EGYPT-INDIA RELATIONS
In News, why?
For the first time since 1997, the Indian Prime Minister (PM) recently travelled to Egypt to discuss their bilateral relationship. The Order of the Nile, the nation’s highest honour, was presented to the PM by the Egyptian government. The ‘Order of the Nile’ was established in 1915 and is given to heads of state, crown princes, and vice presidents who provide Egypt or humanity with priceless services.
What were the visit’s main highlights?
Strategic Partnership Agreement: The visit saw the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Egypt and India, marking an important turning point in their bilateral relations. The strategic relationship will generally consist of four components:
Political
Security and Defence
economic participation
partnership between academia and science.
Contact on a cultural and interpersonal level
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): India and Egypt signed three MoUs to further their collaboration in the areas of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities, and competition law.
Bilateral discussions: The president of Egypt and the prime minister of India spoke on a range of issues, including climate change, collaboration on clean energy, food and energy security, and G-20 multilateral cooperation.
Egyptian Cabinet’s India Unit: In order to strengthen ties between Egypt and India, the Egyptian President established the India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet in March 2023. The Indian PM met with this group. At the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery, the Indian PM paid tribute to the more than 4,300 Indian soldiers who died in Egypt and Aden during World War I. Egypt’s participation in the G-20 summit will further solidify the bilateral connections between India and Egypt. Egypt has been selected as a “guest country” at the upcoming G-20 summit, which will take place in September.
Al-Hakim Mosque: The 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque, which was renovated by India’s Dawoodi Bohra community, was visited by the Indian Prime Minister in Cairo. The mosque is the fourth-oldest in Cairo and was constructed in 1012. The Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought is adhered to by the Dawoodi Bohra Muslims, who were originally from Egypt and arrived in India in the eleventh century.
How Have Relations Between Egypt and India Been?
History:
At least since the reign of Emperor Ashoka, interaction between Egypt and India, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, has existed. The edicts of Ashoka speak about his interactions with Egypt under Ptolemy II. Both Mahatma Gandhi and the Egyptian revolutionary Saad Zaghloul sought freedom from British colonial control in modern times. On August 18, 1947, the establishment of diplomatic ties was jointly announced at the ambassadorial level. In 1955, a friendship pact was struck between Egypt and India. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was founded in 1961 by Ghana, Yugoslavia, Egypt, India, and other nations. The basis of a new relationship for a new era was recognised by India and Egypt in a joint declaration from 2016 as political-security cooperation, economic engagement, scientific collaboration, and cultural and human links.
Foreign Trade: In 2022–23, India’s trade with Egypt totaled USD 6,061 million, a 17% decrease from the previous year. Petroleum was involved in close to one-third of it. In 2022–2023, Egypt was India’s 38th largest trading partner while India was Egypt’s sixth. Indian investments in Egypt amount $3.15 billion, divided across 50 projects. Egypt has made a US$37 million investment in India.
Defence collaboration: In the 1960s, the two Air Forces worked together to build fighter aircraft, and from the 1960s to the middle of the 1980s, Indian pilots trained their Egyptian counterparts. The French Rafale fighter jets are flown by both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Egyptian air force. A deal was reached in 2022 between the two nations, who also agreed to take part in drills and work together on training. Exercise Cyclone-I, the first collaborative special forces training between the Egyptian and Indian armies, was finished in January 2023 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Cultural Interactions: In 1992, Cairo welcomed the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC). The centre has worked to encourage cross-border cultural exchange.
What opportunities and difficulties does India face?
Opportunities:
In order to prevent religious extremism, India supports moderate nations in the area and advocates for social reforms. Since it maintains a moderate position on religion, has solid ties with the UAE (United Arab Emirates), and Saudi Arabia (which has made significant investments in Egypt), India has designated it as a vital actor in the Gulf Region.
Strategic Position: Egypt enjoys a privileged location due to the Suez Canal, which handles 12% of all world traffic. India seeks to promote its objectives in the area by improving its bilateral relations with Egypt.
Indian Investment: Egypt is looking for funding for infrastructure projects, including metro lines in Cairo and Alexandria, a second Suez Canal channel, a Suez Canal economic zone, and a new administrative centre in a Cairo suburb. More than 50 Indian businesses have made more than 3.15 billion dollars in investments in Egypt.
Similar socioeconomic conditions exist in Egypt, a big country with a 378 billion USD economy and 105 million people. Its socioeconomic conditions are very comparable to those in India, and it has a stable political system. The top imports into Egypt include refined petroleum, wheat (the top import into the world), automobiles, maize and pharmaceuticals, all of which India has the capacity to deliver.
Infrastructure Development: The Egyptian government also has an ambitious agenda for infrastructure development, with 49 major projects, including the building of New Cairo ($58 billion), a nuclear power plant ($25 billion), and a high-speed train system ($23 billion). Egypt ranked third in the world in terms of weapons imports from 2015 to 2019.
Challenges:
Economic Crisis in Egypt: A stagnant economy, a pandemic, a downturn worldwide, and the situation in Ukraine have all occurred at the same time as Egypt’s enormous financial commitments. As a result, tourism has decreased and imports like cereals have increased in price. The currency has lost more than half of its value since February 2022, and annual inflation is over 30%.
Abhorrent Debt and Foreign Exchange: Egypt’s net foreign assets are negative USD 24.1 billion and its foreign debt is over USD 163 billion (43% of GDP). The government was forced to issue an order in January 2023 postponing projects with a significant foreign currency component and reducing non-essential spending due to the dire FX scenario.
China’s Growing Influence: India is worried about China’s expanding economic influence, strategic presence, and bilateral trade agreements since these factors could have an impact on India’s regional interests and security. In 2021–2022, China will trade with Egypt for USD 15 billion, double what India will trade with Egypt for USD 7.26 billion. The president of Egypt has visited China seven times in the last eight years in an effort to entice Chinese investment.
Way ahead
India must carefully weigh the potential available with its exposure to Egypt. Through various innovations like the EXIM line of credit, barter, and rupee trading, India may be willing to accept acceptable eco-political risks in order to benefit from Egypt’s lucrative potential. However, India should avoid a repeat of its experience with Iraq in the 1980s and 1990s, when it was forced to postpone paying its hard-earned construction project dues until they ultimately had to be repaid by the Indian taxpayer. Furthermore, a comparable agreement may establish a precedent that friendly nations in similar positions could use. Instead, India may think about trilateral funding agreements with its Gulf neighbours, the G-20, or international financial institutions for such projects in Egypt or elsewhere.
Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for the UPSC Civil Services Exam
- What happened in the years before the 1956 Suez Crisis? How did it finally damage Britain’s perception of itself as a major power? (2014)
Origin: TH
SHORTER MEDICAL PROGRAMMES TO ADDRESS THE SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS IN RURAL AREAS
In News, why?
A Shorter Medical Course was recently recommended by the Chief Minister of West Bengal for medical professionals who would work at primary health centres (PHCs) in rural regions. This idea seeks to alleviate the ongoing physician shortage in rural areas, where a sizable portion of the Indian population (about 65%) lives. Similar programmes have been put into place in other states, such Chhattisgarh, which launched a three-year community health programme that produces Rural Medical Assistants (RMAs) to work in villages.
What is the Shorter Medical Course Proposed for Rural Areas?
About:
A three-year diploma programme in medicine has been suggested in India for medical professionals who will work in rural primary health centres (PHCs). The regular MBBS course is not like this one. The conventional MBBS course includes all facets of medical science and practise, whereas the shorter medical course concentrates on providing first-level treatment in rural areas. While the conventional MBBS course qualifies doctors for any setting, the shorter medical course may not effectively educate trainees to handle complicated and varied conditions in rural areas.
Benefits:
Greater accessibility to medical specialists in rural places.
Quick reaction to medical emergencies and needs.
Cost-effective answer for areas with limited resources.
Improved access to primary healthcare in rural areas.
Drawbacks:
Restricted specialisation in technical medical disciplines.
Inadequate knowledge of healthcare issues in remote areas.
Possible lowering of educational criteria for physicians.
As it may lead to fewer qualified healthcare providers being assigned to rural populations while more qualified practitioners are used in urban settings, it will raise questions regarding potential discrimination.
Does not address the structural problems at the root of the physician shortage.
How many doctors are there in rural India, according to the Rural Health Statistics Report 2021–22?
In India’s Community Health Centres (CHCs), there is a severe lack of specialised physicians, according to the Rural Health Statistics report.
Eighty percent or so of the necessary specialists are not available.
Surgeons (83.2%), obstetricians and gynaecologists (74.2%), physicians (79.1%), and paediatricians (81.6%) are among the specialists who are lacking.
From 3,550 in 2005 to 4,485 in 2022, there will be 25% more specialists working in CHCs than there were in 2005. However, the expansion of CHCs has led to a gap because there is now a greater need for specialised physicians. In PHCs and sub-centers, there is a deficit of specialised doctors, but there is also a shortage of female health professionals and auxiliary nursing midwives, with up to 14.4% of these positions being unfilled.
What obstacles must be overcome to address the doctor shortage in rural areas?
Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources: The availability of medical facilities and resources in rural locations makes it difficult to recruit and keep physicians.
Limited Access to Specialised Care: The lack of experts in rural areas causes complex medical issues to receive delayed or insufficient care.
Aversion to Rural Practise: Due to superior career possibilities, preferred lifestyles, and the lack of professional growth chances in rural locations, doctors frequently prefer urban environments. A scarcity of medical personnel in rural areas is caused by the unequal distribution of medical colleges, which are concentrated in urban areas.
Retention of Rural Doctors: It is challenging to keep doctors in rural locations due to the lack of adequate support, amenities, and growth prospects.
Socioeconomic Factors: The overall lack of doctors in rural areas is a result of poverty, restricted educational options, and inadequate infrastructure.
Education Disparities: The difference between urban and rural healthcare services is widened by unequal access to high-quality medical education.
What recent government initiatives are there in the healthcare field?
Social health activists with accreditation (ASHA)
Mission for National Health
the Ayushman Bharat
AB-PMJAY, or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Commission National Medical
National Dialysis Programme for PM
The JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram)
RBSK, or Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
Way ahead
Utilising technology for remote consultations and medical services, telemedicine and telehealth services help to close the distance between patients in rural areas and healthcare professionals.
Mid-Level Healthcare Providers: Preparing and placing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide primary healthcare in rural regions under the direction of doctors.
Establishing regional healthcare facilities and mobile clinics to deliver healthcare directly to remote populations, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Programmes for Rural Medical Education and Residency: Creating specialised initiatives to support and encourage medical students and residents to practise in rural areas.
Financial Incentives: To entice physicians to rural practise and ease financial constraints, financial incentives and debt payback programmes are provided.
Research and Data-Driven Approach: Ongoing analysis of the problems in rural healthcare can yield insightful information that can be used to inform targeted interventions and policy decisions. Community involvement and health awareness initiatives are run to inform and empower rural communities about the value of preventative care and healthcare use.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for the UPSC Civil Services Exam
Prelims
Which of the following is a ‘ASHA’, a certified community health worker, job description in relation to the National Rural Health Mission? (2012)
- escorting ladies to the hospital for a prenatal checkup
- Early pregnancy detection using pregnancy test kits
- providing education on diet and vaccinations.
- conducting the baby’s delivery
Using the codes below, choose the right response:
(A) Only 1, 2, and 3
(b) Only 2 and 4
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Mains
- Primary health care is not just a moral requirement of a welfare state, but it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development, according to analysis. (2021)
Origin: TH
WHO ISSUES WARNING FOR POOR QUALITY COUGH SYRUPS MADE IN INDIA
In News, why?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is concerned about poor quality cough syrups produced in India that have been related to 300 child deaths and include high quantities of ethylene and diethylene glycol and pose health dangers. Seven syrups made in India have received a warning from the organisation, and the Drugs Controller General of that nation has ordered certain labs to test cough syrups before export.
What exactly are diethylene and ethylene glycol?
The poisonous alcohols ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol have a faintly pleasant taste. These glycols can contaminate cough syrups, especially paracetamol-containing formulations. Children with infections benefit from and are safe around paracetamol in cough syrups. It is a pain reliever that works well to lower fever. In order to save money, non-toxic solvents like glycerine or propylene glycol are occasionally substituted for adulterants like diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in liquid medications. Around 1,000–1,500 milligrammes per kilogramme of body weight is the approximate oral lethal dosage. Even at lesser levels used over several days or weeks can cause toxicity. It may take a significant amount of consumption before contaminated symptoms become apparent. Additionally to its application in antifreeze, ethylene glycol is a component of hydraulic fluids, printing inks, and paint solvents. Diethylene glycol is a component of antifreeze, braking fluid, cigarettes, and some dyes that are produced commercially.
What Dangers Are Associated with Poor Cough Syrups?
Abnormal cough syrups may include high concentrations of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can harm the kidneys and constitute a major health danger.
Unscientific Component Combinations: Some cough syrups may have unscientific chemical component combinations that may interact with one another and perhaps be harmful.
Lack of Therapeutic Relevance: Substandard cough syrups may not successfully address the underlying disease generating the cough because they lack therapeutic relevance.
Children who are given certain cough syrups containing codeine run the risk of addiction and even death. Potentially harmful symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and linguistic difficulties might also be felt.
What laws apply in India in this regard?
The 1940 Drugs and Cosmetics Act
For the purpose of regulating medications and cosmetics, the medications and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 have given central and state regulators a variety of duties. It offers the legal requirements for granting permits to produce Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines. Manufacturers must abide by the regulations set forth for licencing of manufacturing facilities and medications, including evidence of safety and efficacy and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practises (GMP).
CDSCO, or the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation:
For the purposes of carrying out duties entrusted to the Central Government by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the CDSCO serves as the Central Drug Authority.
Major Purposes:
Regulatory oversight of clinical studies, new medicine approval, and drug importation.
as the Central Licence Approving Authority, the approval of certain licences.
Major Organisations in India That Regulate Pharmaceuticals and Drugs
Health and Family Welfare Ministry
Ministry of Fertilisers and Chemicals
Department of Commerce
Science and Technology Ministry
Environment Ministry
General Directorate of Health Services (DGHS)
the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
Pharmaceutical Department Patent Office
DBT, the Department of Biotechnology
Environmental approval for production
Advisory Committees, Statutory Committees, and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) make up the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
NPPA, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority
2013 Drugs (Prices Control) Order
General Patent Control Officer
Scientific and Industrial Research Council (CSIR)
Laboratories
Origin: TH
LEUKAEMIA MEDICINES PATENT POOL AGREEMENT
In News, why?
To make certain cancer drugs more affordable and available for patients, the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a United Nations-backed organisation, recently announced sublicense agreements with three India-based companies. Several nations are now able to produce generic versions of the cancer therapy medicine Nilotinib, which is primarily used to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). The licence permits the supply of generic versions of nilotinib, subject to local regulatory approval, in 44 territories, seven middle-income countries, and India.
The Medicines Patent Pool: What is it?
For Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), MPP, a public health organisation supported by the UN, is aiming to improve access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medications. The company, situated in Geneva, Switzerland, was established in July 2010. MPP collaborates with civil society, governments, international organisations, business, patient groups, and other stakeholders to identify the most important medications, obtain licences for them, and pool intellectual property to support the production of generic drugs and the creation of novel formulations. As of right now, MPP has agreements with twelve patent owners for thirteen antiretrovirals for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), one technology platform for the HIV, three direct-acting drugs for hepatitis C, a drug for tuberculosis, a long-acting technology, two experimental oral antiviral drugs for Covid-19, and a serological antibody technology for Covid-19.
What is CML, or chronic myeloid leukaemia?
About:
Leukaemia, a blood-cell malignancy that affects both the bone marrow and the blood, is one of its subtypes. There are also
ALL, or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
AML, or acute myeloid leukaemia
(CLL): Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.
Myeloid cells, which are aberrant white blood cells, are known to develop out of control, which is how it is identified. Since CML usually advances slowly, the chronic stage is frequently when it is discovered.
Bone marrow analysis and a mix of blood tests are commonly used to diagnose CML.
Origin: TH
THE 2023 GLOBAL LIVEABILITY INDEX
In News, why?
The capital of Austria, Vienna, was ranked as the best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit in its report on the global liveability index for 2023.
What are the Index’s Key Highlights?
About:
It ranks the quality of life in 173 cities based on five factors: security, access to healthcare, culture and environment, infrastructure, and education.
Top ten cities in which to live in 2023:
Observations on the Development of Developing Countries: The livability rankings of many developing countries have gradually improved. Cities in the Asia-Pacific region have made substantial advancements, whereas Western European cities have fallen in the rankings for 2023. The research emphasises how important healthcare and education are becoming in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern nations, indicating a promising trend. It also mentions a drop in stability scores, which is linked to civil disturbance in some regions of the world.
Indian Cities: Chennai is ranked 144th, followed by New Delhi, Mumbai, and at number 141. Bengaluru is ranked 148, while Ahmedabad is ranked 147.
Challenges Facing Particular Cities:
Despite continued efforts, Kyiv, Ukraine, comes in at a dismal 165th out of 173 cities, highlighting the difficulties the war-torn city faces.
Similar to 2022, Damascus, Syria, and Tripoli, Libya continue to hold the worst spots on the livability ranking.
10 from the bottom:
Origin: HT
LIGHTNING-FAST CURRENT AFFAIRS
BAL SAHITYA PURASKAR 2023 FROM THE KENDRA SAHITYA ACADEMY
For her novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal, Priya A. S. most recently received the coveted Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 in the Malayalam language. The courage and cooperation shown by kids from various backgrounds during the catastrophe are captured in the novel Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal, which is set against the backdrop of the 2018 Kerala floods. Indian children’s literature is honoured with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, a major literary honour. It is awarded by the Sahitya Akademi and honours exceptional contributions to the industry. Authors are encouraged by the award, which comes with a cash reward and plaque, and it fosters the expansion of children’s literature.
RECOVERING STOLEN IDOLS FROM THE CHOLA ERA
The Idol Wing CID (IW CID) of the Tamil Nadu Police has made substantial progress in finding 16 antique idols that were either stolen or lost from temples built during the Chola dynasty. The idols were located in American museums and art galleries with the aid of U.S. officials. The idols, which include fine bronzes from the Chola era, have been located and will soon be sent to the correct Tamil Nadu temples. The mighty Chola dynasty, which ruled over southern India from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries, had a profound effect on the history and culture of the area. The Empire increased its dominance and achieved control over nearby countries, notably the Pallavas and Pandya Kings, under kings like Vijayalaya, Aditya I, and Rajendra Chola. The Cholas established a well-organized government by segmenting their enormous country into mandalams and nadus, with different governors in charge of each area. They were patrons of the arts and patrons of Dravidian temple architecture, with Chola temples like Brihadeshwara and Rajarajeshwara serving as examples. The creative legacy of the Cholas also included recognisable sculptures, such as the Nataraja sculpture of Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance, and bronze pictures that are known for their superb craftsmanship. Southern India saw a golden age of affluence, art, and cultural development during the rule of the Chola dynasty.
DAY OF ACTION TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE AND ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on June 26. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1987 to promote action and collaboration towards the goal of a drug-free world. People first: end stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention is the theme for 2023. The purpose of the campaign this year is to increase public awareness of the significance of treating drug users with respect and empathy, offering everyone evidence-based, voluntary services, providing alternatives to punishment, placing a priority on prevention, and leading with compassion. The campaign also aims to counteract stigma and prejudice against drug users by fostering polite and nonjudgmental language and behaviour. The World Drug Report is also published annually on June 26 by the UNODC, which is the organization’s office for drug policy and enforcement.
INDIA’S INDIGENOUS MRNA VACCINE FOR THE OMICRON VARIANT IS CALLED GEMCOVAC-OM.
Gennova’s GEMCOVAC-OM, which targets the Omicron version of Covid-19 and is the first and only indigenously created and authorised mRNA vaccine in India, will cost $2,292 per dosage. Individuals who have already taken three doses of the vaccine will not be eligible, and the vaccine will initially only be offered as a booster or precaution dosage. The main benefit of GEMCOVAC-OM is that it may be stored in regular refrigerators due to its stability over a temperature range of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Utilising the needle-free Pharma Jet method, the vaccination can be given straight through the skin. The immune system is stimulated by the mRNA vaccination to create antibodies that aid in battling an illness. A piece of the spike protein, a crucial component of the coronavirus, is included in the vaccine to elicit an immunological response. Because they are delicate, mRNA vaccines need to be covered with an oily lipid coating. In vaccinations, DNA is more flexible and stable. Both mRNA and DNA vaccines are anticipated to be effective, although mRNA vaccines are more expensive and necessitate strict freezer conditions. The use of mRNA and DNA vaccines for a number of diseases allows for fast adaptation to new variants.