare market.
• Infrastructure Development: India is planning for more medical device parks. It has a dedicated PLI Scheme in this regard.
• Policy Support and Incentives: 100% FDI authorized in Greenfield and brownfield projects, lower entry hurdles than other industries, and a varied and vibrant start-up ecosystem.
• Make in India boost: The medical device industry in India attained independent status after the launch of the “Make in India” program in 2014 under the government scheme. 

Technology surge and medical devices

• Big Data: Medical devices provide enormous amounts of vital, timely data that can have a big clinical impact. Predictive analytics models based on ‘Big Data’ can assist physicians get helpful insights while also improving the quality of care and patient outcomes.
• Wearable Devices: Due to their ease of use, wearable such as glucose monitors, exercise trackers, and wearable for mental health are becoming increasingly popular among Indian customers.
• Surgical Robotics: Robotics is one of the most fascinating and rapidly increasing areas of healthcare, with potential innovations ranging from robot companions to exoskeletons. In healthcare, robot companions can help alleviate loneliness, cure mental health difficulties, and even assist children with chronic illnesses.
• Startups: India has around 250 active medical technology startups. Between 2011 and 2020, Indian health-tech and digital health startups raised over $2 billion, including 500+ investments into 340+ companies. Over the last decade, there have been more than 70 successful exits.
• Home Healthcare: This has the potential to save up to 65 percent of unnecessary hospital visits in India while also lowering hospital expenditures by 20%. By 2027, it is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 19.2%, reaching $ 21.3 billion.

Regulatory mechanism in India

• Legacy laws: After 1970 the government took control through the Indian Patent Act 1970 and Drug Price Control Order and gradually Indian companies started emerging.
• Regulatory authorities: The Government of India has introduced Medical Device Regulation which has the task to regulate the manufacturing and marketing of medical devices and the authorities governing it are:
• Central Drug Standards Control Organization:  Main regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Drug Controller General in India: He/She is the crucial official under CDSCO
• Drugs & Cosmetic Act and Rules: This governs the manufacture, import, sales and distribution of medical devices

Various challenges to this sector

• Quality assurance: India has only 18 certified medical device testing laboratories that have been approved by the CDSCO and that is grossly insufficient keeping in view the size of the country.
• Demand-supply gap: There is a huge gap in the current demand and supply of medical devices in India and this provides a significant opportunity for manufacturing devices in India.
• Nascent industry: Around 65 percent of Indian manufacturers are domestic operators in the consumables sector, catering mostly to domestic consumption with negligible exports.
• MNC monopoly: With vast service networks, large multinational corporations dominate the high-tech end of the Medical Devices industry in India.
• Overpricing: To substantiate, let’s consider the example of stents or knee or hip implants. This needs no explanation!

Policy Boost

• Medical Device Parks Promotion Scheme: The government has approved the establishment of four medical device parks to offer shared infrastructure, build a healthy ecosystem for medical device manufacture, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The PLI scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices and for Pharmaceuticals (PLI 2.0) were introduced to help India achieve its goal of becoming a worldwide medical device manufacturing powerhouse.
• Draft National Policy for Medical Devices, 2022: The Medical Devices Rules (MDR) 2017 govern clinical research, manufacturing, importation, sale, and distribution of medical devices. The gadgets are divided into four categories in accordance with international standards.
• QA mechanism: In June 2021, the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AiMeD) launched the Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) 13485 Plus scheme to undertake verification of the quality, safety and efficacy of medical devices

Need for a concrete policy

• Policy vacuum: India’s medical devices sector has so far been regulated as per provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, and a specific policy on medical devices has been a long-standing demand from the industry.
• Meaningful expense on R&D: The policy also aims to increase India’s per capita spend on medical devices. India has one of the lowest per capita spend on medical devices at $3, compared to the global average of per capita consumption of $47.
• Reducing import dependence: With the new policy, the government aims to reduce India’s import dependence from 80 per cent to nearly 30 per cent in the next 10 years.
• Becoming a global hub: It aims to become one of the top five global manufacturing hubs for medical devices by 2047.
• Domestic manufacturing of high-end products: Indian players in the space have so far typically focussed on low-cost and low-tech products, like consumables and disposables, leading to a higher value share going to foreign companies.

Way forward

• Infrastructure boost: Having adequate common infrastructure including accredited laboratories in various regions of the country for standard testing will significantly encourage local manufacturers to get their products tested for standard. 
• Surveillance System: There is a dire need for developing a robust IT-enabled feedback-driven post-market surveillance system for medical devices to evaluate their efficiency.
• Validation Centre: Setting up government-run, common medical device testing facilities in PPP mode for testing/evaluating medical devices. 
• Skill Development: There is a need to set up committees and representation through the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council.
• R&D: Development of incubation centres, setting up an IP exchange where technologies can be showcased and licensed for commercial benefits.  
• Synergy with State governments: Health Ministry needs to work in synergy with State governments and impart the necessary skills to the local medical device officers and also devise a mechanism.
• 3As: Accessibility, availability and affordability must be at the core objectives for focusing on self-sustainability, innovation and growth in the medical devices sector.

With inputs from:

https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2019-12-12-57

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Zeeshan sir will share PDF notes (GS And Current Affairs), and Imp Lecture recorded videos. Register for the PDF here.

Consistently scoring in the range of 60-70 marks in Prelims mocks?

Not being able to pinpoint where you’re making mistakes, and how to rectify them so that you can up the score?

Don’t want to fail UPSC Prelims 2023.

If you can relate then this is for you.

Attempting mocks for Prelims is important to assess your current preparation level but it must be process-oriented activity instead of mindlessly attempting mocks, looking at the answer keys, and crying after a bad performance.

Want to ace the UPSC? Start with mock tests. Want to guarantee Prelims success? Make it a process driven activity.

Zeeshan Hashmi, Senior IAS mentor

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Webinar Details:

• 19th Jan 2023 at 7:30 PM
• The Zoom link will be emailed to you post-registration
• Zeeshan sir will share PDF notes (GS And Current Affairs), and Imp Lecture videos.

Key takeaways: absolute clarity on a number of issues

1. How to attempt mocks in the most effective way for preparation and revision?
2. Perfect the post mock process
   • How to self-evaluate a Prelims mock paper?
   • Analyzing questions like a pro?
   • Rectifying mistakes and course correction
   • Making notes
3. Smart techniques to attempt mocks: Elimination and tikdams
4. Compounding effect: Making guaranteed improvements after every mock and eventually a massive jump in actual prelims
5. Avoiding mistakes that make you feel silly after the test.
6. Devising your strategy: Finding your unique way of attempting and approaching a prelims paper
7. Revision and syllabus completion

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19th Jan 2023, 7:30 pm | Zeeshan sir will PDF notes (GS And Current Affairs), and Imp Lecture videos.

Context

• The PM recently hosted a virtual event, “Voice of the Global South Summit”. 125 countries participated in the virtual summit.
• Respond, Recognise, Respect & Reform to re-energise the world…That was the four-point mantra PM emphasised at the event.

The first use of this Global South in a contemporary political sense was in 1969 by Carl Oglesby, writing in Catholic journal Commonwealth in a special issue on the Vietnam War.

What is Global South?

• ‘Global North’ refers loosely to countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, while ‘Global South’ includes countries in Asia, Africa and South America.  
• The term has been used multiple times, such as when EAM Jaishankar said of ongoing global conflicts, “polarisation may occur elsewhere, the people who suffer most are the Global South”.

Features of Global South

• Lower-income countries: The Global South is a term often used to identify lower-income countries on one side of the so-called global North–South divide, the other side being the countries of the Global North.
• Beyond geographical south: As such the term does not inherently refer to a geographical south; for example, most of the Global South is actually within the Northern Hemisphere.
• Third World radicalism: The term, as used by governmental and development organizations, was first introduced as a more open and value free alternative to “Third World” and similar potentially “valuing” terms like developing countries.
• Newly industrialized: Countries of the Global South have been described as newly industrialized or in the process of industrializing and frequently have a history of colonialism by Northern, often European, states.
• Major countries: The countries of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico have the largest populations and economies among Southern states. The overwhelming majority of these are located near the tropics.

Need for such classification

• Economic term: The concepts of ‘East’ and ‘West’ is one example of this, with the Western countries generally signifying greater levels of economic development and prosperity among their people, and Eastern countries considered as being in the process of that transition.
• Geopolitical alignment: Another similar categorisation is of First World, Second World and Third World countries, referring to countries associated with the Cold war-era alliances of the US, the USSR, and non-aligned countries, respectively.
• Broader classification: The East/West binary was seen as often perpetuating stereotypical thinking about African and Asian countries. Categorising incredibly diverse countries into a monolith was felt to be too simplistic.
• Shared history: Major commonality between the South countries is that most have a history of colonisation, largely at the hands of European powers. Now they are arguably more accurate in grouping countries together, measuring similarly in terms of wealth, indicators of education and healthcare, etc.
• Common requirements:  The concept is being reiterated now because of the economic emergence of some of these South countries, such as India and China, in the last few decades. Many consider the world to now be multipolar rather than one where the US alone dominates international affairs.

• Indian context to the Global South

• Collective representation: As India assumed the presidency of the G20 group of countries for 2022 to 2023, EAM S Jaishankar said that India would be the “voice of the Global South that is otherwise under-represented in such forums”.
• Reform in multilateral institutions: When leaders such as Jaishankar mention it, they are also pointing to the region’s historical exclusion from prominent international organisations – such as from the permanent membership of the UNSC, the UN and the IMF.

How has this term materialized with Ukrainian War?

Ans. South-South’ Cooperation

• Interestingly, when Jaishankar criticised the expectation from India to take a stance on the Ukraine war and rebuke Russia, China’s heaped praises.
• This is where the idea of ‘South-South’ cooperation comes in.

What is South-South Cooperation?

• Economically emergent countries: Why the concept is being reiterated now is partly because of the economic emergence of some of these South countries, such as India and China, in the last few decades.
• Shift in geopolitical poles: Many consider the world to now be multipolar rather than one where the US alone dominates international affairs.
• Challenging the US led global order: The progress achieved by many Asian countries is also seen as challenging the idea that the North is the ideal.

Criticism of the classification

• Vague classification: Some of the earlier terms’ criticisms apply here, too, such as the argument that the term is too broad.  There is also the question of whether the South simply aims to replace the North and the positions it occupies, again continuing a cycle in which a few countries accumulate crucial resources.
• Triggered by crony-capitalism: Much controversy currently surrounds the question of whether elites of the global South and ‘rising powers’ genuinely have the intention to challenge the dominant structures of global capitalist development.
• Beneficial only to India and China: In the rise of Asia, the continued neglect of Africa has been questioned as well.

Significance of the Global South

• Podium for India: India, with its enormous population and enormous economic capabilities, is working to unite the nations of the Global South into a powerful front so that an action-oriented approach can be adopted for the countries of the global south.
• Untapped potential: There is enormous untapped potential in the growing economies of the Global South.  The countries will witness significant progress if they cooperate in areas like technical exchanges, ideas exchanges, exchanging best practices in manufacturing, and other areas.
• Common concerns: India is committed  to utilise the G20 presidency to give resonance to the voice of the global south and to highlight the common concerns of energy security, energy justice, sustainable energy transition so that all developing countries can gain reliable and clean energy.

Challenges for consolidation

• Row over climate reparations: In the ongoing debate about North countries paying for funding green energy, having historically contributed to higher carbon emissions, many in the Global North have objected to China and India’s exclusion from this, given their increasing industrialization.
• Russia-Ukraine War: This ongoing war severely affected the least developed countries (LDCs) aggravating the concerns related to food, energy and finance, thereby, threatening the development prospects of LDCs.
• China’s unprecedented rise: This prompted them to get more allied towards China. China is increasingly making inroads in the Global South through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for developing infrastructure.
• US domination: The world is now considered to be multipolar by many but still, it is the US alone who dominates international affairs. Even today, US is still dominating the Ukrainian War.
• Dependence over North: Global North-South divergences have been historically characterised by major gaps in the access to resources required for crucial developmental outcomes. Industrialisation has been always skewed in the favour of global North.

Way forward

• Active engagement: Championing the Global South today would demand more active Indian engagement with the messy regional politics within the developing world.
• Need for Policy vision: India must also come to terms with the fact that the Global South is not a coherent group and does not have a single shared agenda. There is much differentiation within the South today in terms of wealth and power, needs and capabilities.

Conclusion

• If the Global South and India worked together, they could make significant advancements in the fight against terrorism, maritime policy, and other fields.
• In its development partnerships, India’s approach has always been consultative, outcome-oriented, demand-driven, people-centric and respectful of the sovereignty of partner countries.
• The Indian side has made an effort to set its development programs in the Global South apart from those of China, which can result in debt traps and financially unsound undertakings.

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Day 2 with AIR 109, Areeba ma; am: 18 months strategy to clear UPSC 2024 in ONE attempt

16th Jan 2023 (Monday), 4 pm

UPSC Topper AIR 109, UPSC 2021, Areeba Nomaan, CD’s Super Mentor will take a LIVE workshop where she will be sharing 18 months of strategy to clear UPSC 2024 in just one attempt.

Mode: Online, Zoom link will be emailed to you

What you should expect after Day 2 of the workshop?

1. UPSC Trend and pattern analysis of UPSC based on the previous 10 years’ CSE exam.
2. Solid approach for the next 18 months even if you have just started the preparation? Strategy for the next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and like that, will be shared with you.
3. Monthly and quarterly targets.
4. How to cover the UPSC syllabus? Best sources
5. Time management – invest effectively 5 hours per day for UPSC success. How to effectively manage preparation time? Make a timetable and set targets.
6. Managing UPSC preparation with a serious time crunch; job – working professionals, college students, and family (especially for homemaker aspirants)
7. Making notes and building a foundation with NCERTs
8. Breaking the inertia towards answer writing, and attempting mock tests.
9. Do’s and Dont’s; and breaking the myths around UPSC. Eg. Aspirants from rural or non-engineering backgrounds are at a disadvantage
10. Enhancing retention- Revision techniques that are common, standard, and used frequently. What exactly are they?

• Click here for Day 1 detail – Perfect time management to clear UPSC Prelims 2023 in 4.5 months with Rajat sir
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Day 1 with Rajat sir, IP&TAFS, UPSC 2019

14th Jan 2023 (Saturday), 7 pm

Rajat sir will discuss and share 5 point strategy for the next 4.5 months for UPSC 2023 aspirants. He will also share Macro and Micro strategies for the upcoming months, important and probable topics as well.

What you should expect on Day 1?

1. Strategic time allocation for the next 4.5 months for UPSC Prelims 2023
2. Going selective: What’s important for UPSC Prelims 2023, ignoring the rest (What to read from UPSC Prelims syllabus)
3. From where to read and cover UPSC prelims syllabus? – Current Affairs and GS static
4. How to read? (Purpose-driven current affairs coverage) How to cover the last 1.5 yrs of UPSC current affairs?
5. How to ensure retention through revision? (Not just one-time activity)
6. How to deal with CSAT?
7. How to attempt test series and how to incorporate Previous Year tests/questions in your preparation?
8. How to balance safe (max) attempts vs accuracy?
9. How to do guesswork and at the same time minimize negative marking? On which type of questions you should take the risk

Don’t miss out on this super important workshop.

Time: 7 pm onwards

Mode: This Workshop will be held in online mode. We will share a Zoom link in your email. Please register.

Contact here: +91 7303316700

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Day 2 with AIR 109, Areeba ma;am: 18 months strategy to clear UPSC 2024 in ONE attempt

16th Jan 2023 (Monday), 3 pm

UPSC Topper AIR 109, UPSC 2021, Areeba Nomaan, CD’s Super Mentor will take a LIVE workshop where she will be sharing 18 months strategy to clear UPSC 2024 in just one attempt.

Mode: Online, Zoom link will be emailed to you

What you should expect after Day 2 of the workshop?

1. UPSC Trend and pattern analysis of UPSC based on the previous 10 years’ CSE exam.
2. Solid approach for the next 18 months even if you have just started the preparation? Strategy for the next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and like that, will be shared with you.
3. Monthly and quarterly targets.
4. How to cover the UPSC syllabus? Best sources
5. Time management – invest effectively 5 hours per day for UPSC success. How to effectively manage preparation time? Make a timetable and set targets.
6. Managing UPSC preparation with a serious time crunch; job – working professionals, college students, and family (especially for homemaker aspirants)
7. Making notes and building foundation with NCERTs
8. Breaking the inertia towards answer writing, and attempting mock tests.
9. Do’s and Dont’s; and breaking the myths around UPSC. Eg. Aspirants from rural or non-engineering backgrounds are at a disadvantage
10. Enhancing retention- Revision techniques that are common, standard, and used frequently. What exactly are they?

Mode: Online, Zoom link will be emailed to you

Time: 7 pm onwards

Contact here: +91 7303316700

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The workshop will be an opportunity for UPSC aspirants for UPSC Prelims 2023 exam and UPSC 2024 who want to clear the exam in just one attempt, to learn from the best and gain a competitive edge in their preparation for the exam.

The workshop will focus on the importance of strategy, covering a wide range of topics such as time management, effective study techniques, and methods for developing a winning strategy to clear the UPSC exam.

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Post-webinar we will share important PDFs, timetable framework, and notes.

Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

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Register FREE for 2 Days’ UPSC Workshop by UPSC 2021 topper AIR 109, Areeba & UPSC 2019 ranker Rajat sir