World Rabies Day

Theme: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”

• World Rabies Day is observed every year on 28^th September to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.

Rabies Day:

• 28^thSeptember marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur''s death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine.
• In 2007, the first World Rabies Day (WRD) was organised by the two founding partners namely:

1. Alliance for Rabies Control (ARC)
2. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta (CDC)

Rabies:

• Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease.
• It is caused by a Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus that is present in the saliva of a rabid animal (dog, cat, monkey, etc).
• It is invariably transmitted following a bite of an infected animal that leads to deposition of the saliva and the virus in the wound.
• Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. The death invariably occurs in four days to two weeks due to cardio-respiratory failure.
• In up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans.
• The incubation period varies from 2–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, or rarely even more.

Symptoms:

• The first symptoms of rabies may be similar to flu and may last for a few days, which includes:
• Fever, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Anxiety, Confusion, Hyperactivity, Difficulty swallowing, Excessive salivation, Hallucinations, Insomnia.

Treatment:

• It is important to remove the virus from the wound as early as possible by immediately washing the wound with water and soap followed by application of antiseptics that reduce/eliminate chances of nerve infection.
• Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.

Rabies Cases in India

• India is endemic for rabies and accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths. 
• According to the report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 20,000 people die from rabies each year in India, wherein dog bite is the primary cause of rabies.
• Most of the cases of rabies are reported in rural areas, where access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is limited.

India’s Initiatives for Cure Against Rabies:

     National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030:

• It is a multi-pronged strategy based on One Health Approach.
• The concept of One Health recognizes that the health of people is closely related with the health of animals, plants and their shared environment.
• In One Health approach, multiple sectors communicate and work together at the local, regional, national, and global levels with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes.
• Mission: To achieve zero human deaths due to dog-mediated Rabies by 2030.

Principles:

• Prevention: Introduce cost-effective public health intervention techniques to improve accessibility, affordability, and availability of post-exposure prophylaxis to all people in need.
• Promotion: Improve understanding of rabies through advocacy, awareness, education and operational research.
• Partnership: Provide coordinated support for the anti-rabies drive with the involvement of community, urban and rural civil society, government, private sectors and international partners.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remembers Shaheed Bhagat Singh on his birth anniversary

Bhagat Singh

• Born: He was born on 27 September 1907 in the village of Banga in the Lyallpur district of today’s Pakistan Punjab.
• Parents: He was the second son of Kishan Singh Sandhu and Vidya Vati. 
• Education: He studied at the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore and in 1923, joined Lala Lajpat Rai’s National College in Lahore.
• Political Exposure: His father and uncle were active in progressive politics, taking part in the agitation Canal Colonization Bill agitation in 1907, and also the Ghadar Movement. 
• Influence: Shaheed Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by British atrocities, especially the killing of innocents in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Role in Freedom Struggle:

• In 1923, Bhagat Singh joined the National College, Lahore which was founded and managed by Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhai Parmanand.
• The College was set up as an alternative to the institutions run by the Government, bringing to the field of education the idea of Swadeshi.
• In 1924 in Kanpur, he became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association, started by Sachindranath Sanyal a year earlier. The main organiser of the Association was Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh became very close to him.
• It was as a member of the HRA that Bhagat Singh began to take seriously the Philosophy of the Bomb.
• Armed revolution was understood to be the only weapon with which to fight British imperialism.
• In 1925, Bhagat Singh returned to Lahore and within the next year he and his colleagues started a militant youth organisation called the Naujawan Bharat Sabha.
• In April 1926,Bhagat Singh established contact with Sohan Singh Josh and through him the ''Workers and Peasants Party'' which brought out the monthly magazine Kirti in Punjabi.
• For the next year Bhagat Singh worked with Josh and joined the editorial board of Kirti.
  • In 1927, he was first arrested on charges of association with the Kakori Case, accused for an article written under the pseudonym Vidrohi (Rebel).
  • In 1928, Bhagat Singh changed the name of the Hindustan Republican Association to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• In 1930, when Azad was shot, the HSRA collapsed.
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha replaced HSRA in Punjab.
• To take revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh and his associates plotted the assassination of James A. Scott, the Superintendent of Police. However, the revolutionaries mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders. The incident is famously known as Lahore Conspiracy case (1929).
• In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai had led a procession to protest against the arrival of the Simon Commission. The police resorted to a brutal lathi charge, in which Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured and later succumbed to his injuries.
• Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt threw a bomb on 8^th April, 1929 in the Central Legislative Assembly, in protest against the passing of two repressive bills, the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Bill.
• The aim, as their leaflet explained, was not to kill but to make the deaf hear, and to remind the foreign government of its callous exploitation.
• Both Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt surrendered thereafter and faced trial so they could further promote their cause. They were awarded life imprisonment for this incident.
• However, Bhagat Singh was re-arrested for the murder of J.P. Saunders and bomb manufacturing in the Lahore Conspiracy case. He was found guilty in this case and was hanged on 23^rd March, 1931 in Lahore along with Sukhdev and Rajguru.
• Every year, 23^rdMarch is observed as Martyrs’ Day as a tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh: Exploring His Literary Legacy and Ethical Insights

• Literature: Shaheed Bhagat Singh wrote an essay entitled “Why I Am an Atheist” to address the question of his religious belief, during his time in Lahore jail.
• Some of His writings have been compiled and published as books. 

Famous Quotes:

• “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birthright of all. Labour is the real sustainer of society”.
• “Bombs and pistols do not make a revolution. The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting stone of ideas”.

Quotes from Ethical Perspective:

• “A man’s duty is to try and endeavor; success depends upon chance and environment”.
• “Merciless criticism and independent thinking are the two necessary traits of revolutionary thinking.”
• “The aim of life is no more to control the mind, but to develop it harmoniously; not to achieve salvation hereafter, but to make the best use of it here below.”
• “I am a man and all that affects mankind concerns me.”

Milestone Achieved Rajasthan Atomic Power Project- Unit-7 Reaches Criticality

Milestone Achievement

• Criticality Reached: On September 19, 2024, at 9:42 PM, RAPP Unit-7 achieved criticality, initiating a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.
• Significance of Criticality: This marks the transition from construction to operational status, allowing the reactor to start generating heat necessary for electricity production.

Overview of RAPP-7

• Location: Situated in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, as part of a strategic energy initiative.
• Type: A Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) with a capacity of 700 MWe.
• Project Context: RAPP-7 is the third unit in a series of sixteen indigenous reactors, showcasing India’s growing expertise in nuclear technology.
• Total Capacity: The RAPP-7&8 project aims for a total capacity of 1400 MW, supplementing the existing six operational units at Rawatbhata, which provide 1180 MW to the national grid.

 Future Steps for RAPP-7

• Transition to Operational Phase: After achieving criticality, RAPP-7 will proceed with a series of tests and experiments to ensure its systems are functioning optimally.
• Power Level Increment: The power levels will be gradually increased in line with AERB guidelines until the unit reaches full operational capacity.

Strategic Importance of Nuclear Energy

• Alignment with National Goals: The project supports India’s aim of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, reinforcing the role of nuclear power as a clean energy source.
• Reduction of Carbon Emissions: Nuclear energy offers a zero-emission alternative, helping to decrease reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, thus contributing to India''s commitment to climate change mitigation.
• Energy Security: RAPP-7 enhances India''s energy independence and security, diversifying the energy mix and reducing vulnerability to global fossil fuel market fluctuations.

 Broader Implications

• Nuclear Technology Advancement: The successful operation of RAPP-7 demonstrates the maturity and reliability of India’s indigenous nuclear technology, paving the way for future projects.
• Contribution to Grid Stability: Once fully operational, Unit-7 will significantly bolster the national grid, providing reliable and efficient energy to meet increasing demands from industries and households.

Conclusion

• The criticality of RAPP Unit-7 signifies not just the readiness of a nuclear reactor but also reflects India''s commitment to advancing its nuclear capabilities while ensuring sustainable energy development.
• This milestone enhances India''s position as a leader in nuclear technology and strengthens the country''s strategic energy framework as it pursues its long-term environmental goals.

Current and Future Projects

• NPCIL Operations: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) currently operates 24 reactors with a total capacity of 8180 MW, with an additional eight units, including RAPP-7, under construction, totaling 6800 MW.
• Future Expansion Plans: An additional ten reactors, representing 7000 MW, are in the pre-project stage, with completion projected progressively by 2031-32, indicating ongoing growth in India''s nuclear energy sector.

Can Kerala’s policy to limit antibiotics misuse reduce AMR?

Overview of Kerala’s Operation Amrith and its implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR):

Overview of Operation Amrith

• Objective: To eliminate the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescriptions in Kerala by the end of 2024.
• Impact: The operation has led to a notable decline in antibiotic sales, with reports indicating a Rs. 1,000 crores drop in sales through hospitals and pharmacies over the past year.

Background

• Initial Regulation: Kerala became the first Indian state to enforce a ban on over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales in January 2024, adhering to the Indian government''s 2011 H1 rule, which prohibits the sale of all classes of antibiotics without prescriptions.
• Modifications: In 2013, the Indian government allowed first-line antibiotics to be sold OTC, but Kerala opted to stick to the original 2011 regulations, citing better healthcare access in the state.

Significance of the Ban

• Healthcare Context: Kerala''s higher doctor-patient ratio and the availability of healthcare facilities enabled the enforcement of stricter regulations without significantly hindering access to essential medications.
• Regional Challenges: Other southern states struggle with doctor shortages, which complicates the enforcement of similar measures.

Issues with Imported Products

• Dependence on Neighbors: Kerala relies heavily on neighboring states for essential food items like broiler chicken, eggs, and vegetables, which may contain antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria.
• Cycle of Resistance: The import of antibiotic-laden products perpetuates AMR, undermining local efforts in Kerala to combat the issue.

Recommended Actions

• Self-Sufficiency: To reduce vulnerability, Kerala could aim for self-sufficiency in poultry, eggs, and vegetables.
• Collaboration with Neighbors: Alternatively, engaging neighboring states to implement stringent AMR action plans could help mitigate the spread of resistance.

Steps Forward

• Implementing the Modified H1 Rule: Kerala might consider reverting to the modified 2013 H1 rule, which could be more feasible for other states to adopt, promoting a collaborative approach to reducing antibiotic usage across the region.
• Long-Term Goals: A phased implementation could inspire other states to adopt similar regulations, ultimately working towards a more comprehensive ban on OTC antibiotic sales.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

• Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anti-parasitics - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.
• AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines (develops drug resistance).
• This makes infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
• They can spread from person to person or between people and animals, including from food of animal origin.
• The rapid global spread of multi and pan-drug resistant bacteria - "superbugs," is particularly concerning.
• As a result, WHO recently identified AMR as a major public health threat.

The main drivers of AMR include:

• The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials;
• Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals;
• Poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms;
• Poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics;
• Lack of awareness and knowledge; and
• Lack of enforcement of legislation.

100 days of Modi 3.0: Ambitious reforms in Healthcare and Education for a Resilient Future

Key Highlights

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

• Expanded Coverage: As of September 11, 2024, the government has extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.
• Beneficiary Impact: This initiative aims to benefit approximately 5 crore families, covering around six crore senior citizens.
• Insurance Benefits: Each eligible family receives an annual health insurance coverage of 5 lakhs for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
• Significance: AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for vulnerable populations.

 U-WIN Portal

• Digitized Vaccination Services: The U-WIN Portal is designed for maintaining vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme.
• Key Features:
  • Self-Registration: Citizens can register through the U-WIN web portal or mobile app.
  • Automated Alerts: SMS alerts for vaccination schedules.
  • E-Certificates: QR-based eVaccination Certificates for easy access.
  • Multilingual Support: Available in 11 regional languages, including Hindi.
• Current Statistics: As of mid-September 2024, over 46 crore beneficiaries have registered, with 23.06 crore vaccine doses administered.

National Medical Register (NMR) Portal

• Purpose: Facilitates the registration of MBBS doctors eligible for practice in India, maintaining a comprehensive electronic database.
• Integration with Aadhaar: Ensures authenticity and easy verification linked with the Aadhaar ID of practitioners.
• Stakeholder Access: State Medical Councils and educational institutions can verify applications and access doctor details through a unified platform.
• Functionalities: Enables addition of qualifications, application tracking, license suspension, and issuing of NMR ID cards and digital certificates.

 Customs Duty Exemption on Cancer Drugs

• Medicines Exempted: The government exempted three crucial cancer drugs from customs duties:
  • Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Breast Cancer)
  • Osimertinib (Lung Cancer)
  • Durvalumab (Lung Cancer and Biliary Tract Cancer)
• Beneficiary Impact: This change aims to support approximately 27 lakh cancer patients, making treatment more affordable.
• Broader Implications: Revised customs duty on X-ray tubes and flat panel detectors is expected to lower healthcare costs and improve access to advanced medical imaging.

 Increase in National Health Mission (NHM) Budget

• Financial Increase: The NHM budget for FY 2024-25 has been raised by approximately 4000 crores, from Rs. 31,550 crores to Rs. 36,000 crores.
• Focus Areas: Enhanced funding aims to improve primary and secondary healthcare services, emphasizing preventive and curative care to reduce public out-of-pocket expenditure.

 Creation of 75,000 New Medical Seats

• Objective: Over the next five years, the government plans to add 75,000 new medical seats to enhance the country''s medical education capacity.
• Current Achievements: The National Medical Commission (NMC) added 25,000 UG and PG seats in the last four years and achieved the target of 1,00,000 MBBS seats ahead of schedule.
• Rationale: This initiative addresses the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and improves the healthcare infrastructure.

Nalanda University’s New Campus

• Inauguration: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a new campus at Rajgir, Bihar, designed for collaboration with East Asia Summit (EAS) countries.
• Campus Features: Includes two academic blocks, 40 classrooms, auditoriums, hostels, an International Centre, an Amphitheater, and a sports complex.
• Sustainability: The campus is designed as a ‘Net Zero’ green facility, incorporating renewable energy and water recycling systems.

 Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Establishment: The ANRF was set up under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, to promote research and development across Indian universities and institutions.
• Strategic Goals: Aims to foster a culture of research, encourage collaborations among industry, academia, and government, and support both basic research and prototype development.
• Financial Commitment: An estimated investment of Rs. 50,000 crores is planned for the period 2023-2028 to bolster R&D initiatives.

Vigyan Dhara Scheme

• Purpose: A comprehensive scheme to enhance India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.
• Components: Focuses on capacity building, research and development, and technology deployment.
• Funding: The proposed outlay for implementation from 2021-2026 is Rs. 10,579.84 crore, aimed at improving R&D infrastructure in academic institutions.

BioE3 Policy

• Key Features: Supports innovation-driven R&D and entrepreneurship in biotechnology, promoting sustainable development.
• Strategic Goals: Establishes Biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hubs, enhances job creation, and contributes to green economic growth.
• Environmental Commitment: Aligns with government initiatives on a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and promotes a circular bioeconomy.