Content
- International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 and India’s Leadership in Big Cat Conservation
- From PCOS to PMOS: Reframing a Major Women’s Health Disorder
- Scientists warn Kheer Ganga diversion in Uttarakhand’s Dharali could increase disaster risk
- Centre allocates Rs 4,900 crore to Arunachal under ‘Pride of Hills’ initiative
- COVID-19 linked to 22.1 million excess deaths globally from 2020 to 2023: WHO report
- Capital flight and pressure on the rupee
MoEFCC to organize Five Thematic Events across the Country, dedicated to each Big Cat Species found in India
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is organizing thematic events across India as precursors to the 1st International Big Cat Alliance Summit, scheduled in New Delhi on 1–2 June 2026.
- These programmes showcase India’s conservation achievements relating to its five wild big cat species—Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah—and reinforce India’s leadership in global wildlife conservation.
Relevance
- GS Paper III: Biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and environmental governance.
- GS Paper II: International environmental cooperation and global institutional leadership.
Practice Question
- “India’s leadership in big cat conservation demonstrates how biodiversity protection can advance both ecological security and international environmental diplomacy.” Discuss in the context of the International Big Cat Alliance.(250 Words)
Static Background
What are Big Cats?
- Big cats are large carnivorous felids occupying apex positions in ecosystems, playing critical roles in maintaining prey populations, trophic balance and habitat integrity.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- The International Big Cat Alliance is a global initiative launched by India to strengthen international cooperation for conserving seven major big cat species.
Species Covered by IBCA
- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma are included under the Alliance’s global conservation mandate.
India’s Big Cat Diversity
- India is uniquely home to five wild big cat species, making it one of the most biologically significant countries for large carnivore conservation.
- These species occupy ecosystems ranging from tropical forests and grasslands to deserts and high-altitude Himalayan landscapes.
India’s Conservation Leadership
- India hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, making it the global leader in tiger conservation.
- The country is the sole natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion and the first nation to undertake an intercontinental cheetah reintroduction project.
Thematic Pre-Summit Events
Asiatic Lion Conservation – Gir, Gujarat
- Gir National Park highlights Project Lion, habitat expansion, disease surveillance, prey augmentation and community-based conservation involving Maldhari pastoralists.
Tiger Conservation – Chandrapur, Maharashtra
- The event showcases Project Tiger, wildlife corridors, M-STrIPES, Special Tiger Protection Forces and Maharashtra’s efforts to reduce human–tiger conflict in the Vidarbha landscape.
Leopard Conservation – Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Focuses on coexistence in human-dominated landscapes, rapid response teams, rescue infrastructure and public awareness.
Snow Leopard Conservation – Gangtok, Sikkim
- Emphasizes community-based conservation, climate-resilient planning and the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI).
Cheetah Conservation – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Highlights Project Cheetah, translocation from Namibia and South Africa, grassland restoration and satellite-based monitoring.
Key Conservation Programmes
Project Tiger (1973)
- Project Tiger established a network of tiger reserves and transformed India into the global leader in tiger recovery.
Project Lion
- Aims to secure the long-term survival and geographic expansion of Asiatic Lions beyond the Gir landscape.
Project Snow Leopard
- Focuses on protecting high-altitude ecosystems and integrating local communities into conservation.
Project Cheetah
- Seeks to restore cheetahs and revive India’s neglected grassland ecosystems.
Role of Technology
- India uses camera traps, satellite collars, M-STrIPES, AI-enabled analytics and disease surveillance to improve population monitoring, anti-poaching and habitat management.
- Scientific tools enhance evidence-based conservation and early warning systems.
Community Participation
- Conservation success increasingly depends on local communities through compensation schemes, eco-development, sustainable tourism and livelihood diversification.
- Examples include Maldhari participation in Gujarat and eco-tourism benefits around tiger reserves.
Ecological Significance
- Big cats are umbrella species; protecting them conserves large landscapes, watersheds and thousands of co-occurring plant and animal species.
- Their presence indicates healthy and functioning ecosystems.
Economic Significance
- Wildlife tourism generates local employment in guiding, hospitality, handicrafts and transport.
- Conservation also protects ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil stability.
International Significance of IBCA
- IBCA institutionalizes South-South cooperation, knowledge sharing, funding partnerships and coordinated policy responses for big cat conservation.
- It strengthens India’s role as a norm-setter in global biodiversity governance.
Challenges
Human–Wildlife Conflict
- Expanding populations increase encounters with livestock and humans, especially outside protected areas.
Habitat Fragmentation
- Roads, mining and urbanization disrupt wildlife corridors and genetic connectivity.
Climate Change
- Snow leopards and grassland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to warming and altered precipitation.
Poaching and Illegal Trade
- Big cats remain threatened by trafficking in skins, bones and body parts.
Limited Funding in Range Countries
- Many countries hosting big cats lack adequate technical and financial capacity.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Article 48A directs the State to protect wildlife and the environment.
- Article 51A(g) makes environmental protection a fundamental duty of citizens.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the principal legal basis for species protection.
Global Commitments
- Big cat conservation supports the Convention on Biological Diversity and contributes directly to SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Way Forward
- Strengthen landscape-level conservation beyond protected areas.
- Expand ecological corridors and community-based conflict mitigation.
- Develop long-term funding through international partnerships under IBCA.
- Promote scientific research, genetic monitoring and climate adaptation.
- Integrate grasslands and high-altitude ecosystems into mainstream conservation planning.
Data and Facts
- 1–2 June 2026: First IBCA Summit in New Delhi.
- 5: Wild big cat species found in India.
- 7: Big cat species covered under IBCA.
- 70%+ of the world’s wild tigers are in India.
- 1973: Launch of Project Tiger.
- 2022–23: Launch of Project Cheetah.
Prelims Pointers
- India is the only natural home of the Asiatic Lion.
- SPAI stands for Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India.
- M-STrIPES is a tiger monitoring and protection tool.
- IBCA covers Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma.
- Cheetahs were translocated to Kuno National Park.
From PCOS to PMOS: Reframing a Major Women’s Health Disorder
Why in News?
- A global medical consensus published in The Lancet has renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its complex hormonal and metabolic nature.
- The change follows a 14-year international consultation, involving more than 22,000 survey responses, 56 professional and patient organizations, and women with lived experience from across the world.
Relevance
- GS Paper II: Public health, women’s health and health policy.
- GS Paper III: Lifestyle diseases, preventive healthcare and human capital.
Practice Question
- “The renaming of PCOS to PMOS reflects a broader shift toward integrated and preventive women’s healthcare.” Discuss its significance for public health and gender-sensitive policy in India.(250 Words)
Static Background
What is PMOS?
- PMOS is a chronic endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation, elevated androgens and increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why “PCOS” Was Misleading ?
- The older term focused narrowly on ovarian “cysts,” even though the condition usually involves arrested follicles, not true pathological cysts, and affects multiple hormonal systems.
Scale of the Problem
- PMOS affects approximately 1 in 8 women globally, equivalent to more than 170 million women during their reproductive years.
- An estimated 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed, often until infertility, diabetes or metabolic complications emerge.
- In India, prevalence is estimated at 16–18%, making it one of the country’s most significant women’s health concerns.
Why the Name Was Changed ?
Scientific Accuracy
- The term “cysts” inaccurately described ultrasound findings, where immature follicles appear as multiple small fluid-filled structures rather than abnormal ovarian cysts.
Recognition of Multi-System Involvement
- The new term highlights dysfunction involving the ovaries, insulin metabolism, pituitary-hypothalamic regulation, adrenal hormones and adipose tissue.
Reducing Stigma
- The older label overemphasized fertility problems and often created social anxiety around marriage and childbearing.
Improving Diagnosis and Care
- A broader term encourages clinicians to evaluate metabolic, psychological and endocrine aspects rather than focusing solely on reproductive symptoms.
Meaning of PMOS
Polyendocrine
- Indicates that multiple endocrine organs and hormonal pathways—including ovaries, pancreas, adrenal glands and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis—are involved.
Metabolic
- Reflects strong associations with insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidaemia and increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Ovarian Syndrome
- Retains the ovarian component because ovulatory dysfunction and menstrual irregularity remain central clinical features.
Clinical Features
- Common manifestations include irregular or absent menstruation, infertility, acne, hirsutism, weight gain, insulin resistance, anxiety, depression and elevated cardiometabolic risk.
- Long-term consequences include diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disorders.
Pathophysiology
- The disorder involves complex interactions among genetics, insulin resistance, androgen excess, chronic inflammation and neuroendocrine dysregulation.
- Follicular development is disrupted, leading to chronic anovulation and the accumulation of immature follicles.
Significance for India
High Prevalence
- With prevalence estimated at 16–18%, PMOS is particularly relevant in India’s young female population.
Metabolic Vulnerability
- Indian women often develop insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome at lower body mass indices than many other populations.
“Thrifty Genotype” Hypothesis
- Historical adaptation to food scarcity may predispose certain populations to obesity and Type 2 diabetes in calorie-rich environments.
Public Health Significance
- PMOS is not merely a fertility issue; it is a lifelong health condition requiring early diagnosis, lifestyle modification and regular monitoring.
- Delayed recognition increases the burden of non-communicable diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Social Significance
- Misconceptions linking the condition only to infertility contribute to stigma, psychological distress and delayed treatment-seeking.
- A more accurate name may improve health literacy and reduce social anxiety surrounding women’s reproductive health.
Preventive Healthcare Perspective
- Early screening in adolescents and young women can identify metabolic abnormalities before progression to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Lifestyle interventions involving nutrition, exercise and weight management remain the first line of treatment.
Governance Significance
- The renaming aligns with a shift toward integrated women’s health, combining reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and mental health services.
- It supports preventive health strategies and gender-sensitive healthcare delivery.
Challenges
Diagnostic Delays
- Many women remain undiagnosed because symptoms are normalized or attributed only to menstrual irregularity.
Fragmented Care
- Patients often consult separate specialists without coordinated management.
Low Awareness
- Public understanding remains largely restricted to fertility-related concerns.
Lifestyle Factors
- Sedentary behaviour, unhealthy diets and obesity exacerbate disease severity.
Implications for Clinical Practice
- Clinicians are expected to adopt more comprehensive evaluation protocols, including glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, liver function and mental health assessment.
- The terminology change is likely to be incorporated into international clinical guidelines by 2028.
Way Forward
- Update medical textbooks, treatment protocols and awareness materials to reflect PMOS terminology.
- Integrate PMOS screening into adolescent and reproductive health programmes.
- Promote multidisciplinary management involving gynaecologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists and mental health professionals.
- Strengthen public education on lifestyle modification and long-term metabolic risks.
Data and Facts
- 1 in 8 women affected globally.
- 170 million women estimated worldwide.
- 70% remain undiagnosed.
- 16–18% prevalence in India.
- 22,000+ global survey responses.
- 56 professional and patient organizations involved.
- 2028 target for incorporation into global clinical guidelines.
Prelims Pointers
- PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
- It replaces the earlier term PCOS from May 2026.
- The condition is associated with insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels.
- Arrested follicles are not true ovarian cysts.
Scientists warn Kheer Ganga diversion in Uttarakhand’s Dharali could increase disaster risk
Why in News?
- Scientists have warned that diverting the glacier-fed Kheer Ganga in Dharali could increase future flood and debris-flow risks after the river adopted a new westward course following the 5 August 2025 disaster.
Relevance
- GS Paper I: Physical geography of the Himalayas and geomorphological processes.
- GS Paper III: Disaster management, climate change and environmental conservation.
Practice Question
- “Attempts to control Himalayan rivers through hard engineering often increase, rather than reduce, disaster vulnerability.” Discuss with reference to the Kheer Ganga diversion controversy in Uttarakhand.(250 Words)
Static Background
River Channelisation
- River channelisation is the engineering practice of confining rivers into artificial channels or embankments to control flow and protect settlements and infrastructure.
Debris Flow
- Debris flow is a fast-moving mixture of water, mud, boulders and sediments, common in steep mountainous terrain.
Floodplain
- Floodplains are areas naturally inundated during high flows and should remain largely free from permanent construction.
What Happened in Dharali?
- On 5 August 2025, Dharali experienced a multi-phase debris flow that deposited 10–15 metres of sediment, including boulders and glacial material, damaging homes, roads and hotels.
- The Kheer Ganga subsequently shifted to a westward channel before joining the Bhagirathi River.
Current Controversy
- Authorities are constructing an approximately 300-metre artificial channel to force the river back to its earlier eastward path.
- Scientists argue that redirecting a sediment-laden Himalayan stream may destabilize slopes and trigger future disasters.
Scientific Basis of Concern
Dynamic Nature of Himalayan Rivers
- High Himalayan rivers transport large sediment loads and naturally change channels in response to landslides, glacier melt and extreme weather.
Geomorphological Adjustment
- The westward shift represents the river’s new equilibrium after the disaster; reversing it may disturb this balance.
Increased Flow Velocity
- Artificial confinement can accelerate water and sediment, intensifying erosion and structural failure.
Concentrated Debris Impact
- Channelisation may funnel boulders and mud into narrow corridors, increasing destructive force downstream.
Climate Change Dimension
- The Himalayas are warming faster than the Indian plains due to elevation-dependent warming, accelerating glacier retreat and destabilizing mountain slopes.
- Rising temperatures increase avalanches, debris flows, glacial lake expansion and flash flood risks.
Key Data and Observations
- India Meteorological Department recorded only 8–10 mm rainfall during the 2025 event, indicating that limited rainfall can still trigger severe geomorphic disasters when glacial and moraine systems are unstable.
- Historical evidence, including an 1866 photograph by Samuel Bourne, suggests Kheer Ganga originally flowed westward.
Development-Induced Vulnerability
- Reinforced concrete bunds built after the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster created a false sense of security, encouraging hotels and settlements on active floodplains.
- Such encroachment magnified losses when the river changed course.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
Uttarakhand Flood Plain Zoning Act, 2012
- Classifies tributaries as rivers and mandates scientific demarcation and regulation of floodplains.
Ganga Notification, 2016
- Section 6.3 prohibits permanent or temporary construction in the Ganga, its tributaries, banks and active floodplains.
Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification
- Requires watershed-based planning and discourages disturbance of natural river courses.
Disaster Management Lessons
- Structural interventions alone cannot eliminate risk in highly dynamic mountain systems.
- Nature-based approaches and land-use regulation are often more effective than hard engineering.
Environmental Significance
- Rivers are living geomorphic systems, not fixed pipelines. Allowing natural adjustments improves resilience and ecosystem stability.
- Over-engineering can transfer risk rather than reduce it.
Governance Challenges
Fragmented Decision-Making
- Infrastructure agencies may prioritize short-term protection without sufficient geological assessment.
Weak Enforcement
- Floodplain regulations are frequently violated through hotels and tourism infrastructure.
Limited Scientific Integration
- Geomorphological and climate insights are not consistently embedded in development planning.
Broader Himalayan Context
- Similar channelisation projects are underway in the Kedarnath and Badrinath valleys, raising concerns about cumulative ecological impacts.
Constitutional and Legal Basis
- Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment.
- Article 51A(g) imposes a duty on citizens to safeguard natural ecosystems.
- The Disaster Management Act, 2005 mandates scientific risk assessment and mitigation.
Way Forward
- Allow Kheer Ganga to follow its newly established natural channel unless robust scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
- Conduct independent geomorphological and hydrological assessments before river engineering.
- Enforce floodplain zoning and remove unsafe construction.
- Adopt ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and watershed planning.
- Integrate climate projections into all Himalayan infrastructure decisions.
Data and Facts for UPSC Answers
- 5 August 2025: Dharali debris-flow disaster.
- 10–15 m: Thickness of deposited debris.
- 300 m: Proposed artificial diversion channel.
- 8–10 mm: Recorded rainfall during the event.
- 1866: Historical photographic evidence of westward flow.
Prelims Pointers
- Kheer Ganga is a tributary of the Bhagirathi River.
- Bhagirathi is one of the two headstreams of the Ganga.
- Floodplain zoning is a non-structural disaster mitigation tool.
- Elevation-dependent warming is pronounced in the Himalayas.
Centre allocates Rs 4,900 crore to Arunachal under ‘Pride of Hills’ initiative
Context
- Recently, Centre allocates Rs 4,900 crore to Arunachal under ‘Pride of Hills’ initiative.
- The Government of India has launched Pride of Hills: Special Development Assistance for Hill States under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for FY 2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹25,000 crore.
- Arunachal Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹4,900 crore, followed by Himachal Pradesh (₹3,920 crore) and Nagaland (₹3,880 crore).
Relevance
- GS Paper II: Fiscal federalism, Centre–State relations, regional equity.
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure, inclusive growth, border area development.
Practice Question
- “Targeted capital assistance to ecologically fragile and strategically important hill States is essential for balanced regional development and national integration.” Discuss with reference to the Pride of Hills initiative.(250 Words)
What is Pride of Hills?
- Pride of Hills is a special capital assistance window designed to address structural disadvantages faced by hill and Himalayan States, including difficult terrain, sparse population, weak connectivity and limited revenue generation.
- It provides additional support over and above the existing SASCI allocations to accelerate productive capital expenditure and infrastructure creation.
States Covered
- The initiative covers nine States: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Mizoram.
- These States face high logistics costs, ecological fragility and, in several cases, strategic border challenges.
State-wise Allocation
- Arunachal Pradesh receives ₹4,900 crore, the largest share, reflecting its vast territory, border significance and infrastructure deficit.
- Other allocations include Himachal Pradesh (₹3,920 crore), Nagaland (₹3,880 crore), Uttarakhand (₹3,460 crore) and Tripura (₹3,450 crore).
Why Hill States Require Special Assistance ?
Difficult Terrain
- Mountainous topography significantly raises the cost of constructing roads, bridges, tunnels, power lines and digital infrastructure, often making conventional funding formulas inadequate.
Sparse Population
- Low population density reduces economies of scale and limits user charges and tax collections, constraining financial sustainability.
Limited Fiscal Capacity
- Many hill States have weaker own-tax revenue and greater dependence on central transfers for developmental expenditure.
Ecological Vulnerability
- Frequent landslides, earthquakes, floods and glacial hazards require resilient and costlier infrastructure.
Strategic Border Importance
- Several beneficiary States share international borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Bridge critical infrastructure and connectivity gaps in remote and border regions.
- Support capital expenditure and creation of revenue-generating assets.
- Strengthen fiscal stability without curtailing development spending.
- Improve public utilities and long-term economic sustainability.
Significance for Arunachal Pradesh
- The ₹4,900 crore allocation can enhance all-weather connectivity, border infrastructure, public services and logistics across one of India’s most strategically sensitive and geographically challenging States.
- It complements initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme and border village development efforts.
Economic Significance
- Improved transport and utility infrastructure reduces transaction costs, attracts private investment and unlocks sectors such as tourism, hydropower, horticulture and agro-processing.
- Capital expenditure generates multiplier effects through employment, demand creation and regional market integration.
Strategic Significance
- Infrastructure in frontier States strengthens civilian habitation and improves military logistics along sensitive borders.
- Better connectivity enhances disaster response and governance in remote areas.
Social Significance
- Remote communities gain improved access to healthcare, education, banking and digital public services.
- Reduced isolation helps curb distress migration and promotes inclusive development.
Environmental Significance
- The initiative offers an opportunity to mainstream climate-resilient, eco-sensitive infrastructure suited to fragile mountain ecosystems.
- Sustainable design is essential to avoid slope destabilization and biodiversity loss.
Federalism Perspective
- The scheme reflects cooperative federalism, with the Union tailoring fiscal support to specific geographical and developmental constraints.
- It also advances equity-based federalism by recognizing unequal starting conditions among States.
Challenges
Absorptive Capacity
- Limited technical manpower and administrative capacity may delay project preparation and execution.
Environmental Risks
- Poorly designed projects can intensify landslides, erosion and habitat fragmentation.
Security and Logistics Constraints
- Harsh weather and difficult terrain increase implementation complexity and maintenance costs.
Monitoring and Accountability
- Outcome-based tracking is needed to ensure durable asset creation and effective utilization.
Constitutional and Legal Basis
- Article 38 directs the State to reduce regional inequalities.
- Article 275 enables grants-in-aid to States requiring special support.
- Article 280 empowers the Finance Commission to address vertical and horizontal imbalances.
Way Forward
- Prioritize climate-resilient and disaster-safe infrastructure.
- Strengthen project management and third-party audits.
- Integrate local communities and indigenous knowledge into planning.
- Align investments with tourism, renewable energy and border livelihoods.
- Use transparent outcome indicators rather than expenditure alone.
Data and Facts
- ₹25,000 crore total outlay.
- 9 States covered.
- ₹4,900 crore allocated to Arunachal Pradesh.
- Implemented during FY 2026–27.
Prelims Pointers
- Pride of Hills is a component under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
- Arunachal Pradesh is the highest beneficiary.
- The scheme focuses on capital expenditure and infrastructure creation.
- It is specifically designed for Himalayan and hill States.
COVID-19 linked to 22.1 million excess deaths globally from 2020 to 2023: WHO report
Why in News?
- The World Health Organization in its World Health Statistics 2026 report estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with 22.1 million excess deaths globally between 2020 and 2023.
- This figure is more than three times the number of officially reported COVID-19 deaths, highlighting the scale of direct and indirect impacts on global health systems.
Relevance
- GS Paper II: Public health, international organizations and social sector development.
- GS Paper III: Human capital, pandemic preparedness and global governance.
Practice Question
- “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep structural vulnerabilities in global health systems while underscoring the importance of resilient and equitable healthcare.” Discuss in light of the WHO World Health Statistics 2026 report.(250 Words)
Static Background
What is Excess Mortality?
- Excess mortality measures deaths above the expected baseline during a given period, capturing both direct deaths from a disease and indirect deaths caused by disrupted healthcare, delayed treatment and socio-economic distress.
World Health Statistics Report
- The WHO’s flagship annual publication tracks global progress on health indicators, Sustainable Development Goals and emerging public health challenges.
Key Findings of the Report
COVID-19 Mortality Impact
- The pandemic caused an estimated 22.1 million excess deaths from 2020–2023, far exceeding officially reported fatalities and exposing substantial under-reporting and weak death-registration systems.
Reversal in Life Expectancy
- COVID-19 erased nearly a decade of improvements in global life expectancy, with recovery remaining incomplete and highly uneven across regions.
Positive Global Health Trends
HIV Control
- New HIV infections declined by 40% between 2010 and 2024, reflecting expanded prevention, testing and treatment programmes.
Neglected Tropical Diseases
- The number of people requiring interventions for neglected tropical diseases fell by 36% during 2010–2024.
Reduced Tobacco and Alcohol Use
- Global consumption of tobacco and alcohol declined over the same period, improving long-term health outcomes.
Expansion of Basic Services (2015–2024)
Safe Drinking Water
- 961 million additional people gained access to safely managed drinking water services.
Sanitation
- 1.2 billion people gained access to improved sanitation facilities.
Basic Hygiene
- 1.6 billion people gained access to hygiene services such as handwashing facilities.
Clean Cooking Solutions
- 1.4 billion people obtained access to cleaner cooking fuels and technologies.
Regional Achievements
WHO African Region
- Recorded a 70% decline in new HIV infections and a 28% reduction in tuberculosis incidence, outperforming global averages.
South-East Asia Region
- Was on track to achieve the 2025 malaria reduction milestone, demonstrating progress in vector control and surveillance.
Continuing Global Challenges
Malaria
- Global malaria incidence increased by 8.5% since 2015, moving the world further away from elimination targets.
Anaemia in Women
- 30.7% of women of reproductive age continue to suffer from anaemia, with virtually no improvement over the past decade.
Violence Against Women
- Approximately 1 in 4 women globally experience intimate partner violence, underscoring a major social and public health challenge.
Implications for India
Public Health Preparedness
- The report reinforces the need for robust disease surveillance, laboratory networks and emergency response capacities.
Women’s Health
- High anaemia prevalence directly relates to India’s maternal health and nutrition agenda.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- Progress aligns with India’s achievements under Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission.
NCD and Infectious Disease Balance
- India must address both lifestyle diseases and unfinished infectious disease burdens.
Governance Lessons from COVID-19
- Health security is inseparable from economic resilience and social stability.
- Reliable civil registration and mortality data are essential for evidence-based policymaking.
- Universal primary healthcare is the first line of defence against future pandemics.
Global Health Governance Significance
- The report highlights the central coordinating role of the WHO in data collection, norm setting and pandemic preparedness.
- It strengthens calls for greater international cooperation and financing for resilient health systems.
Constitutional Basis in India
- Article 21 protects the right to life and health.
- Article 47 directs the State to improve nutrition and public health.
SDG Linkages
- Supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
- Also advances SDGs on water, sanitation, gender equality and reduced inequalities.
Challenges for Global Health
Underfunded Systems
- Many countries continue to face shortages of healthcare workers, infrastructure and financing.
Data Gaps
- Weak mortality and disease reporting undermine timely responses.
Inequitable Recovery
- Low-income countries are recovering more slowly than advanced economies.
Way Forward
- Strengthen universal health coverage and primary healthcare systems.
- Improve civil registration and health data systems.
- Expand investments in pandemic preparedness and One Health surveillance.
- Prioritize women’s nutrition, mental health and protection from violence.
- Sustain global cooperation under WHO leadership.
Data and Facts
- 22.1 million excess deaths linked to COVID-19 (2020–2023).
- 40% decline in new HIV infections (2010–2024).
- 36% reduction in neglected tropical disease intervention needs.
- 30.7% of women of reproductive age affected by anaemia.
- 1 in 4 women experience intimate partner violence.
Prelims Pointers
- WHO publishes the annual World Health Statistics Report.
- Excess mortality includes both direct and indirect deaths.
- WHO is headquartered in Geneva.
- WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Capital flight and pressure on the rupee
Why in News?
- Rising geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and elevated crude oil prices have intensified capital outflows, rupee depreciation and concerns over a widening Current Account Deficit (CAD).
- Analysts warn that any future increase in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve or Bank of England could further strain India’s external account.
Relevance
- GS Paper III: Balance of Payments, exchange rates, monetary policy and external sector stability.
Practice Question
- “India’s external sector remains vulnerable to oil shocks and shifts in global monetary conditions.” Discuss the implications of capital outflows and rupee depreciation for macroeconomic stability.(250 Words)
Static Background
Current Account Deficit (CAD)
- The current account records trade in goods, services, income and transfers. A deficit arises when imports and payments exceed export earnings and remittances.
Capital Account and Financial Flows
- Foreign portfolio and direct investment finance the CAD and influence exchange rate movements.
Exchange Rate Depreciation
- When demand for foreign currency rises relative to the domestic currency, the local currency weakens.
Immediate Trigger
- Hostilities in the Persian Gulf and disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have increased global energy prices and risk aversion.
- As India imports over 80% of its crude oil needs, higher prices immediately worsen the trade balance and increase inflationary pressures.
Why Capital Is Flowing Out ?
Interest Rate Differentials
- Investors compare returns in India with safer assets in advanced economies after adjusting for inflation and currency risk.
Rising Global Uncertainty
- Geopolitical shocks encourage investors to shift funds to safe-haven assets such as U.S. Treasury securities and the U.S. dollar.
Currency Risk
- Expectations of rupee depreciation reduce the effective return on Indian assets, prompting portfolio outflows.
The Taper Tantrum Parallel (2013)
- In 2013, the mere expectation that the U.S. Federal Reserve would reduce quantitative easing led to sharp capital outflows from emerging markets, including India.
- This episode demonstrated how expectations alone can trigger exchange-rate and financial volatility.
Current Concern
- Capital outflows are occurring even without a confirmed increase in U.S. or U.K. policy rates, suggesting markets may already be pricing in future monetary tightening.
- This indicates heightened sensitivity and underlying external vulnerabilities.
Impact on the Rupee
- Portfolio outflows increase demand for dollars, causing the rupee to depreciate.
- A weaker rupee raises the domestic cost of oil, fertilizers, electronics and other imports.
Impact on Inflation
- Currency depreciation and higher crude prices transmit into fuel, transport and input costs.
- This can lead to broader inflation and erode household purchasing power.
Impact on Current Account Deficit
- Higher import bills widen the CAD, increasing the economy’s dependence on capital inflows.
- If inflows weaken simultaneously, external financing becomes more difficult.
Policy Dilemma for the Reserve Bank of India
Raise Interest Rates
- Higher rates can attract capital and support the rupee, but they also dampen investment and growth.
Use Foreign Exchange Reserves
- The Reserve Bank of India can sell dollars to smooth excessive volatility, though reserves are finite.
Macroprudential Measures
- Temporary restrictions on derivative exposures and liquidity management can curb speculation.
Government Measures
- Import duties on gold and appeals to reduce discretionary imports aim to moderate demand for foreign exchange.
- Such measures may provide temporary relief but do not address structural weaknesses.
Structural Vulnerabilities
High Oil Dependence
- India’s large reliance on imported crude makes the economy vulnerable to external energy shocks.
Portfolio Flow Volatility
- Foreign portfolio investment is highly sensitive to global sentiment and interest rates.
Narrow Export Base
- Concentration in selected sectors limits resilience to global shocks.
Economic Significance
- Persistent external pressure can reduce investment, increase inflation and slow growth.
- Exchange-rate instability also raises uncertainty for businesses and households.
Social Significance
- Higher fuel and cooking gas prices disproportionately affect lower-income households and can trigger distress migration and reduced consumption.
Strategic Significance
- Energy security and diversification become critical to economic sovereignty and macroeconomic stability.
Positive Buffers for India
- Large foreign exchange reserves, strong remittance inflows and a diversified services export sector provide substantial resilience.
- India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain stronger than during earlier external crises.
Critical Analysis
- Temporary administrative steps and moral appeals can ease pressure, but sustainable external stability requires reducing structural dependence on imported energy and volatile portfolio flows.
- The challenge lies in balancing exchange-rate stability, inflation control and economic growth.
Way Forward
- Accelerate renewable energy, electric mobility and strategic petroleum reserves.
- Promote export diversification and manufacturing competitiveness.
- Encourage stable long-term inflows such as FDI over short-term portfolio capital.
- Maintain prudent fiscal and monetary coordination.
- Strengthen hedging and external risk management frameworks.
Data and Facts
- India imports 80%+ of its crude oil requirements.
- 2013 Taper Tantrum triggered major outflows from emerging markets.
- The current shock combines higher oil prices with capital flight and rupee depreciation.
Prelims Pointers
- The Current Account Deficit is part of the Balance of Payments.
- Rupee depreciation makes imports costlier.
- The RBI manages exchange-rate volatility using reserves and monetary tools.
- Portfolio flows are more volatile than FDI.
