National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021

Why in News: Patient advocacy groups recently stated that numerous individuals across India, including many children with rare diseases, are in a life-threatening situation due to delays in executing the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021.

Introduction

• Launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in March 2021.
• Aims to provide a structured framework for diagnosing, treating, and managing rare diseases in India.

Coverage

• Currently includes 63 rare diseases, identified based on recommendations from the Central Technical Committee for Rare Diseases (CTCRD).

Categorization of Rare Diseases

The policy classifies rare diseases into three groups:

1. Group 1: Disorders that can be cured with one-time treatment.
2. Group 2: Diseases requiring long-term or lifelong treatment with relatively lower treatment costs.
3. Group 3: Diseases with definitive treatments available, but pose challenges due to high costs, lifelong therapy, and patient selection criteria.

Financial Support

• Provides up to ₹50 lakh per patient for treatment at notified Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

• 12 CoEs have been identified, primarily in government tertiary hospitals.
• These centers offer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for rare diseases.
• Treatment begins immediately after a patient’s registration at a CoE.

Diagnostic & Support Services

• Nidan Kendras established for genetic testing and counseling.

Tax Exemptions for Rare Disease Drugs

• Exemptions from Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Basic Customs Duty on drugs imported for rare diseases, either for individual use or through CoEs.

Research & Development

• The National Consortium for Research and Development on Therapeutics for Rare Diseases (NCRDTRD) was established to streamline research on rare disease treatments.
• Provisions for:
  • Research & development in diagnosis and treatment.
  • Promotion of local drug manufacturing for rare diseases.
  • Creating a favorable environment for indigenous and affordable drug production.

FDI in Insurance Sector

Why in News: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% to stimulate growth in the industry.

Global Practices in Insurance FDI

• Countries like Canada, Brazil, Australia, and China allow 100% FDI in insurance.
• Aligning with global standards will make India more attractive for foreign insurers.

Evolution of the Indian Insurance Industry

• The sector has grown from a LIC-dominated market to a diverse industry with multiple private players.
• Key factors driving this transformation:
  • Economic progress
  • Technological innovations
  • Demographic shifts
  • Greater financial awareness, especially post-COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of insurance.
• Insurance plays a vital role in India’s economic development.

Historical Roots of Insurance in India

• Insurance as a concept is deeply rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, including:
  • Manusmriti
  • Yagnavalkya’s Dharmashastra
  • Kautilya’s Arthashastra
• These texts describe resource pooling mechanisms to support communities during natural disasters and crises.
• Early insurance practices included marine trade loans and carrier contracts, mitigating trade-related risks.

Current Insurance Penetration Trends

• Overall insurance penetration declined from 4% in FY23 to 3.7% in FY24, despite a 7.7% rise in total premiums, reaching ₹11.2 lakh crore.
• Life insurance penetration dropped from 3% to 2.8%.
• Non-life insurance penetration remained unchanged at 1%.
• India’s insurance penetration (3.7%) is well below the global average of 7%, highlighting room for expansion.

Challenges in Expanding Insurance Coverage

• Lack of awareness about insurance benefits.
• Financial limitations affecting affordability.
• Preference for traditional savings methods over insurance policies.

Regulatory Framework for 100% FDI in Insurance

• The new FDI cap applies only to insurers that invest the entire premium within India.
• The government plans to revise and simplify regulations to encourage foreign investments.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will:
  • Oversee sectoral compliance and protect policyholders.
  • Prevent foreign dominance while ensuring regulatory stability.

Implications of Full FDI in the Insurance Sector

• Since 2000, India’s insurance industry has attracted ₹82,847 crore in FDI, improving efficiency and growth.
• The sector is projected to expand at 7.1% annually over the next five years, benefiting from foreign capital and policy reforms.
• Expected advantages of 100% FDI:
  • Increases insurance penetration in India.
  • Promotes global best practices and innovations.
  • Enhances long-term capital availability.
  • Strengthens technological integration in the sector.
  • Expands distribution networks and market competition.

Election Commission Neutrality

Why in News: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been accused of bias and a decline in neutrality, especially in its management of recent elections such as Delhi 2025, sparking concerns over its independence and transparency.

Constitutional Framework

• Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• Responsible for conducting free and fair elections at various levels.

Composition of ECI

• Comprises a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.
• Functions as a three-member body for decision-making.

Appointment Process

• Previously, the President appointed members on the Prime Minister’s advice.
• Following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling (Anoop Baranwal vs. Union of India Case), a selection committee (PM, Leader of Opposition, and a Union Minister) now makes the appointments.

Key Powers and Responsibilities

• Conducts elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, President, and Vice President.
• Manages electoral rolls, voter registration, and ensures adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
• Resolves election-related disputes and maintains the integrity of the electoral process.

Functions and Duties of the ECI

Electoral Management

• Defines constituency boundaries under the Delimitation Commission Act.
• Revises and updates voter lists to prevent malpractices.
• Announces poll schedules, scrutinizes nominations, and ensures compliance.

Political Party Regulations

• Registers political parties and assigns election symbols.
• Oversees party funding regulations and prevents undue influence.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Implementation

• Ensures fair campaigning and prevents misuse of government resources during elections.

Allegations of Bias Against ECI

Violations of the Model Code of Conduct

• Alleged favors to ruling parties, including policy announcements during elections.
• Example: Tax exemptions in Delhi were framed as electoral incentives.

Politicization of Appointments

• Accusations of appointing bureaucrats with political affiliations.
• Example: Ashok Lavasa was sidelined for dissent, while Arun Goel’s resignation raised concerns.

Electoral Manipulation Claims

• Assam delimitation allegedly favored the ruling party by restructuring constituencies.
• Example: Surat 2024 election saw an uncontested win, raising fairness concerns.

Transparency Issues

• Delayed release of voter turnout data and weaker disclosure norms.
• Allegations of biased election scheduling to benefit certain parties.
• Example: Four-phase polling in Odisha allegedly aligned with a national party’s strategy.

Defending ECI’s Neutrality

Constitutional and Legal Safeguards

• Operates under Article 324, ensuring autonomy with judicial oversight.
• Supreme Court plays a role in monitoring fairness.

Decision-Making Mechanism

• Three-member structure prevents unilateral decision-making.

Electoral Reforms and Technological Advancements

• SVEEP program promotes voter awareness and participation.
• Implementation of EVM tracking and digital voter IDs for transparency.

Comparison Between Furlough and Parole: Key Aspects

Recent Developments

• Convicts in the Hashimpura massacre case have challenged a Delhi prison rule related to furloughs in the Delhi High Court.

Key Similarities Between Furlough and Parole

• Both are forms of conditional release based on good behavior.
• Decisions on both are under the executive’s authority.

Furlough

• The sentence continues during furlough, with a specified release period.
• Commonly granted after a convict has served a long-term sentence.
• Primarily aimed at reducing solitude and helping convicts maintain family ties and good conduct.
• Authorized by the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons.
• Can be denied if deemed against public interest.
• Not contingent on any specific reason for release.

Parole

• The sentence is suspended while the convict is on parole, but the total sentence is unaffected.
• Generally for short-term imprisonment cases.
• Aimed at relieving convicts in specific circumstances such as health issues, agricultural needs, or appealing a conviction.
• Authorized by the Divisional Commissioner.
• Can be granted multiple times.
• Requires a specific reason for release.

Delhi Prison Rules on Furlough

• Chapter XIX outlines rules for furlough and parole in Delhi prisons.
• According to the rules, furlough is denied if a convict’s appeal is pending or if the appeal period hasn’t expired.
• In such situations, the convict may seek court directions for furlough approval.