ASSIGNMENT: JUNIOR ASSOCIATE

QUESTION: 1

POLICY TRACKER

TITLE DETAILS EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT RELEVANCE TO CLIENT LEVEL OF

URGENCY
National Action The National Action Plan for The NAP-AMR 2.0 can place To assist research and HIGH
Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, version 2.0, a strong emphasis on a One development projects
Antimicrobial is soon going to be launched by the Health strategy, combining in line with the
Resistance 2.0 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. the activities of the objectives of NAP-
The strategy focuses on awareness, ministries of health, animal AMR 2.0, the client
surveillance, legislation, and research, husbandry, agriculture, and can collaborate with
offers tactics to tackle AMR in the the environment along with government
healthcare, agricultural, and PPP model. To prevent organisations. It would
environmental sectors. It would be unnecessary use, it can also be desirable to invest
prepared by the Ministry of Health, suggest stronger regulations in agricultural and
combining ongoing initiatives under for the use of antibiotics in healthcare sector
various Ministries to strengthen agriculture and animal research.
coordinated efforts to reduce AMR. husbandry.
WHO publishes The World Health Organization (WHO) The agenda highlights the MEDIUM
first global has introduced the pioneering Global importance of collaborative Effective
research Research Agenda on Antimicrobial research that spans collaborations
agenda to Resistance (AMR), aimed at disciplines, industries, and between stakeholders
combat coordinating research efforts to nations. will be pivotal in
antimicrobial combat the escalating threat of drug- translating research
resistance resistant infections. This into actionable
comprehensive agenda outlines strategies and policies.
crucial research priorities including
AMR dynamics, interventions,
surveillance, and healthcare system
reinforcement. By guiding
collaborative research, the WHO
addresses the urgent need for
innovative strategies to counter AMR's
global health crisis.
India’s G20 Within the G20 framework, India is The expansion of present The client can partner MEDIUM
presidency taking the lead in directing debates surveillance and monitoring with the government
and objectives of the various working networks, the promotion of to develop new and
groups and intergovernmental responsible behaviour affordable ways to
initiatives. The goals of the Health among the general public, enhance the
Working Group, prioritise the and the promotion of global capabilities of the
preventive, preparedness, and cooperation in resolving the research and
response measures for health-related AMR crisis. Governments, awareness in desirable
emergencies. The One Health strategy businesses, civil society issue.
and the problem of antimicrobial organisations, and
resistance (AMR) are the key points. educational institutions
could work together to
address this issue.
Venus Venus Remedies has joined the India This transforming and Partnerships like the LOW
Remedies joins AMR Innovation Hub to combat collaborative endeavour to India AMR Innovation
India AMR antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This counter the threat of Hub are essential in
Innovation Hub collaboration aligns with global efforts antimicrobial resistance directing collective
against drug-resistant infections. The open ways for more such efforts towards long-
hub serves as a platform for various examples. term solutions as
stakeholders to pool resources, governments,
focusing on developing innovative businesses, and
antimicrobial therapies, diagnostics, healthcare
and strategies. organisations to
encounter problems
with tackling the
complex issues posed
by AMR.
Panels to screen In a proactive move to curb antibiotic The teams could be asked to The client can partner MEDIUM
antibiotic use at misuse, expert panels will screen and implement proper infection with different states to
government regulate antibiotic use in government control. By implementing create policy design to
hospitals hospitals in Kolkata, India. The stringent oversight, the regulate antibiotic
Kolkata initiative aims to combat the rising government seeks to reduce misuse by effective
threat of antimicrobial resistance the emergence of drug- control measure.
(AMR) by ensuring judicious antibiotic resistant infections while
prescriptions. The panels will evaluate safeguarding the efficacy of
cases, provide recommendations, and antibiotics for both current
monitor the implementation of and future generations.
antibiotics, promoting responsible
usage.
Comment by A Swedish official has urged the Modi Health infrastructure The client through LOW
Swedish Official government in India to prioritize development can become a proactive engagement
on India’s AMR combating antimicrobial resistance active part of coming and awareness with
fight. May 2023 (AMR) as a political agenda. This call political campaign in 2024. health sector and
acknowledges the global health crisis public of India can
caused by AMR, emphasizing the need translate it into a
for a multi-dimensional approach political agenda
involving political leadership. India's
significant role in raising AMR
awareness on the global stage is
praised, while international
collaboration is underscored. The
remarks align with India's G20
presidency focus on health emergency
preparedness, urging India to leverage
its influence for strategic international
cooperation. The official's call
highlights the urgency to address AMR
through comprehensive measures and
political commitment.
New A novel certification scheme has been Such certificate schemes can The client can take MEDIUM
certification introduced to ensure responsible also be launched in initiative to design
scheme antibiotic manufacturing in India. healthcare, agricultural, and certificate scheme for
launched to Launched to address the growing environmental sectors to agricultural and
ensure concern of antimicrobial resistance ensure responsible measures environmental sectors.
responsible (AMR), the scheme aims to promote for different processes.
antibiotic sustainable practices in antibiotic
manufacturing production, discouraging pollution and
in India waste generation. By integrating
responsible manufacturing practices,
the scheme strives to mitigate the
environmental impact of antibiotic
production and safeguard public
health by reducing AMR risks.
C-CAMP C-CAMP has initiated the More such innovative The client can also MEDIUM
launches "Antimicrobial Resistance Quest" in measures can be launched design such platform
Antimicrobial Karnataka, aiming to tackle the rising with the help of government, where providing
Resistance challenge of antimicrobial resistance non-government and opportunity to
Quest (AMR). This project aligns with global international contribution. students, early-stage
efforts against AMR by focusing on and late-stage start-
research and innovation to develop ups or MSMEs.
solutions.

QUESTION: 3

CLIMATE CHANGE IMAPCT ON HEALTH SECTOR IN INDIA

In terms of geography, climate, and culture, India is incredibly diverse. It represents one-sixth of the
world’s population, supported on 1/50 of the world’s land and 1/25 of the world’s water1. India is
undergoing significant change due to its vast population (1.2 billion) and rate of urbanisation; the
effects of climate change will only exacerbate already-existing health risks. A more comprehensive
understanding of the connection between climatic changeability and human health in a nation like
India could support the creation of innovative prevention measures and early warning systems, with
implications for the entire developing world.

Nearly 700 million population living in rural areas directly depends on climate-sensitive sectors
(agriculture, forests, and fisheries) and natural resources (such as water, biodiversity, mangroves,
coastal zones, grasslands) for their subsistence and livelihoods. Heat wave, floods (land and coastal),
and draughts occur commonly. Malaria, malnutrition, and diarrhea are major public health problems.
Though India has contributed only 2 per cent of the total carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning
over the last 100 years, still it is likely to experience greater effects from the ‘extreme weather’
events2.

Climate change is known to alter the temperature, precipitation pattern and solar insolation over the
planet. According to report by IPCC (2007), about 0.65°C increase has been observed in global
average surface temperature over last 50 years and is projected to increase by 1.1–6.4°C3. The rise in
sea level has been observed with ongoing warming trend. The impact of climate change has been

1
Singh MR, Upadhyay V, Mittal AK. Addressing sustainability in benchmarking framework for Indian urban
water utilities. J Infrastr Systems. 2010;16:81–92.
2
Marland G, Boden T. A. and Andres R. J. (2000). Global, regional and national CO2 emission trends: A
compendium of data on global change. Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis
Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy.
3
IPCC (2007). “Summary for policymakers,” in Climate change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
Contribution of Working Group II to the IV Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
considerably enough to threaten human health both directly and indirectly through increasing
temperatures, rising sea levels, water and food supply impacts, extreme weather events like floods,
droughts, earthquakes, etc., susceptible shelter and population migration.

Direct effect of environmental circumstances may ease the diffusion of vector-borne diseases, water-
borne diseases, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory allergies and malnutrition, etc. Indirect effects of
climate change such as mental health problems and involuntary migration. Children, the elderly and
vulnerable communities living in poverty among the most susceptible of the damaging effects due to
climate change. Environmental consequences climate change, such as extreme heat wave, rising sea-
levels, changes in precipitation resulting in cyclones, earthquake, flooding and droughts, intense
hurricanes and degraded air quality, affect directly and indirectly the physical, social and
psychological health of humans.

The impacts of climate change will be felt differentially, depending upon how well a society can cope
with or adapt to climate change, that is, its adaptive capacity. Potential adaptation strategies in India
could focus on controlling infectious diseases by removing vector breeding sites, reducing vector–
human contact, improving sanitation and drinking water by supporting inexpensive and effective
water treatment and increasing rainwater harvesting. One possible outcome could be the
development of an integrated early warning system, emergency response plans, and refugee
management plans, along with increased capacity to provide shelter, drinking water, sanitation, and
sustainable agricultural products to the most vulnerable populations.

Successful work in this area will require the health community to partner closely with climate
scientists and development professionals to move beyond the assessment of climate changeability
and disease outcomes to predictive models accounting for climate change to facilitate targeted
adaptation. Given the region-specific nature of the relationship between climate changeability and
health, further research is required throughout India. Integration of social, demographic, and land
cover data with health data will aid in describing a holistic health scenario, which will help identify
sustainable health solutions. However, such work will require expanded partnerships among
researchers, governments, and communities to develop a co-benefit strategy that addresses public
health challenges and risks associated with climate change.

QUESTION: 2

Union Government
NITI AAYOG
NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog is a premier policy and think tank of India.
They are responsible for a number of transformational initiatives. The three main functions of Niti
Aayog include policy and knowledge, innovation or monitoring, and evaluation.

Name: Dr. Shashank Shah

Designation: Senior Specialist (Higher Education)

He is a stakeholder management strategist, researcher, and published business author. He has

developed strategic perspectives and operational frameworks on leading multinational and Indian
public and private sector firms, including Fortune 500 companies.

MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP

The Ministry is responsible for co-ordination of all Skill Development efforts across the country,
removal of disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower, building the vocational and
technical training framework, skill up-gradation, building of new skills and innovative thinking not
only for existing jobs but also jobs that are to be created.

Name: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Designation: Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State
for Electronics and Information Technology.

He is an Indian politician and entrepreneur, technocrat and a Member of Parliament in the upper
house (Rajya Sabha) from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representing Karnataka. A vocal advocate of
Governance, Technology and Economics and is widely recognized as the most Informed and active
MP on Digital India, Internet and Technology issues, Spectrum Allocation, Net Neutrality, Consumer
rights in cyber space policies and regulatory matters.

State Government of Kerala

DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL EDUCATION

Based on the implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009,
Government of Kerala have issued orders for combining school education up to class 12 and formed
Directorate of General Education for the effective co-ordination and control of all activities of the
Department. Joint Directors, Regional Deputy Directors, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of
Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary are the part of Directorate of General Education.

Name: Sri. Shanavas S IAS

Designation: Director of General Education

He is plays an eminent role in the physical and mental development of all pupils studying in schools.
There has been tremendous growth in educational facilities at all levels of education in the state
during the last 50 years. The private and public sectors together played significant role in attaining
the present level and their contribution to the field are remarkable.

KERALA STATE LITERACY MISSION AUTHORITY

An autonomous institution under the General Education Department, Government of Kerala. It was
set up in 1998 for the purpose of co-ordinating and activating the ‘Literacy and continuing education.
Presently the KSLMA is fully funded by Government of Kerala in order to implement literacy,
continuing education and life long learning programme designed and developed by the state. The
District Literacy Missions are looking after the activities at the district level. The Continuing Education
Centers functioning under the Local Self Government Institutions spread across the state are the
service delivery unit of the mission. Activities’ launched by the National Literacy Mission, Ministry of
HRD, Government of India.

Name: Dr. P.S. Sreekala

Designation: Director
She also holds the position as Director of Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission. She in a vocal
advocate for education, culture, feminism and has published many articles related to the same. She
has immense experience in the area and holds postions as Syndicate Member, Kerala University.
Director, Kerala Stree Padana Kendram Secretary, Vanitha Sahithi State committee State Executive
committee member, Purogamana kala sahitya sangham State committee member, Association of
Kerala Govt. College Teachers.

Journalists/Thought Leaders
Name: Manish Sabharwal

Designation: Vice Chairman of Teamlease Services

He is a member of the Central Advisory Board of Education, Member of the Advisory Board of the
Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and a Governing Board Member of the National Council of
Applied Economic Research. Also Managing Trustee of the New India Foundation (that offers
fellowships to write books about post-1947 India), a columnist for Indian Express, and a Board
Member of Neev Academy.

Name: Shekhar Gupta

Designation: Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ThePrint

Shekhar Gupta, a prominent Indian journalist and editor, has been instrumental in reporting
significant events and uncovering truths throughout his career. With a rich history of impactful
newsbreaks, Gupta's work spans from covering insurgencies in India's northeast to international
affairs. His influential columns, independent voice, and numerous awards have established him as a
respected figure in media and global forums.

Think tanks and research organizations

Centre for Civil Society

Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is a non-profit think tank based in New Delhi. They work in education,
livelihood, and policy training promotes choice and accountability across the private and public
sectors. To translate policy into practice, they engage with policy and opinion leaders through
research, pilot projects and advocacy.

They focus on reshaping the school education policy landscape - shifting the focus to learning
outcomes, expanding choice in education and advocating deregulation for private sector; amplifying
the voice of budget private schools which are catering to the poor sections of society but face closure
in the face of the RTE; enhancing choice and accountability through the CCS skill voucher model in
government skilling programs.

The Takshashila Institution

The Takshashila Institution is an independent, non-partisan think tank and educational institution
based in Bengaluru, India. Founded in 2010, its mission is to build the intellectual foundations of an
India with global interests and contribute to public policy discourse. The institution conducts
research and analysis on pressing policy issues, fostering informed debates and providing actionable
recommendations to decision-makers. It also offers online and in-person educational programs in
public policy, fostering a new generation of policy leaders and thinkers. Takshashila collaborates with
other think tanks, academia, government institutions, and civil society organizations to drive
intellectual exchanges and policy dialogues.

Parliamentarians
Name: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

Designation: Member of Parliament, representing Thoothukkudi constituency in the Lok Sabha

Kanimozhi belongs to the Indian political party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), where she
functions as the deputy general secretary and women's wing secretary. She takes part in organising
women empowerment programs and is interested in the welfare of differently abled people and
transgender people. She spearheads DMK efforts to organise job fairs, under the banner 'Kalaignar
85' across rural Tamil Nadu to facilitate employment opportunities for young people in smaller cities,
towns and villages. Recently inaugurated a model school in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. The
initiative aims to provide quality education and infrastructure to underprivileged children. The school
launch aligns with Kanimozhi's focus on educational development and social empowerment. As a
parliamentarian, she continues to contribute to educational reforms and opportunities for
marginalized communities.

Name: Supriya Sule

Designation: Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha representing Baramati since 2009, leader of
Nationalist Congress Party in Lok Sabha since 2014 and the Working National President of
Nationalist Congress Party since 2023.

Supriya Sule, daughter of Indian politician Sharad Pawar known for her active role as a Member of
Parliament and her engagement in various social and political issues, Sule's educational background
at a prestigious institution like Carnegie Mellon adds to her profile. This connection to an esteemed
American university might contribute to her insights and perspectives on education-related matters
in India. Sule's active engagement in education issues highlights her dedication to shaping
educational policies and advocating for improvements in the sector. This accomplishment
underscores her commitment to fostering positive changes in India's education system through her
role as a parliamentarian.