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GS Paper: GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

  • Homeopathy and associated issues

    What’s the news?

    • In a recent development, the ICMR and the Ministry of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research related to integrated medicine.

    Central idea

    • The recent push to integrate AYUSH medicinal systems into mainstream health care to achieve universal health coverage and decolonize medicine is a commendable pluralistic approach. However, this endeavor must prioritize safety and efficacy standards for every participating system. Unfortunately, Homeopathy falls short of meeting these essential criteria.

    What is an integrated system of medicine?

    • An integrated system of medicine refers to an approach that combines elements from different healthcare systems or modalities, such as conventional medicine and traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine, with the goal of providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.

    What Is Homeopathy?

    • Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded in the late 18th century by Samuel Heinemann, a German physician.
    • Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process.
    • This is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy individual can stimulate the body’s natural healing response to overcome similar symptoms in an ill person.

    Key principles of Homeopathy

    • The Law of Similar: Homeopathy follows the principle that a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
    • Minimum Dose: Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of dilution and potentization, which involves repeatedly diluting the original substance and shaking it vigorously. The belief is that this process enhances the remedy’s healing properties while minimizing any potential toxicity.
    • Individualization: Homeopathy treats each person as a unique individual and tailors the treatment to address their specific symptoms and overall constitution.
    • Totality of Symptoms: Rather than focusing solely on a specific disease or isolated symptoms, homeopathy takes into account the totality of a person’s physical, mental, and emotional symptoms to find an appropriate remedy.

    Concerns over the efficacy and safety of Homeopathy

    • Weak Evidence: The evidence supporting the efficacy of homeopathy is considered weak. The Nuremberg Salt Test (1835), a well-conducted double-blind randomized controlled trial, discredited homeopathy, attributing its claimed effects to imagination, self-deception, or potential fraud.
    • Inconsistent Systematic Reviews: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that homeopathic treatments lack clinically significant effects across various ailments, population groups, study types, and treatment regimes.
    • Unregistered Trials: Researchers found that more than half of the 193 homeopathic trials conducted in the last two decades were not registered. Surprisingly, unregistered trials showed some evidence of efficacy, while registered trials did not, casting doubt on the validity and reliability of the evidence.
    • Lack of confidence: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings against using homeopathy for serious conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and infant flu and diarrhea. This indicates a lack of confidence in its effectiveness in treating such illnesses.
    • Ineffectiveness for Serious Conditions: Evidence suggests that homeopathy may not work effectively in treating cancers and may not help reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatments.
    • Potential Delay in Effective Treatment: One of the safety concerns related to homeopathy is its potential to delay the application of evidence-based clinical care for serious or life-threatening conditions. This delay can have detrimental effects on patients’ health outcomes.

    Arguments in favor of Homeopathy

    • Historical Usage: Supporters of homeopathy often highlight its long historical usage and widespread popularity, arguing that its effectiveness is demonstrated by its continued use over the centuries.
    • Individualization of Treatment: Homeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment, tailoring remedies to address a person’s unique symptoms and overall constitution. This personalized approach is believed to be beneficial for patients who may not respond well to standardized treatments.
    • Minimal Side Effects: Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, which proponents claim minimizes side effects and makes them safe for use, even in sensitive patient populations.
    • Holistic Approach: Advocates assert that homeopathy takes a holistic view of health, considering not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being.
    • Anecdotal Testimonials: Supporters of homeopathy often provide anecdotal testimonials from patients who claim to have experienced positive outcomes from using homeopathic remedies. Supporters of homeopathy often cite testimonials from famous figures like Gandhi and Tagore to bolster its credibility.

    Way forward: Key areas that India needs to focus on regarding Homeopathy

    • Evidence-Based Medicine: India needs to prioritize evidence-based medicine across all healthcare systems, including homeopathy. Rigorous research, clinical trials, and systematic reviews should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of homoeopathic treatments.
    • Integration and Pluralism: India should adopt a balanced approach to healthcare by integrating various medicinal systems, including allopatry and AYUSH, while ensuring that only evidence-based and effective practices are incorporated into mainstream healthcare.
    • Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen regulatory bodies to oversee the practice of homeopathy and ensure adherence to quality standards and ethical guidelines. This will help maintain patient safety and foster trust in the healthcare system.
    • Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the strengths and limitations of homeopathy. Informed decision-making and patient choice should be encouraged based on scientific evidence.
    • Holistic Health Approach: Emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare that considers not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. This approach should be integrated into all medical systems, including homeopathy.
    • Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and update the integration of homeopathy and other medical systems based on emerging evidence and changing healthcare needs. This iterative approach will lead to a more responsive and effective healthcare system.

    Conclusion

    • For India’s path towards universal health care, an evidence-based and ethics-driven medicine approach should be embraced, ensuring that only safe and effective treatments are integrated into mainstream healthcare practices.

    Also read:

    World Ayurveda Congress: Aligning traditional medicine with modern medicines

  • WHO Report on Tobacco Control

    Central Idea

    • The WHO has released a report on the progress made in global tobacco control in the last 15 years.
    • The report highlights the impact of the MPOWER measures, introduced by WHO, to combat tobacco use and protect public health.

    What are MPOWER measures by WHO?

    • The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a set of global health targets known as “MPOWER measures” to address the global tobacco epidemic.
    • These measures are evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing tobacco use and its associated health risks.
    • The MPOWER measures were developed to assist countries in implementing effective tobacco control policies and interventions.
    • The term “MPOWER” is an acronym, with each letter representing a specific area of focus:
    1. M – Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
    2. P – Protect people from tobacco smoke
    3. O– Offer help to quit tobacco use
    4. W – Warn about the dangers of tobacco
    5. E – Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
    6. R – Raise taxes on tobacco products

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Reduction in Smoking: Globally, there are 300 million fewer smokers today, with smoking prevalence declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021. In a city-specific example, hundreds of enforcement drives and awareness campaigns resulted in a 27% reduction in smoking in public places.
    • Impact of MPOWER Measures: The MPOWER measures have positively impacted tobacco control efforts worldwide. 71% of the global population, or 5.6 billion people, are protected by at least one MPOWER measure, up from 5% in 2008. The number of countries implementing at least one measure has increased from 44 to 151.
    • Global Challenges: Despite progress, 44 countries still do not implement any MPOWER measure, and there are shortcomings in enforcing smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities and restaurants.
    • Focus on Second-Hand Smoke: The report emphasizes the importance of curbing second-hand smoke, which causes significant health risks, including 1.3 million tobacco-related deaths among non-smokers annually. India is among the countries making efforts to control this aspect.

    India’s Achievements and Areas for Improvement

    • Health Warning Labels: India ranks among the top 10 countries for having health warning labels on cigarette packs, with 85% of packs carrying warnings on both sides.
    • Ban on E-cigarettes: India has implemented a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, which WHO recognizes as an essential step in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
    • Smoking Bans: India has banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions, although there is scope for improvement in terms of enforcement.
    • Warnings on OTT Platforms: India is taking significant steps to implement warnings on over-the-top (OTT) platform content showing tobacco use, making it the first country to do so. This move is crucial, given the increased subscriptions to OTT platforms during the pandemic.

    Expert Perspectives

    • Experts suggest the need for further amendments to India’s comprehensive tobacco control laws, with specific attention to banning the loose sale of cigarettes.
    • Implementing warnings on OTT platforms is seen as a necessary measure to reach a broader audience, especially young viewers.

    Conclusion

    • The WHO report highlights the global progress in reducing smoking prevalence and implementing tobacco control measures.
    • While India has made significant strides in certain aspects of tobacco control, there are areas that require continued attention and action.

  • IIM bill 2023

    What’s the news?

    • A new amendment bill introduced by the Centre in the Lok Sabha has sparked a debate on the autonomy of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The bill proposes to make the President of India the Visitor to IIMs with powers to audit their functioning, order probes, and appoint as well as remove directors.

    Central idea

    • In 2017, the Parliament passed the IIM Act, significantly expanding the autonomy of IIMs and giving them greater control over their affairs. One crucial provision mandated an independent review of the institutes every three years, with the report to be made public. However, after six years, only a few IIMs have complied with this requirement, leading the government to table the IIM (Amendment) Bill in 2023.

    The proposed provisions in the Bill

    • Creation of the Post of Visitor: The Bill proposes the creation of the post of Visitor, who will be the President of India. The Visitor will play a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of the IIMs and ensuring proper governance.
    • Appointment Powers: The Visitor will have the authority to appoint the chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the IIMs. This move grants the President of India a significant say in the leadership of the institutes.
    • Involvement in Director Appointments: The Bill empowers the Visitor to have a say in the appointment process for directors of IIMs. The Visitor will have representation on the selection committee for the appointment of directors, allowing them to influence the choice of institute heads.
    • Review and Inquiry Initiation: The Visitor will have the power to initiate reviews or inquiries into the affairs of any IIM. This provision allows for greater oversight and scrutiny of the institutes’ functioning.
    • Director Removal: The Visitor will be granted the authority to remove a director of an IIM if deemed necessary. This move gives the President the power to take action against directors who may not be performing their duties effectively or who are involved in any misconduct.

    Issues with the Current Governance

    • Lack of Accountability: The current governance structure in IIMs lacks adequate accountability due to the significant autonomy granted by the 2017 IIM Act. This has led to a governance vacuum with limited checks and balances on directors’ actions, potentially resulting in mismanagement.
    • Absence of Norms on Key Matters: The IIM Act’s failure to establish clear norms on crucial matters, such as the appointment of key positions, has led to a lack of transparency and objectivity in decision-making.
    • Turmoil and Protests: Some IIMs have experienced internal turmoil and protests against administrative decisions, indicating a disconnect between management and stakeholders.
    • For instance, at IIM Ahmedabad, faculty and alumni protested against changes to the institute’s logo and the decision to demolish architecturally significant structures on the campus.
    • Rising MBA Course Fees: An additional concern with the current governance is the relentless rise in the fee for MBA courses, which is not necessarily related to the actual costs of the course.
    • Unresponsive to Queries and Suggestions: There have been reports that some IIMs have been unresponsive to queries and suggestions from various stakeholders, including the government.
    • Uneven Governance Practices: The level of governance and accountability might vary across different IIMs. Some of the lower-ranked IIMs have been accused of operating as petty tyrannies, with directors holding unchecked power.

    Importance of Government Control

    • Ensuring Accountability: Government control is crucial to ensuring accountability in the functioning of educational institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It helps prevent misuse of power, financial irregularities, and a lack of transparency.
    • Preserving the Public Interest: As public institutions, IIMs have a responsibility to serve the public interest. Government control ensures that the institutes remain focused on their core mission of providing quality education and contributing to socio-economic development.
    • Academic Integrity: Government oversight safeguards academic integrity by promoting fairness in faculty appointments, curriculum design, and research activities.
    • Addressing Societal Needs: Government involvement allows IIMs to align their objectives with societal demands, producing graduates with relevant skills to address the country’s evolving challenges.
    • Equitable Access and Affordability: Government control promotes inclusivity by implementing policies that ensure equal access to quality education, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
    • Quality Assurance: Government oversight allows the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms, ensuring that the IIMs maintain their reputation as world-class institutions adhering to global standards.

    Concerns Regarding the IIM Amendment Bill 2023

    • Potential Government Control: Critics and some directors of IIMs are concerned about increased government control over the institutions through the designation of the President of India as the Visitor with powers to appoint and remove directors.
    • Autonomy Erosion: The bill has raised fears that it may undermine the autonomy granted to IIMs in 2017, potentially leading to a dilution of their independence and decision-making authority.
    • Lack of Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholders, including directors of IIMs, are apprehensive about insufficient consultation during the bill’s drafting, which they believe could impact the institutes’ governance.
    • Apprehensions About the Independent Board Model: Critics argue that the existing independent board model governing B-schools has been successful globally and could continue to be effective in India without introducing a Visitor.
    • Potential for Ideological Influence: The critiques allege that the bill may be used to enforce ideological conformity, raising concerns about the Visitor’s influence over the institutes’ academic pursuits.
    • Impact on Institutional Reputation: Uncertainty surrounding the bill could affect IIMs’ reputation, leading stakeholders to question their stability and governance.

    Way Forward

    • Inclusive Consultation: The government should engage in inclusive consultations with IIMs, education experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure broad consensus on the bill’s provisions.
    • Amendment Refinements: Based on feedback received during consultations, the government should consider refining the bill’s provisions to strike an appropriate balance between accountability and autonomy.
    • Codifying Norms: Clear norms and guidelines should be incorporated into the bill to provide a framework for responsible governance while allowing flexibility in decision-making.
    • Promote Transparency: The bill should emphasize transparency in decision-making processes and overall governance to build trust among stakeholders.
    • Continuous Evaluation: Implementing a system of continuous evaluation and feedback will help gauge the effectiveness of the bill’s provisions.
    • Focus on Quality Education: The primary focus should remain on maintaining and improving the quality of education in IIMs while fostering greater accountability.

    Conclusion

    • The Bill reflects the government’s efforts to restore accountability and democratic oversight in the IIM system. Striking the right balance between autonomy and accountability is vital to maintaining the IIMs’ esteemed position in the Indian education landscape.

  • A new national foundation and the ease of doing research

    What’s the news?

    • The Union Cabinet recently cleared a bill enabling the setting up of the National Research Foundation (NRF), with a corpus of Rs 50,000 crore, to be placed in Parliament in the Monsoon Session.

    “There is no single factor more important to the intellectual, social, and economic progress of a nation and to the enhanced well-being of its citizens than the continuous creation and acquisition of new knowledge.”

    Central Idea

    • The NRF has sparked enthusiasm among researchers and academics, who are eagerly awaiting a boost in research and development (R&D) expenditures by the government. The NRF’s vision, as outlined in the Draft National Education Policy (DNEP) 2019 and the detailed project report (DPR) 2019, is founded on the principle that progress and well-being depend on generating new scientific and social knowledge.

    What is the NRF?

    • The NRF is a proposed autonomous institution in India, aimed at promoting and funding research and development activities across various disciplines.
    • The NRF is founded on the belief that the advancement of human well-being and progress relies on the creation of new scientific and social knowledge.
    • It is inspired by the successful model of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States, which has been a major driver of research and innovation in the US.

    Functioning and Governance

    • The NRF will be established as the highest governing body for scientific research, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
    • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the administrative department of the NRF, with a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines.
    • The PM will be the ex-officio President of the Board, while the Union Minister of Science and Technology and the Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
    • The Principal Scientific Adviser will chair the Executive Council responsible for the NRF’s functioning.

    Mission and Objectives

    • Capacity Building: The NRF will focus on enhancing research capabilities at universities and colleges. It will establish doctoral and postdoctoral programs, set up “Centres of Excellence” at universities, and provide funding for shared infrastructure. Mentorship programs will be initiated to empower faculty members and students in higher education institutions.
    • Nurturing Excellence in Cutting-Edge Research: The NRF will support curiosity-driven research across disciplines, creating a repository of knowledge for potential future applications and independent work within the country. It will encourage international collaborations and participation in mega-science projects to strengthen research capacity.
    • Research for Societal Impact: The NRF will fund competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals across all disciplines, including interdisciplinary research, and across various institutions. It will play a vital role in supporting research with tangible societal impact, recognizing outstanding research through awards and national seminars.

    Financial Autonomy and Flexibility of the NRF

    • Autonomy in Decision-Making: As an autonomous institution, the NRF will have the authority to make independent decisions related to financial matters, including budget allocation, funding priorities, and research project support. This autonomy enables the NRF to align its financial strategies with its research objectives effectively.
    • Block Grant Funding: The NRF will receive financial support from the government in the form of a block grant. The NRF’s governing board will have the discretion to allocate these funds based on the organization’s needs and priorities.
    • Flexibility in Allocation: To sustain and enhance the NRF’s activities in the long run, the DPR had proposed an annual grant that would eventually aim to reach at least 0.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), approximately Rs 20,000 crore in current terms
    • Remuneration Structure: The NRF will have the flexibility to determine the remuneration structure for fellowships, projects, and other financial support mechanisms. This ensures that researchers are adequately incentivized and compensated, attracting top talent and promoting quality research.
    • Transparent Financial Management: While enjoying financial autonomy and flexibility, the NRF will be accountable for its financial decisions. The NRF’s governing board will establish transparent financial rules and guidelines to ensure proper budget management, reporting, and accountability.
    • Corpus Creation: In the initial years, any unspent funds will be held to create a corpus. This corpus will be professionally managed to generate steady returns, which can be utilized to support future research funding and initiatives.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of the NRF marks a pivotal moment in India’s research landscape. With its ambitious missions, commitment to excellence, and focus on societal impact, the NRF is poised to transform India into a research and innovation powerhouse. By fostering a culture of inquiry, providing support to cutting-edge research, and promoting collaborations, the NRF has the potential to propel India to a position of global leadership.

    Also read:

    Where India lags in science, research fields, and can National Research Foundation help fix it?

  • UNESCO endorses Banning Smartphones from Schools

    smartphone

    Central Idea

    • The UNESCO has released Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023.
    • The report warned against the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s well-being and academic performance.

    What is UNESCO?
    Full Name United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    Established November 16, 1945
    Headquarters Paris, France
    Director-General Audrey Azoulay
    Purpose To promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
    Functions – Promoting education for all

    – Supporting scientific research

    – Safeguarding cultural heritage

    – Fostering freedom of expression

    – Promoting media development
    Membership Over 190 member states
    World Heritage Sites Over 1,100 designated sites worldwide
    Languages Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

    Working languages: English, French

    About Global Education Monitoring Report 2023

    • Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO.
    • At the 2015 World Education Forum, it received a mandate from 160 governments to monitor and report on progress on education SDG 4.0.
    • The report provides in-depth analysis and assessment of key education issues and challenges worldwide.
    • It also offers evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to improve education systems and outcomes.

    Concerns raised in the report

    • Ills of digital learning: The report highlights that learning benefits diminish if technology is used excessively or without qualified teachers’ involvement.
    • Equitable Learning: The report reveals that inequities in learning emerge when instruction becomes exclusively remote, affecting vulnerable students, especially in rural areas.
    • Evidence-based Approach: The report urges for sound, impartial evidence on technology’s impact in education, as most available evidence originates from technology companies and may be biased.
    • Long-term Costs and Sustainability: Countries need to consider the long-term costs of digital learning and connectivity. The expansion of the Edtech market should not overshadow unmet basic education needs.
    • Threats posed by AI: The growth of generative AI and technology necessitates digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
    • Protecting Children’s Rights: During the pandemic, many online education initiatives risked infringing on children’s rights.

    Key endorsements: Banning smartphones in schools

    • The report endorses banning smartphones in schools if technology integration does not improve learning or negatively affects student well-being.
    • Research indicates that banning mobile phones from schools can lead to better academic performance, especially among low-performing students.

  • Tele-MANAS counsels 2 Lakh distressed people

    manas

    Central Idea: The government-run national tele-mental health programme, Tele MANAS, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 2,00,000 calls from individuals across India since its launch in October 2022.

    What is Tele-MANAS?

    • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.
    • It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

    Implementation of the scheme

    • Counselling: The programme includes a network of 38 tele-mental health centres of excellence spread across 27 States and UTs working in over 20 languages.
    • Helpline: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible at 1-800-91-4416.

    Two-tier working

    • Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
    • Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

    Call Demographics and Concerns

    • Age Group: Two-thirds of the callers fall in the 18-45 years age group, while 12.5% belong to the 46-64 years age group, and 8% are below 18 years of age.
    • Gender Distribution: Of the two lakh calls, 59.6% were made by male callers, and 40% by female callers.
    • Top Concerns: The most common reasons for seeking help were general feelings of sadness (28.8%), sleep-related problems (27.6%), anxiety (20.4%), relationship issues (10%), aggression (9.2%), and low interest in activities (9.7%).

    Expansion of the scheme

    • The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
    • It is being linked with other services like National teleconsultation, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, mental health professionals, health centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities for specialized care.
    • This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services but also facilitate a continuum of care.
    • Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care.

    Back2Basics: National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    • The Indian Government announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru is the nodal centre for the programme.
    • The programme sought to establish a digital mental health network that can address the mental health crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The pandemic has brought forth challenges to mental health, and the NTMHP aims to provide accessible and affordable mental health services to all.
    • The programme will involve the use of digital platforms such as teleconsultations, chatbots, and mobile applications to deliver mental health services.
    • The NTMHP will integrate with existing mental health services to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental healthcare.

  • India achieves record DPT3 vaccination coverage in 2022: WHO

    dpt3

    Central Idea

    • The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019.
    • This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    What is DPT3?

    • DPT3 vaccines refer to a combination vaccine that provides protection against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
    • The “DPT” in DPT3 stands for the initials of these three diseases:
    1. Diphtheria: It is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe throat and nose congestion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart and nerve damage.
    2. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when gasping for breath. Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
    3. Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck muscles.

    WHO records on immunization

    • DPT3 Coverage Recovery: The WHO South-East Asia Region saw the DPT3 coverage recover to pre-pandemic levels of 91% in 2022, a significant increase from 82% in 2021.
    • Measles Vaccine Coverage: The region also witnessed a six percent improvement in measles vaccine coverage, rising to 92% in 2022 from 86% in 2021.
    • Zero-Dose Children: The number of zero-dose children (those who have not received even the first dose of the DPT vaccine) halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.
    • Partially Vaccinated Children: The number of partially vaccinated children (those who received at least one dose but not the complete three-dose series) decreased from 1.3 million in 2021 to 650,000 in 2022.

  • Poverty’s Impact on Brain Development

    poverty brain

    Introduction

    • In 1844, Frederich Engels observed that poor living conditions had physical effects on the poor, manifesting in various health issues.
    • Neuroscientists in the 1960s discovered that growing up in poverty could hinder brain development in rats.
    • Recent studies have shown a correlation between low-income families and lower cortical volume, poor academic performance, and smaller hippocampus in human children.

    The Link between Poverty and Brain Development

    • Poverty’s Effect on the Brain: Poverty has been found to affect brain development in children and young adults.
    • Cortex and Academic Performance: Studies in 2015 revealed that children from low-income families had lower cortical volume and performed poorly in academic tests.
    • Importance of the Hippocampus: Another study in 2015 highlighted the correlation between family socioeconomic status and the volume of the hippocampus, a key region for learning and memory.

    New Study on Anti-Poverty Policies and Hippocampus Size

    • The Study: Researchers from Harvard University and Washington University conducted a study published in May 2023 in the journal Nature Communication.
    • Data: The study analyzed brain scans of over 10,000 children aged 9-11 from 17 U.S. states with varying costs of living and anti-poverty programs.
    • Findings: Children from low-income families had a smaller hippocampus, but generous anti-poverty policies significantly reduced this risk.
    • State-Level Public Policies: The study highlights the potential of state-level public policies to address the correlation between brain development and low income.

    Implications for Children’s Health and Well-being

    • Psychological Impact: Impaired hippocampal development is associated with a higher risk of mental health issues such as major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
    • Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathologies: The study found a negative association between family income and the incidence of internalizing and externalizing psychopathologies in children.
    • Impact of Anti-Poverty Policies: Generous cash benefits were associated with larger hippocampal volumes and reduced internalizing problems in low-income households.

    Considerations and Limitations

    • Systemic Discrimination: Poverty is often a result of systematic discrimination, such as racial disparities.
    • Alternative Explanations: The study aimed to rule out alternative explanations, including racial and ethnic factors, but acknowledges the need for further investigation.
    • Applicability to Other Contexts: The study’s findings may not directly apply to other countries like India, given different macroeconomic conditions.

    Role of Welfare and Policy

    • Financial Resources and Stressors: Access to more financial resources can help shield families from chronic stressors associated with low income, potentially influencing hippocampal development.
    • Generous Anti-Poverty Policies: Such policies not only increase family income but also enable families to make decisions that reduce stress, such as working fewer hours.
    • Investing in Social Safety Net Programs: Investments in social safety net programs can mitigate socioeconomic disparities in neurodevelopment, addressing mental health, education, and economic challenges.

    Conclusion

    • Longitudinal Study: The researchers will continue studying the mental health and brain development trajectories of the study’s participants to examine the influence of policy changes.
    • Importance of Social Safety Net Programs: The study underscores the significance of investing in social safety net programs to address the consequences of socioeconomic disparities in brain development.

  • Women’s reproductive autonomy as the new catchword

    reproductive

    Why is this news?

    • India’s progress in family planning initiatives and achievements in areas such as life expectancy, maternal health, and gender empowerment. Instead of ensuring reproductive autonomy for each woman, society has obsessed with total fertility rates and the ideal population size of a family.

    Central Idea

    • The theme of this year’s World Population Day, Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities, holds significant relevance for India. In order to foster women-led development across various sectors in India, it is imperative to prioritize reproductive autonomy as a core component.

    What is mean by reproductive autonomy?

    • Reproductive autonomy refers to an individual’s right and ability to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health and choices without interference, coercion, or discrimination.
    • It encompasses the freedom to decide whether or when to have children, the number of children to have, and the spacing between pregnancies.
    • Reproductive autonomy includes access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including family planning methods, contraceptives, sexual education, prenatal care, safe abortion services, and support for reproductive health decisions.

    India’s progress in family planning

    • Family planning initiatives: India has been commended for its family planning initiatives, aiming to provide comprehensive reproductive health services to every potential beneficiary.
    • Reproductive health services: Efforts have been made to expand the contraceptive basket and provide a range of modern short and long-acting reversible contraceptives, permanent methods, information, counseling, and services, including emergency contraception.
    • Maternal health improvements: India has made impressive strides in maternal health, as reflected in the significant reduction in maternal mortality rates. The current rate stands at 97 per 100,000 live births, down from 254 in 2004.
    • Gender empowerment: India has achieved progress in empowering women and girls. The number of child marriages has been cut in half since the early 2000s, and teen pregnancies have significantly decreased.
    • Access to vital services: India has witnessed improved access to crucial services, including health, education, and nutrition.
    • Longer life expectancy: Life expectancy at birth has significantly increased in India over the years, with Indians now living a decade longer compared to the 1990s.

    What are the Challenges?

    • Lack of physical autonomy: Despite the progress made, many women in India continue to lack physical autonomy.
    • Limited decision-making power: According to the National Family Health Survey, only 10% of women in India are independently able to make decisions about their own health.
    • Acceptance of marital violence: The survey also reveals that 11% of women believe that marital violence is acceptable if a woman refuses to have sex with her husband.
    • Unplanned pregnancies: Nearly half of all pregnancies in India are unplanned, highlighting a challenge in ensuring effective family planning services and education.
    • Ongoing gender disparities: While progress has been made, there are persistent gender disparities and inequalities that need to be addressed to achieve true gender equality.
    • Societal attitudes: Attitudes and societal norms that perpetuate gender-based discrimination and violence continue to pose challenges to women’s empowerment.

    Opportunities for India

    • Advancing gender equality: India has a significant opportunity to advance gender equality, which can have far-reaching positive effects on various aspects of society, including economic growth, social progress, and inclusive development.
    • Economic growth potential: By increasing women’s labor force participation by 10 percentage points, India could unlock significant economic growth potential. It is estimated that this could contribute to more than 70% of the potential GDP growth, amounting to an additional $770 billion by 2025.
    • Human capital development: Empowering women through education and family planning can lead to the accumulation of human capital, which is crucial for sustainable development and economic progress.
    • Harnessing women’s potential: By enabling women to participate fully in various sectors, including science, technology, agriculture, education, and healthcare, India can tap into the immense talent, ideas, and innovation that women bring to the table.
    • Rights-based legislation and policies: India has the opportunity to formulate and implement legislation and policies that empower women, girls, and marginalized individuals, enabling them to assert their rights and make life-changing personal decisions.
    • Inclusive economic development: Promoting gender equality and empowering women can contribute to inclusive economic development by ensuring equal opportunities and participation for all segments of society.
    • Shifting population dynamics: By focusing on reproductive choices and ensuring reproductive autonomy for individuals, India can shape its population dynamics in a way that respects individual rights and choices, while also addressing demographic challenges.

    Way forward

    • Investments in women’s lives: Ensuring gender equality and empowering women requires making investments in every stage of a woman’s life, from childbirth to adolescence to maturity. This includes providing access to quality education, healthcare, and support systems that enable women to make informed choices and assert their rights.
    • Legislation and policies: Formulating and implementing rights-based legislation and policies that empower women, girls, and marginalized individuals is crucial. This involves engaging with these groups, understanding their needs, and creating an enabling environment that supports their rights and decision-making.
    • Comprehensive reproductive health services: Continued efforts should be made to provide comprehensive reproductive health services that are accessible, affordable, and of high quality. This includes expanding the contraceptive basket, ensuring access to family planning methods, information, counseling, and emergency contraception.
    • Gender-just approaches: Adopting gender-just approaches and solutions is essential for building a prosperous and inclusive India. This involves challenging societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender discrimination and violence, and promoting gender equality as a fundamental value.
    • Population and development discourse: Reaffirming the commitment to placing individual rights, particularly women’s rights and well-being, at the center of the population and development discourse is crucial. Shifting the focus from population stabilization to respecting reproductive choices and promoting reproductive autonomy is essential.

    Conclusion

    • On this World Population Day, let us reiterate our commitment to placing individual rights, particularly women’s rights and well-being, at the forefront of population and development discourse. Embracing gender-just approaches and solutions is essential for building a prosperous India and a better world for all.

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  • Performance Grading Index (PGI) released for 2021-22

    grading

    Central Idea

    • The annual Performance Grading Index (PGI) released by the Union government ranks the performance of States and Union Territories in school education for the year 2021-22.
    • While Chandigarh and Punjab emerged as the top performers, none of the states or UTs achieved the highest grade, Daksh, indicating room for improvement across the board.

    Performance Grading Index (PGI)

    • The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.
    • The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has designed the PGI to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education.

    Key Parameters of the PGI

    • Learning Outcomes: Assessing students’ performance in subjects such as language, math, science, and social science.
    • Access to Education: Evaluating net enrolment ratio, retention rates, transitions between educational levels, and mainstreaming of out-of-school children.
    • Infrastructure: Examining availability of science labs, computer labs, book banks, vocational education subjects, mid-day meal supply, functional drinking water facilities, and provision of uniforms and free textbooks.
    • Equity: Considering the performance gap between marginalized communities and the general category, as well as the presence of inclusive infrastructure like ramps and disabled-friendly toilets.
    • Educational Governance and Management: Assessing digital attendance records, the presence of single-teacher primary schools, vacancies in educational posts, inspections, and teacher evaluations.

    PGI Grades and Rankings

    • Daksh: The highest grade in the PGI, scoring above 940 out of 1,000 points.
    • Akanshi-3: The lowest grade, with scores up to 460 points.
    • Top Performers: Chandigarh and Punjab secured the sixth-highest grade, Prachesta-2, followed closely by Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu at Prachesta-3.
    • Improvement Needed: Thirteen states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, were categorized as Akanshi-1 states, indicating substantial room for improvement.

    Action for Improvement

    • Domain-Wise Action: The report highlights that states can take specific actions in each domain to improve their overall score in the PGI.