The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is the Central Drug Authority tasked with regulating drug import, approving new drugs and clinical trials, and issuing licenses. In an attempt to increase transparency about the possible side effects of commonly used antibiotics, CDSCO has requested manufacturers to share this information publicly. The organization’s headquarters is based in New Delhi and it operates six more zonal offices across India.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation: Major Functions and Online Licensing
The CDSCO, in conjunction with state regulators, is primarily responsible for granting licenses for certain specialized categories of critical drugs. It is also accountable for the regulatory control over drug imports, approval of new drugs, and the authorization of clinical trials. One major contribution by the CDSCO was the launch of an online licensing portal, “SUGAM”, in 2016. This online platform enables the submission of applications requesting permissions related to drugs, clinical trials, medical devices, vaccines, cosmetics, and ethics committee. Moreover, it maintains a database of approved drugs, formulations, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers in India.
CDSCO: A Pillar of India’s Digital Transformation
SUGAM directly reflects the Government’s DIGITAL INDIA initiatives. It is considered a national project of importance and plays a crucial role in bringing reforms to the Indian Pharma Industry.
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves: A Rise in Assets
| Foreign Currency Assets | Gold | Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) | Reserve Position in the IMF/ Reserve Tranche |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributes to a major part of the foreign exchange reserves | Second largest component | Held by the central bank of the country | The part of the required quota of currency each IMF member country must provide |
Reserve Position in the IMF and Its Role
On an international level, the reserve tranche plays a significant role. It is a portion of the required quota of currency each International Monetary Fund (IMF) member nation must supply to the IMF. This can be exploited for a country’s own purposes without any service fee. If the amount being requested exceeds its reserve tranche position (RTP), it transits to a credit tranche that must be paid back within three years.
Hyperloop: A Potential Game-changer for Indian Transport
The first global commercial project of Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) might commence its operation between Mumbai and Pune by 2025. The Hyperloop system is based on magnetic levitation technology where capsules move at high speeds in low-pressure tubes, potentially cutting down transportation time by more than 80%.
Significance of Levitation Technology in Infrastructure Development
Magnetic levitation (Maglev) holds immense potential for India’s infrastructure development. As part of Mission 350 Plus initiative announced by the Government of India in July 2016, the introduction of this high-speed, levitation-based technology could meet the growing infrastructure demands of the country.
“Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First”: Recognition for Prime Minister Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with “Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First,” the highest civilian honor of Russia, acknowledging his distinguished contribution to the strategic partnership between Russia and India.
