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Editorials & Articles – 1 May 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 1 May 2024

Constitution and the Redistribution of Wealth

Why in News?

  • There have been heated exchanges between the ruling government and the Opposition with respect to the redistribution of wealth during the ongoing election campaign.
  • The Supreme Court has also constituted a nine-judge Bench to interpret the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) with respect to ownership and control of material resources.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • What does the Constitution Provide with Respect to the Redistribution of Wealth?
  • What is the Historical Context of the Redistribution of Wealth?
  • What is the Current Debate on the Redistribution of Wealth?
  • What can be the Way Forward?

What does the Constitution Provide with Respect to the Redistribution of Wealth?

  • The Preamble to the Constitution aims to secure to all citizens social and economic justice, liberty and equality.
  • Part III of the Constitution lists down the fundamental rights that guarantee liberty and equality.
  • Part IV of the Constitution contains the DPSP. DPSPs are principles that the central and State governments should follow to achieve social and economic justice in the country.
    • Unlike the fundamental rights in Part III, the DPSP is not enforceable in court. They are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country.
  • Article 39(b) and (c) in Part IV contain principles that are aimed at securing economic justice. They provide –
    • That ownership and control of material resources of the society should be distributed to serve the common good and
    • That the operation of the economic system does not result in concentration of wealth to the common detriment.

What is the Historical Context of the Redistribution of Wealth?

  • The Constitution originally guaranteed the right to property as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f).
  • It provided under Article 31 that the state shall pay compensation in case of acquisition of private property.
  • Considering the inadequate resources with the government and in order to provide greater flexibility in acquiring land for public welfare, various amendments were carried out curtailing the right to property.
  • The SC in various cases has interpreted the relationship between fundamental rights and the DPSP.
    • Most of these cases were against constitutional amendments made by the state that curtailed the right to property that was then a fundamental right.
    • In the Golak Nath case (1967), the SC held that fundamental rights cannot be abridged or diluted to implement DPSP.
    • In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), a 13-judge Bench of the SC upheld the validity of Article 31C but made it subject to judicial review.
    • In the Minerva Mills case (1980), the SC ruled that the Constitution exists on a harmonious balance between fundamental rights and DPSP.
  • In 1978, in order to avoid excessive litigation directly in the SC by the propertied class, the 44th amendment act omitted right to property as a fundamental right and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A.
    • Any law to acquire private property by the state should be only for a public purpose and provide for adequate compensation.

What is the Current Debate on the Redistribution of Wealth?

  • Indian governments in the first four decades after independence followed a “socialistic model” of economy.
    • The economic policies resulted in the nationalisation of banking and insurance, extremely high rates of direct taxes (even up to 97%), estate duty on inheritance, tax on wealth etc.
    • The rationale behind these measures during those times was to reduce inequality and redistribute wealth among the poorer sections who constituted the majority of the population.
    • However, such measures stifled growth and also resulted in the concealment of income/wealth.
    • Taxes like estate duty and wealth tax generated revenue that was much less than the cost incurred in administering them.
  • The nineties saw the country move from a closed economy towards liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation.
    • A new industrial policy was unveiled in 1991 with the objective of empowering market forces, improving efficiency and rectifying deficiencies in the country’s industrial structure.
    • Estate duty was abolished in 1985 and wealth tax in 2016.
  • The market driven economy has resulted in additional resources for the government that has helped in bringing people out of abject poverty.
    • Nonetheless, this economic system has also resulted in growing inequality.
    • A report by the World Inequality Lab states that the top 10% of the country’s population have a share of 65% and 57% of the wealth and income respectively as of 2022-23.
    • The bottom 50% on the other hand have a meagre share of 6.5% and 15% of the wealth and income respectively.
  • The manifesto for the current Lok Sabha elections of the Congress promises that there would be a financial survey to ascertain the distribution of wealth among the people in the country and address the issue of inequality.
  • The ruling party campaigners led by the PM have targeted the Opposition on this matter.
  • The SC meanwhile has constituted a nine-judge Bench to interpret whether material resources under Article 39(b) include private resources as well.

What can be the Way Forward?

  • Growing inequality is a worldwide problem of a liberalised open-market economic system.
  • It is the responsibility of the government to protect the interest of the poorer classes who are most dependent on the state machinery for their livelihood.
  • At the same time past policies of extremely high tax rates, estate duty, wealth tax etc., did not achieve their desired goals. Instead, they only led to concealment of income and wealth.
  • Innovation and growth should not be curtailed but the benefits of growth should reach all sections especially the marginalised.
  • Therefore, the policies need to be framed after adequate debate in line with current economic models, with economic justice for all as enshrined in the Indian Constitution as the underlying principle of these policies.

The new productive force

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis of China’s technological ambitions, the US response, and global technological coalitions sheds light on contemporary international relations dynamics.

 

Context:
  • The discourse surrounding technology policy is often considered esoteric in India’s current political landscape. However, with rapidly unfolding technological changes impacting major economies, geopolitical rivalries, and global governance, the next government in Delhi will face significant challenges.
  • This analysis delves into the implications of China’s aggressive campaign to master new productive forces, the Biden administration’s efforts to regain US leadership in advanced technology sectors, Macron’s call for Europe to reclaim technological power, and India’s historical and current approach to science and technology in its developmental strategy.

China’s Pursuit of Technological Dominance:

  • China’s recent campaign to master new productive forces, as championed by President Xi Jinping, signifies Beijing’s ambition to overtake Washington in advanced science and technology.
  • This campaign, rooted in classical communist theory, aims to transition China from labor-intensive to technology-intensive production.
  • Under Xi’s leadership, China has made significant strides in various sectors but still lags behind the US in areas like semiconductor production and generative AI.

US Response and Global Technological Coalitions:

  • The Biden administration has enacted a robust industrial policy to renew American leadership in advanced technologies, including bipartisan legislation and efforts to limit support for Chinese technological development.
  • The US is also fostering global technology coalitions, such as the Quadrilateral forum and the Chip-4 alliance, to counter China’s technological rise.
  • These initiatives highlight the intensifying global competition for technological dominance.

Europe’s Quest for Technological Sovereignty:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized Europe’s urgent need to reclaim technological power and close the gap with the US and China.
  • Macron advocates for substantial investments in AI, quantum computing, space, biotechnology, and new energy technologies.
  • His call for strengthening Europe’s industrial and technological sovereignty underscores the continent’s aspirations in the global technological landscape.

India’s Historical and Current Approach to Science and Technology:

  • India has long prioritized science and technology in its developmental strategy, with initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on digital technologies, renewable energy, semiconductor production, and AI capabilities.
  • Technology also plays a significant role in India’s foreign policy, particularly in strategic partnerships with the US and Europe.
  • The BJP’s election manifesto underscores India’s ambitions to become a leading space power and promote innovation through robust R&D infrastructure and investment in quantum computing.

Challenges and Recommendations for India:

  • To compete in the global race for mastery over new productive forces, India must undertake sweeping reforms in its technology departments, increase national expenditure on R&D, and foster greater private sector participation in technology development.
  • Addressing entrenched S&T monopolies and modernizing the technological foundation of the economy are imperative for India to achieve its goal of becoming a significant player in the global technological landscape.

Conclusion:

  • As the world witnesses a race for technological dominance, India stands at a critical juncture where strategic decisions regarding technology policy will shape its future trajectory.
  • The next government in Delhi must prioritize modernization, innovation, and global collaboration to position India as a leading force in the era of new and high-quality forces of production.
What is India’s approach to Science & Technology policy?
India’s approach to Science & Technology (S&T) policy is multifaceted, aiming to foster innovation, research, and development across various sectors. It emphasizes indigenous technology development, collaboration with international partners, and leveraging S&T for socio-economic development.

  • The policy framework prioritizes areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, space exploration, and information technology to address national challenges and enhance global competitiveness.
  • How does India promote research and innovation in Science & Technology?
  • India promotes research and innovation in S&T through various mechanisms such as funding initiatives, establishment of research institutions, and fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
  • Programs like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) provide grants, fellowships, and incentives to support R&D activities.
  • ·Additionally, initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India encourage entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
  • What measures does India take to address societal challenges through Science & Technology?
  • India integrates S&T into policy frameworks to address societal challenges such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and environmental sustainability.
  • For instance, initiatives like the National Health Mission focus on leveraging technology for affordable healthcare delivery, while schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promote innovations in agriculture and rural development.
  • Furthermore, programs like Digital India and Smart Cities Mission harness technology for inclusive growth and urban development.
  • How does India collaborate internationally in the field of Science & Technology?
  • India actively collaborates with international partners in S&T through bilateral agreements, joint research projects, and participation in global initiatives.
  • Collaborative efforts include partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and European Union members, as well as engagement with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO.
  • These collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building, contributing to global scientific advancements and addressing shared challenges.
  • What is India’s vision for the future of Science & Technology policy?
  • India’s vision for the future of S&T policy is centered on fostering innovation-driven growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and addressing emerging challenges through advanced technologies.
  • Key priorities include promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, enhancing R&D infrastructure, and increasing investments in transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
  • The goal is to position India as a leading global hub for scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
Severe Heatwave in India

Why in the News?

  • India continues to battle temperatures soaring to record levels, especially in April. The month has brought unusually intense heat, affecting even hill stations and other regions not usually associated with the weather.
  • The southern peninsular and southeastern coast regions, which include Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, among others, have been worst affected.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About Heat wave (Meaning, Criteria, Impact on Human body, Tips, etc.)
  • News Summary (Reasons for Rising Temperatures in April) 

What is Heat wave?

  • Qualitatively, heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human body when exposed.
  • Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal.
  • In certain countries it is defined in term of the heat index based on temperature and humidity or based on extreme percentile of the temperatures.

What is Criterion for Declaring Heat wave?

  • Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 400C or more for Plains and at least 300C or more for Hilly regions.
  • For coastal regions –
    • When maximum temperature departure is 4.50C or more from normal, Heat Wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 370C or more.
  • Period of Heat wave over India –
    • It is occurring mainly during March to June and in some rare cases even in July. The peak month of the heat wave over India is May.
  • Heat wave prone areas of India –
    • Heat wave generally occurs over plains of northwest India, Central, East & north Peninsular India during March to June.

How India Meteorological Department (IMD) Monitors the Heat wave?

  • IMD has a big network of surface observatories covering entire country to measure various metrological parameters like Temperature, Relative humidity, pressure, wind speed & direction etc.
  • Based on daily maximum temperature station data, climatology of maximum temperature is prepared for the period 1981-2010 to find out normal maximum temperature of the day for particular station.
  • Thereafter, IMD declared heat wave over the region as per its definition.

How Does Heatwave Affect Human Body?

  • We all feel drained and tired after stepping out on an extremely hot day.
  • This is referred to as heat exhaustion, which happens when the body sweats excessively to keep the core temperature low.
  • A heat stroke happens when the ambient temperature is so high that the body is unable to sweat to regulate the core temperature, which shoots up to 400
  • In these cases, there is a severe imbalance of salts such as sodium and potassium in the body.
  • The high core temperature coupled with salt imbalances disrupts organs, leading to a host of symptoms.
  • It can affect the brain, making a person foggy, drowsy, and in severe cases may also lead to a person going into a coma.
  • It can lead to kidney and liver damage as well. A cascade of such symptoms leads to death due to heat stroke.

How to Avoid Heat Stroke?

  • The primary aim should be to bring down the core temperature of the body fast.
  • This can be done by pouring cold water over the person, making them drink cold drinks, and giving them electrolytes to balance salt levels.
  • To prevent heat stroke, it is better to avoid stepping out in direct sunlight, especially between noon and 3 pm. You should avoid strenuous activity during this time.

Severe Heatwave in India:

  • The Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ) spanning central, north, and peninsular India is prone to heatwave annually, between March and June.
  • Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, parts of Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the most heatwave-prone states or regions.
  • However, this month, large areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Sikkim, Bihar, and Jharkhand also felt the heat, indicating that the temperatures are rapidly soaring during summers.

Why Has April Month Been so Hot?

  • In its forecast for April, the IMD warned of extreme heat and prolonged heatwave conditions to prevail over large parts of the country during the month.
  • There are two main reasons for this.
  • One, 2024 is a year that began in an El Niño state.
    • El Niño, a weather pattern, refers to an abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which leads to extreme heat in many parts of the world and the ocean.
    • It developed in June 2023 and generally, the years which begin in an El Niño state, experience extreme temperatures, harsh, multiple and extended heatwave spells, and lack of pre-monsoon rainfall.
  • Two, the persistent presence of anticyclone systems over southern peninsular and south-eastern coastal areas.
    • These high-pressure systems, which exist at about the altitude of 3 km and extend between 1,000 and 2,000 km in length, push the air underneath them towards the Earth, in a process called air subsidence.
    • As a result, the forcefully sunk air generates more heat on the surface closer to the Earth.
    • The presence of anticyclone systems also leads to wind flow from land towards the sea and prevents the incoming cooler sea breeze, which is otherwise responsible for cooling land from time to time.
  • El Niño and anticyclone systems collectively created sweltering hot conditions and heatwaves during April, especially over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and analysis of weather models indicate that heatwaves in India shall no longer remain contained over only those regions traditionally believed to be prone.
  • Newer areas, especially from the southern peninsular India, are already experiencing heatwaves.

Implementing the Street Vendors Act

Context:

  • The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, which came into effect in May 2014, marks a significant milestone in the legal recognition of street vendors’ rights in India. However, a decade after its enactment, challenges in its implementation have come to the forefront.

Administrative Challenges:

  • Increase in Harassment and Evictions: Despite emphasis on protection, street vendors face heightened harassment and eviction, often due to outdated bureaucratic perceptions.
  • Lack of Awareness and Sensitisation: State authorities, the public, and vendors lack awareness about the Act’s provisions, leading to implementation gaps.
  • Weak Representation in TVCs: Street vendor representatives in Town Vending Committees (TVCs) often lack influence, and the representation of women vendors remains tokenistic.

Governance Challenges:

  • Weak Urban Governance Mechanisms: The Act’s integration with urban governance frameworks is lacking, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) lack sufficient powers and capacities.
  • Neglect in Urban Development Schemes: Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission prioritize infrastructure development over street vendor inclusion, undermining the Act’s provisions.
  • Exclusionary Urban Development: Prevailing notions of ‘world class cities’ marginalize street vendors, hindering their recognition as legitimate urban contributors.

Societal Challenges

  • Exclusionary Urban Imagery: Society’s perception of ‘world class cities’ stigmatizes street vendors, viewing them as obstacles to development rather than contributors.
  • Impact of Climate Change and Technological Advancements: Vendors face new challenges from climate change, e-commerce competition, and reduced incomes, requiring innovative solutions.
  • Need for Adaptation and Welfare Measures: The Act’s provisions must be creatively utilized to address emerging challenges and ensure the welfare of street vendors.

The need for the use of labour statistics

Context

The discourse on labour reforms and the role of labour institutions in India’s industrial relations system and labour market is under scrutiny, particularly regarding the need for evidence-based arguments and data-driven policymaking.

Challenges in Labour Reforms:

  • Lack of Evidence-based Dialogue: Despite the importance of social dialogue, the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) has been criticized for lacking evidence-based discussions and becoming a mere “talking shop.”
  • Inadequate Labour Statistics: Labour statistics in India are not rigorous, lacking comprehensive data on various aspects of the industrial relations system and labour market.
  • Unsubstantiated Reform Arguments: Employers and neoliberal academics advocate for labour reforms based on anecdotal evidence and flawed studies, leading to the government’s inclination towards introducing reform measures without empirical support.

Need for Data-driven Approaches:

  • Enhanced Data Collection: Trade unions should prioritize collecting relevant data on labour inspection, retrenchment/closure applications, and strikes to inform evidence-based arguments and challenge reform narratives.
  • Utilization of Labour Statistics: Labour unions must produce and utilize labour statistics to advocate for the protection of workers’ rights and inform policy discussions.
  • Active Engagement with Academia: Trade unions should engage with academia to conduct research on the industrial relations system and labour market, fostering an evidence-based approach to labour reforms.
CISF takes over Parliament security from Delhi Police

Why in news?

  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel has replaced the 150 personnel of the Delhi Police, including 54 women personnel, who were deployed for the security of Parliament.
  • After a security breach occurred in December 2023, CISF was asked to take over the security of the Parliament complex.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Background
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  • Existing security system in Parliament

Background

  • Security breach
    • The new Parliament building was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, and was first used for official business.
    • On December 13, 2023, two men carrying colour spraying canisters had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour from the visitors’ gallery.
    • They did this in protest against the rising unemployment, the unending ethnic violence in Manipur and farmers’ issues.
      • In all, six persons have been arrested and booked under various sections, including terror charges. The police are yet to file a chargesheet in the case.
  • CISF Roped in
    • After the security breach, eight Delhi Police security personnel who were responsible for frisking and baggage scanning were suspended.
    • Later, the MHA has asked the CISF to carry out a survey of the Parliament premises for regular deployment.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

  • CISF is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) established under an Act of Parliament, “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968.
  • CISF was established in 1969 to provide integrated security cover to certain sensitive public sector undertakings with a strength of only three battalions.
    • The force has since grown into a premier multi-skilled organization with a present strength of 1,63,590 personnel.
  • It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs and its headquarter is located at New Delhi.

Operations:

  • Critical Infrastructure:
    • CISF is currently providing security cover to 353 establishments through the length and breadth of the country.
    • Some of which includes Atomic Power Plants, Space Installations, Defence Production Units, Mines, Oil Fields and Refineries etc.
  • VIP security:
    • CISF has also been mandated to provide protection to the VIP protectees of Z+, Z, Y and X category across the country.
  • Fire Protection:
    • The CISF also has its own Fire Wing which provides services to 104 of the above establishments.
  • Airports:
    • The specialized task of airport security was assigned to CISF in the year 2000 in the wake of hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 to Kandahar.
  • Private sector:
    • The CISF Act was amended to enable the Force to provide security, on payment basis, to private / joint venture industrial undertakings, which are vital for the security and economy of the country.
    • E.g. – The Infosys campuses in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Pune, the Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar and the Reliance refinery in Gujarat’s Jamnagar
  • Overseas Deployment:
    • CISF has contingents deployed at United Nations Stabilizations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
  • The CISF is the only Central Armed Police Force with a daily public interface; in the airports, in the Delhi Metro and in the iconic monuments.

Existing security system in Parliament

  • At present, access control such as frisking and scanning the baggage is the responsibility of the Delhi police,
    • Eight Delhi police security personnel who were responsible for frisking and baggage scanning were suspended after the incident.
  • The Parliament Duty Group (PDG), an armed component of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is deployed in case an armed intervention is required.
  • The Parliament Security Service under the Lok Sabha Speaker is the overall in-charge of security.
Link Between AstraZeneca’s Covishield and Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

Why in news?

  • AstraZeneca, the company that makes the Covishield vaccine for Covid-19 pandemic, has admitted the inoculation has potential side effects.
  • The company’s admission, presented in a legal document before the High Court of Justice in London, conveys that the Covid vaccine can in extremely rare cases induce Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

What’s in today’s article?

  • Covishield
  • Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)
  • Admissions made by AstraZeneca in Court

Covishield

  • About
    • In 2020, amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the United Kingdom (UK) pharmaceutical firm collaborated with the University of Oxford to develop the AZD1222 vaccine.
    • In India, the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca was marketed under the brand name Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune.
  • Covishield in India
    • The Indian govt had issued a fact sheet in January 2021, in which it specifically said that Covishield should be given with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia, that is, a condition of low platelet counts.
    • India started administering the vaccines on January 16, 2021.
    • Considering the total number of doses that had been administered since then, the number of potential thromboembolic events worked out to 0.61 cases per million doses.
    • The Union Health Ministry said that Covishield continues to have a definite positive benefit-risk profile with tremendous potential to prevent infections and reduce deaths due to Covid-19.
  • AstraZeneca vaccine inother countries
    • In March 2021, many European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, etc. temporarily paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after a few cases of blood clotting were reported.
  • Observations made by WHO
    • Later in April 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said TTS was being reported in some cases after vaccinations with Covishield.
    • However, the WHO had added, based on latest available data, the risk of TTS with Covishield vaccines appears to be very low.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

  • About
    • TTS is a rare condition characterized by the formation of blood clots (thrombosis) in blood vessels and a low number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).
    • It has been observed as an extremely rare adverse effect associated with certain COVID-19 vaccines, notably those that use adenovirus vectors, like the Covishield.
      • Adenovirus vectors are non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that are commonly used for gene therapy, vaccination, and cancer gene therapy.
      • They are considered the most efficient gene delivery vehicles due to their safety profile and expression.
  • Mechanism
    • The exact mechanism by which TTS occurs following vaccination with Covishield is not fully understood.
    • However, it is hypothesised that the vaccine may trigger an immune response that leads to platelet activation and the formation of blood clots.
      • This is similar to autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
        • Heparin is a well-known and commonly used anticoagulant which has antithrombotic properties.
  • Symptoms of TTS
      • A range of symptoms are associated with TTS, including breathlessness, pain in the chest or limbs, pinhead-size red spots or bruising of the skin in an area beyond the injection site, headaches, numbness in body parts, etc.
      • TTS could mean a restriction in the flow of blood due to clotting.
      • Complications depend on where the thrombosis is located. The most serious problems include stroke, heart attack, and serious breathing problems.
  • Who are at risk?
    • Certain factors might predispose individuals to this condition, such as age, gender (more common in younger women), and possibly genetic factors.

What exactly has AstraZeneca said?

  • AstraZeneca spoke about TTS in court documents following a suit brought against the company in the United Kingdom.
    • The pharmaceutical giant is being sued over health claims related to the vaccine that it developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • In court documents, AstraZeneca denied that TTS is caused by the vaccine at a generic level.
  • However, it admitted to the possibility of TTS as a result of its vaccination in “very rare cases.