25 October 2025

• 25 children in Madhya Pradesh died due to consumption of a contaminated cough syrup, despite the Union Health Ministry having banned certain formulations for children under 4 years (April 2025).
• The tragedy highlights failures in drug regulatory oversight and pharmacovigilance mechanisms at both the Central and State levels.
• India’s role as the “pharmacy of the Global South” and past incidents in Gambia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Cameroon have drawn international attention to the safety of exported medicines.

Key Points

• Regulatory agencies involved:
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) – approves large- scale manufacturing & exports.
• State Drug Control Authorities – regulate sale, manufacture, and distribution by smaller manufacturers.
• Article 39(f) of the Constitution (Directive Principles): mandates protection of children’s health and development.
• Children = 39% of India’s population; however, no dedicated paediatric drug policy exists.
• WHO Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc) – not regularly updated in India.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) sales and off- label use of adult formulations for children remain poorly monitored.
• Pharmacovigilance gap: Few post- market surveillance mechanisms for paediatric drugs.

Static Linkages

• Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 39(f) – obligation of State to ensure children’s protection and opportunities for healthy development.
• Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A): Duty to protect public property and improve public health.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules, 1945 – primary legal framework for drug regulation in India.
• National Policy for Children (1974) & National Health Policy (2017) – emphasize child health protection.
• WHO – Essential Medicines Concept (1977) – cornerstone for equitable healthcare access.

Analysis

• Issues:
  • Weak Centre–State coordination in drug control.
  • No paediatric pharmacovigilance mechanism.  Poor OTC and dosage monitoring.
  • Risk to India’s image as “pharmacy of the Global South.”
• Ethical/Legal Angle:
  •  Unsafe medicines violate Article 21 (Right to Life).
  • Children’s safety is a fiduciary duty of the State.

Way Forward

• Formulate a Paediatric Medicines Policy of India.
• Create a National Paediatric Drug Safety Authority.
• Strengthen post-market surveillance & lab testing.
• Update Essential Medicines List for Children.
• Mandate awareness & labelling for caregivers/pharmacists.
• Incentivise paediatric drug R&D (on BCPA model).

THE MIRAGE OF PORT-LED DEVELOPMENT

• The proposed transshipment port at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar, has sparked debate over its economic viability, strategic value, and environmental costs.
• Approved in 2022 as part of a ₹72,000 crore “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island” plan, the project includes a port, airport, township, and power plant.
• Critics warn of threats to rainforests, marine ecology, and tribal communities (Shompen and Nicobarese).

Key Points

• Capacity: 16 million TEUs/year (targeting Colombo’s transshipment traffic).
• Agency: ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation).
• Strategic aim: Reduce reliance on Colombo and Singapore ports.
• Concerns:
  • Ecological loss (~130 sq km forest, Leatherback turtle nesting grounds).
  • Displacement of PVTGs.
  • No hinterland or feeder connectivity, raising costs.
  • Questionable commercial sustainability.

Static Linkages

• India’s Maritime Vision 2030: Emphasizes port- led development under the Sagarmala Programme.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): India’s EEZ around Andaman & Nicobar is critical for blue economy and strategic presence.
• Environmental Law: Governed by Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019.
• Tribal Rights: Protected under Article 366(25), Fifth & Sixth Schedules, and PESA Act, 1996 principles.
• Strategic Geography: Great Nicobar lies close to the Malacca Strait, through which ~60% of global trade passes — vital for India’s maritime domain awareness (MDA).

Critical Analysis

• Pros
  • Boosts port capacity and maritime presence.  
  • Enhances India’s visibility in the Eastern Indian Ocean.
  • Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Blue Economy goals.
• Cons
  • High cost, low connectivity, and no cargo base.
  • Ecological and tribal displacement risks.  
  • May duplicate roles of Vizhinjam and Vadhavan.
  • Weak environmental due diligence.

Way Forward

• Independent cost-benefit and ecological audit.
• Strengthen INS Baaz for defense separately from commercial aims.
• Promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods over heavy industry.
• Ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of local tribes.
• Prioritize mainland ports for transshipment efficiency.

SANCTIONING RUSSIA

• The Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, over Moscow’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
• The U.S. has extended punitive measures to countries importing Russian oil, with India facing an additional 25% tariff on Russian crude; China is exempted.
• Several Indian and Chinese oil firms are now reassessing Russian imports, raising questions on energy security and foreign policy alignment.

Key Points

• Scope of Sanctions: Aligns U.S. action with the EU’s 19th sanctions package focused on Russia’s energy, finance, and technology sectors.
• India’s Dependence: Russia accounts for over one-third of India’s crude imports (PPAC, 2024), offering crucial discounts since 2022.
• Economic Impact: Higher tariffs could raise India’s oil import bill, widen the current account deficit, and fuel inflation.
• Geopolitical Angle: Reflects U.S. intent to squeeze Russia’s war financing and test India’s strategic autonomy amid deepening U.S.–India ties (QUAD, iCET).
• Russia’s Response: Likely to increase oil trade via alternative payment routes and non- dollar settlements.

Static Linkages

• Energy Policy Framework: Integrated Energy Policy (2006) and National Energy Policy (2017) emphasize diversification and security.
• Balance of Payments: Rising oil prices worsen CAD and inflation, impacting fiscal health.
• UN Charter (Article 41): Authorizes non- military sanctions such as trade and financial restrictions.
• Strategic Autonomy: Continuity of India’s Non-Aligned legacy, now reframed as multi- alignment diplomacy.
• Oil Pricing: Brent crude as global benchmark directly influences domestic retail inflation.

Critical Analysis

• Positive Dimensions:
  • Reinforces collective pressure on Russia to de-escalate in Ukraine.
  • May push India to diversify energy imports and accelerate the green transition.
  • Strengthens the U.S.–India strategic partnership in clean energy and critical technologies.
• Concerns:
  • Erodes India’s strategic autonomy by limiting policy flexibility.
  • Raises import costs and risks inflationary spillovers.
  • Uneven sanctions (China exempted) distort competition.
  • Could strain India–Russia defence and energy cooperation, and BRICS cohesion.
• Stakeholder Viewpoints:
  • India: Prioritises affordable, stable energy and balanced diplomacy.
  • U.S.: Aims to restrict Russian revenues and reassert influence.
  • Russia: Seeks alternative buyers and non- dollar financial channels.

PLEASE MIND THE GAP

• Govt is planning a scheme to attract Indian- origin “star faculty” in STEM fields to work in premier Indian institutions (IITs, IISc, IISERs).
• Aims to tap into U.S. policy tightening on research visas under the Trump administration and boost India’s research ecosystem.
• Returnees to get long-term positions and setup grants for labs and projects.

Key Points

• Designed for long-term engagement, unlike earlier short-term NRI collaboration schemes.
• Global parallel: China’s Thousand Talents Plan —offers housing, grants, and easy visas.
• India’s GERD: ~0.65% of GDP vs China’s 2.7% (UNESCO).
• Major hurdles:
  • Bureaucratic delays in fund use & procurement.
  • Institutional culture gaps and salary disparities.
  • Urban air quality, housing, education challenges.
  • Resentment among resident faculty due to preferential treatment.

Static Linkages

• Brain Drain & Reverse Brain Gain concepts in development economics.
• NEP 2020 → creation of National Research Foundation (NRF).
• NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India @75 → raise R&D spending to 2% of GDP.
• General Financial Rules (GFRs) → govern procurement, often delay research spending.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and PMRF → domestic research promotion.

Critical Analysis

• Pros
  • Enhances R&D capacity and innovation.  Brings global expertise to Indian labs.
  • Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 and Make in India.
• Cons
  • Bureaucratic hurdles and rigid funding rules.  
  • Institutional resistance and pay disparity.
  • Poor urban living conditions and pollution.
  • Low national R&D base.

Way Forward

• Simplify research fund disbursal and procurement.
• Increase R&D spend to 2% of GDP.
• Ensure parity between resident and returnee researchers.
• Improve ease of living and institutional autonomy.
• Strengthen NRF and broaden research across universities.

• On 23 July 2023, ~10,000 Israeli military reservists protested judiciary reforms and corruption allegations against PM Netanyahu.
• Israel faced political instability, with five elections in four years; Netanyahu returned in 2022 heading a fragile coalition.
• The Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 temporarily united factions, but divisions persist amid ongoing conflict.
• Gaza ceasefire is fragile, involving demilitarisation, governance, and reconstruction.

Key Points

• Netanyahu’s far-right coalition resists compromise.
• Public trust dropped below 30% by August 2023.
• IDF operations resumed in Gaza; Knesset proposed West Bank annexation bills.
• US expressed frustration over aid impediments and unilateral legislation.
• Elections due October 2026; political instability may accelerate demands for a fresh mandate.

Static Linkages

• Principles of democracy, separation of powers, and rule of law.
• Judicial independence and constitutional safeguards in democratic governance.
• Conflict resolution frameworks: Ceasefire, demilitarization, and peace-building measures.
• Historical examples of political instability affecting peace processes (e.g., Lebanon, Palestine-Israel conflict).
• Role of international actors in regional stability (UN, USA, NATO).

Critical Analysis

• Pros:
  •  Ceasefire provides an opportunity for reconstruction and diplomacy.
  • Temporarily unified political front demonstrates potential for bipartisan cooperation in crises.
•  Cons:
  • Fragile coalition reduces the likelihood of long-term peace measures.
  • Far-right influence undermines negotiation and compromise.
  • Legislative moves favoring annexation may escalate regional tensions.
  • Aid restrictions risk humanitarian crises in Gaza.
•  Challenges:
  • Maintaining political stability while pursuing peace.
  • Balancing domestic political pressures with international expectations.
  • Restoring public trust in governance post- conflict.

Way Forward

• Strengthen political accountability and coalition-building for effective governance.
• Ensure judicial independence to uphold democratic principles.
• Facilitate inclusive peace negotiations with Palestinian representatives.
• Secure unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Encourage international mediation to maintain regional stability.
• Prepare for early elections if public mandate weakens, ensuring legitimacy for peace initiatives.