1. Urban Health in India: Tackling the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Introduction
- Rapid urbanization in India has led to significant challenges in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among marginalized urban communities.
- NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are exacerbated by socio-economic factors, inadequate health systems, and poor urban infrastructure.
- Challenges in Urban Health:
- Vulnerable Populations:
- Includes gig workers, informal laborers, and migrants, often without health insurance or access to primary care.
- Exposure to hazardous working conditions and lack of nutrition and hygiene.
- Triple Health Burden:
- Poor work environments, limited access to health care, and financial instability.
- Policy Gaps:
- Despite having a National NCD Surveillance Policy, implementation is poor.
- Urban health systems are fragmented and lack resources for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
- Socio-Economic Marginalization:
- Marginalized groups face compounded issues of financial vulnerability, lack of education, and poor access to health services.
- Out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure remains high, leading to financial instability for families.
- Role of Technology in Urban Health:
- Digital tools can enable real-time monitoring and better screening for conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Technology-driven health solutions can aid in creating sustainable urban health systems.
- Solutions and Recommendations:
- Co-create health systems with the community for inclusivity.
- Enhance access to public health services, particularly for marginalized groups.
- Strengthen primary health care systems to minimize catastrophic health expenses.
- Implement state-level action plans for NCD care with focus on urban poor.
Conclusion
- India must prioritize building resilient, inclusive, and community-driven urban health systems to address the growing NCD burden.
- Emphasis on primary health care, technology adoption, and community participation is crucial for sustainable health outcomes.
Mains Practice Question |
Q: Discuss the challenges of addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban India. Suggest measures to improve urban health systems with a focus on marginalized communities. |
2. Ensuring Research Security: A Strategic Imperative for India
Introduction
- India’s push for innovation and technological advancement is critical for achieving its developmental goals by 2047.
- Strategic investments in areas like space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum technology enhance competitiveness.
- However, increased research activity brings risks such as foreign interference, intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and espionage, making research security a priority.
- Importance of Research Security:
- National Development: Protects strategic sectors vital for economic growth and technological leadership.
- Geopolitical Risks: Prevents intellectual property theft, insider threats, and sabotage.
- Challenges in Research Security:
- Foreign Influence and Espionage:
- Incidents like espionage targeting defense and medical research highlight vulnerabilities.
- Adversarial on
- Systemic Weaknesses:
- Bureaucratic hurdles and lack of coordination between agencies weaken implementation.
- Difficulty balancing openness in research with security requirements.
- Global Perspectives and Best Practices:
- EU and U.S. Approaches:
- Risk-based frameworks to regulate collaborations and protect sensitive research.
- Policies on dual-use technologies and surveillance mechanisms.
- Lessons for India:
- Build self-regulation among academic institutions.
- Strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and screening of collaborations.
- Way Forward for India:
- Policy and Regulation:
- Develop a national research security framework aligned with global practices.
- Include guidelines for sensitive research, international partnerships, and technology protection.
- Institutional Support:
- Establish a National Research Security Council.
- Enhance collaboration between intelligence agencies and research institutions.
- Awareness and Capacity Building:
- Promote understanding of research security among academics and policymakers.
- Allocate resources for safeguarding intellectual property and infrastructure.
Conclusion
- Strengthening research security is crucial for India’s technological sovereignty, economic resilience, and national security.
- A balanced approach ensuring both openness in scientific research and protection from risks is essential to secure India’s future as a global leader in innovation.
Mains Practice Question |
Q: Discuss the importance of research security in the context of India’s developmental goals. Suggest measures to safeguard sensitive research from geopolitical and cyber threats. |
