MEASLES VACCINE AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Recent global data shows that measles vaccines have prevented over 9 crore deaths worldwide in the last 50 years, especially in low-income regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.
This highlights the historic success of global vaccination efforts in reducing child mortality.
Impact of the Measles Vaccine
- The first effective vaccine was developed in 1963 by John Enders.
- Measles was once a widespread and deadly disease affecting almost all children.
- Vaccination campaigns expanded rapidly in high-income nations in the 1960s and globally by the 1970s-80s.
- Over 9 crore deaths have been prevented in the past 50 years due to these efforts.
- Studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of infection by 20 times.
Why Measles Was So Dangerous
- Measles is airborne and extremely contagious, unlike water- or foodborne diseases.
- Before vaccines, 90% of children got infected; hospitalisation rates were high.
- In poorer countries, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, the death rate was 5–10% among infected children.
- Improvements in hygiene and nutrition did not prevent the spread because measles travels through air.
Global Vaccination Campaigns
- The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (1970s) helped increase vaccine access.
- By the early 2000s, about 60% of infants globally were vaccinated.
- In 2000, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance was launched to help vaccinate children in poor countries.
- Now, over 100 million infants (80% globally) receive the measles vaccine yearly.
Regional Impact of Measles Vaccines
- Africa saw the highest benefit, with nearly 2.9 crore lives saved.
- Southeast Asia followed with about 2 crore lives saved.
- These regions had high measles death rates before vaccination efforts expanded.
MEASLES
- Cause: Measles is caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family.
- Transmission: It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Symptoms: Includes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.
- Complications: Can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term immune suppression.
- Prevention: Two doses of the measles vaccine (usually MMR) provide long-lasting protection.
Conclusion
The measles vaccine is a global public health success, saving millions of lives. Continued investment in vaccination drives is essential to protect vulnerable children and eliminate measles worldwide.
DEPUTY SPEAKER IN THE LOK SABHA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Deputy Speaker’s post in the Lok Sabha has remained unfilled since 2019, raising concerns about constitutional non-compliance and weakening of democratic norms.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 93: States that the Lok Sabha shall choose both a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be”, indicating urgency.
- Article 94: The Deputy Speaker continues in office until resignation, removal, or disqualification.
- Article 180: In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker performs all his duties.
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business (Lok Sabha, Rule 8): Election of the Deputy Speaker should be held on a date fixed by the Speaker.
- No fixed tenure in Constitution: Holds office until he resigns, is removed, or ceases to be a member of the House.
Significance of the Deputy Speaker
- Not Just a Stand-in: The Deputy Speaker is crucial for the smooth functioning of Parliament.
- Presiding Over Committees: Chairs important committees, such as those on private member bills and budget discussions.
- Ensures Continuity: Maintains parliamentary functioning during the absence of the Speaker.
- Impartial Role: Acts as a neutral authority in managing sensitive debates, enhancing trust among members.
- Has same powers as Speaker when in chair: While presiding, he has powers like allowing questions, motions, and maintaining decorum.
Conventional Practice
- The post is customarily given to the Opposition as a democratic gesture.
- This ensures inclusivity and promotes healthy dialogue between the government and Opposition.
Issue with Prolonged Vacancy
- The Deputy Speaker’s post has remained unoccupied throughout the 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024).
- No clear efforts are seen to fill this role even in the 18th Lok Sabha.
- This absence sidelines the Opposition and concentrates authority with the ruling party.
- It undermines the principles of collective responsibility and cooperative federalism.
Democratic and Constitutional Concerns
- Delay Misuse: Ambiguity in “as soon as may be” (Article 93) allows indefinite delay, distorting constitutional intent.
- Loss of Balance: Without a Deputy Speaker, checks on the Speaker’s impartiality are weakened.
- Crisis Risk: In the Speaker’s sudden resignation or illness, lack of a Deputy can cause legislative paralysis.
- Deviation from Westminster Norms: Indian parliamentary democracy, modelled on the UK system, requires such balance for resilience and fair governance.
DEPUTY SPEAKER
Resignation of the Deputy Speaker
- The Deputy Speaker can resign by writing to the Speaker.
- Resignation becomes effective once it is accepted and read out in the House.
Removal of the Deputy Speaker
- Can be removed by Lok Sabha: By a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.
- 14Days’ notice is required: Before moving the resolution, a notice of minimum 14 days must be given.
- Not tied to government majority: The post is protected from being easily removed by the ruling party.
Important Points
- Deputy Speaker continues in office even if Lok Sabha is dissolved, till new Deputy Speaker is elected in next House.
- The role ensures the smooth functioning of the House in Speaker’s absence.
Conclusion
The continuing vacancy violates both the letter and spirit of the Constitution. To protect democratic values, the post should be filled immediately, ideally by a member of the Opposition, ensuring inclusiveness and institutional integrity.
SC’S DEVIATION FROM POCSO IN A RECENT JUDGMENT
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court recently withheld the sentencing of a man convicted under the POCSO Act, considering the victim’s hardship and her unwillingness to see the act as a crime. This raised concerns about the dilution of a strict child protection law.
Purpose of the POCSO Act
- Enacted in 2012, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act protects individuals below 18 years from sexual abuse.
- It criminalises penetrative and non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography.
- POCSO treats all individuals under 18 as incapable of giving legal consent.
- The Act ensures:
- Child-friendly procedures (in-camera trials, video testimony, special courts)
- Presumption of guilt on the accused
- Time-bound trials for faster justice
- It is gender-neutral and focuses on safeguarding the best interests of the child.
About the Case
- In 2018, a 13-year-old girl from West Bengal went missing and was later found to have married a 25-year-old man and had a child.
- A trial court convicted the man under: POCSO, IPC Sections 363, 366, 376(2)(n), and 376(3) – related to kidnapping and rape of a minor.
- He was sentenced to 20 years in jail in 2022.
Controversial High Court Ruling
- The Calcutta High Court overturned the conviction using its special powers under Section 482 of the CrPC.
- It claimed that the relationship seemed consensual and not exploitative.
- The Court also suggested that adolescent sexual behavior is influenced by factors like early puberty, food habits, and social media.
- This reasoning ignored the strict liability principle of POCSO, which does not allow consensual sex with minors.
Supreme Court’s Response
- On August 20, 2024, the SC reversed the High Court ruling, emphasizing:
- POCSO’s clear position: no consent is valid if the child is under 18.
- Courts must stick to legal interpretation, not social commentary.
- However, sentencing was delayed. A 3-member expert panel was appointed to assess the victim’s situation.
- Findings:
- The girl, now in poverty and in a shelter, still wants to be with the accused.
- She faced social stigma, police pressure, and family abandonment.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions Involved
- Article 142: SC used its extraordinary power to defer sentencing in the interest of justice and the girl’s welfare.
- Section 482 CrPC: Allows High Courts to pass necessary orders to prevent abuse of the legal process—but not to override statutory laws like POCSO.
- POCSO’s strict liability: Any sexual act with a minor is punishable, irrespective of consent or marital status.
Concerns and Way Forward
- The SC said this should not become a precedent, or it may weaken child protection laws.
- Allowing exceptions could legitimize exploitation under the cover of marriage or consent.
- There is a need for:
- Better implementation of POCSO
- Comprehensive sex education
- Support systems for victims (legal aid, shelter, rehabilitation)
Conclusion:
The case exposes a serious challenge of balancing justice with compassion without compromising child rights. The POCSO Act must be upheld firmly, with societal reforms to support victims.
WHY INDIA IS CONSIDERED THE THIRD-LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Recently, the Niti Aayog CEO claimed that India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world by surpassing Japan. However, there is debate over whether India is actually the third, fourth, or fifth largest economy, based on different economic measurements.
Economic Rankings
- The size of an economy is usually measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year.
- There are two main ways to compare economies globally:
- Nominal GDP: Measured using current market exchange rates and expressed in US dollars.
- Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): Adjusts for the cost of living and inflation differences between countries, reflecting the true buying power of a currency.
- According to PPP data, India overtook Japan to become the third-largest economy as early as 2009.
- However, in nominal GDP terms, India is still catching up and is projected to surpass Japan and Germany soon.
What is Nominal GDP?
- It is the value of goods and services produced in a country measured in current prices.
- When we compare countries, we use market exchange rates (like ₹ to $).
- But market exchange rates keep changing, so it does not always reflect the true size of the economy.
Example:
If India produces ₹100 crore worth of goods, and ₹1 = $0.012, then GDP in dollars = $1.2 crore.
But if ₹1 = $0.010 next year, GDP becomes $1 crore — even if production didn’t change.
What is PPP (Purchasing Power Parity)?
- PPP compares how much goods and services people can actually buy in their own country, with their own currencies.
- It adjusts for price differences between countries.
- It shows the real value of money in terms of buying basic things like food, clothes, etc.
🟢 Example:
With ₹100, you can buy more things in India than $1 can buy in the USA.
So PPP tells us — ₹100 in India has more purchasing power than $1 in the USA.
In short:
- Nominal GDP = Economy size based on current exchange rates (market prices).
- PPP GDP = Economy size adjusted for cost of living differences, showing real buying power of their respective currencies.
Why is There Confusion Over India’s Ranking?
- Different organizations use different data sets and methods, causing mixed claims about India’s rank.
- Currency fluctuations heavily influence nominal GDP rankings.
- India’s nominal GDP ranks lower than Japan and Germany currently but is expected to overtake them in the near future.
- PPP rankings are less influenced by exchange rate changes and show India as the third-largest economy for over a decade.
Political and Economic Perspectives
- Celebrating India as the fourth-largest economy is politically popular but may oversimplify the economic reality.
- Many developed countries like Japan and Germany have seen stagnant or declining growth in the last decade, while India’s growth rate has been higher, around 6-7% annually.
- India’s rise in PPP terms began before the current government, dating back to the UPA administration under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Bigger Picture: Per Capita Income
- Despite India’s large overall economy, per capita GDP (average income per person) remains very low compared to developed nations.
- For example, India’s per capita nominal GDP is about $2,879 (2025 estimate), whereas the UK’s is nearly $54,949.
- Even in PPP terms, India’s per capita income is around 40% of the global average.
- This highlights that most Indians still earn much less on average, showing a significant gap between total economic size and individual prosperity.
Conclusion
India has indeed made remarkable progress to become one of the world’s largest economies by size, especially in terms of PPP. However, in nominal terms, India is still catching up with Japan and Germany. More importantly, per capita income remains low, signaling that the country has a long way to go in improving the living standards of its people. Hence, focusing solely on rankings can be misleading without considering the broader economic context.
U.S. DOLLAR FALL AND TRADE DEFICIT
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
A recent opinion that a major drop in the U.S. dollar’s value may be necessary to eliminate America’s long-standing trade deficit.
The U.S. Trade Deficit
- The U.S. has had a continuous trade deficit for over 50 years, mainly due to high domestic demand and large imports.
- A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports.
- The demand for U.S. assets by foreign investors has kept capital flowing in, supporting the dollar’s strength.
U.S.–INDIA TRADE DEFICIT
In 2024, the U.S. goods trade deficit with India increased to $45.7 billion, marking a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
Trade Figures
- 2024:
U.S. Exports to India: $41.8 billion (↑3.4% from 2023)
U.S. Imports from India: $87.4 billion (↑4.5% from 2023)
Trade Deficit: $45.7 billion
Trump Administration’s Focus
- Former President Donald Trump aimed to cut the trade deficit, blaming unfair global trade practices.
- His economic team, including Stephen Miran, argued the dollar is overvalued, hurting U.S. exports.
- Proposals included weaker dollar policies and tariffs to encourage local manufacturing.
- However, a 15% fall in the dollar during Trump’s first term failed to reduce the trade deficit, which stayed at around 2.5%-3% of GDP.
- Experts say a much bigger fall (20%-30%) may be needed to significantly reduce the gap.
Historical Examples
2002–08:
- Dollar fell 40%, but the trade deficit widened, peaking at 6% of GDP in 2005.
- The drop in trade gap later was mostly due to the 2008 financial crisis, not the currency dip.
How Low Currency Value Boosts Trade and impact trade deficit
Exports Become Cheaper and Competitive
- Domestic goods become less expensive in foreign markets.
- This encourages foreign buyers to import more.
- Example: If ₹1 = $0.012 instead of $0.014, Indian textiles look cheaper to American buyers.
Boost to Export-Oriented Industries
- Industries like IT services, textiles, pharma, and agriculture gain an edge in pricing.
- Helps earn more foreign exchange.
Discourages Imports
- Imports become costlier as more domestic currency is needed to buy the same product.
- This may reduce demand for imported goods, helping domestic producers.
Improves Trade Balance
- Higher exports and lower imports narrow the trade deficit.
- Countries like China and Vietnam have historically benefited from undervalued currencies to maintain trade surpluses.
Note: Refer Balance of payments topic from NCERT.
Conclusion
A huge drop in the dollar may be needed to fix the trade imbalance, but past data shows this won’t work alone. Without recession-like conditions or deep policy shifts, relying on the exchange rate alone may not close the U.S. trade gap.
INDIA’S FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS NEED OVERHAUL
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s financial system is facing serious gaps due to inconsistent rules, weak corporate bond markets, ineffective retirement planning options, and unchecked shadow banking.
Sector reforms:
Issues in Nomination Rules
- Nominee-related rules in banks, insurance, and mutual funds differ widely.
- For one account, only one nominee may be allowed; for another, multiple nominees can be added.
- These inconsistent rules create confusion for ordinary users and can lead to legal disputes.
- A single, unified nomination law is needed to clearly define the role of nominees vs. legal heirs.
Underdeveloped Corporate Bond Market
- India’s corporate bond market remains small and lacks enough trading activity.
- Lower efficiency here raises the cost of capital, making loans more expensive for companies.
- A stronger bond market can cut borrowing costs by 2–3% and improve job creation and industrial growth.
- The National Stock Exchange (NSE) was earlier asked to build a secondary bond market but failed to act.
- Opaque high-frequency trading and weak regulatory enforcement add to the problem.
Weaknesses in Beneficial Ownership Disclosure
- India follows global norms (FATF) for knowing who really owns an investment (UBO rules).
- But some foreign investors use countries like Mauritius to hide true ownership.
- Current rules allow companies or investors to avoid detection by keeping ownership just below set thresholds (10–15%).
- This lack of transparency creates risks for market integrity and investor trust.
Retirement Planning Gaps
- Most retirement savings go into annuities, which are costly due to middlemen (insurance firms).
- A better option is long-term zero-coupon government bonds — cheaper and safer.
- India already has the tools to offer these, but there’s little policy action.
Risks from Shadow Banking
- NBFCs and brokers act like banks but aren’t fully regulated.
- Brokers provide loans to retail investors through margin funding, often at 20%+ interest.
- Investors unknowingly pay high charges while brokers profit from complex loan tricks.
- EU already tracks such activity; India needs to collect similar data to build proper oversight.
Conclusion
India’s financial system needs more than minor fixes. It requires a unified nomination framework, a deep and liquid bond market, improved retirement options, and tight control over shadow banking.
FIFTH-GENERATION FIGHTER AIRCRAFT AND INDIA’S AMCA PROJECT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The defence minister has approved the execution model for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, marking a key step in building India’s own fifth-generation fighter jet.
What Does “Generation” Mean?
- Fighter jets are grouped into “generations” based on their technological advancements.
- Each generation reflects a major leap in capabilities, especially in stealth, avionics, speed, or weaponry.
- These classifications are not official or standardized, and countries interpret them differently.
What Are Fifth-Generation Fighters?
These are the most advanced military aircraft in service today. Their main features include:
- Stealth Technology: Built with radar-absorbing materials and special designs to reduce visibility to enemy radar.
- Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Combat: Can detect and target enemies before being seen using long-range radars and missiles. Enhances first-strike capability, keeping the aircraft safe while destroying the threat.
- Advanced Avionics and AI Integration: Features include sensor fusion, AI support, real-time data sharing, and advanced battlefield networking.
- Super Maneuverability and Supercruise: These jets can perform extreme flight maneuvers and fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners, saving fuel and reducing heat signatures.
- Situational Awareness: Pilot is provided with complete 360° situational view using integrated sensors.
India’s AMCA Project: Indigenous 5th Gen Fighter
What is AMCA?
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s homegrown project to build a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
- It is led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO.
- HAL will now bid competitively to manufacture the aircraft.
Design and Features
- Twin-engine, 25-tonne class aircraft with low radar visibility.
- Will include AI-powered avionics, network-centric warfare, and next-gen weapons.
- Still in early stages — prototype not yet ready.
- First flight expected in next 7–10 years.
Examples of 5th Generation Fighters Globally
United States
- F-22 Raptor: World’s first 5th gen jet, focused on air dominance.
- F-35 Lightning II: Multirole stealth fighter with advanced sensors, used by many NATO countries.
Russia: Sukhoi Su-57: Designed for stealth and supermaneuverability; still in limited production.
China: Chengdu J-20: Stealth fighter with long-range strike capability; seen as China’s answer to the F-22.
Comparison with Previous Generations
Generation | Features |
1st Gen | Subsonic speed, |
2nd Gen | Supersonic speed, radar, air-to-air missiles (e.g., MiG-21) |
3rd Gen | Better maneuverability, guided weapons (e.g., Mirage III) |
4th Gen | Fly-by-wire systems, multirole, advanced sensors (e.g., Su-30MKI, Rafale) |
4.5 Gen | AESA radar, partial stealth, electronic warfare (e.g., Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18 Super Hornet) |
5th Gen | Full stealth, BVR combat, AI & network integration (e.g., F-35, Su-57) |
Strategic Importance of 5th Gen Fighters for India
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense (aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat).
- Helps maintain technological parity with China and Pakistan.
- Ensures future battlefield superiority through network-centric warfare.
Challenges Ahead
- High development costs and need for advanced materials and engines.
- No operational prototype yet; timelines could stretch beyond 2035.
- Needs private-sector involvement and global partnerships for faster execution.
Conclusion:
Fifth-generation fighters represent the next frontier in air combat, offering stealth, speed, and smart warfare. India’s AMCA project is a bold step toward a self-sufficient and modern air force, though it faces technological and financial hurdles.
IMPACT OF OIL SPILLS ON ECOSYSTEMS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Liberian ship MSC ELSA 3, which was carrying diesel and hazardous chemicals, sank off the coast of Kerala, raising concerns over a potential oil spill.
Impact of oil spills on ecosystems
Damage to Marine Life
- Oil spills block sunlight from entering the water, disturbing photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
- Fish, turtles, and seabirds can be smothered by oil, leading to suffocation or poisoning.
- Sticky oil coats animals’ bodies, affecting their movement, insulation, and reproduction.
Harm to Coastal Ecosystems
- Oil can settle on mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs, damaging delicate habitats.
- Coral bleaching and mangrove death may occur, reducing biodiversity.
Impact on Fishing and Economy
- Local fisherfolk suffer income loss as contaminated fish are unsafe to eat or sell.
- Tourism may decline due to polluted beaches and dead marine life.
Risk from MSC ELSA 3
- The ship was carrying over 84 tonnes of diesel and 367 tonnes of furnace oil.
- If spilled, simulations predict the slick could drift towards Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram coasts.
- The ship also had 12 containers of calcium carbide, which can form explosive gases on contact with water.
How Are Oil Spills Cleaned?
Absorption Methods
- Oil-attracting materials (oleophilic pillows) are placed to soak up floating oil.
- Cotton-based sheets are used to absorb thinner oil layers.
Mechanical Methods
- In calm waters, pumps and motors can remove oil from the surface.
- These tools are limited in oceans due to strong waves and currents.
Eco-Sustainable Ways to Treat Oil Spills
Bioremediation (Using Nature to Clean Nature)
- Uses oil-eating bacteria or fungi to naturally break down oil into harmless substances. (OLIZAPPER: ALGAE)
- Environment-friendly and leaves no harmful residue.
- Works best in warm temperatures and shallow waters.
Bio-sorbents
- Natural materials like sawdust, coconut husk, straw, or peat moss absorb oil without harming marine life.
- These are biodegradable and low-cost.
- Can be collected and disposed of safely after use.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners
- Special enzymes are sprayed over the spill to speed up the natural breakdown of oil.
- Non-toxic and safe for marine organisms.
Challenges
- Clean-up is slow, expensive, and labour-intensive.
- With monsoon tides, oil may reach shorelines, making access and control harder.
Conclusion:
Oil spills pose serious environmental and economic risks. Immediate action and monitoring are key to preventing long-term damage, especially in ecologically sensitive coastal areas.