7 February 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. What ails India’s massive diagnostics sector: putting labs under the lens

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Background and Problem in the Diagnostics Sector

• The diagnostics sector in India is facing a significant crisis due to the rapid expansion of medical laboratories and diagnostic facilities.
• There are approximately 300,000 labs across India, contributing to about 9% of the healthcare industry.
• This sector is estimated to be worth ₹860 billion in 2024 and projected to reach ₹1,275 billion by 2028.
• Despite this growth, the sector remains under-regulated, fragmented, and predominantly biased toward urban areas.

Regulatory Framework and Challenges

• The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, aims to regulate diagnostic centers by ensuring registration and setting minimum standards.
• As of now, only 12 states and Union Territories, excluding Delhi, have adopted the Act. Some states like Kerala and Karnataka have their own regulations, but implementation has been poor.
• The sector remains fragmented with many small, unorganised labs that lack accreditation, leading to varying quality standards.

Shortage of Skilled Manpower

• A significant shortage of trained doctors and lab technicians affects the quality of services in diagnostic centers.
• Accredited labs are required to have full-time technicians, but many smaller labs cannot afford such staff, leading to unreliable results.
• Research shows a lack of microbiologists and trained personnel in some areas, exacerbating the problem.

Ghost Pathologists and Fraudulent Practices

• The shortage of qualified pathologists leads to practices where lab reports may be signed off by ghost pathologists or even by unqualified staff, sometimes in exchange for money.
• This is a widespread issue across many states, with “technician-only” labs being run by non-qualified personnel in some places.

Urban-Rural Divide

• A significant disparity exists in the availability of diagnostic facilities between urban and rural areas.
• Despite nearly 70% of the population living in rural areas, only 24% of diagnostics revenue comes from these regions.
• Government-run labs are under-equipped and have limited operational hours, forcing patients to rely on expensive private labs.

Pricing and Affordability

• The private diagnostics sector is also marked by high pricing, though government initiatives in states like Telangana and Kerala are addressing these issues.
• For example, Telangana’s ‘T-Diagnostics’ initiative has saved patients over ₹1,100 crore by providing affordable tests, but logistical challenges persist.

Problems Faced by Smaller Labs

• Many small labs face difficulties due to regulatory requirements regarding space and educational qualifications.
• In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, small labs struggle to meet the minimum standards required by law.
• Lab associations are asking for relaxed rules regarding space requirements and better training programs for technicians from outside the state.

Sector’s Desire for Standardization

• While the diagnostics sector is fragmented, there is a strong desire for better regulation and standardization.
• Associations are calling for stricter licensing and accreditation mandates, better supervision by qualified pathologists, and mandatory adherence to quality standards in testing, reporting, and sample collection.

Conclusion

• The diagnostics sector faces major challenges such as under-regulation, a shortage of qualified personnel, and widespread fraudulent practices.
• These issues directly impact patient health and safety by leading to inaccurate diagnoses and improper treatments.

2. On the appointment of ad-hoc judges to High Courts

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Supreme Court’s Decision on Ad-hoc Judges

• These judges can only hear criminal appeals and must work as part of a Bench led by a sitting judge.
• The decision relaxes a previous rule set in the Lok Prahari case (2021), which limited such appointments to High Courts where judicial vacancies exceeded 20% of the sanctioned strength.

How are Ad-hoc Judges Appointed?

• Article 224-A, introduced in 1963, allows the appointment of retired judges to High Courts.
• Such appointments require the consent of the retired judge and the President of India.
• Ad-hoc judges receive allowances as determined by the President’s order and hold the same powers as sitting High Court judges.
• The process is detailed in the 1998 Memorandum of Procedure (MoP).

When are Ad-hoc Judges Appointed?

• The Lok Prahari case set conditions for appointing ad-hoc judges.
• The Supreme Court identified several “trigger points” for appointments, including:
  • Vacancies exceeding 20% of the High Court’s sanctioned strength.
  • Cases pending for over five years in a particular category.
  • More than 10% of total cases pending for five years or more.
  • Case clearance rate is lower than the rate of new filings.
• The Supreme Court recommended forming a panel of retired and soon-to-retire judges for appointments.

Key Changes in the Latest Order

• As of January 25, 2024, 62 lakh cases are pending in High Courts.
• Of these, 18.2 lakh are criminal cases, and 44 lakh are civil cases.
• The Supreme Court removed the 20% vacancy rule, allowing more High Courts to appoint ad-hoc judges.
• However, these judges can only hear criminal appeals.
• The number of ad-hoc judges cannot exceed 10% of a High Court’s sanctioned judicial strength.
• This means each High Court can appoint only 2 to 5 ad-hoc judges.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s decision to appoint retired judges as ad-hoc judges for criminal appeals aims to tackle the massive backlog of cases in High Courts.
• This move seeks to enhance judicial efficiency while maintaining accountability and fairness.

3. G20 Boycott

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 13)

Analysis of the news:

What is G20?

• The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
• The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, Together, the G20 members represent more than 80% of world GDP, 75% of international trade and 60% of the world population.

South Africa’s Case Against Israel at ICJ

• The core reason behind Rubio’s announcement appears to be South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• Many US Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have opposed the ICJ’s proceedings, viewing them as biased.
• South Africa, along with Malaysia, has formed a “Hague Group” to support the ICJ and counter potential US sanctions against the court.
• This legal and diplomatic stance has further strained US-South Africa relations.

Targeting the ICC and ICJ: US-Israel Nexus

• The US has historically opposed international legal action against Israel, with Trump’s first administration imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• While Biden reversed these measures, the US reconsidered its stance after ICC announced investigations into both Israeli and Hamas leaders.
• The recent US House bill (H.R. 8282), which proposes new sanctions on the ICC, reflects ongoing efforts to shield Israel from international legal scrutiny.

G20 and the Future of US Engagement

• Rubio’s boycott raises questions about the US commitment to the G20 under Trump’s leadership.
• South Africa currently chairs the G20, and Trump’s past interactions with the group have been marked by isolationist policies and trade disputes.
• The uncertainty over Trump 2.0’s stance on multilateralism could impact G20’s effectiveness, potentially increasing Russian and Chinese influence if the US distances itself.

India’s Concerns and Strategic Implications

• India has positioned the G20 as a key forum for addressing global challenges and has benefited from its leadership in the Global South.
• Under Biden, India’s G20 presidency in 2023 received strong US support, reinforcing India’s diplomatic role.
• However, a Trump administration’s transactional approach could undermine India’s Global South strategy if Washington deprioritizes multilateral engagement.

Conclusion:

• If the US withdraws from G20 leadership, it could weaken the institution and shift global influence toward Russia and China.
• Alternatively, Rubio’s announcement may be a negotiation tactic, pressuring South Africa to soften its stance on Israel.
• India must navigate these shifts carefully, balancing its Global South leadership with its strategic partnerships with both the US and G20 members.

4. India Recalibrates Climate Strategy

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 13)

Analysis of the news:

Prioritizing Adaptation Over Mitigation

• India has signaled a crucial shift in its climate policy, emphasizing adaptation over emission reduction.
• It argues that excessive focus on a specific temperature goal does not align with the immediate needs of developing nations.
• Instead, building resilience against climate change and ensuring economic growth is the most effective strategy.

Economic Growth as a Climate Shield

• India contends that rapid economic development is the best defense against climate change.
• This perspective justifies its reluctance to phase out coal-based power, as restricting energy sources could hinder growth.
• The Economic Survey 2024-25 reinforces this view, advocating for achieving developed-country parameters by 2047 before pursuing aggressive decarbonization.

Global Climate Action on the Back Burner

• International focus on climate action has waned, with geopolitical crises and financial shortcomings overshadowing climate commitments.
• Developed nations have failed to meet their emission reduction and financial obligations, eroding trust in global climate governance.
• The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Trump further weakens global efforts.

Maintaining a Low-Carbon Pathway

• Despite its stance, India recognizes the need to transition to clean energy to remain competitive.
• It aims to develop indigenous technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
• Achieving climate goals requires aggressive expansion of renewables, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, alongside nuclear power.

Balancing Growth and Sustainability

• India’s recalibrated approach does not reject decarbonization but demands flexibility in its climate policies.
• It asserts its right to determine the pace and nature of its energy transition, balancing economic aspirations with sustainability.

5. NATIONAL LOK ADALAT SCHEME

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2100326&reg=3&lang=1 )

Purpose of Lok Adalats

• Lok Adalats help in reducing the number of pending cases in courts.
• They settle disputes quickly, even before they reach the courts.
• This system ensures easy and cost-effective justice for people.

Role in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Lok Adalats are an effective way to resolve disputes outside regular courts.
• They reduce the burden on the judiciary and help in faster justice delivery.
• The process is simple, informal, and does not involve complex legal procedures.

Types of Lok Adalats

• State Lok Adalats:
  • Organized based on local requirements by Legal Services Authorities.
  • Handle both pre-litigation and post-litigation cases.
• National Lok Adalats:
  • Conducted four times a year across all courts, including the Supreme Court.
  • Scheduled in 2025 for 8th March, 10th May, 13th September, and 13th December.
• Permanent Lok Adalats:
  • Set up in districts for resolving public utility service disputes.
  • They provide a compulsory pre-litigation mechanism.

Impact of Lok Adalats

• They have successfully resolved many cases in the past two years.
• They help in speedy dispute resolution, benefiting both courts and people.
• Lok Adalats make the legal system more accessible, efficient, and people-friendly.

Prelims Facts

1. Trump’s decision to shut down USAID could set off ripples around the world

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

USAID (United States Agency for International Development):

• Purpose: USAID is a U.S. government agency that provides foreign aid to support global development and humanitarian efforts.
• Establishment: It was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote economic growth, democracy, and disaster relief worldwide.
• Key Areas of Work: USAID funds programs in healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental protection, and poverty reduction.
• Global Reach: It operates in over 120 countries, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
• Health Initiatives: It has supported HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal healthcare, and malaria prevention programs.
• Recent Works: In 2024, USAID allocated billions of dollars to humanitarian and development projects worldwide.

2. Marine Heatwaves Intensify in Western Australia

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 13)

Analysis of the news:

Marine Heatwaves in Western Australia

• These extreme oceanic temperature anomalies, with sea surface temperatures rising 2°C above average, have been linked to mass fish deaths.
• Climate Central’s analysis suggests that climate change has made such events up to 100 times more likely.

What Are Marine Heatwaves?

• • MHWs occur when ocean temperatures rise at least 3-4°C above normal for five or more consecutive days.
  • They have become more frequent, lasting for weeks, months, or even years.
  • Studies indicate a doubling in MHW occurrences since 1982, with a 50% increase in their duration and severity over the past decade.

Why Are MHWs Intensifying?

• Global warming is the primary driver, with 90% of excess heat absorbed by the oceans.
• Since 1850, global sea surface temperatures have risen by 0.9°C, with a 0.6°C increase in just the past four decades.
• Projections indicate a 16-fold increase in MHWs at 1.5°C warming and a 23-fold increase at 2.0°C.

Ecological and Economic Impacts

• MHWs cause mass fish die-offs, coral bleaching, and destruction of marine ecosystems like kelp forests.
• The 2010-11 Western Australia MHW wiped out marine habitats, and the 2024 Great Barrier Reef event marked its seventh mass bleaching.
• These changes threaten marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal economies dependent on marine resources.