Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)

Context: The inter-sectoral coordination committee on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) discussed the urgent need for collective and multi-lateral actions to address the growing threat of AMR, which poses a serious challenge to public health and economic development.

Details

• The committee emphasized that AMR cannot be solved by a single sector or a single strategy, but requires a holistic and integrated approach involving all stakeholders.
• The committee members urged to work together in a mission mode to implement the National Action Plan on AMR.
• The government has recognized AMR as a key priority area in its National Health Policy 2017 and has taken several initiatives to promote the rational use of antibiotics, strengthen surveillance and infection prevention and control measures, and enhance research and innovation on AMR.

Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): A Global Threat and an Urgent Call for Action

 What is AMR and why does it matter?

• Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, to survive and multiply in the presence of drugs that are meant to kill or inhibit them.
• AMR can render common infections untreatable and increase the risk of spreading diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. For example, drug-resistant tuberculosis kills about 230,000 people every year, and drug-resistant malaria threatens millions of people in Africa and Asia.
• AMR poses a serious threat to food security, animal health and welfare, environmental sustainability and economic development. For instance, AMR can reduce crop yields, affect livestock production, contaminate water sources and hamper trade and tourism.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is responsible for at least 700,000 deaths per year globally, and this number could rise to 10 million by 2050 if no action is taken.
• AMR imposes a huge economic burden on health systems and societies, estimated at $100 trillion by 2050. Moreover, AMR undermines the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to health, poverty, hunger, education and gender equality.

How does AMR develop and spread?

• AMR is a natural phenomenon that occurs when microorganisms evolve in response to selective pressure from antimicrobial drugs.
• Human activities have accelerated the emergence and spread of AMR by overusing and misusing antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health, agriculture and aquaculture. For example, about 80% of antibiotics used in the United States are given to animals for growth promotion or disease prevention, and about 50% of antibiotics prescribed to humans are unnecessary or inappropriate.
• Other factors that contribute to AMR include poor infection prevention and control practices, inadequate sanitation and hygiene, lack of access to quality medicines and diagnostics, weak regulatory systems and insufficient surveillance and monitoring.

AMR is a global problem that transcends national borders and sectors. Microorganisms can travel across continents through people, animals, food and water. They can also transfer their resistance genes to other microorganisms through horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, AMR requires a coordinated and multisectoral response that follows the "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal health and environmental health.

What are the challenges and opportunities for tackling AMR?

• Lack of political commitment and leadership at national and global levels.
• Insufficient funding and incentives for research and development of new antimicrobial drugs, diagnostics and vaccines.
• Limited awareness and education among health professionals, farmers, consumers and policymakers on the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs.
• Inadequate regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms for controlling the quality, supply and distribution of antimicrobial drugs.
• Weak surveillance and reporting systems for monitoring AMR trends and patterns.
• Fragmented and siloed actions across different sectors and stakeholders.

Many opportunities and initiatives can help overcome these challenges and foster collective action against AMR. Some of these opportunities include:

• The Global Action Plan on AMR adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015 provides a roadmap for countries to develop and implement national action plans on AMR.
• The Interagency Coordination Group on AMR was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, which provides recommendations on how to address AMR at global, regional and national levels.
• The Tripartite Plus collaboration between WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supports countries in implementing the One Health approach to AMR.
• The Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund was launched by Tripartite Plus in 2019, which provides financial support for innovative projects on AMR.
• The Global Leaders Group on AMR was established by WHO in 2020, which mobilizes high-level political advocacy and accountability for AMR.
• The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub launched by G20 countries in 2018 coordinates research efforts on AMR.
• The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator launched by WHO in 2020 aims to accelerate the development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.

The Indian government has taken several steps to address the challenge of AMR and to implement the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2017-2021. Some of these steps are:

• Improving awareness and understanding of AMR among health professionals, policymakers, students and the general public through various campaigns, workshops, training programs and educational materials.
• Enhancing surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial consumption in human, animal and environmental sectors through a network of laboratories, hospitals and research institutions.
• Strengthening infection prevention and control practices in health care settings and community settings to reduce the transmission of infections and the need for antibiotics.
• Promoting rational use of antibiotics in human and animal health by enforcing regulations, developing guidelines, conducting antibiotic stewardship programs and encouraging behaviour change among prescribers and consumers.
• Supporting research and development of new diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines for AMR-related infections by providing funding, incentives and collaboration opportunities for researchers and innovators.
• Promoting investments and collaborative activities to control AMR at national, regional and global levels by engaging with various stakeholders, partners and donors.

These measures are expected to help India achieve its vision of a healthy nation free from the burden of AMR.

What is the way forward for combating AMR?

• AMR is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and holistic response. There is no single solution or magic bullet for AMR, but rather a combination of interventions and strategies that address the root causes and drivers of AMR.

Some of these interventions and strategies include:

• Promoting the rational use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health, agriculture and aquaculture, through guidelines, stewardship programs, education and awareness campaigns.
• Strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health care settings, farms, food processing facilities and communities, through hygiene, sanitation, vaccination and biosecurity practices.
• Improving access to quality, affordable and appropriate antimicrobial drugs and diagnostics, through regulation, quality assurance, procurement and supply chain management.
• Enhancing surveillance and monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial consumption, through standardized methods, data collection, analysis and sharing.
• Investing in research and innovation for new antimicrobial drugs, diagnostics and vaccines, through funding, incentives, partnerships and platforms.
• Engaging and empowering all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and media, in the fight against AMR, through dialogue, collaboration and accountability.

Conclusion

• AMR is not only a health issue, but also a development issue that affects all aspects of human life. Therefore, combating AMR is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to improve health outcomes, reduce poverty, enhance food security, protect the environment and foster economic growth. AMR is a global challenge that requires a global response. No one can do it alone, but everyone can do something. Together, we can make a difference.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=New-Delhi%3a-Union-Health-Secretary-chairs-inter-sectoral-coordination-committee-on-Anti-Microbial-Resistance&id=462612

NEWS IN SHORT

UN General Assembly

Context: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on 14 June 2023, introduced by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, to honour the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.

Details

• The resolution was co-sponsored by a record 190 Member States, including Pakistan and China, reflecting the universal support for India’s proposal.
• The Indian ambassador said that the Memorial Wall will be a tribute to the courage and dedication of the peacekeepers and a constant reminder of the human cost of peace.
• The Indian ambassador highlighted India’s long-standing and significant contributions to UN peacekeeping, with more than 250,000 Indian peacekeepers having served in 49 missions since 1948.
• India is the largest cumulative troop contributor to UN peacekeeping and has suffered the highest number of fatalities among the troop-contributing countries, with 178 Indian peacekeepers having made the supreme sacrifice.

UN General Assembly

• The UN General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, and the only one in which all member states have equal representation.
• The General Assembly was established in 1945 as part of the UN Charter, and its first session was held in London in January 1946. Since then, it has met annually in regular sessions from September to December, and sometimes in special or emergency sessions when needed.
• It is the main deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the UN, and also oversees the budget, elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and other UN bodies, and appoints the Secretary-General.

Significance

• It is the most representative and democratic forum in the world, where all member states have an equal voice and vote.
• It is the most universal and inclusive body, where issues of global concern are discussed and debated by a diverse range of actors, such as civil society, youth, indigenous peoples, the private sector and others.
• It is the most influential and authoritative body, where resolutions and declarations are adopted by consensus or majority vote, and where norms and standards are set for international cooperation.
• It is the main platform for multilateralism and global governance, where member states work together to address common challenges and opportunities.
• It is the main source of legitimacy and accountability for the UN system, where member states review and evaluate its performance and effectiveness.
• It is the main catalyst for action and change, where member states adopt resolutions and initiatives that shape the global agenda and impact the lives of millions.

However, the General Assembly also faces many challenges and limitations in fulfilling its role and mandate. Some of these challenges are:

• The gap between rhetoric and reality: The General Assembly often adopts resolutions that are not fully implemented or followed up by member states or other actors, leading to a loss of credibility and relevance.
• The lack of enforcement mechanisms: The General Assembly does not have the power to enforce its decisions or to sanction those who violate them, relying on voluntary compliance and political pressure.
• Politicization and polarization: The General Assembly is often divided along regional or ideological lines, resulting in stalemate or deadlock on sensitive or controversial issues.
• The inefficiency and bureaucracy: The General Assembly has a large and complex agenda, with many overlapping or redundant items, leading to duplication or fragmentation of efforts.
• The marginalization and exclusion: The General Assembly is sometimes overshadowed or sidelined by other more powerful or influential bodies or actors, such as the Security Council or the G20.

To overcome these challenges and enhance its role and effectiveness, the General Assembly needs to reform and innovate its working methods and practices. Some of the possible ways forward are:

• Strengthening implementation and follow-up: The General Assembly should establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the implementation of its resolutions and recommendations, such as annual reports or reviews.
• Enhancing enforcement and compliance: The General Assembly should explore ways to increase the compliance of member states and other actors with its decisions, such as incentives or sanctions.
• Promoting dialogue and consensus: The General Assembly should foster a culture of dialogue and compromise among member states, especially on divisive or contentious issues.
• Improving efficiency and coherence: The General Assembly should streamline and prioritize its agenda, focusing on strategic or emerging issues that require collective action.
• Increasing visibility and outreach: The General Assembly should raise its profile and awareness among the public and media, highlighting its achievements and impacts.

Conclusion

• The UN General Assembly is a vital organ of the United Nations that plays a key role in shaping the world we live in. It is a unique platform for global governance that embodies the ideals and aspirations of humanity. It has a vital role to play in addressing the current and emerging challenges facing the world. By reforming itself and adapting to the changing times, it can become more responsive, representative, and effective in fulfilling its mandate and serving the common good.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=UNGA-adopts-resolution-introduced-by-India-to-establish-memorial-wall-to-honour-fallen-peacekeepers&id=462608

LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA

Context: The 22nd Law Commission of India has decided to revisit the subject of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and seek public opinions and suggestions on it. The Commission has invited individuals and recognized religious organizations to submit their views on UCC within a period of 30 days.

Details

• The Law and Justice Ministry has stated that this initiative was taken after the 21st Law Commission received a large number of responses from various stakeholders on its consultation paper on "Reforms of Family Law" in 2019. The Commission hopes to deliberate on the feasibility and desirability of UCC in India and make recommendations accordingly.

The Law Commission of India

About

• The Law Commission of India is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. Its primary function is to research and advise the government on legal reform, and is composed of legal experts, and headed by a retired judge.
• The commission is not a constitutional or statutory body, but its formation can be seen as a way of implementing Article 39 A of the Indian Constitution, which directs the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice.

Background

• The first Law Commission was established during colonial rule in India by the East India Company under the Charter Act of 1833 and was presided by Lord Macaulay. After that, three more commissions were established in pre-independent India.
• The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955 for a three-year term. Since then, twenty-one more commissions have been established. The last chairman of the Law Commission was retired Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan, who completed his tenure on 31 August 2018. Subsequently, the commission has not been reconstituted for more than four years.
• In November 2022, Justice Rituraj Awasthi (Former Chief Justice of Karnataka HC) was appointed as the chairperson of the 22nd Law Commission and five other members were also appointed.

Significance

• The Law Commission has taken up various subjects on references made by the Department of Legal Affairs, Supreme Court and High Courts and submitted 277 reports till date.
• The Law Commission of India provides an excellent thought-provoking and vital review of the laws in India. Some of its notable reports include those on uniform civil code, electoral reforms, sedition law, death penalty, personal laws, arbitration law, the criminal justice system, etc.
• It identifies the gaps and anomalies in the existing laws and suggests ways to fill them or remove them.
• It examines the socio-economic and political implications of the laws and proposes reforms that are in tune with the changing needs and aspirations of society.
• It acts as a bridge between the government and the public by inviting suggestions and feedback from various stakeholders and incorporating them into its reports.

However, the Law Commission also faces several challenges in fulfilling its mandate

• The lack of binding force of its recommendations: The commission can only make suggestions to the government, but it cannot compel it to accept or implement them. The government may choose to ignore or reject some or all of its recommendations due to various reasons such as political expediency, lack of consensus, resource constraints, etc.
• Delay in reconstituting the commission after its term expires: This creates a vacuum in the process of legal reform and deprives the government of valuable inputs from experts.
• Lack of adequate resources and staff for conducting research and drafting reports. The commission often has to rely on external consultants or institutions for assistance, which may affect its independence and quality.

The way forward for the Law Commission is to overcome these challenges and enhance its effectiveness and impact. Some possible steps are:

• To ensure timely reconstitution of the commission after its term ends and avoid long gaps.
• To increase its budget and manpower to enable it to conduct comprehensive and rigorous research on various legal issues.
• To improve its coordination and communication with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that its recommendations are given due consideration and follow-up action.
• To increase its outreach and visibility among the public and media to create awareness and generate support for its work.
• To adopt innovative methods such as online consultations, webinars, podcasts, etc., to engage with diverse audiences and solicit their views.

Conclusion

• The Law Commission of India is a vital institution for advancing legal reform and development in India. It has made significant contributions to improving the quality and relevance of laws in India over the years. It has also played a key role in promoting public debate and discourse on various legal issues affecting society.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=22nd-Law-Commission-of-India-seeks-public-views-and-ideas-on-Uniform-Civil-Code&id=462535

CAG HOSTED SAI20 SUMMIT

Context: The SAI20 Summit, a three-day event hosted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) under India's G20 Presidency in Goa.

Details

• The summit brings together the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI20) of the G20 countries and other invited countries and organizations to discuss two priority areas: Blue Economy and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ecosystem.
  • Responsible AI is the ethical and accountable use of AI in governance and public administration.

The SAI20 Engagement Group: A New Platform for Promoting Accountability and Transparency in G20 Countries

About

• The SAI20 Engagement Group is a new initiative that aims to enhance the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in the G20 process. SAIs are independent bodies that audit the public sector and promote good governance, accountability and transparency.
• It was established in 2022 during Indonesia's Presidency of the G20. The idea of creating a SAI engagement group was first proposed by India in 2019, as a way to strengthen the oversight function of SAIs and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It acknowledges the importance of engaging with other stakeholders, such as audited entities, governments, media and civil society, to enhance the relevance and impact of SAIs' work.The SAI20 Engagement Group is chaired by the SAI of the G20 Presidency country and co-chaired by the SAI of the previous and next G20 Presidency countries.

The main activities of the SAI20 Engagement Group include:

• Developing policy recommendations on issues related to public governance and SDG implementation for the G20 Leaders and other relevant forums.
• Sharing best practices and experiences on auditing public policies and programs among SAIs and other stakeholders.
• Conducting joint or coordinated audits on topics of common interest for G20 countries.
• Organizing events and dialogues to raise awareness and foster collaboration among SAIs and other stakeholders.

The SAI20 Engagement Group is a significant platform for SAIs to contribute to the global agenda and address common challenges. Some of the benefits of the SAI20 Engagement Group are:

• It provides an opportunity for SAIs to influence the policy-making process at the highest level and advocate for good governance, accountability and transparency.
• It enhances the visibility and credibility of SAIs as strategic partners of G20 governments in achieving national and global goals.
• It fosters mutual learning and cooperation among SAIs and other stakeholders on key issues such as public financial management, anti-corruption, digital transformation, climate change, health, education, etc.
• It supports the capacity development and innovation of SAIs to cope with emerging risks and opportunities in a complex and dynamic environment.

Conclusion 

• The SAI20 Engagement Group is currently preparing for its second summit in June 2023 in Goa, India. The theme of the summit is aligned with India's G20 Presidency theme of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - the World as ONE Earth, ONE Family and ONE Future. The SAI20 Engagement Group hopes to deliver meaningful and actionable policy recommendations to the G20 Leaders and other relevant forums on issues related to public governance and SDG implementation.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=CAG-to-host-SAI20-Summit-under-India%26%2339%3bs-G20-Presidency-in-Goa-from-tomorrow&id=462354

COOPERATIVE BANKS

Context:  Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs), aiming to ensure expeditious resolution of financial stress faced by some of them. Prime Minister has lauded these steps taken by RBI, saying that they will strengthen the 1,514 UCBs in the country and benefit the cooperatives sector.

Cooperative banks in India

About

• Cooperative banks are financial institutions that are owned and managed by their members, who are also the customers of the bank. They operate on the principle of mutual help and aim to provide financial services to the economically weaker sections of society.
• They are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and are registered under the State Cooperative Societies Act of different states in India.

Working Structure

• The structure of cooperative banks in India can be broadly divided into two sectors: urban cooperative banks and rural cooperative banks.
• Urban cooperative banks cater to the needs of urban and semi-urban areas, while rural cooperative banks serve rural areas, especially the agricultural sector.
• The urban cooperative banks can be further classified into scheduled and non-scheduled banks, based on their inclusion in the second schedule of the RBI Act, of 1934.
• The rural cooperative banks can be further classified into state cooperative banks, district central cooperative banks and primary agricultural credit societies.

Significance

• The significance of cooperative banks in India lies in their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
• They play a vital role in providing credit and banking services to the unbanked and underbanked sections of society, such as farmers, small-scale industries, self-employed workers, women, minorities and low-income groups.
• They also promote financial inclusion, financial literacy and financial empowerment among their members.
• They help in reducing poverty, enhancing productivity, creating employment opportunities and supporting rural development.

The challenges faced by cooperative banks in India are manifold. Some of them are:

Lack of professionalism and governance

• Many cooperative banks suffer from poor management, lack of transparency, political interference, nepotism and corruption. They do not follow the best practices of accounting, auditing, risk management and compliance. They also face difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified staff and experts.

Inadequate capital and technology

• Many cooperative banks have low capital adequacy ratios, which limit their ability to lend and expand their business. They also face constraints in accessing funds from other sources, such as deposits, borrowings and grants. They lag in adopting modern technology and digital platforms, which hamper their efficiency, security and customer service.

Regulatory issues

• Cooperative banks are subject to dual regulation by the RBI and the state governments. This creates confusion, duplication and conflict of interest among the regulators.
• The RBI has limited powers over the cooperative banks, especially in terms of supervision, inspection and enforcement. The state governments have varying degrees of control over the functioning, policies and appointments of the cooperative banks.

Competition and sustainability

• Cooperative banks face stiff competition from other players in the banking sector, such as public sector banks, private sector banks, regional rural banks, small finance banks and payment banks. These players have better resources, technology and reach than the cooperative banks.
  • They offer more attractive products and services to the customers. Cooperative banks have to cope with changing customer preferences, market dynamics and regulatory norms. They have to innovate and diversify their products and services to remain relevant and viable.

The way forward for cooperative banks in India is to overcome these challenges and leverage their strengths. Some of the possible measures are:

Enhancing Professionalism and Governance

• Cooperative banks should adopt best practices in governance and management, such as appointing qualified and experienced staff, conducting regular audits, ensuring transparency and accountability, etc. They should also avoid political or personal interference in their functioning.

Strengthening capital base and profitability

• Cooperative banks should diversify their sources of funds and explore alternative channels such as issuing bonds, raising equity, or partnering with other financial institutions. They should also improve their lending practices and portfolio management, such as conducting proper credit appraisal, monitoring loan performance, enforcing recovery measures, etc.

Reducing non-performing assets (NPAs)

• Cooperative banks should take proactive steps to reduce their NPAs, such as restructuring or rescheduling loans, writing off bad debts, initiating legal action against defaulters, etc. They should also adopt preventive measures such as creating provisions for bad loans, setting up early warning systems, etc.

Complying with regulatory norms and standards

• Cooperative banks should comply with all the regulatory norms and standards issued by the RBI, such as maintaining adequate capital adequacy ratio, prudential norms, audit requirements, etc. They should also keep themselves updated with the latest changes and developments in the regulatory framework.

Adopting technology and digital platforms

• Cooperative banks should adopt technology and digital platforms for their operations, such as core banking solutions, mobile banking, internet banking, etc. They should also invest in upgrading their systems and infrastructure, enhancing their cybersecurity measures, training their staff, etc

Conclusion

• Cooperative banks in India are an important part of the financial system and play a vital role in the development of the country. They face several challenges that affect their growth and efficiency, but they can overcome them by adopting various measures. They can also learn from the best-performing cooperative banks in India and emulate their success.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=PM-Modi-welcomes-RBI-instructions-for-strengthening-of-1%2c514-Urban-Co-operative-Banks&id=462327