1. India's Antibiotic Policy and AMR: A Look at Kerala's Initiative
Background:
In 2011, the H1 rule was introduced to restrict over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics without a prescription.
Aim: Address growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where bacteria become resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Implementation challenged due to variations in healthcare systems.
In 2013, modified to limit restrictions to second and third-line antibiotics.
First-line antibiotics still available OTC, especially in remote areas.
Understanding the H1 rule:
Requires a doctor's prescription for all antibiotics in its original form.
No antibiotic purchase without written authorization at pharmacies.
Pharmacists legally obligated to verify prescriptions.
How to find out more:
Visit the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) website: https://cdsco.gov.in/
Look under "Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945" for "Schedule H1".
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
Kerala's Initiative:
Positive aspects:
High doctor-patient ratio facilitates enforcement.
High literacy rate promotes understanding and compliance.
Fosters responsible antibiotic use culture.
Limitations:
Impact on AMR unlikely to be immediate.
Needs to address unnecessary prescriptions and hospital-acquired infections.
Key Challenges for AMR Control:
Unnecessary Prescriptions:
Over 50% deemed unnecessary or irrational.
Lack of affordable diagnostic tests contributes.
Patient pressure and doctor behavior play a role.
Hospital-Acquired Infections:
Data transparency and accountability crucial.
Stricter infection prevention standards and reporting needed.
Other Drivers:
Ban growth-promotion antibiotic use in agriculture.
Develop new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines.
Conclusion:
Kerala's initiative is a step in the right direction.
Addressing major drivers like irrational prescriptions and hospital infections is essential.
A multi-pronged approach involving policy, education, and healthcare reform is needed.
Enforcing H1 rule alone won't be enough.
2. Ancient Chromosomal Disorders Discovered in Prehistoric Skeletons
Summary:
Researchers discovered evidence of chromosomal disorders in prehistoric skeletal remains:
Oldest known case of Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
Six cases of Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
Individuals lived up to 5,500 years ago in various European locations.
Details on the Diseases:
Down syndrome:
Extra copy of chromosome 21
Intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, and other health problems
Edwards syndrome:
Extra copy of chromosome 18
Severe developmental delays, organ malformations, and early death
Most individuals died young, but received:
Ritualistic burials
Grave goods
Suggesting acceptance by their communities.
Additional Details:
Identification method: Analysis of ancient DNA from skeletal remains
Prevalence:
Higher concentration of trisomy cases found in specific burial sites in Spain
Raises questions about potential cultural factors
Significance:
Sheds light on presence and acceptance of genetic disorders in ancient societies
Improves our understanding of human health history.
3. India's Stand on Israel-Gaza Conundrum:
Voting Patterns:
India consistently supports UN resolutions critical of Israel's occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory.
Abstained in one vote for a ceasefire in October 2023.
Public Comments and ICJ Silence:
Modi government keeps public comments on the issue minimal.
Decision not to speak at the ICJ aligns with India's low-key approach.
Complex Factors Influencing Indian Position:
Balancing act due to expectations from the Arab world, especially UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, for solidarity with Palestine.
India's strategic defense cooperation and equipment purchases from Israel add another layer of complexity.
Defence and Surveillance Ties with Israel:
Despite political stances, India engages in defense and surveillance equipment cooperation with Israel.
Recent shipment of drones from Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems to aid Israeli operations.
Economic Cooperation:
Indian government allows the recruitment of Indian workers by Israeli companies facing labor shortages after Palestinian job expulsions.
Balancing economic interests adds nuance to India's position.
Concerns for Indian Diplomacy:
Risks being seen as an outlier within the Global South, which largely criticizes Israel's actions.
Potential challenge to India's leadership aspirations within the Global South, emphasizing the need for a cohesive stance.
4. Ladakh wants entry into sixth schedule
Union Government's Decision on Ladakh's Constitutional Status:
Agreement to examine implementation of Sixth Schedule in Ladakh.
Understanding reached between civil society leaders and Ministry of Home Affairs officials.
Upcoming Legal and Constitutional Discussions:
Next meeting to involve legal and constitutional experts.
Focus on the legality and context of granting Statehood to Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
The Significance of the Sixth Schedule:
Sixth Schedule, outlined in Article 244, safeguards tribal populations.
Allows for the creation of autonomous development councils with legislative powers.
Currently, 10 such councils exist in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Advocacy by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA):
LAB and KDA demand Statehood for Ladakh.
Push for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to gain tribal status, job reservations, and parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
Transformation of Ladakh into a Union Territory:
Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019.
Resulted from the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370.
5. Centre discloses key consumption expenditure survey findings after 11-year gap.
Summary of All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey:
Key findings:
Increased consumption: Average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) rose significantly in both rural and urban India since 2011-12.
Shifting priorities: Spending on food decreased as a proportion of total expenditure in both rural and urban areas.
Data used for key indicators: Survey data will be used to inform calculations of GDP, poverty levels, and inflation.
Additional details:
Survey conducted between August 2022 and July 2023.
Data collected from over 260,000 households across India.
Significant disparities exist between states and income levels.
Possible implications:
Lower food prices may influence inflation calculations.
Survey data can inform policy decisions on economic development and social welfare programs.
Thanks for reading 25 February 2024 Daily Current Affairs
25 February 2024 Daily Current Affairs
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