Articles Covered

1. C-DOT and IIT, Jodhpur sign agreement for “Automated Service Management in Network of 5G and beyond Using AI”
2. Biomarkers
3. rules around star campaigners
4. DRDO develops Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket for protection against highest threat Level 6 of BIS
5. Rights of Persons with Disabilities
6. High Court upheld Karnataka’s ban on hookah
7. Safeguard Measures under WTO
8. SC allows abortion of 30-week foetus: What is the law on abortions, and what does the court consider?
9. Tundra Ecosystem
10. Run-up to Ottawa: Civil society groups call for support from ASEAN leadership in fight against plastic pollution
11. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme

C-DOT and IIT, Jodhpur sign agreement for “Automated Service Management in Network of 5G and beyond Using AI”

This technology will provide valuable insights into network planning, creation and management of time-critical services of networks like 5G and beyond

1. C-DOT, the premier Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India and Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) signed an agreement for “Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks Using AI”.
2. The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) of the DoT, which is designed for providing funding support to domestic companies and institutions involved in technology design, development, commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions to enable affordable broadband and mobile services in rural and remote areas.
3. The primary objective is to develop AI frameworks for automated network management, fault detection, and diagnostic techniques by utilizing continuous information generated within the network like 5G. The service will establish a real time 5G and Beyond test bed (in compliance with O-RAN) for the demonstration of the developed automated network management and slicing techniques in conjunction with specific application use-cases such as smart metering, remotely operated vehicles, etc.
4. The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Dr Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Director, C-DOT and Dr Sai Kiran, MPR, Assistant Professor, Dept of Electrical Engineering, IIT Jodhpur.
5. Dr Sai Kiran, MPR, Associate Professor, IIT – Jodhpur stated that “we are thrilled to announce the R&D grant received from the DoT, which will fuel advanced research and development initiatives aimed at revolutionizing network management and improving Quality of Service (QoS) in 5G and 6G telecom networks. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, our team will spearhead the creation of automated network management solutions that ensure low-latency and high-reliability performance, enabling the growth of new 5G and 6G application verticals such as remotely operated vehicles, smart cities, etc.”
6. C-DOT and IIT-Jodhpur reiterated that the successful completion of this project shall enable new use-cases in the areas of transportation systems, smart cities, and allow India in better contribution towards future 6G telecom standards.

Biomarkers

Screening for blood biomarkers has been proposed as a potential way to diagnose cancer at earlier stages of the disease.

• Biomarkers, short for ‘Biological Markers’ are a physical, chemical, or biological characteristic that is present in the human body, and measurable
• biomarker as “any measurement reflecting an interaction between a biological system and a potential hazard, which may be chemical, physical, or biological. The measured response may be functional and physiological, biochemical at the cellular level, or a molecular interaction”.
• Experts also call them molecular markers and signature molecules.
• They are indispensable in diagnosing disease, prescribing the right medication, right dosage, and even while designing new drugs.
• Biomarkers include biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, genes, DNA, RNA, platelets, enzymes, hormones, etc.

Classification of Biomarkers:

Based on their source or location:

1. Molecular– have biophysical properties, which allow their measurements in biological samples such as blood plasma, serum, cerebro spinal fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsy, urinalysis, and faecal analysis
2. Radiographic– obtained from imaging studies, for example, bone mineral density
3. Histologic– reflect biochemical or molecular alteration in cells, tissues, or fluids; for example, the staging and grading of cancers
4. Physiologic– measures of body processes, for example, blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart rate

Based on roles/functions:

1. Susceptibility/Risk Biomarkers: Indicate the person’s likelihood of developing a particular disease or condition in the near or distant future.
2. Diagnostic Biomarkers: These are used to detect or confirm a particular disease or condition.
3. Prognostic Biomarkers: In people who already are confirmed to have a disease, prognostic biomarkers can predict the likelihood of disease progression or relapse.
4. Monitoring Biomarkers: These biomarkers are used for one or all of these reasons: to assess the stage or condition of the disease, to measure the exposure to a particular drug, and to measure exposure to an environmental agent.
5. Predictive Biomarkers: These are used to identify individuals who have a higher likelihood of experiencing a strong outcome when exposed to a particular drug. This will help decide the treatment options.

Pharmacodynamic/Response Biomarkers: These reveal that a biological response has happened in patients exposed to a particular drug or environmental agent.

rules around star campaigners

What does the Representation of the People Act, 1951 state about the expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party’? What was the advisory issued by the Election Commission to star campaigners?

1. Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides for law relating to expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party’.
2. These ‘leaders of a political party’ are popularly known as ‘star campaigners. These star campaigners are usually the top leaders of a political party but can include other celebrities as well. The only requirement is that these persons have to be members of the political party that appoints them.
3. The RP Act provides that a recognised political party (national or State) can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners while a registered unrecognised political party can appoint up to 20.

Recently, Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat.

Star Campaigners:

1. A star campaigner is a famous person with a huge fan following chosen by a political party to contest or campaign during elections. The star campaigner can be anyone – a political heavyweight, a film star, a well-known celebrity, or even a sportsperson.
2. They are nominated by the concerned political parties specifying their constituencies and duration of the status.
3. There is no law governing who can or cannot be made a star campaigner.
4. The only requirement is that these persons have to be members of the political party that appoints them.

star campaigners can be there

Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that

1. A Recognised political party (national or State) can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners
2. A Registered unrecognized political party can appoint up to 20.
3. These names are to be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the States as applicable within seven days from the date of notification of such election.
4. In case of a multi-phase election, a political party can submit a separate list of star campaigners for different phases.

Benefits on Expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party’/Star Campaigners & a Candidate:

• According to The RP Act 1951, The Election Commission has fixed ₹95 lakh expenses limit for candidates of bigger Lok Sabha constituencies and up to ₹75 lakh for candidates of smaller constituencies. 
• Political parties cover all costs of star campaigners but the star campaigner’s expenses are not deducted from the candidate’s expenditure. 
• It allows the candidates extra spending opportunity beyond the poll panel’s ₹75 – ₹95 Lakh limit for Lok Sabha polls.
• Star campaigners would be vote-fetchers for candidates set up by respective parties without affecting their expenditure limit.
• In case, the star campaigner shares the stage with the candidate or even takes the name of the candidate in his speech, his/her charges will have to be borne by the candidate from his expenses.
• Expenditure On Travel: Expenditure incurred by the ‘leaders of a political party’ on account of travel by air or any other means of transport for campaigning for their political party shall not be deemed to be part of the election expenditure of a candidate of such party.
• However, if any candidate(s)travel with the star campaigner, then 50% of the travel expenditure of the star campaigner shall also be apportioned to such candidate(s).
• PM or Former PM as a Star Campaigners:When a Prime Minister or a former Prime Minister is a star campaigner, the expenditure on security including on bullet-proof vehicles will be borne by the government.
• But if the Prime Minister is accompanied by another star campaigner, the candidate has to bear 50 per cent of expenditure on the security arrangements.

DRDO develops Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket for protection against highest threat Level 6 of BIS

1. DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. Recently, this bullet proof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per 
BIS 17051-2018.
2. This jacket is based upon new design approach, where novel material along with new processes have been used.
3. The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits (06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and Standalone design.
4. The ergonomically designed front HAP is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances the wear ability and comfort during the operation.
5. The areal density of ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively.
6. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO has congratulated DMSRDE for the successful development of this lightest bullet proof jacket for protection against highest threat level.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Supreme Court recently lamented that the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) remains dismal across India.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)

• It was enacted in the year 2016 and came into force on 19th April, 2017.
• It replaced the Persons with Disabilities(Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
• The objective of the RPwD Act is to ensure that all persons with disabilities can lead their lives with dignity, without discrimination, and with equal opportunities.
• The Act lays down specific provisions to uphold such rights.
• It incorporates the rights of persons with disabilities covered under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.
• Under the Act, disability has been defined as an evolving and dynamic concept.
• The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21, and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.

The types of disabilities include Leprosy Cured Person, Cerebral Palsy, Acid Attack Victims, Blindness, Deaf, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Haemophilia, etc.

Persons with “benchmark disabilities” are defined as those certified to have at least40 percent of the disabilities specified. 

Rights and entitlements:

1. Responsibility has been cast upon the appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that persons with disabilities (PwDs) enjoy their rights equally with others.
2. Additional benefits have been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs.
3. Every child with a benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the RIGHT TO FREE EDUCATION
4. 5% reservation in seats in Government and Government
5. Aided HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS  for  persons with benchmark disabilities.
6. Stress has been given to ensure accessibility in public buildings(both Government and private) in a prescribed time-frame.
7. 4% reservation in Government jobs for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability.
8. Guardianship: The Act provides for the grant of guardianship by the District Court or any authority designated by the State Government under which there will be joint decision–making between the guardian and the PwDs.
9. Broad-based Central and State Advisory Boards on Disability to be set up as policy-making bodies.
10. The Act provides for the strengthening of the Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners of Disabilities,which will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also monitor the implementation of the Act.
11. These Offices will be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising of experts in various disabilities.
12. Creation of National and State Fund to provide financial support to the PwDs.

Penalties for offences:

1. The Act provides for penalties for offences committed against PwDs and also for violations of the provisions of the new law.
2. Any person who violates provisions of the Act, or any rule or regulation made under it, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to six months and/ or a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.
3. For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs five lakh can be awarded.
4. Whoever intentionally insults or intimidates a PwD or sexually exploits a woman or child with a disability, shall be punishable with imprisonment between six months to five years and fine.
5. Special Courts will be designated in each district to handle cases concerning violations of the rights of PwDs.

High Court upheld Karnataka’s ban on hookah

On March 11, a single judge Bench of Justice M Naga prasanna had reserved its judgment on the challenges by several restaurant owners to the government’s February 7 notification.

The Karnataka High Court has affirmed the state government’s decision to ban hookahs.

1. According to the court, the ban is beneficial for the public interest.
2. The court has now declared hookah bars as an illegal “service” under India’s anti-tobacco law.

Reasons for upholding Karnataka’s ban on hookah by High Court

Maintain Public Health: Article 47 of the Constitution puts a duty on the state to improve public health. Therefore, the state has taken such measures to improve public health.

Public Health

1. It is defined as the science of improving and protecting people’s health.
2. Ways to improve health are
3. Promoting healthy lifestyles
4. Prevention from infectious disease.
5. Taking precautionary measures

Article 47 is part of the directive principles of state policy, which are fundamental principles guiding governance.

While these principles are not enforceable by courts, it’s the State’s duty to apply them in making laws.

1. Since hookah smoking is injurious to health therefore, it falls under the government’s power to prohibit such substances.
2. They linked this to the right to life with dignity under Article 21.
3. Objective: By banning hookahs, the state aimed to safeguard public health, prevent addiction, and reduce health risks associated with tobacco use.
4. Hookah as a Service:Rule 4(3) of COTPA, amended in 2017, prohibits any service in smoking area.

Hookah smoking v/s smoking a cigarette.

1. It noted that smoking zones only provide a space for smoking.
2. However, hookah smoking requires staff to set up the table to render services in the specific area.
3. Preparation of hookah involves a service, similar to serving food or drinks as it requires an external human hand to place all the apparatus on the tables like food or alcohol would be served on those tables”.
4. Therefore, the ban on hookah bars aligns with existing rules against providing services in smoking areas.
5. This ruling applies to herbal hookah as well, as it also requires equipment and qualifies as a service under the rules.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

• DPSPs are guidelines and principles found in Part IV of the Indian Constitution.
• They help the government create policies and laws that benefit citizens and create a fair society.
• DPSPs cannot be enforced by courts, but they guide the government morally and politically.

Legislative Intent: The focus on prohibiting “services” related to smoking is an attempt to discourage all forms of tobacco use, including hookah. Balance Between Individual Freedoms and Restrictions: The government tries to balance by imposing restrictions on harmful substances. 

1. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees the freedom to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.
2. However, this freedom is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public health.
3. In this case, the ban on hookahs serves the greater good by curbing harmful practices.

Illegal ‘service’ under tobacco law COTPA

1. Section 31 of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) allows the government to create rules for its enforcement.
2. In 2008, rules were introduced to prohibit smoking in public places.

Impact of Karnataka’s ban on hookah by High Court

1. Reduced Hookah Use: The ban could lead to a decrease in hookah smoking in Karnataka, potentially improving public health outcomes associated with tobacco use.
2. Loss of Revenue: Businesses profiting from hookah sales, like restaurants and bars, might face financial losses.
3. Black Market:A black market for hookah equipment and supplies could emerge to meet the demand.
4. Increased Enforcement Costs:The government might need to allocate resources for enforcing the ban effectively.

Safeguard Measures under WTO

India and some other nations, including Switzerland, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea and Russia, have criticized the EU for deciding against terminating its safeguard measure on imports of certain steel products after carrying out a review.

Safeguard Measures

1. Safeguard measures are measures introduced by a country that qualify as “emergency” actions under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
2. A WTO member may take a “safeguard” action (i.e., restrict imports of a product temporarily) under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards to protect a specific domestic industry from an increase in imports of any product which is causing, or which is threatening to cause, serious injury to the industry.
3. These actions are intended to prevent or mitigate serious injury to the member state’s domestic industry.
4. Such measures, which in broad terms take the form of suspension of concessions or obligations, can consist of quantitative import restrictions or duty increases to higher than bound rates.
5. They are one of three types of contingent trade protection measures, along with anti-dumping and countervailing measures, available to WTO members.
6. The guiding principles of the agreement with respect to safeguard measures are that such measures

• Must be temporary;
• That they may be imposed only when imports are found to cause or threaten serious injury to a competing domestic industry;
• That they (generally) be applied on a non-selective(i.e., most-favoured-nation, or “MFN”) basis;
• That they be progressively liberalized while in effect;
• And that the member imposing them(generally) must pay compensationto the members whose trade is affected.

Thus, safeguard measures, unlike anti-dumping and countervailing measures, do not require a finding of an “unfair” practice.

The agreement defines “serious injury” as a significant overall impairment in the position of a domestic industry.

In determining whether serious injury is present, investigating authorities are to evaluate all relevant factors having a bearing on the condition of the industry.

SC allows abortion of 30-week foetus: What is the law on abortions, and what does the court consider?

Late abortions have been allowed in certain cases in the past, and refused in others. While India’s MTP Act is considered liberal and pro-choice, frequent cases of women approaching the court late in their pregnancies appear to suggest a legislative gap.

The Supreme Court has allowed a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday (April 22) said it was a “very very exceptional case where we have to protect her (the girl)”.

The Supreme Court has allowed a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy. 

The judgment termed the case as a very very exceptional case where the girl (barely 14 years old) has to be protected, while allowing abortion of her 30-week foetus.

The question of ‘foetal viability’ in abortion in India:

1. It is the time after which a fetus can survive outside the womb. Foetal viability is usually pegged at 23-24 weeks (6 months).
2. Origin: The idea originated with the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court verdict in ‘Roe v Wade’ whereby abortion was made a constitutional right up to the point of foetal viability.
3. India’s Case:  The question of foetal viability (Right of an unborn child) vs Right of Abortion has arised in a case whereby,

A two-judge all-woman Supreme Court bench disagreed on allowing a 27-year-old married woman to terminate her 26-week pregnancy after her fetal viability report was presented to the court.

India’s law on abortion:

1. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTP Act):It allows the termination of pregnancy under the following circumstances,
2. Upto 20 weeks: Regular Termination of Pregnancy is allowed on the advice of one doctor.
3. Between 20-24 weeks:Abortion is allowed but as an exception only under certain categories, after two registered medical practitioners have evaluated the right to seek termination.
4. Section 3B of the Rules under the MTP Act: It lists seven categories of forced pregnancies,
5. Survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest; Minors; Change of marital status during the ongoing pregnancy (widowhood and divorce); Women with physical disabilities; Mentally ill women including mental retardation; The foetal malformation; Women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disaster or emergency situations.
6. After 24 weeks: A medical board needs to be set upin approved facilities, which will take the decision to allow or deny termination but only if there is substantial fetal abnormality.

Tundra Ecosystem

• A study has warned the warming planet may alter the characteristics of tundra environments and could transform them from carbon sinks to carbon sources.

Tundra Ecosystem

• Tundra ecosystems are treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains, where the climate is cold and windy, and rainfall is scant.
• Characteristics of Tundra Regions

1. Low temperatures: The average temperature is -34 to -6 degrees Celsius (-30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit) in tundra region.
2. Short growing seasons:The summer growing season is just 50 to 60 days, when the sun shines up to 24 hours a day.
3. Permafrost:A layer of permanently frozen soil lies beneath the surface, which can be a few inches to several feet thick.
4. Minimal precipitation:Despite often being compared to deserts in terms of moisture, the tundra receives low levels of precipitation, often as snow.
5. Limited biodiversity:The harsh conditions of the tundra result in fewer plant and animal species compared to other biomes.
6. Carbon sink:The tundra acts as a significant carbon storage area due to slow decomposition rates in the cold environment.

The world has three types of tundra:

1. Arctic Tundra which occurs north of the taiga belt in the far Northern Hemisphere (It encompasses the land between the North Pole and the boreal forest, including parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.)
2. Alpine tundra which prevails above the tree line in mountains worldwide (in various mountain ranges such as the Rockies, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps).
3. Antarctic tundrawhich includes several sub-Antarctic islands and parts of the continent of Antarctica

Flora: Mosses, lichens, sedges, cotton grass, birches etc.

Fauna: Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears etc.

Run-up to Ottawa: Civil society groups call for support from ASEAN leadership in fight against plastic pollution

Region grappling with overflowing landfills, polluted waterways and impacted marine ecosystems

Civil society organizations are encouraging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to step up and lead efforts in tackling plastic pollution.

The call for action has come ahead of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4).

• The INC-4 negotiations are scheduled in Ottawa, Canada. 
• The goal of INC-4 is to create a global agreement to tackle plastic pollution, including its impact on oceans.

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)

GAIA is a global alliance of grassroots organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals.

Incinerator

1. Incineration is a process used to treat waste by burning the substances it contains.
2. This process takes place in a special furnace called an “incinerator,”.  
3. Various types of hazardous materials, such as soil, sludge, liquids, and gases, can be treated through incineration.

Process

• During incineration, waste materials are converted into ash, flue gas, and heat through combustion.
• The ash primarily consists of the inorganic components of the waste and may appear as solid lumps or particles carried by the flue gas.
• Before releasing into the atmosphere, the flue gases must undergo cleaning to remove gaseous and particulate pollutants.
• In some cases, the heat produced during incineration can generate electricity.

1. Objective: To move away from our current “use and discard” approach to resources towards a circular system where resources are reused.
2. This supports people’s right to a safe and healthy environment.
3. This alliance works together and understands that our planet’s finite resources, weak biosphere, and the health of people and other living beings are threatened.
4. Primary areas of intervention:incineration, zero waste, plastic, and climate.
5. This threat arises from practices such as polluting and inefficient production methods and harmful ways of disposing of waste.

Key challenges in tackling plastic pollution

Global Plastic Production and Consumption:

1. The vast amount of plastic produced and used worldwide has worsened the problem.
2. Plastic is deeply integrated into daily life, from packaging to single-use items, making reducing consumption difficult.
3. According to th eLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), if the world doesn’t cut plastic production by 12-17% per year, achieving the Paris Climate goals would not be possible. 

Inadequate Waste Management Infrastructure:

1. Many regions lack efficient waste management systems.
2. Improper disposal causes plastic waste to accumulate in landfills, waterways, and oceans.
3. Therefore, there is a need to develop a robust infrastructure for waste collection, recycling, and disposal is crucial.

Marine Pollution and Ecological Impact:

1. Plastic debris harms marine ecosystems, endangering marine life.
2. It also causes animals to ingest or become entangled in plastic, leading to injury, suffocation, and death.

Microplastics and nano plastics:

1. Tiny plastic particles are known as microplastics and nano plastics.
2. These particles are difficult to detect and remove from permeate water bodies which it poses significant risks to the environment.

Impact of The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) action to reduce pollution:

1. Raising awareness: GAIA, along with other CSOs, is pressuring ASEAN to take a leadership role in tackling plastic pollution through a global treaty.
2. This step can bring significant attention to the issue.
3. Shifting policy focus: GAIA advocates for a treaty with legally binding obligations on plastic production and consumption reduction.
4. This could lead to stricter regulations and a move away from a throwaway plastic culture.
5. Promoting a holistic approach: GAIA emphasizes addressing the entire plastic lifecycle, from design and production to waste management and recycling.
6. This pushes for a more comprehensive solution than just focusing on waste disposal.
7. Phasing out single-use plastics: GAIA calls for a commitment to phasing out single-use plastics, a major source of pollution, which could significantly reduce plastic waste generation.
8. Highlighting environmental injustice: GAIA emphasizes the disproportionate burden of plastic pollution on Southeast Asia and urges action against dumping practices by developed nations.
9. This step promotes environmental justice and holds all parties accountable.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme

Recently, the Delhi High Court instituted a case with respect to the grant of financial assistance under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme and said threshold income to claim benefit was prima facie “extremely low”.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Scheme

• It was set up in 1997 and it is a central sector scheme.
• It provides one-time financial assistance to poor patients living below State/UT wise threshold poverty line and suffering from life threatening diseases relating to heart, kidney, liver, cancer, etc. for treatment at any of Super Specialty Government hospitals/institutes.
• The Umbrella Scheme of RAN has three components as under:

1. Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) – Financial assistance for treatment of life-threatening diseases relating to heart, kidney, liver, etc. at Government hospitals/institutes having Super Specialty facilities; (Maximum financial assistance is  15 lakhs)
2. Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund(HMCPF) – Financial assistance for treatment of cancer at Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs)/ Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) and State Cancer Institutes (SCIs); (Maximum financial assistance is Rs. 15 lakhs)
3. Financial assistance for poor patients suffering from rare diseases– for specified rare diseases for treatment at Government hospitals/institutes having Super Specialty facilities; (Maximum financial assistance is Rs. 20 lakhs).