July 4, 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Cancer treatment drugs Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, published in The Hindu, has revealed that many cancer drugs shipped globally have failed quality tests. Common Chemotherapy Drugs Covered: Cisplatin Type: Platinum-based Use: Treats testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers Mechanism: Binds to cancer DNA, blocking division Side Effects: Kidney damage, sickness, immune suppression, hearing issues Oxaliplatin Type: Platinum-based Use: Advanced colorectal cancer Mechanism: Similar to cisplatin Side Effects: Similar to cisplatin Cyclophosphamide Use: Breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma Mechanism: Damages cancer DNA, lowers white blood cells Side Effects: Inflammation in bladder, immune suppression Doxorubicin Nickname: “Red devil” (due to color and toxicity) Use: Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma Mechanism: Interferes with DNA replication Side Effects: Heart damage, infections, skin issues, hair loss Methotrexate Use: Leukemia, lymphoma, tumor types Mechanism: Blocks DNA synthesis Side Effects: Toxic at high doses; managed by leucovorin Leucovorin Type: Not a direct chemotherapy drug Use: Taken with methotrexate to reduce its toxicity Function: A form of vitamin B9 used to protect healthy cells Learning Corner: Cancer Care and Treatment in India Cancer is a major public health challenge in India, with over 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually. The country is working to strengthen its cancer care system through a mix of public health programs, infrastructure development, and financial assistance schemes.   Key Components of Cancer Treatment in India Types of Treatment Available Surgery: Removal of tumors or cancerous tissues Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells Chemotherapy: Use of anti-cancer drugs Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: Advanced treatments to boost the body’s immune response or attack specific cancer cells Bone marrow transplant: For blood cancers like leukemia Palliative care: To improve quality of life in advanced stages Government Initiatives and Support National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) Focuses on early detection, screening, and referral for cancer Implemented under Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCC) Upgrading existing medical colleges and hospitals to provide advanced cancer care Financial Assistance Schemes Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY: Free treatment for poor and vulnerable families Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund Support from state-level insurance schemes (e.g., Arogyasri in Telangana/AP) Recent Developments Launch of Digital Cancer Registry and AI-based diagnostics Expansion of National Cancer Grid (NCG) to link over 300 cancer centers Promotion of indigenous cancer drugs and equipment to lower treatment costs Source: THE HINDU Golden Jubilee of the Department of Official Language Category: POLITY Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the Golden Jubilee of the Department of Official Language in New Delhi. Key highlights: The importance of promoting India’s official and regional languages. The department’s role in implementing the Official Languages Act and preserving linguistic diversity. Recognition of the department’s contributions over the past 50 years. A call for continued efforts to strengthen the use of Hindi and regional languages in governance and public communication. The address reinforced the government’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and national unity through effective language use. Learning Corner: Provisions on Language in the Indian Constitution The Indian Constitution includes detailed provisions to manage the country’s rich linguistic diversity. These are mainly covered under Articles 343 to 351 in Part XVII. Official Language of the Union (Articles 343–344): Article 343: Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union. English was to be used for official purposes along with Hindi for 15 years (till 1965), and continues today due to the Official Languages Act, 1963. Article 344: A Commission and Committee of Parliament to be constituted to recommend measures to promote Hindi and restrict the use of English. Regional Languages (Articles 345–347): Article 345: State legislatures can adopt any one or more languages in use in the state as official language(s). Article 346: For communication between the state and the Union, Hindi or English will be used unless the President permits otherwise. Article 347: President can recognize a language spoken by a section of the population of a state if there is a demand. Language of the Judiciary and Laws (Articles 348–349): Article 348: English to be used in Supreme Court and High Courts and for laws unless Parliament provides otherwise. Article 349: Parliament must consider recommendations of the President and Language Commission before changing the official language of legislation. Special Directives (Articles 350–351): Article 350: Citizens can submit grievances in any language used in the Union or State. Article 350A: States must provide facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level for children of linguistic minorities. Article 350B: Provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to report to the President. Article 351: The Union must promote the spread and development of Hindi, drawing from Sanskrit and other Indian languages, without harming other languages. Official Languages Act, 1963 The Official Languages Act, 1963 was enacted to regulate the use of Hindi and English for official purposes of the Union of India, especially after the expiry of the 15-year constitutional limit (1950–1965) for English use under Article 343. Key Provisions: Continuation of English: Even after 1965, English can continue to be used for official purposes of the Union alongside Hindi. This was done to avoid backlash from non-Hindi-speaking states (especially southern states like Tamil Nadu). Communication Between Union and States: Hindi or English to be used for communication between the Union and Hindi-speaking states. English to be used for communication with non-Hindi-speaking states. Optional Use of Regional Languages: States can use their own official languages for state-level administration. English translations must be provided when communicating with the Union or other states. Bilingual Communication: Central government documents, notifications, and bills should be issued in both Hindi and English. Amendment in 1967: The Official Language (Amendment) Act, 1967 ensured indefinite continuation of English along with Hindi for all official purposes. Source: PIB MSME Day 2025 Category: ECONOMICS Context : President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the MSME Day 2025 – Udyami Bharat celebrations on June 27,