Context: India's cereal production, mainly rice and wheat, crossed 300 million tonnes for the first time in 2022-23, reaching 304 million tones.There is a large and growing gap between cereal production and the known uses of it. Data gaps make an assessment more difficult.

The gap:

• The latest estimates of per capita cereal consumption (PCCC) pertain to 2011-12, with figures ranging from 10.7 kg to 11.8 kg per month
• There is a significant gap between production and household consumption, with the gap reaching 36 million tonnes in 2020-21 and 33 million tonnes in 2021-22, despite record exports in both years
• The gap between net availability and household consumption has been growing, raising questions about the accuracy of the "net availability" estimates

The declining trend in per capita cereal consumption in India can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Availability of nutrient-poor cereals like rice and wheat, which are preferred over nutrient-rich coarse cereals like jowar, ragi, and bajra
• Shifts in household consumption patterns due to urbanization, rising education levels, and diversification of food intake
• Insufficient policies at the state level to promote the consumption of coarse cereals and mitigate health problems arising from micronutrient intake deficiencies
• Variations in cereal consumption among different monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) classes, with lower MPCE classes consuming less than the national average
• Decline in cereal consumption in rural areas of all states, while in urban areas, five states exhibited an increase in consumption pattern over time
• Lack of data on the actual reasons for the gap between production and household consumption, including the possibility of increased animal feed consumption or industrial uses of cereals

Solutions:

• Promotion of Coarse Cereals: Encouraging the consumption of nutrient-rich coarse cereals like jowar, ragi, and bajra, which are currently under-consumed compared to rice and wheat
• Policy Amendments: Revising state-level policies to promote the consumption of coarse cereals, mitigate health problems arising from micronutrient deficiencies, and ensure climate-resilient food supply
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting comprehensive studies to understand the reasons for the declining trend in cereal consumption, including the impact of urbanization, education levels, and shifts in household consumption patterns
• Diversification of Agricultural Production: Planning for a major diversification of agricultural production away from rice and wheat to balance the cereal production with consumption requirements
• Export Opportunities: Exploring the feasibility and desirability of expanding cereal exports to address the surplus production and the increasing gap between production and consumption
• Awareness and Education: Creating greater awareness about the importance of coarse cereals and promoting their consumption through educational campaigns and nutritional programs

These solutions can help bridge the gap between per capita cereal consumption and total production in India, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable food supply

Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been issuing regulations, guidelines and directives at break neck speed that some of the important ones miss drawing the attention of the higher education community. One such guideline is Mulya Pravah 2.0, a modified version of Mulya Pravah, which was notified in 2019. 

Issues Associated with Higher Education System:

Unethical Conduct: Unethical behaviors like biased hiring, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, inconsistent disciplinary actions, breaches of confidentiality, compensation disparities, negligence in performance appraisals, and corrupt vendor dealings are prevalent.

Lack of Responsibility: Higher education institutions need to ensure corruption-free operations, particularly in areas like admissions, examinations, and hiring processes.

Biased Decision-Making: Decisions in higher education may exhibit biases and might not always align with the best interests of the institution or the public.

Discriminatory Privileges: Certain officials may enjoy unfair privileges that require elimination.

Culture of Silence: The role of teachers' associations within the education system remains unaddressed.

Transparency Concerns: There is a contradiction between emphasizing confidentiality and the need for information crucial for accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement: Concerns exist regarding the active participation and influence of staff and student unions in protecting their rights and interests versus their relationship with the administration.

How Mulya Pravah 2.0 Will Address Them:

Promotion of Values and Ethics: Mulya Pravah 2.0 aims to instill values in institutions by promoting fundamental duties, constitutional values, and a profound respect for the country, aiming to curb unethical practices.

Enhanced Accountability and Transparency: The guidelines stress the importance of transparency in administration and decision-making processes and advocate for unbiased decision-making.

Advocacy for Fair Practices: Discriminatory privileges are targeted for elimination, and emphasis is placed on punishing corrupt practices to foster fairness.

Encouragement of Free Thought and Integrity: Institutions are encouraged to allow individuals at all levels to think freely, ensuring integrity and trusteeship.

Information Disclosure Mandate: The guideline suggests that institutions should voluntarily disclose critical information and subject themselves to public scrutiny to deter malpractices.

Role Modeling by Teachers: Teachers are urged to act as role models in conduct, dress, speech, and behavior, setting standards for students to emulate.

Dignified Union Participation: Staff and student unions are expected to support administration in a dignified manner, raising issues constructively rather than adopting an adversarial approach.

Success of Mulya Pravah 2.0: The effectiveness of Mulya Pravah 2.0 hinges on its sincere implementation and the commitment of all stakeholders to adhere to its principles in both letter and spirit.

Mulya Pravah 2.0:

• Initiated as part of the Quality Mandate in 2019 by the UGC, Mulya Pravah's guidelines were revised to incorporate key recommendations from the National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP-2020).
• Mulya Pravah 2.0 now proposes the curriculum and pedagogy of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to cultivate deep respect towards Fundamental Duties, Constitutional Values, bonding with one's country, and awareness of roles and responsibilities in a changing world. Universal human values, including truth, righteous conduct, peace, love, non-violence, scientific temper, citizenship values, and life skills, are emphasized.

Context: Seven products from Odisha, including traditional foods and handicrafts, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label affixed to products originating from a specific geographical location, possessing unique qualities or a reputation attributable to that origin.

Nodal Agency and Legal Framework:

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as the nodal agency for GI tags in India.
• India, being a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, effective from September 2003.
• The definition of GIs is stipulated under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• A GI tag remains valid for a period of 10 years.

Kapdaganda Shawl: Woven by the Dongria Kondh tribe, this shawl represents cultural heritage and commitment, showcasing significant colors symbolizing nature and emotions.

Lanjia Saura Painting (Idital): Artistic expressions of the Lanjia Saura community, these murals on mud walls serve as spiritual gratitude, with 62 types reflecting diverse occasions.

Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: Known as the 'Prince of Rice,' this black-colored variety, celebrated for taste and nutrition, is preserved by tribal farmers, intertwining culinary and cultural significance.

Similipal Kai Chutney: Crafted from red weaver ants in the Similipal forests, this chutney is a traditional tribal delicacy, offering nutritional and medicinal benefits and contributing to local livelihoods.

Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal: Recognized for its distinctive flavor and cultivated extensively in Nayagarh district, this brinjal variety symbolizes agricultural pride and tradition.

Odisha Khajuri Guda: An organic delight, this jaggery extracted from date palm trees is characterized by its dark brown color, unique taste, and cultural significance in Odisha.

Dhenkanal Magji: Originating from buffalo milk cheese, this sweet holds unique characteristics and nutritional value, reflecting the region's history of buffalo rearing and contributing to livelihoods.

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated India’s first Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, ‘PRASADAM,’ at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 

Objectives of the Initiative:

• The primary goal of the Prasadam initiative is to establish a connection among people across the nation by providing access to pure and safe local and traditional food.
• The initiative is in harmony with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat,' which aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, encompassing economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
• The food street concept is designed to offer diverse facilities, including a kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, parking, public conveniences, and seating spaces.
• 'Prasadam' strives to elevate Ujjain’s tourism appeal and preserve its culinary heritage, playing a crucial role in fostering economic development.
• The initiative receives financial support, which is extended to states and Union Territories with a funding distribution ratio of either 60:40 or 90:10, under the National Health Mission.
• The food streets under this initiative will undergo standard branding following the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

'Viksit Bharat' Vision:

• 'Viksit Bharat@2047' envisions transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence in 2047.
• The vision encompasses various facets of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, among others.

Context: As per the Union Health Ministry, 75% of new infectious diseases that have emerged over the past three decades have been zoonotic, and the Ministry is increasing its focus on zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases

• They are the infections transmitted between humans and animals. These infections result from various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
• Examples of such diseases include Rabies, Anthrax, Brucellosis, Plague, Tuberculosis, Leptospirosis, and Salmonellosis.

Context: Karnataka HC bans mining activity near KRS reservoir. High Court says ban will apply even on existing mining licences, adding, it will be in force till the completion of a study by experts and decision taken by the State committee on dam safety.

About Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam:

• Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam is a gravity dam.
• Situated below the confluence of the Kaveri River with its tributaries Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha, in Mandya district, Karnataka.
• Usage:
  •  
  • The dam serves irrigation purposes in Mysore and Mandya, and it's a primary drinking water SOURCE for Mysore, Mandya, and Bengaluru.
  •  
  • It also facilitates power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station.
  •  
  • Water released from KRS Dam flows into Tamil Nadu and is stored in the Mettur Dam in Salem district.
• History:
  • Constructed during the rule of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and named in his honor.
  • Construction started in 1911 and completed in 1931.
  • Designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a renowned Indian engineer.

• Features:

  • Constructed using a mixture of surki mortar and limestone.
  • Dimensions: 2,621 meters (8,600 ft) long and 40 meters (130 ft) high.
  • Features 177 arch-type iron sluices, some equipped with automatic doors.
  • Reservoir spans approximately 130 sq. km, ranking as the largest in Asia during its construction.
  • Brindavan Gardens, an ornamental garden, is associated with the dam.

Key Facts about Kaveri River:

• Kaveri, also spelled Cauvery, is a sacred river in southern India, often referred to as the Ganga of South India.
• Originates on Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats, Karnataka.
• Flows southeast for 765 km through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, descending the Eastern Ghats with significant waterfalls.
• Cauvery basin spans Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Drains into the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu.
• Major left bank tributaries include Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, and Arkavati.
• Major right bank tributaries include Lakshmantirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyil, and Amaravati.

Context: With the expansion of Janaushadhi Kendra to more than 10,000 centers the pharma companies are facing losses. 

Generic Medicines and Their Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry:

The increasing prevalence of generic medicines is negatively affecting the growth of the domestic pharmaceutical market valued at Rs 1.9 lakh crore.

Janaushadhi Kendra: Janaushadhi Kendras are outlets that offer generic drugs priced 50 to 60 percent lower than well-known brands. The initiative is spearheaded by the Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Social Benefits: A noteworthy aspect is that many Janaushadhi stores are managed by women entrepreneurs, particularly in regions like Kerala.

Distribution Insights: Presently, 33 percent of these stores are situated in South India. Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of Janaushadhi stores, totaling 1,481.

Drug Statistics: Five among the top 10 selling drugs at Janaushadhi kendras nationwide are associated with the treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

About Generic Drugs: Generic drugs have a comparable composition to branded drugs but are produced after the patent expiration. India predominantly operates as a market for branded generic drugs, where various pharmaceutical companies market their own brands of generic molecules.

Low-Cost Advantage:

Trade generics are directly supplied to hospitals and dispensaries, leading to significantly lower prices for non-branded generics due to the absence of marketing costs.

Definition and Distinctions between Generic Medicines and Branded Drugs:

A generic drug is a pharmaceutical product that comprises identical active ingredient(s), dosage form, strength, and therapeutic effect as a reference product but is marketed under a different name.

Comparison of Generic Medicines and Branded Drugs:

Advantages of Using Generic Medicines:

Cost-effectiveness: Generic Medicines are generally more economical than brand-name drugs, enhancing healthcare affordability and reducing financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems.

Increased Access: The availability of Generic Medicines expands access to essential medications, particularly benefiting economically disadvantaged populations.

Equivalent Quality and Efficacy: Generic Medicines adhere to stringent regulatory standards, ensuring bioequivalence to brand-name drugs, thus offering comparable quality and efficacy.

Competition and Innovation: Enhanced competition among generic drug manufacturers can stimulate innovation and lead to reduced prices, benefiting consumers.

Regulatory Mechanisms for Generic Medicines in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry:

The regulatory framework for Generic Medicines in India is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): CDSCO serves as the national regulatory authority, responsible for reviewing and approving generic drug applications, conducting facility inspections, and ensuring compliance.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): NPPA oversees the regulation of drug prices in India, contributing to the control and maintenance of fair pricing within the pharmaceutical sector.