1. “Non-communicable diseases like diabetes pose a major challenge to India’s public health system. Examine the policy responses taken by the government and suggest measures to strengthen preventive healthcare.”
| Syllabus: General Studies – II – Issues relating to health, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors. |
IN NEWS: World Diabetes Day 2025: Morning habits that can help you control blood sugar levels naturally
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and chronic respiratory illnesses are now responsible for over 60% of deaths in India (WHO, 2023).
Rising urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets have made diabetes a major public health and economic burden.
1. Challenges posed by NCDs like diabetes:
- High disease burden and out-of-pocket expenditure.
- Limited preventive focus in healthcare delivery.
- Low awareness and screening rates, especially in rural areas.
- Double burden — coexistence of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
2. Government policy responses:
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
- Focuses on screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion at primary healthcare level.
- Operational in most districts under the National Health Mission (NHM).
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
- HWCs provide comprehensive primary care, including screening for NCDs and health promotion activities.
- Fit India Movement & Eat Right India Campaign:
- Promote physical fitness and balanced diets to address lifestyle factors.
- National Digital Health Mission (NDHM):
- Enables digital health records and continuum of care for chronic diseases like diabetes.
- PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
- Provides financial protection for secondary and tertiary NCD treatments.
3. Measures to strengthen preventive healthcare:
- Integrate NCD prevention with school, workplace, and community programs.
- Tax and regulate high-sugar foods and beverages.
- Promote physical activity through urban planning and public spaces.
- Strengthen frontline health workforce for regular screening and counselling.
- Use digital tools for tracking, telemedicine, and awareness.
- Leverage AYUSH systems for preventive lifestyle practices like yoga.
Addressing NCDs like diabetes requires a paradigm shift from curative to preventive healthcare. A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, combining policy regulation, public awareness, and community engagement, is essential to build a resilient and health-conscious India.
| PYQ REFERENCE (UPSC 2020) Q.“Public health system in India suffers from multiple deficiencies. Examine the role of NHP 2017 in addressing them.” |
2. Examine how reforms in the mining royalty regime can promote private investment and resource security in India.
| Syllabus: General Studies – III: Economy: Effects of industrial policy, resource distribution, and energy security |
IN NEWS: Cabinet approves rationalization of royalty rates of Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium and Zirconium minerals critical for Green Energy
Recent Cabinet approval (Nov 2025) for new royalty rates on critical minerals like graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium signifies India’s move toward market-linked and investment-friendly mining governance.
Royalty Reforms Promote Private Investment
- The mining royalty regime defines the share of revenue accruing to the state from mineral extraction. Rational and transparent royalty structures are essential to attract private investment, promote exploration, and ensure equitable utilisation of mineral wealth.
- Predictability and Transparency: Moving from fixed per-tonne to ad valorem rates aligns royalties with the market value of minerals, reducing policy uncertainty and attracting investors.
- Improved Project Viability: Moderate rates (e.g., 2 % for caesium and rubidium, 1 % for zirconium) lower input costs, improving the internal rate of return for mining firms.
- Ease of Doing Business: Simplified royalty structures complement auction-based allocation under the amended MMDR Act (2023), enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
- Integration with “Critical Minerals Mission”: Encourages public-private partnerships in exploration, especially for high-technology and green-energy minerals.
Contribution to Resource Security
- Reduced Import Dependence: India currently imports many critical minerals vital for EV batteries, semiconductors, and defence; rationalised royalties incentivise domestic extraction.
- Strategic Autonomy: Strengthens self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat and safeguards supply chains amid global geopolitical competition for resources.
- Economic Diversification: Encourages downstream industries—battery manufacturing, advanced materials, and clean-energy technology.
Challenges and Safeguards
- Risk of unsustainable extraction and environmental degradation.
- Need for scientific exploration, stronger regulatory capacity, and community benefit-sharing under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Royalty reforms transform mining from a revenue-centric to a development-oriented sector. When aligned with sustainability norms and technological innovation, they can catalyse private investment, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s resource security for the green-energy future.
| PYQ REFERENCE (UPSC 2023) Q. Discuss India’s policy on strategic minerals and its importance for the country’s economic security. |