Disease X - Tracking the Next Pandemic    
Godda Power Project Overview    
Consumer Price Index (CPI)    
Universal Basic Income (UBI)    
Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)    
Core Sectors Output    

1.    Disease X - Tracking the Next Pandemic
Why in News?
•    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated it is updating the list of priority pathogens that pose the greatest public health risk due to their epidemic potential.
What is Disease X?
•    Disease X is not a specific, new disease but a placeholder name created by WHO in 2018.
•    It represents the unknown risk of a future pandemic caused by a pathogen not yet discovered.
•    WHO’s priority diseases list includes Disease X, emphasizing the possibility of a major epidemic from a yet-to-be-known pathogen.
How is WHO Tracking the Next Pandemic?
•    R&D Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics: Initiated in 2015, it aims to prevent outbreaks from becoming global health emergencies.
o    Developed after the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
•    Objective: Accelerate the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics for diseases with high epidemic potential.

•    Procedure:
o    For each listed pathogen, WHO creates an R&D roadmap and target product profiles (TPP).
o    During an outbreak, the Blueprint transitions from preparedness to an emergency R&D response.
•    Collaborators: WHO works with partners like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID- R).
•    Significance: The R&D roadmap helps identify effective health technologies and integrates research into outbreak responses.
What About the List of Priority Diseases?
•    The list of priority diseases highlights pathogens with the greatest public health risks due to their epidemic potential and the lack of sufficient countermeasures.
•    Not exhaustive: This list does not predict the exact cause of the next pandemic.
•    WHO's last prioritisation was done in 2018, and a new updated list was expected in 2023.
•    CEPI plays a crucial role in accelerating vaccine development for epidemic and pandemic threats through partnerships across public and private sectors.

Prelims Question:
With reference to Disease X, consider the following statements:
1.    Disease X refers to a new virus discovered in 2018.
2.    The WHO uses the concept of Disease X to represent potential pandemics from unknown pathogens.
3.    Disease X is part of WHO’s priority diseases list. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the WHO's R&D Blueprint for Action in preventing epidemics. How does the concept of Disease X help improve global preparedness for future pandemics?

2.    Godda Power Project Overview:
•    Godda Plant: India's first transnational power project, designed solely for exporting electricity.
•    Operator: Adani Power's subsidiary in Jharkhand.
•    Capacity: Supplies 1,496 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh from an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant.
•    Agreement: Part of a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), established in November 2017.

Significance of the Project:
•    Economic Impact: The Godda project helps reduce electricity costs in Bangladesh by replacing more expensive liquid fuel-based power.

•    Contribution to Bangladesh: Provides 6% of Bangladesh's total power as of 2023.
•    Regional Cooperation: Aligns with India’s 2016 guidelines on electricity exchange, which aim to promote economic growth and improve living standards in South Asia.
Bangladesh’s Power Imports:
•    Need for Imports: Despite increased electricity access, Bangladesh faces fuel and gas supply constraints, leading to underutilization of its power generation capacity.
•    Global Impact: The Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbated energy shortages, causing blackouts of up to 13 hours a day.
•    Overcapacity: As of June 2023, Bangladesh's total capacity was 28,098 MW, but actual power generation peaked at 16,477 MW, leaving 11,621 MW unutilized.
Change in India’s Power Export Rules:
•    Greater Flexibility: New regulations allow Indian power exporters to access the domestic market, reducing reliance on external buyers.
•    Impact on Bangladesh: Though there have been payment delays from Bangladesh due to internal processes, the regulatory changes are not expected to have a long-term impact on power supply.

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Godda power project, consider the following statements:
1.    The Godda plant is the first transnational power project from India.
2.    The plant exports 1,496 MW of electricity to Nepal.
3.    The project is based on a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Bangladesh. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of India’s Godda Power Project for regional energy cooperation in South Asia. What are the challenges Bangladesh faces in utilizing its full power generation capacity?

3.    Consumer Price Index (CPI)
•    Definition: CPI measures price changes from the perspective of a retail buyer, capturing the cost of commodities and services like food, medical care, education, and other essential items.
•    Releasing Authority: Released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
•    Sub-Groups: Includes several categories such as food and beverages, fuel and light, housing, and clothing, bedding, and footwear.
•    Types of CPI:
1.    CPI for Industrial Workers (IW)
2.    CPI for Agricultural Labourer (AL)
3.    CPI for Rural Labourer (RL)
4.    CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined)
•    Compiling Authorities:
o    CPI (IW, AL, and RL) is compiled by the Labour Bureau, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
o    CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) is compiled by the NSO.
•    Base Year: 2012 for CPI.

•    Monetary Policy: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) uses CPI data as the primary measure to control inflation.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
•    Definition: WPI measures the changes in the prices of goods sold and traded in bulk by wholesale businesses.
•    Releasing Authority: Published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
•    Focus: WPI captures inflation at the producer level, focusing on the prices of goods before they reach consumers.
•    Criticism: WPI does not include services and reflects wholesale prices, which may not accurately represent consumer-level inflation.
•    Base Year: The base year of WPI was revised to 2011-12 in 2017.

CPI vs. WPI
•    Level of Measurement:
o    CPI: Measures consumer-level inflation, including goods and services.
o    WPI: Measures producer-level inflation, focusing only on goods.
•    RBI’s Focus: Since April 2014, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted CPI as its

primary measure of inflation for framing monetary policy.

Prelims Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Consumer Price Index (CPI):
1.    CPI includes both goods and services purchased by consumers.
2.    The base year for CPI is 2011-12.
3.    CPI data is used by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for inflation targeting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
(Statement 2 is incorrect as the base year for CPI is 2012, not 2011-12.)

Mains Question
Discuss the significance of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as a tool for inflation measurement and its role in shaping India's monetary policy. How does CPI differ from the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)?

4.    Universal Basic Income (UBI)
About:
•    UBI is a social welfare proposal where all beneficiaries receive a guaranteed, unconditional income on a regular basis.
•    The main goals are to reduce poverty and simplify welfare systems by replacing need-based programs that require extensive bureaucratic oversight.
•    UBI aims to cover the entire population or a large segment, with minimal conditions.

•    Poverty Alleviation: Helps in reducing poverty and income inequality, ensuring a basic standard of living.
•    Health Benefits: Reduces stress, anxiety, and improves overall physical and mental health.
•    Simplified Welfare System: Replaces complicated social assistance programs, reducing administrative costs.
•    Individual Freedom: Provides financial security, allowing individuals to make better choices in work, education, and life.
•    Economic Stimulus: Boosts consumer spending, creating demand and stimulating economic growth.
Cons:
•    Cost and Sustainability: UBI is expensive and requires higher taxes or spending cuts; it may lead to inflation and labor market distortions.
•    Perverse Incentives: Could reduce the motivation to work, leading to lower productivity.
•    Inflationary Pressures: Increased money supply may raise prices as businesses adjust.
•    Dependency Risk: May create reliance on government support, reducing incentives for personal growth.
Alternatives to UBI
1.    Quasi UBRI: A modified UBI model proposed to provide direct cash transfers (e.g., Rs 18,000 per year to rural households), except to the well-off, addressing agrarian distress.
2.    Direct Benefits Transfers (DBT): Transfers subsidies/cash directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, improving efficiency and transparency. Programs like PM Kisan and Jan Dhan Yojana are examples.

Pros:
 
3.    Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT): Provides cash to poor households on conditions such as education and health check-ups, aiming to improve human capital.
4.    Other Income Support Schemes: Targeted schemes providing cash or in-kind support to specific vulnerable groups like farmers and the elderly.
5.    Employment Guarantee Schemes: Programs like MGNREGA, guaranteeing employment for rural households.
6.    Universal Basic Services (UBS): Focuses on providing essential services like healthcare and education instead of income, improving living standards.

Prelims Question:
With reference to Universal Basic Income (UBI), consider the following statements:
1.    UBI replaces all existing welfare programs with a guaranteed income for all citizens.
2.    UBI aims to reduce poverty and simplify the welfare system by eliminating bureaucratic oversight.
3.    Direct Benefits Transfers (DBT) and Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) are examples of UBI implementation in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 2 only

Mains Question:
 

5.    Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)
Formation and Purpose:
•    Formed in 2019 to provide an internal oversight mechanism for official statistical data.
•    Aims to revamp the existing Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES).
Need for SCoS:
•    The move comes amidst criticism of India’s statistical system from the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the PM.
•    The EAC chairperson, Bibek Debroy, suggested an overhaul, citing a lack of expertise in survey design within the Indian Statistical Service.
Terms of Reference:
•    Membership: Up to 16 members to ensure broader expertise.
•    Mandate: Expanded beyond just economic data to advise on all surveys including sampling, methodology, and results finalisation.
•    Data Gaps: Tasked with identifying and addressing gaps in official statistics.
•    Administrative Data: Encourages the use of administrative statistics to enhance data accuracy and outcomes.
Role of the National Statistical Commission (NSC):
•    While the SCoS will help in finalising survey results, the NSC will retain the authority to approve and publish these results.

Discuss the pros and cons of implementing        

Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India. How does UBI compare with other income support alternatives like Direct Benefits Transfers (DBT) and Employment Guarantee Schemes?

Prelims Question:
Consider the following statements about the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS):
1.    The SCoS was formed to provide external oversight for India’s official statistical data.
2.    The committee is tasked with identifying data gaps and advising on survey design and methodology.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B) 2 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the role of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) in improving India's statistical system. How does it address the challenges in survey design and data gaps in official statistics?

6.    Core Sectors Output
Context:
•    India's eight core sectors' output grew by 12.7% in June 2022, down from 18.1% in May 2022, with all sectors except crude oil registering growth.
What are Core Sectors? Eight Core Sectors:
•    Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertiliser, Steel, Cement, Electricity.
About:

•    These sectors represent 40.27% of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Weightage (in decreasing order):
1.    Refinery Products
2.    Electricity
3.    Steel
4.    Coal
5.    Crude Oil
6.    Natural Gas
7.    Cement
8.    Fertilizers

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) About:
•    The IIP measures the changes in industrial production volume over time.
•    Compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Classification:
•    Broad Sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, Electricity.
•    Use-based Sectors: Basic Goods, Capital Goods, Intermediate Goods.
Base Year: 2011-2012.
Significance:
•    Used by government agencies like the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for policymaking.
•    Plays a key role in calculating quarterly and advance GDP estimates.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following is not a part of India’s core sectors?
A)    Cement
B)    Textiles
C)    Refinery Products
D)    Fertilizers
Answer: B) Textiles  
Mains Question:
Explain the significance of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in measuring economic performance. How do the core sectors contribute to the overall industrial output of the country?