Corruption Charges and Prior Sanction

Why in News?

Recently, A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA, 1988).

What is the PCA, 1988?

• Santhanam committee – The Central government had constituted a committee on prevention of corruption under the chairmanship of K. Santhanam in 1962, submitted its report in 1964.
• Key Recommendations – Strengthening laws against bribery and criminal misconduct, establishing vigilance bodies in government departments and greater accountability of public servants.
• PCA, 1988 – A comprehensive act was enacted to consolidate the law relating to prevention of corruption in the form of PCA, 1988.
• It provides for punishment with respect to offences committed by public servants while performing public duties.
• Public servant – Includes any government or local authority employee, any Judge, any person who holds an office by virtue of which he is required to perform a public duty etc.
• Public duty – It means a duty in the discharge of which the government, the public or the community at large has an interest.
• Type of Offence – The type of offences punishable under the PCA, 1988 include bribery, undue advantage without consideration, criminal misconduct, disproportionate assets, and abuse of position etc.

What is Section 17A?

• Section 19 of the PCA, 1988 – Prior sanction needed before prosecution in court.
• It requires prior sanction from the appropriate government before prosecution of a public servant in a court of law.
• In other words, No public servant can be prosecuted in court without prior sanction from the appropriate government.
• Concerns – However, it was felt that there needs to be a distinction in dealing between intentional corruption and decisions taken in good-faith that could potentially go wrong.
• Officers become reluctant to take bold and timely decisions because of fear of wrongful prosecution.
• Section 17A – Prior approval needed before investigation itself.
• In order to address this issue, the Parliament inserted Section 17A through an amendment of the PCA in the year 2018.
• Requirement – This section requires prior approval from the appropriate government is needed for initiating an inquiry or investigation into alleged offences.
• Scope – It applies when allegations relate to any recommendation made or decision taken by a public servant in discharge of official duties.

What were the earlier rulings?

• Vineet Narain versus Union of India (1998) – The SC struck down an executive order, referred to as ‘Single Directive’, issued to the CBI, to get prior sanction of the designated authority before initiating investigation against certain categories of public servants.
• Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act (DSPE), 2003 – It governs the functioning of the CBI, added Section 6A to this act.
  • Section 6A – It required prior approval of the Central government to initiate any investigation against officers at the rank of Joint Secretary or above.
• Dr. Subramanian Swamy vs Director, CBI, 2014 – The SCt struck down Section 6A as violative of Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees equality before law.
• The court said no special protection for senior officials; corruption must be investigated equally.

What is the current split verdict?

• Case Context – The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) against the Union of India.
• Issue – The Constitutional validity of Section 17A, PCA 1988 (prior approval before investigation of public servants).
• Two-judge division Bench of the Supreme Court has given the split verdict and referred the matter to the higher bench.
• Justice K. V. Viswanathan’s view – He ruled that Section 17A is valid, but with safeguards.
• Held that the requirement of obtaining prior approval before initiating investigation was necessary in order to protect honest officers from vexatious and frivolous complaints.
• Reasoning – Protection against frivolous complaints is essential to safeguard honest officers, as without it the bureaucracy may adopt a cautious ‘play‑it‑safe’ approach.
• Condition – Section 17A is valid only if approval for investigation comes from an independent agency, not the government.
• Section 17A should work together with the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• The approval for investigation must come from the appropriate government, but only on the basis of a binding opinion given by the Lokpal for Central government employees and the Lokayuktas for State government employees.
• Justice B. V. Nagarathna’s view – She held that Section 17A was unconstitutional and tantamount to ‘Old wine in new bottle’ that was struck down in earlier cases by the court.
• Reason – She held that Article 14 requires intelligible differentia and rational nexus to the legislative object, and that Section 17A fails on both counts.
• She held that adequate protection for honest officers in the form of prior sanction from the government before prosecution by a court is already available under Section 19 of the PCA.

What lies ahead?

• Swift Disposal of Corruption Cases – There must be swift disposal of cases and handing over punishments for guilty public servants that would act as a deterrent against corruption.
• Penalty for False/Malicious Complaints – Imposing penalties on false and malicious complaints would serve as a strong deterrent against habitual and vexatious allegations.

Reference

The Hindu | Should corruption charges need prior sanction?

Corruption Charges and Prior Sanction

Why in News?

Recently, A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA, 1988).

What is the PCA, 1988?

• Santhanam committee – The Central government had constituted a committee on prevention of corruption under the chairmanship of K. Santhanam in 1962, submitted its report in 1964.
• Key Recommendations – Strengthening laws against bribery and criminal misconduct, establishing vigilance bodies in government departments and greater accountability of public servants.
• PCA, 1988 – A comprehensive act was enacted to consolidate the law relating to prevention of corruption in the form of PCA, 1988.
• It provides for punishment with respect to offences committed by public servants while performing public duties.
• Public servant – Includes any government or local authority employee, any Judge, any person who holds an office by virtue of which he is required to perform a public duty etc.
• Public duty – It means a duty in the discharge of which the government, the public or the community at large has an interest.
• Type of Offence – The type of offences punishable under the PCA, 1988 include bribery, undue advantage without consideration, criminal misconduct, disproportionate assets, and abuse of position etc.

What is Section 17A?

• Section 19 of the PCA, 1988 – Prior sanction needed before prosecution in court.
• It requires prior sanction from the appropriate government before prosecution of a public servant in a court of law.
• In other words, No public servant can be prosecuted in court without prior sanction from the appropriate government.
• Concerns – However, it was felt that there needs to be a distinction in dealing between intentional corruption and decisions taken in good-faith that could potentially go wrong.
• Officers become reluctant to take bold and timely decisions because of fear of wrongful prosecution.
• Section 17A – Prior approval needed before investigation itself.
• In order to address this issue, the Parliament inserted Section 17A through an amendment of the PCA in the year 2018.
• Requirement – This section requires prior approval from the appropriate government is needed for initiating an inquiry or investigation into alleged offences.
• Scope – It applies when allegations relate to any recommendation made or decision taken by a public servant in discharge of official duties.

What were the earlier rulings?

• Vineet Narain versus Union of India (1998) – The SC struck down an executive order, referred to as ‘Single Directive’, issued to the CBI, to get prior sanction of the designated authority before initiating investigation against certain categories of public servants.
• Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act (DSPE), 2003 – It governs the functioning of the CBI, added Section 6A to this act.
  • Section 6A – It required prior approval of the Central government to initiate any investigation against officers at the rank of Joint Secretary or above.
• Dr. Subramanian Swamy vs Director, CBI, 2014 – The SCt struck down Section 6A as violative of Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees equality before law.
• The court said no special protection for senior officials; corruption must be investigated equally.

What is the current split verdict?

• Case Context – The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) against the Union of India.
• Issue – The Constitutional validity of Section 17A, PCA 1988 (prior approval before investigation of public servants).
• Two-judge division Bench of the Supreme Court has given the split verdict and referred the matter to the higher bench.
• Justice K. V. Viswanathan’s view – He ruled that Section 17A is valid, but with safeguards.
• Held that the requirement of obtaining prior approval before initiating investigation was necessary in order to protect honest officers from vexatious and frivolous complaints.
• Reasoning – Protection against frivolous complaints is essential to safeguard honest officers, as without it the bureaucracy may adopt a cautious ‘play‑it‑safe’ approach.
• Condition – Section 17A is valid only if approval for investigation comes from an independent agency, not the government.
• Section 17A should work together with the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• The approval for investigation must come from the appropriate government, but only on the basis of a binding opinion given by the Lokpal for Central government employees and the Lokayuktas for State government employees.
• Justice B. V. Nagarathna’s view – She held that Section 17A was unconstitutional and tantamount to ‘Old wine in new bottle’ that was struck down in earlier cases by the court.
• Reason – She held that Article 14 requires intelligible differentia and rational nexus to the legislative object, and that Section 17A fails on both counts.
• She held that adequate protection for honest officers in the form of prior sanction from the government before prosecution by a court is already available under Section 19 of the PCA.

What lies ahead?

• Swift Disposal of Corruption Cases – There must be swift disposal of cases and handing over punishments for guilty public servants that would act as a deterrent against corruption.
• Penalty for False/Malicious Complaints – Imposing penalties on false and malicious complaints would serve as a strong deterrent against habitual and vexatious allegations.

Reference

The Hindu | Should corruption charges need prior sanction?

Strengthening Groundwater Management for India’s Water Future

Why in News?

India has a multi-layered strategy to manage groundwater through monitoring infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and community-driven initiatives, schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, etc in ensuring long-term water security and achieving SDG goals. 

Why groundwater management matters?

• Groundwater – It is a freshwater that seeps into soil and rocks, where it is stored underground before naturally emerging or being drawn for human use.
• It maintains water levels in many rivers and streams, and it strongly influences the habitats of wetlands for plants and animals.
• The underground layer that can store and transmit ground water in sufficient quantities is called as Aquifer.
• Groundwater’s status on Earth – It comprises nearly 99% of Earth’s liquid freshwater and offers substantial social, economic, and environmental benefits, including climate resilience.
• Status in India – The groundwater serves as the primary foundation of agricultural activity and drinking water supply, meeting nearly 62% of irrigation needs, 85% of rural consumption, and 50% of urban demand.
• Reasons for Pressures on Groundwater Systems – Rapid population growth, agrarian intensification, industrial expansion, and urbanisation have collectively intensified pressure on groundwater systems in the country.

What are the key pillars and priorities of Groundwater Management?

3 pillars

• Extraction/Usage – Pumping for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes
• Problems/Usage – Decline in groundwater levels, contamination/poor ground water quality
• Management measures – Demand side: Reduction in ground water withdrawal & Supply side: Artificial recharge/water conservation.

4 key priorities  

• As per the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 4 key priorities includes

• Maintaining a dynamic water cycle to support natural recharge
• Balancing ecological and human needs to ensure environmental protection
• Preserving reserve supplies to safeguard against drought
• Aligning use with quality requirements so that groundwater quality matches its purpose.

What are the government initiatives to strengthen groundwater management?

• Model Groundwater (Regulation and Control of Development and Management) Bill – It focus on regulation & sustainable extraction of groundwater.
• Adoption – So far, 21 States/UTs (including Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh) have adopted it.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) – Launched  in 2021, coinciding with World Water Day, focuses on awareness, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, strengthening the message that every drop counts.
  • Achievement – Includes revitalisation of borewells, geo-tagging of water bodies, 1.64 billion afforestation activities, etc were carried out.
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) – It was launched under the JSA: CTR campaign on 6 September 2024.
• Objective – To improve groundwater recharge through measures such as rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, borewell recharge, and recharge shafts.
• Achievements – By 22 January 2026, the total number of artificial groundwater recharge and storage works completed cumulatively under JSJB 1.0 and JSJB 2.0 stands at 39,60,333.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) – To support effective groundwater management in the country.
• NAQUIM 2.0 – Implemented by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), provides high-granularity data density on groundwater levels and quality and delivering issue-based scientific inputs up to the Panchayat level.
  • Targets – Water-stressed, coastal, urban, spring-shed, industrial and mining, command, deep aquifer, auto flow, and poor-quality groundwater areas, with area-specific and user-focused outputs.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater-2020 – To promote terrain-specific recharge techniques based on water availability and aquifer storage capacity.
  • Achievement – The master plan targets 1.42 crore recharge structures to add 185 BCM groundwater using terrain-specific methods.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) – Launched on 25 December 2019, to focuses on community-led sustainable groundwater management.
  • Implementation – In 7 water-stressed states namely Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar – Launched on 24 April 2022, to supports the creation of Amrit Sarovars (ponds) across all districts in the country.
• Groundwater Infrastructure for Monitoring, Restoring, and Knowledge Support – India has a network of 43,228 groundwater level monitoring stations, comprising stations operated by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
• Jal Shakti Kendra (JSK) – It functions as a district-level technical guidance centre, advising stakeholders on rainwater harvesting and serving as a knowledge hub for disseminating information and providing technical support on water conservation practices.
• As of 30 December 2025, a total of 712 Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) are operational across India.

What are the necessities for groundwater management in India?

• Groundwater Reserves in India – India possesses extensive groundwater reserves whose physical characteristics and availability vary widely across regions.
• Rising pressure on groundwater systems – Intensive and largely unregulated pumping has led to rapid declines in water tables across many parts of the country, signifying growing dependence on subsurface sources.
• Degradation of water quality – Contamination arising from mining, industrial effluents, and agricultural practices, combined with naturally occurring elements such as arsenic and fluoride, posing long-term environmental and public health risks.
• Drivers of uncontrolled abstraction – The sharp increase in groundwater extraction has been driven by the availability of affordable drilling techniques and pumping technologies, enabling even small farmers and low-income households to construct and operate private tube wells.
• Government’s Commitment – The growing groundwater crisis has strengthened the Government’s commitment to effective management, reaffirmed by India’s COP 21 commitment to climate resilience and long-term growth.
• Link to SDG – Effective groundwater management is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6, SDG 11, and SDG 12.

What lies ahead?

• India’s response – India has embraced a comprehensive and multi-layered approach combining policy reform, scientific assessment, infrastructure creation, and community participation, led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Key initiatives taken by the government jointly reinforce recharge, monitoring, regulation, and demand side management.
• Institutional Support – Supported by an extensive network of groundwater monitoring stations, advanced data systems, and local knowledge centres for community engagement.
• Transition Ahead – These efforts mark a transition towards scientifically informed, participatory, and outcome-oriented groundwater governance, establishing a durable framework for long term sustainability, climate resilience, and the achievement of national development goals.

Reference

PIB | Strengthening Groundwater Management for India

Key Debuts in 77th Republic Day Parade

Why in News?

The 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26 will also feature many other firsts.

• 77^th Republic Day Parade (2026) – It will feature several historic firsts, including the debut of the indigenous Suryastra rocket launcher system and the newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
• These additions highlight India’s growing military innovation, cultural diversity, and jointness among the armed forces.
• Parade Duration – Approximately 90 minutes, with 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands.

Chief Guests for 77^th Republic Day – Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President) and Antonio Costa (Prime Minister of Portugal), this dual guests reflect India’s strengthening ties with the European Union.

• Key Military Debuts include
  • Suryastra Rocket Launcher System – Indigenous universal rocket launcher with deep‑strike, surface‑to‑surface capability up to 300 km, which highlights India’s push for homegrown, long‑range firepower.
  • Bhairav Light Commando Battalion – Newly raised unit specialising in rapid deployment and light combat operations, with an emphasis on flexible, modern warfare tactics.
  • Shaktiban Regiment (Artillery) – It is a newly raised regiment equipped with drones, counter‑drone systems, and loiter munitions.
  • Other Defence Assets – Includes BrahMos missile system, Akash, Medium Range Surface‑to‑Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun and Static drone displays.
• Unique Animal Contingents – Animals described as “silent warriors” and force multipliers for the Army.
  • Bactrian Camels (two‑humped, adapted to cold deserts).
  • Zanskar Ponies (native to Ladakh, hardy mountain animals).
  • Army Dogs and raptors (kites) are also included.
• It will be led by Captain Harshita Raghav of the Remount & Veterinary Corps, showcasing India’s diverse ecosystems and military adaptability.
• Flypast – Rafale jets, Apache helicopters, and other advanced aircraft.
• Mixed Scouts Contingent – Debut appearance in heavy thermal gear, symbolising resilience in extreme climates.
• Cultural tableaux – Celebrating 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, with vibrant state and ministry displays.

Reference

The Hindu | Republic Day Parade to see many firsts

Importance of Devdar forests

Why in News?

In 2025, nearly year-long climate disasters caused over 4,000 deaths in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, even as a road project went ahead, cutting down about 7,000 sacred Devdar trees and many other native species.

• Scientific name – Cedrus deodara (Deodar)
• Devdar – They are majestic, high-altitude evergreen coniferous ecosystems, known as the "wood of the gods”.
• Etymology – It is derived from the Sanskrit term devadaru (deva means god, daru means wood), signifying its sacred status in India.
• Habitat – They thrive in temperate climates, often found in dense, pure stands or mixed with oak and fir.
• Distribution – It is native to the Western Himalayas, spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand), and Nepal.
• Key Locations in India – It is commonly found in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the Kumaon region, especially located in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (4,000 sq. km, notified in 2012).

Key Characteristics

• Features – It is a large conifer with needle-like leaves and drooping branchlets. Unlike many conifers, its fat, stout, upright cones disintegrate upon maturity, leaving only an upright spike on the branch.
• Altitude – It grows at elevations of 1,500–3,200 m, featuring trees 40–60 m tall with conical crowns and aromatic wood.
• Significance
  • Spiritual – Ancient Hindu texts & Shaivite traditions refer to these as Darukavana (forest of deodars), often associated with places where sages performed penance.
  • Economic – The wood is highly valued for its durability and scent, and it is also used in traditional medicine.
  • Ecological – It stabilises slopes, prevents landslides, maintains the water quality of the Ganga (antimicrobial properties) and also regulates microclimates and sustains aquatic ecosystems.
• Threats – It faces existential threats from deforestation, flawed infrastructure, climate change, and governance failures.
• Recent proposals – Translocating ancient Devdar trees is ecologically unsound, as their unique, site-specific functions cannot be recreated elsewhere—making their preservation an environmental necessity rather than a matter of convenience.

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | A dangerous march towards a Himalayan ecocide
2. Great Himalayan National Park | Devdar Forest
3. DU | Deodar Forest

State Microbe of Kerala

Why in News?

The Government of Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as the State Microbe and dedicated the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) to the people.

• Bacillus subtilis – It is a type of probiotic or “good” bacteria found widely in the environment and naturally in the gut of humans as well as in fermented foods.
• 1^st in the country – Kerala, the first State in the country to officially declare its own State microbe.
• Microorganisms beyond Pathogens – The initiative springs from a simple idea - microorganisms are far more than pathogens.
• They are central to digestion, immunity, soil health, agriculture, ecological balance, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Proposed by – The concept of a State Microorganism was proposed by Dr Sabu Thomas, Director of the CoEM.
• Aim – To spark public awareness about the immense benefits of microbes and encourage their conservation.

Features

• Scientific significance – It is one of the most extensively studied microorganisms, serving as a model organism in microbiology and biotechnology.
• Unique traits – It is known for its ability to form heat-resistant spores that can survive for long periods.
• The bacterium is also genetically competent, allowing it to take up external DNA—making it a valuable tool for genetic and biomedical research.
• Industrial & Research Importance – Its fully sequenced genome and strong protein-secretion capacity have made it a major workhorse in industrial biotechnology.
• Probiotic Properties – It is valued for its probiotic properties, helps improve gut health by producing antimicrobial compounds –
• That inhibit harmful pathogens, supports digestion, and strengthens the intestinal barrier—benefits that have led to its use in human and animal probiotic supplements worldwide.

National microbe – In October 2012, India declared Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (used in curd, yoghurt, cheese) as the National Microbe.

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | Kerala declares Bacillus subtilis ‘State microbe’
2. South First | Kerala declares Bacillus subtilis ‘State microbe’

New Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Why in News?

The WEF has decided to establish 5 new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR or Industry 4.0), including one in India's Andhra Pradesh.

• Fourth Industrial Revolution Network – It is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to help ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits for society, while minimising risks.
• Launched by – World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2017.

Industry 4.0 - Refers to the current era of rapid technological advancement characterised by the blurring of lines between the physical, digital, and biological worlds, coined in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, founder of the WEF.

• Purpose – To create a global network that will work with governments and industry to deliver practical policy frameworks and pilots, address regional priorities, and advance international cooperation.
• Focus areas – AI innovation, the energy transition, cyber resilience, and frontier technologies.
• Present global status –
  • Existing Centres – Azerbaijan, Colombia, Germany, Korea, Israel, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, the US, Ukraine, Vietnam.
  • New Centres Announced – Andhra Pradesh (India), France, UK, UAE.
  • India’s Existing Centres – Mumbai and Telangana.

India’s Centre (Andhra Pradesh)

• Established in – Partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government, the Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience.
• Objective – To promote innovation-led approaches to the energy transition while strengthening cyber resilience across industries.
• Focus – The centre will develop scalable solutions spanning green energy systems, cybersecurity strategies and workforce development.
• Significance – It helps India use new technologies responsibly, boosting its role in clean energy and cybersecurity, while also supporting global goals like sustainability, safety, and inclusive growth.

Reference

The Hindu | WEF to launch five new Centres for Fourth Industrial Revolution

Gonorrhoea

Why in News?

A study on gonorrhoea was published in the July–December 2024 issue of the Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS.

• Gonorrhoea – It is a sexually transmitted infection.
• Caused by – Bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Sites of infection – Urogenital, pharyngeal, rectal, and conjunctival mucosa.
• Transmission – It is primarily through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
• Global Burden – According to the WHO, an estimated 82.4 million new infections were diagnosed among adults aged 15 to 49 years globally in 2020.
• It is also reported that gonococcal infections have been higher in men than in women since 2013.
• Causes – The common cause is unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.
• Other factors include chemical irritants, trauma(from intercourse or cervical procedures) are other causes, yeast infections, and allergic reactions (to spermicides, latex condoms, diaphragms, IUDs).
• Symptoms
  • Men – Burning urination, pus-like discharge, itching/tenderness at the penis tip, sometimes blood in urine.
  • Women – It is often asymptomatic; when present, abnormal vaginal discharge (yellow/grey/pus-like), pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
• Complications if untreated – For women, it results in fallopian tube scarring leading to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
• For newborns, it causes eye infection (ophthalmia neonatorum), risk of blindness, sepsis, arthritis, and meningitis.
• Diagnosis – It is diagnosed by detecting the bacteria through urine or swab tests, with the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) considered the most accurate method.
• Treatment – As per the guidelines ofthe  National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), India -
  • Antibiotic - Ceftriaxone 500 mg IM, single dose.
  • Abstain from sex for 7 days post-treatment and until symptoms resolve.
  • Additional screening for HIV, chlamydia, and syphilis.
  • If symptoms persist (3–5 days), a culture test to check for antimicrobial resistance.
  • For pregnant women, Prenatal screening is crucial to prevent neonatal transmission.

Reference

The Hindu | All you need to know about: gonorrhoea