Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Major Factors Driving AMR in India Clinical Misuse in Human Health Antibiotic Overuse in Livestock and Aquaculture Environmental and Pharmaceutical Pollution Irrational Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs) Sanitation Gaps and Weak Surveillance Key Threats Posed by AMR Economic and Trade Risks Public Health and Clinical Risks Environmental and Agricultural Risks Government Measures to Combat AMR Policies and National Frameworks Regulatory and Legal Controls Surveillance and Diagnostic Efforts Strategies Needed for Effective AMR Control Strengthening Diagnostics and Stewardship Environmental and Pharmaceutical Regulation Agricultural and Food-Chain Reforms Community Behaviour and Public Awareness One Health Surveillance and Data Integration
Sanchar Saathi App
What is the Sanchar Saathi App? Why the App is in News Key Features of Sanchar Saathi Objectives of the Sanchar Saathi Portal Role of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Data Privacy and Security Concerns Way Forward
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Basic Role Why CBI Needs State Consent Types of Consent Under DSPE Act General Consent Case-Specific Consent Why States Withdraw General Consent Impact of Withdrawing General Consent Important Case Laws Regarding CBI & State Consent State of West Bengal vs Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (CPDR), 2010 (SC) Kartar Singh vs State of Punjab (1994) CBI vs State of Rajasthan (2017) Lalita Kumari vs Government of UP (2014) General Principle from Case Law Purpose of General Consent in Federal Structure
India’s GERD: Level, Trends and Composition
“Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) = Total R&D spending in the country (public + private + higher education + other sectors) in a given year.” Growth in GERD (Last Decade) Sectoral Composition of GERD Human Capital and Output Linked to GERD Significance of Rising GERD for India
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
CSR Under the Companies Act Present Trends and Emerging Issues Debate on Revising the CSR Formula Global Approaches to CSR CSR and the Power of Individual Vision Role of Tax Policy in Strengthening CSR Future Path for CSR in India To maximize long-term benefits, India’s CSR framework should encourage: CSR must be viewed not as a mandatory expenditure, but as a strategic investment in India’s social and economic future.
WHO backs use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
1. CONTEXT (Why in News?) • WHO has released global guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) therapies for treatment of obesity in adults.• Comes amid rising obesity burden and high global economic cost (projected $3 trillion annually by 2030). 2. ABOUT GLP-1 DRUGS (Prelims Notes) What are GLP-1 drugs? • A class of hormone-mimicking injectable drugs.• They mimic GLP-1, a natural gut hormone. Examples: • Semaglutide, Liraglutide (commonly known for brands like Ozempic/Wegovy). How do they work? • Increase insulin secretion.• Slow gastric emptying → person feels full longer.• Reduce appetite → significant weight loss.• Improve metabolic health indicators. WHO’s Key Recommendation • Can be used for long-term treatment of obesity in adults.• Except pregnant women.• Must be combined with diet & physical activity — medication alone is not enough.
India took leading role after Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka
Mains Enrichment: Operation Sagar Bandhu • India’s humanitarian relief operation for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah, aligned with SAGAR Vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region).• Demonstrates India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. How to Use This Example in UPSC Answers Ethics (GS4): Strong example of compassion, solidarity, and moral responsibility in international conduct.
Centre says U.P. reported maximum complaints over Jal Jeevan Mission
1. CONTEXT • Centre reported 17,036 complaints of irregularities/poor work under JJM.• Uttar Pradesh accounts for ~84% of these complaints. 2. JAL JEEVAN MISSION — KEY FACTS • Launched: 2019• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti Objective: • Provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households.• Ensure 55 litres per capita per day of safe drinking water (Har Ghar Jal). Nature of Scheme: • Single mission, launched once in 2019; implemented in phases. Key Features: • Focus on piped water supply, source sustainability, water quality testing, greywater management.• Community role through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs). Funding Pattern: • Centre–State share: 90:10 (NE/Himalayan), 50:50 (others), 100% for UTs. Achievement (till 2025): • Rural households with tap water: ~80%+ (up from 17% in 2019).
Sudan’s RSF takes control of West Kordofan town
1. Context • Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim capture of Babanusa, a strategic transport junction in West Kordofan State, Sudan.• Sudanese Army denies the claim → ongoing fighting. 2. Babanusa (Place in News) • Located in West Kordofan, southern Sudan.• Important transport & railway junction.• New frontline in the conflict. 3. What’s Happening? • RSF claims takeover → army denies → both accuse each other of violating truce.
Only 20% accepted PM Internship Scheme offers
1. CONTEXT (Why in News?) • Government informed Parliament that although 1.65 lakh internship offers were made under the PM Internship Scheme’s pilot phase, only 20% were accepted.• A large number of candidates also left the internships mid-way, showing low uptake and low completion. 2. WHAT IS THE PM INTERNSHIP SCHEME? Announcement • Announced in the Union Budget 2024. Objective • Provide 1 crore internship opportunities over 5 years in India’s top 500 companies. Pilot Project • Launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in October 2024.• Target of providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities per year.