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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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