In News:

• In a landmark ruling, a Thiruvananthapuram court sentenced a 24-year-old woman to death for the murder of her boyfriend by poisoning him with paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide.
• The incident, which occurred in 2022, has brought the spotlight back on paraquat's widespread availability, extreme toxicity, and the lack of regulatory enforcement in India.

What is Paraquat?

• Paraquat, chemically known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, is one of the most widely used herbicides globally.
• It is primarily used for:
  • Weed control
  • Crop desiccation, especially in crops like cotton before harvest
• Despite its toxicity, India and the United States continue to permit its usage, unlike over 70 countries, including China, Brazil, and the European Union, which have banned it.

WHO Classification

• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies paraquat as a Category 2 chemical, meaning it is moderately hazardous and irritating to the skin and eyes.
• It has a narrow margin between a safe and lethal dose, making accidental or intentional poisoning common and often fatal.

Routes and Effects of Exposure

• Ingestion is the most common method of poisoning.
• It may also occur through inhalation or skin contact, especially if the exposure is prolonged or the skin is broken.

Symptoms Vary by Dosage and Exposure Time:

Exposure Level                        Symptoms and Organ Damage

Small Quantity                       Gradual damage to lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart over days/weeks

Large Quantity                       Immediate symptoms such as:

• Acute kidney failure
• Liver and heart failure
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Nausea
• Mouth and throat swelling |

Treatment and Challenges

• No known antidote exists for paraquat poisoning.
• Treatment options include:
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
  • Charcoal hemoperfusion (a blood-purification technique)
• However, these treatments offer limited efficacy, especially in cases of large-dose ingestion.

Regulatory and Public Health Implications in India

• Despite paraquat’s well-documented toxicity, it remains:
  • Legally available in India
  • Easily accessible in rural markets
• The lack of regulation increases the risks of:
  • Occupational exposure
  • Accidental poisoning
  • Use in crimes or suicides

In News:

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the party whip system, arguing that it curtails the freedom of expression of Members of Parliament (MPs) and enforces servility by mandating strict adherence to the party line. His remarks have sparked a renewed debate on the balance between party discipline and individual autonomy in a parliamentary democracy.

What is a Party Whip?

A whip in parliamentary parlance is both a directive and a designated official of a political party. The directive instructs legislators on voting behavior on specific issues such as bills, motions, or resolutions. The designated whip ensures attendance, adherence, and discipline within the party ranks.

• The term “whip” originated from England’s hunting tradition, where a “whipper-in” kept hounds within the pack.
• The political usage dates back to Edmund Burke in the British Parliament.
• In India, the whip system has been in place since the start of parliamentary governance.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• The whip system is not mentioned in the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, or any statute, but functions through parliamentary conventions.
• The Anti-Defection Law (52nd Amendment, 1985) enforces the whip by allowing disqualification of MPs/MLAs for defying it, thus preserving political stability and party integrity.

Quorum Requirement: As per Article 100 of the Constitution, quorum in Parliament is one-tenth of the total membership:

• Lok Sabha: 55 members
• Rajya Sabha: 25 members

Types of Whips

• One-Line Whip: Informational—members may abstain.
• Two-Line Whip: Requires presence but does not dictate voting.
• Three-Line Whip: Strictest—mandates attendance and voting as directed.
  • Violation can lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law, unless two-thirds of the party members dissent together.

Functions and Significance

• Ensures Attendance: Maintains quorum during critical votes.
• Secures Support: Helps pass or oppose legislation.
• Maintains Discipline: Prevents cross-voting or defection.
• Internal Monitoring: Identifies discontent among MPs and informs party leadership.
• Party Cohesion: Acts as a channel between MPs and party high command.
• Democratic Functioning: Ensures government stability, especially during division voting, where numbers decide the fate of motions like the No-Confidence Motion.

For ruling coalitions, a united stance during such votes is crucial to showcase majority strength.

Chief Whip and Institutional Structure

• The Chief Whip is the most critical functionary in enforcing the whip.
• In the Lok Sabha, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs usually acts as the government’s chief whip.
• In the Rajya Sabha, it is the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.
• Whips also coordinate which MPs speak, when, and on what issues.

The All-India Whips Conference, held since 1952, allows whips from all parties to discuss coordination strategies and share parliamentary practices.

Criticism and Contemporary Debate

• Critics, including the Vice President, argue that whips limit deliberative democracy, reduce MPs to mere rubber stamps, and suppress individual judgment.
• However, supporters claim that whips are essential to prevent chaos, ensure smooth functioning, and uphold mandated party ideologies, especially in a system where governments often hinge on narrow majorities.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan defended the whip, stating that MPs elected on a party ticket must uphold the party’s collective ideology and decisions, even if personal disagreement exists.

In News:

Fiscal Consolidation refers to the strategic management of government finances aimed at reducing fiscal deficits, controlling public debt, and ensuring macroeconomic stability. India’s recent journey in this regard has been marked by a significant transformation, particularly in the post-2014 era.

Background:

In 2013-14, India was labelled as one of the "Fragile Five", largely due to its ballooning fiscal deficit (touching 5% of GDP in a quarter), high inflation, and weakening currency. This tag underscored the urgency of restoring fiscal health.

Post-2014 Measures:

• FRBM Act Revamp: The government recommitted to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, revising fiscal targets and focusing on fiscal discipline.
• Deficit Reduction: Fiscal deficit was reduced from 4.5% of GDP in FY 2013-14 to 3.4% in FY 2018-19.
• Revenue Boost: Digitization and broader tax reforms helped increase tax receipts from 10% of GDP (FY 2014-15) to 11.8% (FY 2023-24).
• Capex Focus: Capital expenditure nearly doubled from 1.6% of GDP in FY 2014-15 to 3.2% in FY 2023-24, emphasizing infrastructure over consumption.

Pandemic Impact and Recovery:

• During COVID-19, India’s fiscal deficit soared to 9.2% of GDP (FY 2020-21) due to emergency spending.
• Unlike blanket stimulus in some countries, India opted for targeted support (MSMEs, displaced populations, healthcare) while continuing infrastructure investment.
• This strategy avoided long-term inflationary pressure and built long-term productive capacity.

Structural Reforms:

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at reducing import dependence and boosting domestic manufacturing.
• Enhanced export competitiveness due to fiscal prudence and macroeconomic stability.

Current Scenario:

• Fiscal deficit reduced to 5.6% of GDP in FY 2023-24, with a target of 4.9% in FY 2024-25, and further narrowing to 4.5% by FY 2025-26.
• States remain a concern: their deficits exceed the 3% of GSDP limit, averaging 3.2% in FY 2023-24, with rising debt levels and declining capex.

FRBM Act & N.K. Singh Committee:

• FRBM Act (2003) aims to cap the fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP.
• The N.K. Singh Committee (2016) recommended:
  • Shift from rigid deficit targets to debt as the primary anchor.
  • Set up an autonomous Fiscal Council.
  • Flexibility via an “escape clause” (up to 0.5% extra deficit during crises).
  • Limit borrowings from RBI to specific emergency conditions.

Significance of Fiscal Consolidation:

• Macroeconomic Stability: Controls inflation and keeps currency stable.
• Investment Magnet: Low deficits improve investor confidence.
• Reduced Debt Burden: Less borrowing means less stress on future generations.
• Efficient Governance: Ensures better resource allocation and economic resilience.

In News:

A recent study conducted by Assam Medical College and Hospital has revealed a high prevalence of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) among tuberculosis (TB) survivors in Assam’s tea garden communities. Published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases journal, the research underscores a significant public health concern in a region already burdened by TB.

What is Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)?

• CPA is a severe, life-threatening fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a filamentous fungus commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and humid organic matter.
• It predominantly affects individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, especially those who have recovered from or are currently battling TB.
• CPA is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation:

CPA shares many clinical features with TB, making diagnosis challenging:

• Chronic cough
• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Persistent respiratory symptoms
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Key Findings from Assam:

• Study Area: Conducted in Dibrugarh district, covering tea workers and their dependents from four major tea estates.
• Sample Size: 128 patients with prolonged respiratory symptoms (>3 months).
• Prevalence:
  • CPA prevalence: 17.18% overall
  • Seropositivity in active TB patients: 18.5%
  • Seropositivity in post-TB patients: Spiked to 48.9%, indicating a strong link between CPA and previous TB infections.
• Demographic Insights:
  • Mean age: 41.9 years
  • Higher incidence among middle-aged male workers
• Comparison with Global Trends:
  • Assam’s CPA prevalence (60 per 1,00,000) exceeds the global average (42 per 1,00,000)
  • Worse than several African nations including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (20–50 per 1,00,000)

Contributing Risk Factors in Assam’s Tea Belt:

• High TB burden: 217 per 1,00,000 (National TB Prevalence Survey 2019–2021)
• Poverty and malnutrition
• Kitchen smoke exposure
• Congested living conditions
• Delayed or inadequate TB treatment

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis:
  • Serological testing for Aspergillus antibodies
  • Radiological imaging to identify fungal growth in lung cavities
• Treatment:
  • Antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole or voriconazole)
  • Surgical removal in severe cases with fungal mass

Public Health Recommendations:

• Routine screening of post-TB patients for CPA in high-risk zones like tea estates
• Awareness campaigns targeting healthcare providers and workers to improve recognition and response
• Education on nutrition, respiratory hygiene, and early symptom detection
• Inclusion of fungal diseases like CPA in broader national TB and occupational health programs

Additional Context: Epidemic Dropsy in Assam’s Tea Belt

• A 2019 study had previously flagged the prevalence of epidemic dropsy, a condition caused by contaminated edible oils with Argemone mexicana oil, adding to the health risks in tea-growing regions.

In News:

The Ministry of Finance has notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees, effective April 1, 2025. This reform addresses long-standing concerns about the unpredictability of pension returns under the NPS.

Key Highlights:

• Applicability: Applies to Central Government employees currently under the NPS, including those recruited on or after January 1, 2004, who opt for the UPS.
• Objective: To provide guaranteed post-retirement financial security, addressing grievances regarding the market-linked returns of the NPS.
• Regulatory Framework: The scheme will be regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which will issue detailed operational guidelines.

Pension and Benefit Structure

• Guaranteed Monthly Pension:
  • 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months prior to retirement.
  • Requires completion of 25 years of service.
  • Those with 10–25 years of service will receive a proportionate pension.
• Dearness Relief (DR): Periodic adjustments based on inflation trends to maintain pension value.
• Family Pension: In case of death, 60% of the employee's pension will be paid to eligible family members.
• Minimum Pension: Assured ?10,000 per month for those completing at least 10 years of service.
• Superannuation Benefits: Includes a lump sum payout and gratuity at retirement.

Contribution Mechanism

• Employee Contribution: 10% of basic pay.
• Government Contribution: 5% of basic pay (subject to revision based on actuarial evaluations).

Background and Policy Evolution

• The Union Cabinet approved the UPS on August 24, 2024, benefiting nearly 2.3 million Central Government employees.
• The move followed demands from staff unions for guaranteed pensions, and political pressure after several states reverted to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• A high-level committee, led by T.V. Somanathan (then Finance Secretary), was formed in April 2023 to review the NPS framework and design an equitable alternative.