GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Context:
A study by Lancet Infectious Disease has estimated that Covid-19 vaccines prevented nearly 1.98 crore deaths worldwide — out of a potential 3.14 crore deaths — in the first year of the vaccine programme. These include 42.10 lakh deaths prevented in India.
What does the study say:
- Majority of Indians are fully vaccinated: India began vaccination in January 2021. According to the Health Ministry, to date, the cumulative vaccination coverage exceeds 196.62 crores. More than 65% of the population are fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data.
- Global inequalities: The study found high and upper-middle-income countries accounted for the greatest number of prevented deaths (1.22 crore/1.98 crore), highlighting inequalities around the world.
Significance of the study:
Huge impact: The data shows the remarkable impact that vaccination has had, especially in India, which was the first country to experience the impact of the Delta variant.
Insta Links
Issues of Vaccination During COVID
Responding to adversity with achievement
Practice Questions
Q. “The COVID-19 vaccination drive demonstrates that India has become Atmanirbhar in vaccination against infectious diseases”, Elucidate. (10M)
Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2021)
- Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
- Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
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)
Q. What is the importance of using \ Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? (UPSC CSE 2020)
- These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
- Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
- These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b
Source: Indian Express
