Indian Society and Social Issues: April 2024 Current Affairs | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

Context

Over recent years, there have been notably high rates of resistance observed in significant public health pathogens within Indian hospitals. The Covid-19 crisis has additionally highlighted worries regarding the inappropriate administration of antimicrobial drugs among Covid-19 patients.

• The excessive use of antimicrobials during the Covid-19 pandemic, unsustainable antibiotic practices, and the release of untreated wastewater into water systems have contributed to further escalation of drug resistance levels worldwide, compounding an already critical issue.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) refers to the resistance developed by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites against drugs used for treating infections.
• Over time, microorganisms can change in a way that they no longer respond to medicines, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes AMR as one of the top ten global health threats.
• Microorganisms that develop resistance to antimicrobials are commonly known as "superbugs."
• In India, more than 56,000 newborn deaths occur annually due to sepsis caused by bacteria resistant to first-line antibiotics.
• A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) across 10 hospitals indicated that mortality rates among Covid patients who acquire drug-resistant infections in hospitals can be as high as 50-60%.
• The emergence of the multi-drug resistance determinant known as New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) originated in this region.
• Multi-drug resistant typhoid, originating from South Asia, has also affected regions such as Africa, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

What are the Concerns Regarding AMR?

• Life-threatening Condition: The growth of AMR has proved to be a major challenge in the treatment of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition and, unfortunately, the failure of antibiotics is leading to deaths which are preventable.
• Reduction in Medical Advances: AMR is also undermining and undoing medical advances made over decades, especially for high-burden diseases like tuberculosis and various cancers.
• Achievements of Goals: It is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk and endangers achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Increase in Superbugs: Untreated wastewater from medical facilities is awash with chemical compounds that promote superbugs.
• Expanding with Time: The concoction of self-medication and over the counter (OTC) antibiotic availability has led to one of the highest rates of antibiotic resistance in the world.

What are the Reasons for the Spread of AMR?

• Antibiotic Usage in Humans
  • Unnecessary and inappropriate use of fixed-dose antibiotic combinations may contribute to the development of bacterial strains resistant to multiple antibiotics.
• Social Factors
  • This includes self-medication and easy access to antibiotics without a prescription due to a lack of understanding about proper antibiotic use.
• Cultural Activities
  • Rituals such as mass bathing in rivers during religious gatherings can contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
• Antibiotic Use in Food Animals
  • Critical antibiotics for human health are often used in poultry for growth promotion purposes.
• Pharmaceutical Industry Pollution
  • Wastewater from antibiotic manufacturing facilities contains high levels of antibiotics, leading to contamination of water bodies like rivers and lakes.
• Environmental Hygiene
  • Improper disposal of sewage introduces antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant organisms into rivers, polluting the environment.
• Infection Control Practices in Healthcare Settings
  • A study on hand-washing habits among healthcare professionals revealed that only 31.8% washed their hands after patient contact, highlighting potential lapses in infection control practices.

AMR in India: What’s the Scenario?

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses significant challenges in developing nations like India, characterized by a high burden of infectious diseases and limited healthcare expenditures.
• India is among the countries with the highest prevalence of bacterial infections, exacerbating the impact of AMR within its healthcare context.
• The National Health Policy 2017 emphasizes the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance and calls for effective interventions.
• The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has prioritized AMR as one of the top 10 collaborative efforts with the World Health Organization (WHO).
• India has implemented surveillance programs to monitor drug resistance in diseases like Tuberculosis, Vector Borne diseases, and AIDS.
• Since March 2014, India has introduced Schedule H-1 in Drug and Cosmetic rules to regulate the sale of antimicrobials.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the use of antibiotics and certain active substances in fisheries.
• Government regulations have also limited the use of drugs for growth promotion in meat and meat products.
• India's combination of a large population, increasing incomes, high infectious disease burden, and easy access to antibiotics without prescriptions make it a key location for the development of antibiotic resistance genes.
• The emergence of New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) from this region has contributed to global spread.
• Multi-drug resistant typhoid originating from South Asia has affected Africa, Europe, and other parts of Asia.
• In India, more than 56,000 newborn deaths occur annually due to sepsis caused by organisms resistant to common antibiotics.
• A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed mortality rates of 50-60% among Covid patients acquiring drug-resistant infections in hospitals.
• According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) report, AMR caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, surpassing HIV/AIDS and malaria as a leading cause of death worldwide.
• Lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bloodstream infections leading to sepsis accounted for most AMR-related deaths.
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and drug-resistant E. coli were particularly associated with high mortality rates due to antimicrobial resistance.

What are the Impacts?

• A threat to prevention and treatment of infections - medical procedures such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and major surgery (for example, caesarean sections or hip replacements) become very risky.
• The failure to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria also poses a greater risk of death.
• Antimicrobial resistance increases the cost of health care with lengthier stays in hospitals, additional tests and use of more expensive drugs.
• Without effective antibiotics for prevention and treatment of infections, the achievements of modern medicine are put at risk.
• Without urgent action, the world is heading to antibiotic apocalypse – a future without antibiotics, with bacteria becoming completely resistant to treatment and when common infections and minor injuries could once again kill.
• Antimicrobial resistance is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at risk and endangers achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

What are the Challenges Related to Preventing AMR?

• Inadequate Information Systems: The resistance rates reported by the hospitals and laboratories do not automatically translate to disease burden unless each resistant isolate is correlated with the clinical outcomes in the patients from whom they were isolated.
• This has to do with inadequate hospital information systems in most public sector funded healthcare facilities in India and many low-middle income countries.
• Insufficient Fundings: No new classes of antibiotics have made it to the market in the last three decades, largely on account of inadequate incentives for their development and production.
• Lack of an urgent action is leading towards an antibiotic apocalypse – a future with bacteria becoming completely resistant to treatment.
• Exclusion of Antibiotic Residues: In India, current effluent standards do not include antibiotic residues, and thus they are not monitored in the pharmaceutical industry effluents.
• Inefficiency of Schemes: The National Action Plan for AMR, approved in 2017, completes its official duration this year. The progress under the plan has been far from satisfactory.
• Too many players, missing governance mechanisms and absence of funding are the key impediments to the effective rollout of the scheme.
• Underreporting in GRAM Report: Only a fraction of the Indian data, available through the WHO-GLASS portal, has been included in the GRAM report.
• India has been reporting high levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and carbapenems across the Gram-negative pathogens that cause almost 70% of infections in communities and hospitals.

Initial Steps to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• Enhance Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities: Improve protocols and resources for infection prevention and control within healthcare settings.
• Raise Awareness about Antibiotic Use and Abuse: Educate the public and healthcare providers about responsible antibiotic usage to reduce unnecessary prescriptions.
• Promote Vaccination: Increase vaccination coverage to minimize infections, reducing the demand for antibiotics.
• Strengthen Resistance Tracking: Collect and analyze data on antimicrobial resistance to inform targeted strategies for prevention.
• Discourage Self-Medication: Encourage patients to avoid self-medication with antibiotics.
• Regulate Antibiotic Use: Ensure antibiotics are only used when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.
• Encourage Appropriate Antibiotic Use: Promote selecting the correct antibiotic, using them only when necessary, and completing prescribed courses.
• Invest in Research for New Antibiotics: Support research for developing new antibiotics and diagnostic tools to combat resistance.

Initiatives to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• National Programmes: Launch specific national programs focusing on AMR surveillance and containment.
• National Action Plans: Implement comprehensive action plans involving various ministries to address AMR through a One Health approach.
• Surveillance Networks: Establish networks to monitor drug-resistant infections and patterns.
• International Collaborations: Foster international partnerships for research and development of new drugs to tackle AMR.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement antibiotic stewardship programs to control antibiotic misuse.
• Regulatory Actions: Take regulatory measures like banning inappropriate drug combinations.

Global Measures Against Antimicrobial Resistance

• World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): Conduct global campaigns to raise awareness and promote best practices.
• Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS): Develop a comprehensive global surveillance system for AMR.

The Way Forward

• Multipronged Strategy: Implement a comprehensive strategy involving diverse sectors to reduce AMR.
• One Health Approach: Foster integrated cooperation across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Development of Antibiotic Resistance Breakers (ARBs): Invest in research to revive effectiveness of older antibiotics.
• Enhanced Surveillance and Data Management: Improve surveillance systems and data management across industries to inform policy actions.
• Promote Research: Support research initiatives to fill data gaps and inform evidence-based interventions against AMR.

World Anti-Doping Report 2022

Understanding Doping and Anti-Doping Initiatives

• Doping refers to the use of artificial and often illegal substances to gain an unfair advantage in sports competitions, including anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, stimulants, and diuretics.
• The production, trafficking, and distribution of doping substances are typically illegal and pose serious health risks to both professional and amateur athletes.

India's Efforts in Anti-Doping

• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA): Established in 2005 under the Societies Registration Act, NADA aims to promote dope-free sports in India. It coordinates and implements anti-doping activities in adherence to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
• National Anti-Doping Act 2022: This legislation provides legal support to NADA's anti-doping efforts, aligning with UNESCO's International Convention against doping in sport. It emphasizes integrity in sports preparation and participation.
• National Dope Testing Laboratories (NDTL): NDTL, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, conducts sample analysis and research related to doping. It is WADA-accredited, ensuring high-quality and accurate testing procedures.

Global Doping Trends and India's Standing

• According to the 2022 WADA report, India leads globally in doping offences: India accounted for 3.26% of doping offenders among tested athletes, with 125 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) out of 3,865 samples. Despite testing fewer samples compared to countries like China, India's doping violations surpass major sporting nations like Russia and the USA.

Implications and Challenges for India

• Athlete Concerns: Doping poses significant health risks and threatens the development of young athletes, urging India to prioritize clean sports culture and athlete well-being.
• Reputation Damage: High doping rates tarnish India's international sports reputation, potentially impacting trust and credibility in Indian athletes' achievements.
•  Olympic 2024: With a substantial number of doping cases, Indian athletes face disqualification risks in the upcoming Olympics, necessitating effective anti-doping measures.
• Discrepancies in Testing: Despite increased testing, India's positive cases remain high compared to sample sizes, suggesting the need for enhanced anti-doping strategies.
• Regulatory Oversight: India's anti-doping framework requires strengthening to address systemic issues contributing to doping offences.
• Economic Impact: Doping crises can negatively impact sports sponsorships, investments, and economic growth associated with Indian sports.

WADA's Role and Future Directions

• WADA, established in 1999, coordinates global efforts against doping, setting international standards through the World Anti-Doping Code and Prohibited List.

Way Forward

• Considering China's successful approach of criminalizing doping, India could explore similar stringent measures to deter doping and safeguard the integrity of sports.
• China's strict penalties have led to a notable decrease in doping cases, highlighting the effectiveness of robust regulatory measures.

Global Hepatitis Report 2024

Context

The Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a comprehensive document that presents the latest estimates on the disease burden and the coverage of essential viral hepatitis services from 187 countries across the world.

Key highlights from the report

• Consolidated Data for Action: This report is the first consolidated WHO report on viral hepatitis epidemiology, service coverage, and product access. It provides improved data for action against the global hepatitis epidemic.
• Disease Burden and Service Coverage: The paper shows the most updated data on the global disease burden of viral hepatitis as well as the latest coverage level of these services aimed at eradicating the disease. These countries, representing 187, showcase not only the consequences of hepatitis, but the global influence that this entity has.
• Progress Since 2019: So far as the comparison to the same report that was published in 2019 is concerned, most major improvements were made in low- and middle-income countries’ access to hepatitis B & C treatments. It follows information from 38 countries from all over the globe, which boast 80% of global viral hepatitis infections and deaths.
• Regional Perspectives: The report is paradigmatic in showing the regional trends and the specific problem and opportunities for each of the six WHO regions in developing a monopoly over health products production for viral hepatitis. The regional analysis of this context is an integral part of the process of understanding that a variety of problems may be encountered in different parts of the world.
• Actions for Acceleration: It sets forth an action plan for countries and partners to enhance the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of successful viral hepatitis prevention programs. Based on the report, the strategy aims to become a shared enterprise to fight hepatitis and to ensure that the WHO goal to have gone past viral hepatitis as a health security threat by the year 2030 will be achieved.
• Access to Health Products: An important part of the report is to increase availability of hepatitis products for viral patients from the countries of low and middle-income. It involves the research of how much progress has been made in making these products to consumers affordable, fast and easy to use.

India’s Burden related to Hepatitis

• India has a high prevalence of viral hepatitis, with approximately 2.9 crore people living with Hepatitis B and 0.55 crore living with Hepatitis C. 
• In 2022, there were over 50,000 new cases of Hepatitis B and 1.4 lakh new cases of Hepatitis C reported, resulting in 1.23 lakh deaths. 
• The main reasons for the occurrence of these infections is an infected blood or mother to child transmission or using unfilled syringes by drug addicts or sharing the same needles.
• Despite low detection rate, only about 2.4% for Hepatitis B and 28%, as well as treatment coverage rate of the disease at 0% and 21% for Hepatitis C.
• The implementation National Viral Hepatitis Control Program is recommended to ensure that all HCV patients have access to affordable diagnosis and treatment services and should all receive therapy shortly after diagnosis and not just when the disease becomes serious to reduce health consequences and transmission.

The Global Hepatitis Report 2024 serves as a critical resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders involved in the fight against viral hepatitis. It underscores the importance of global cooperation and the need for increased efforts to provide access to essential services and products to those most in need.

Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Recently, NTPC launched a new edition of the Girl Empowerment Mission.

Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)

• It is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
• The program aligns with the Government of India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative.
• It aims to tackle gender inequality by nurturing girls’ imaginations and fostering their ability to explore opportunities.
• GEM facilitates empowerment by conducting a one-month workshop for young girls over the summer break, providing a platform for their comprehensive development and empowerment.
• The Mission is dedicated to empowering girls by identifying and fostering their leadership skills to prepare them for the future. It includes interventions that focus on health, hygiene, safety, fitness, sports, and yoga.
• Success of the initiative: The GEM Mission has grown into a national movement. Despite COVID-19 setbacks in 2020 and 2021, it has continued to expand, benefiting 7,424 girls to date.

India TB Report 2024

Context

The India TB Report 2024, released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, indicates a decrease in the tuberculosis (TB) mortality rate, dropping from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

Trends in TB Cases and Deaths:

• The majority of the TB cases are still reported by the government health centres, even as there has been an uptick in notifications by the private sector.
• Nearly 33% or 8.4 lakh of the 25.5 lakh cases reported in 2023 came from the private sector.
• To compare, only 1.9 lakh cases were reported by the private sector in 2015, the year considered to be the baseline by the programme that is geared towards the elimination of the disease.
• The estimated incidence of TB in 2023 increased slightly to 27.8 lakh from the previous year’s estimate of 27.4 lakh.
• The mortality due to the infection remained the same at 3.2 lakh.
• India’s TB mortality dropped from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022.
• India reached its 2023 target of initiating treatment in 95% of patients diagnosed with the infection.

Challenges in Meeting Targets:

• Despite setting ambitious goals to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, India has faced challenges in meeting these targets.
• The number of cases and deaths recorded in 2023 fell short of the targets set by the country.
• There are various risk factors that contribute to the incidence and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis.
• These include Undernourishment, HIV, Diabetes, Alcohol Use, and smoking.

Undernourishment:

• Nearly 7.44 lakh TB patients were undernourished in 2022. To improve nutrition, the government provides monthly support of Rs 500 to nearly one crore beneficiaries.
• Other than that, the Ni-kshay Mitra programme calls for the donation of food baskets.

HIV:

• People living with HIV have a 20-times higher risk of developing symptoms of TB as compared to the normal population. Altogether 94,000 TB patients in 2022 had HIV.

Diabetes:

• Of the 3.70 lakh TB patients with diabetes globally in 2022, 1.02 lakh were in India as per estimates.
• Diabetes escalates the likelihood of contracting TB two-to-threefold, which in turn is linked to increased risk of Multi-Drug Resistant TB.
• The TB treatment also does not work as well in diabetics. Nearly 92% of TB patients were screened for diabetes in 2023, with 7.7% being diagnosed with it. And, nearly 63% of those diagnosed initiated diabetes treatment as per the report.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use:

• A daily intake of more than 50 ml of alcohol increases the risk of TB infection, active infection and recurrence of infection.
• Around 18.8 lakh or 74% of TB patients underwent alcohol use screening, out of which 7.1% were identified as alcohol users.
• In 2023, around 19.1 lakh or 75% of TB patients were screened for tobacco use, of whom 11% were identified as tobacco users.
• And 32% of these people were linked to tobacco cessation services.

What is Tuberculosis?

• About:
  • Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can practically affect any organ of the body. The most common ones are the lungs, pleura (lining around the lungs), lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.
• Transmission:
  • It is an airborne infection that spreads through close contact with the infected, especially in densely populated spaces with poor ventilation.
• Symptoms:
  • Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
• Infection Prevalence:
  • Every year, 10 million people fall ill with TB. Despite being a preventable and curable disease, 1.5 million people die from TB each year – making it the world’s top infectious killer.
  • TB is the leading cause of death of people with HIV and also a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance.
  • Most of the people who fall ill with TB live in low- and middle-income countries, but TB is present all over the world. About half of all people with TB can be found in 8 countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and South Africa.

Treatment of Tuberculosis (TB)

• TB is managed with a standard 6-month regimen consisting of four antimicrobial medications. These drugs are provided to patients along with information, supervision, and support from health workers or trained volunteers.
• Resistance to one or more of these antimicrobial drugs has been observed in every surveyed country, indicating the prevalence of drug-resistant TB strains.
• Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a type of TB caused by bacteria that are not susceptible to isoniazid and rifampicin, which are the most potent first-line anti-TB drugs.
• MDR-TB can be treated and cured using second-line drugs like bedaquiline.
• Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is an even more severe form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, leaving patients with limited treatment options.

Anti-TB Medications

• Isoniazid (INH): This drug is fundamental in TB treatment and is highly effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids in the bacterial cell wall.
• Rifampicin (RIF): Another essential drug for TB treatment, rifampicin works by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA in bacteria. It is often used in combination with other drugs to treat TB and is crucial for preventing the development of drug resistance.
• Delamanid: Delamanid is a newer drug used to treat multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and is typically administered in combination with other medications.

Recognition of LGBTQIA+ Rights in India

Context

The Supreme Court (SC) has cautioned judges against using court-mandated counseling as a means to coerce LGBTQ+ individuals into rejecting their own identity and sexual orientation, particularly in cases where they may be experiencing distress or familial separation due to their orientation. The SC emphasized that while it is appropriate to comprehend a person's desires, attempting to alter their identity or sexual orientation through counseling is deemed highly inappropriate.

What is the Status of LGBTQIA+ Rights and Recognition in India?

Overview of LGBTQIA+ Terminology

• LGBTQIA+ is an acronym representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals.
• The "+" symbolizes the diverse range of identities that are continually evolving and being explored within the community, potentially encompassing terms like non-binary and pansexual.

Historical Recognition of LGBTQIA+ in India

Colonial Era and Stigma (Pre-1990s):

• 1861: Introduction of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code by British rule, criminalizing "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," serving as a significant barrier to LGBTQIA+ rights in India.
• Early Recognition and Activism (1990s):
• 1981: First All-India Hijra Conference.
• 1991: AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA) publishes "Less Than Gay," the first public report advocating for legal changes for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Landmark Cases and Setbacks (2000s):

• 2001: Naz Foundation files a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging Section 377.
• 2009: Delhi High Court's landmark ruling in Naz Foundation vs Govt of NCT of Delhi decriminalizes consensual homosexual acts.
• 2013: Supreme Court overturns Delhi High Court decision, upholding Section 377.
• Recent Advancements and Ongoing Struggle (2010s-Present):
• 2014: Supreme Court recognizes transgender people as a "third gender" (NALSA judgment).
• 2018: Supreme Court strikes down Section 377, decriminalizing same-sex relationships (Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India).
• 2019: Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 passed, granting legal recognition and prohibiting discrimination against transgender individuals.
• 2020: Uttarakhand High Court acknowledges legal protection for same-sex couples in live-in relationships.
• 2021: Bombay High Court upholds transgender individual's right to self-identify gender in electoral applications.
• 2022: Supreme Court expands family definition to include same-sex couples and queer relationships.
• 2023: Supreme Court rejects petitions to legalize same-sex marriage, stating Parliament and state legislatures are responsible for enacting laws on the matter.

What are the Major Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ in India?

• Social Stigma: Deep-rooted societal attitudes and stigma against LGBTQIA+ individuals persist in many parts of India.
• This leads to prejudice, harassment, bullying, and violence in different social arenas like education and employment affecting the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Family Rejection: Many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience rejection and discrimination within their families, leading to strained relationships, homelessness, and a lack of support systems.
• Healthcare Access: They often encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services, including discrimination from healthcare providers, lack of LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare facilities, and challenges in obtaining appropriate medical care related to sexual health.
• Inadequate Legal Recognition: While progress has been made in recognizing transgender rights, there is still a lack of legal recognition and protections for non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.
• Legal challenges related to marriage, adoption, inheritance, and other civil rights persist for them.
• Intersectional Challenges: LGBTQIA+ individuals who belong to marginalized communities, such as Dalits, tribal communities, religious minorities, or those with disabilities, face compounded discrimination and marginalization based on their intersecting identities.
• Manipulative Counseling: Manipulative counseling practices, such as conversion therapy and pathologizing LGBTQIA+ identities, exacerbate the challenges faced by this community.
• These practices reinforce harmful stereotypes, deny authenticity, and contribute to internalized stigma and distress.

Way Forward

• Push for Legal Reforms: In 2023, the SC judgment on LGBTQIA+ marriages transferred the ball in the legislature’s court to make relevant laws for the community.
• Legislatures can pass a separate law altogether or make amendments in the existing laws to recognise their rights.
• For example, Tamil Nadu has already amended the Hindu Marriage Act in 1968 to allow self-respect or ‘Suyamariyathai’ marriages which allowed marriages to be declared in the presence of the couple’s friends or family or any other persons.
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: Encouraging entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community by providing them access to mentorship, funding, and resources for starting LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and ventures.
• Promote LGBTQIA+-friendly workplaces and businesses through certification programs.
• Healthcare Access: Ensuring access to LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare services, including mental health support, gender-affirming care, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and sexual and reproductive health services.
• Training healthcare providers to provide culturally competent and inclusive care to LGBTQIA+ patients.
• Sports as a Game Changer: Sports can be used as a platform for breaking stereotypes and fostering camaraderie.
• Creating sports leagues specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals to promote physical health, mental well-being, and community bonding can be done in this regard.

Water Crisis in South India

Context

The southern states of India, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, are facing a severe water crisis due to significantly low water levels in major reservoirs.

What is the Current Situation of Water Crisis in the Southern States?

Current Water Situation: 

• According to the Central Water Commission, most major reservoirs in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are filled to only 25% of their capacity or even less.
• Notable dams such as Tungabhadra in Karnataka and Nagarjuna Sagar on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border are filled to 5% or less of their full capacity.
• Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu and Srisailam on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border are also experiencing low levels, with less than 30% of their capacity filled.

Comparison of Water Levels Across Regions:

• The southern region is the most affected, with reservoirs collectively filled to only 23% of their capacity, significantly lower than last year and the 10-year average.
• In contrast, other regions like northern, central, western, and eastern India have reservoir levels closer to their 10-year averages.

Exception in Kerala:

• Kerala stands out among southern states with most major dams filled to at least 50% of their capacities.
• Reservoirs like Idukki, Idamalayar, Kallada, and Kakki are reported to have relatively better water levels.

What are the Reasons for the Water Crisis in South India?

• Rainfall Deficiency and El Niño Effect: 
  • Lower rainfall caused by El Niño events has led to drought-like conditions and prolonged dry periods in the region. 
  • El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns globally, leading to reduced rainfall in certain regions.
• Delayed Monsoon and Post-Monsoon Deficiency: 
  • The deficiency in rainfall during the Monsoon and post-monsoon seasons has contributed significantly to the depletion of water levels in reservoirs. 
  • The delayed onset of monsoon and inadequate rainfall during critical periods have exacerbated the situation.
  • During the post-monsoon period (October-December 2023), more than 50% of regions in the country were rain-deficient.
• Increased Temperature and Evaporation: 
  • Rising temperatures due to global warming accelerate evaporation rates, leading to faster depletion of water from reservoirs and water bodies.
  • Higher temperatures also exacerbate drought conditions, increasing water demand for agriculture, urban consumption, and industrial purposes.
• Groundwater Depletion: 
  • Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation, particularly in regions with inadequate surface water sources, has led to groundwater depletion.
  • South India predominantly cultivates crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton, which require substantial amounts of water.
• Pollution of Water Bodies:
  • Pollution from industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and solid waste dumping has contaminated water sources, rendering them unfit for consumption and further reducing the available water supply.
  • A study conducted by the Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) states that about 85% of Bengaluru’s water bodies are polluted by industrial effluents, sewage, and solid waste dumping.
• Mismanagement and Inequitable Distribution:
  • Inefficient water management practices, including wastage, leakage, and unequal distribution of water resources, contribute to the severity of the water scarcity crisis in the region.

What are the Implications of the Water Crisis in India?

• Health Issues: 
  • Lack of access to safe drinking water can cause various health problems such as dehydration, infections, diseases, and even death. 
  • A report by the NITI Aayog stated that around 2 lakh people die in India every year due to inadequate water supply.
  • According to the World Bank, India has 18% of the world's population, but only has enough water resources for 4% of its people. 
  • In 2023, around 91 million Indians will not have access to safe water.
• Ecosystem Damage: 
  • Water scarcity also poses a threat to the wildlife and the natural habitats in India. It also disrupts the biodiversity and the ecological balance of the ecosystems.
  • Many wild animals have to venture into human settlements in search of water, which can lead to conflicts and endangerment. 
• Reduced Agriculture Productivity: 
  • Water scarcity can have a negative impact on the agricultural sector, which consumes approximately 80% of the country’s water resources. 
  • Water scarcity can reduce crop yields, affect food security, and increase poverty among farmers.
• Economic Losses: 
  • Water scarcity can affect industrial production, reduce energy generation, and increase the cost of water supply and treatment. Water scarcity can also affect tourism, trade, and social welfare.
  • In the report, ‘Climate Change, Water and Economy’, the World Bank (2016) underlines that countries with water shortages may face a major setback in economic growth by 2050.

Way Forward

• Addressing the Water Crisis in Southern India: A holistic approach is required to tackle the water crisis in southern India, which involves sustainable water management practices, conservation strategies, investment in water storage and distribution infrastructure, promotion of water-efficient technologies, and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering water conservation.
• One Water Approach (Integrated Water Resources Management - IWRM): The One Water Approach, synonymous with Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), emphasizes the integrated, inclusive, and sustainable management of water resources. This approach involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders including communities, business leaders, industries, farmers, conservationists, policymakers, academics, and others to achieve ecological and economic benefits.
• Promotion of Water-Efficient Farming Practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt water-efficient agricultural techniques such as drip irrigation, precision agriculture, crop rotation, and agroforestry can significantly contribute to water conservation.
• Role of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: According to the MS Swaminathan committee report on ‘More Crop and Income Per Drop of Water’ (2006), drip and sprinkler irrigation methods have the potential to save approximately 50% of water used in crop cultivation and increase crop yields by 40-60%.
• Coordinated Efforts at Different Government Levels: Coordinated efforts at the national, state, and local levels are imperative to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and ensure sustainable water resource management for the benefit of future generations.

Panel to examine issues faced by Queer Community

Context

In line with the directions of the Supreme Court (SC), the Centre notified a committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary to examine the various issues relating to queer community.

Centre Forms Panel To Address Issues of Queer Community

• Formation of Committee: The Centre had given an undertaking to create a committee to set out the rights which will be available to queer couples in unions, when the Supreme Court agreed with the centre’s position and declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
• Composition: The Centre notified a six member committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and composed of secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Women and Child Development; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Law Ministry.
• Objective: The committee shall set out the scope of the benefits which accrue to same-sex couples.

Supreme Court’s Judgement

• Fundamental Right to Marry: On October 17, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud declined to recognise the right to marry as a fundamental right for same-sex couples.
• Minority Opinion: However, in a minority opinion, the SC ruled in favor of civil unions, stopping short of marriage, to grant legal rights to same-sex couples.
• SC View on Marriage: As per SC, although marriage itself doesn’t give any rights to the parties, it gives certain “intangible benefits in the form of expressive advantages” and “a bouquet of rights” that a married couple can exercise.
• Civil Unions for Queer Couples: Civil Union refers to the legal status allowing same-sex couples specific rights and responsibilities normally conferred upon married couples. 
• The SC disagreed with prescribing a choice of civil unions to same sex couples and advocated for the state to facilitate the choice for those who wish to exercise it

Mandate of the Constituted Committee

• Defining entitlements of Queer Couples: The committee shall be set up for the purpose of defining and elucidating the scope of the entitlements of queer couples who are in unions. 
• Members: The Committee shall include experts with domain knowledge and experience in dealing with the social, psychological, and emotional needs of persons belonging to the queer community as well as members of the queer community. 
• Stakeholder Consultation: The Committee shall before finalizing its decisions conduct wide stakeholder consultation amongst persons belonging to the queer community, including persons belonging to marginalized groups and with the governments of the States and Union Territories.
• Key Topics for Consideration: The Committee shall consider the following legal entitlements of the queer community:
  • The right of queer partners to be treated as part of the same family for a ration card and setting up of a joint bank account.
  • Right to be considered “next of kin” by medical practitioners, in the event patients who are terminally ill have not executed an Advance Directive.
  • Jail visitation rights and the right to access the body of the deceased partner and arrange the last rites.
  • Legal consequences such as succession rights, maintenance, financial benefits such as under the Income Tax Act 1961, rights flowing from employment such as gratuity and family pension and insurance.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005

Context 

The Supreme Court has recently decided to assess whether a transgender woman is eligible to seek maintenance under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act).

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (DV Act)

• The DV Act was enacted by Parliament on September 13, 2005, and extends to the whole of India.
• It is basically meant to provide protection to a wife or female live-in partner from violence at the hands of the husband, or a male live-in-partner, or his relatives. 
• Domestic violence under the Act includes actual abuse or the threat of abuse, whether physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or economic.
• Harassment by way of dowry demands is also covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Who is covered under the Act?

• The Act covers all women who may be mother, sister, wife, widow, or partners living in a shared household.
• The relationship may be in the nature of marriage or adoption.
• In addition, relationships with family members living together as a joint family are also included.

Who can file a complaint?

• Any woman who alleges to have been subjected to any act of domestic violence by the offender or any person may file a complaint on her behalf.
• A child is also entitled to relief under the DV Act. The mother of such a child can make an application on behalf of her minor child (whether male or female). 
• In cases where the mother makes an application to the court for herself, the children can also be added as co-applicants.
• However, no female relative of the husband or the male partner can file a complaint against the wife or the female partner.

Against whom can a complaint be filed?

• Any adult male member who has been in a domestic relationship with the woman
• Relatives of the husband or the male partner (Includes both male and female relatives of the male partner)
• Remedies available: Under the law, women can apply for reliefs such as

Protection Order

• Residence Order for residing at Matrimonial House
• Monetary Orders, which include maintenance for herself and her children
• Temporary custody of children
• Compensation order for the damages caused to her

It is only when the relief granted by the courts is breached that criminal action is taken against the respondent.

Protection Officers:

• Under the DV Act, Protection Officers have been appointed by the Government to help the aggrieved woman in filing the case.
• They are to be attached to the Magistrates of the courts for the area notified for each protection officer.
• The Protection Officer facilitates the women to approach the court by providing legal aid and get appropriate relief from the courts concerned. 
• Further, they execute the orders of the Court wherever necessary with the help of the police.
• Options are also available to the aggrieved person to file the petition before the Judicial Magistrate Court, or with the service provider, or at a nearby police station.

Service Providers:

• Under the DV Act, Service Providers are members of notified Non Governmental Organizations. 
• They co-ordinate with all the stakeholders to get justice and relief for the victims of domestic violence.
• They help the aggrieved women in filing the Domestic Incident Report, provide accommodation in the short-stay homes along with their children, counsel them, and help the aggrieved get medical treatment if necessary. 
• They also impart them with vocational training to help them secure employment and sustainable income.

UNFPA on India’s Population

Context

As per a recent report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India’s population is estimated to have reached 1.44 billion, with 24% in the 0-14 age bracket. 

Key Highlights 

The UNFPA’s State of World Population – 2024 report, titled ‘Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’, found out that India’s population is anticipated to double in 77 years.

India leads globally with an envisioned population of 1.44 billion, followed by China at 1.425 billion.

India’s population was recorded at 1.21 billion over the past census, performed in 2011.

Demographic Categorisation in India

• An anticipated 24% of India’s population is aged 0-14, whilst 17% is in the 10-19 age range.
• The section elderly 10-24 is anticipated to constitute 26%, with the 15-64 age group making up 68%.
• Additionally, 7% of India’s population is aged 65 years and above, with men having a life expectancy of seventy one years and women 74 years.

Key Takeaways From the Report

• Progress in Sexual and Reproductive Health: Over the past 30 years, full-length strides have been made in the International Conference for Population and Development (ICPD) agenda.
• The international rate of accidental pregnancies has fallen by almost 20% globally.
• The range of women using modern contraceptive strategies has doubled.
• At least 162 countries have followed legal guidelines against domestic violence, and maternal deaths have decreased by 34% since 2000.
• Persistent Inequalities: Despite the progress, hundreds of thousands are still denied their health rights each day.
• Gender-primarily based violence remains rampant in almost every country and community.
• There has been 0 discount in maternal mortality due to the fact 2016, and in an alarming quantity of countries, the quotes are rising.
• Nearly half of women nevertheless are unable to make choices about their own bodies.
• Marginalised Groups: The record suggests that although ladies throughout socioeconomic instructions and ethnicities say barriers to health care have come down over the years, the ladies most marginalised have skilled the least development.
• Women of African descent are observed to be greater vulnerable to obstetric mistreatment and terrible maternal fitness outcomes.
• Indigenous women are frequently denied culturally about maternal health care, and their personal childbirth practices can be criminalised, resulting in notably better threat of dying in pregnancy and childbirth.

Key Concerns Highlighted in the Report

• Discrimination and Stigma: The record highlights the position racism, sexism, and other sorts of discrimination keep to play in blocking off high profits in sexual and reproductive health for women and girls.
• Women and ladies with disabilities resist 10 times more gender-based violence at the same time as additionally dealing with better barriers to sexual and reproductive records and care.
• LGBTQIA+ human beings face critical health disparities in addition to – and because of – discrimination and stigma.
• Health and Social Challenges: The report has found that 30 years of progress in sexual and reproductive health has broadly speaking ignored the maximum marginalised communities worldwide.
• According to it, the child marriage percent in India was at 23% between 2006-2023.
• The maternal deaths in India have fallen appreciably, accounting for 8% of all such fatalities worldwide.

Conclusion

• The file indicates that to fulfill the promise of sexual and reproductive health and rights, one needs to root out inequalities from our fitness systems and policies and focus as a priority on the women and younger folks who are highest marginalized and excluded.
• On the other hand, the large younger populace presents a sizeable opportunity for financial growth and development.
• However, it additionally underscores the want for persevered efforts in enhancing fitness and social outcomes, specifically for the most marginalised communities.