THE HINDU - COMPREHENSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS- 30 October 2025

Introduction

Welcome to today's comprehensive current affairs analysis for October 30, 2024. Today's news brings significant developments across multiple sectors that hold immense importance for competitive exam aspirants. The central government has announced a historic expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, extending free health coverage worth Rs 5 lakh to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status. This is a landmark policy decision that will benefit approximately 6 crore elderly citizens across India. In the realm of national security, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with Delhi Police, successfully dismantled a sophisticated methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory in the Delhi-NCR region, uncovering alarming links to the Mexican drug cartel CJNG. On the international front, Israel has enacted controversial legislation banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its territory, a move that has sparked global condemnation and raises serious humanitarian concerns for Palestinian refugees. Additionally, economic indicators show that despite a slow start, state governments' capital expenditure is expected to rise in the current fiscal year, which is crucial for infrastructure development and economic growth. Today's analysis will help you understand these developments in detail, their broader implications, and their relevance for various competitive examinations including UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State-level exams.

NATIONAL NEWS

1. PM Modi Launches Universal Health Coverage for Senior Citizens Aged 70+

News Summary: On October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched the expanded Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), extending health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This expansion, announced earlier in April 2024 and approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, provides a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per year for approximately 6 crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families. The new beneficiaries will receive a distinct "Ayushman Vay Vandana Card" that enables them to avail free treatment at any of the 29,648 empanelled hospitals under AB-PMJAY, including 12,696 private hospitals across India.

Context & Background: The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in September 2018, is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance program. Initially, it covered 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Until this expansion, the scheme covered all family members regardless of age, but only for families meeting specific socio-economic criteria. The new expansion marks a paradigm shift by introducing age-based universal coverage. Since its inception, AB-PMJAY has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% being women beneficiaries, and has provided benefits worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. The scheme was conceived to address the catastrophic health expenditure that pushes millions of Indian families into poverty annually. According to National Health Accounts 2019, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) in India was approximately 48.8% of total health expenditure, which is significantly higher than the WHO recommendation of 15-20%. The elderly population in India is growing rapidly – from 104 million in 2011 to an estimated 194 million by 2031 – making this intervention timely and necessary.

Key Concepts Explained:

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): A centrally sponsored scheme that provides health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. It operates on a paperless, cashless model at the point of service delivery.
• Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: The distinct identification card issued to senior citizens aged 70 and above under the expanded scheme. It is linked to Aadhaar and provides access to healthcare benefits across all empanelled hospitals nationwide.
• Top-up Coverage: Senior citizens belonging to families already covered under AB-PMJAY will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh cover exclusively for themselves, which they do not have to share with family members below 70 years. This means such families effectively get Rs 10 lakh coverage (Rs 5 lakh for the family + Rs 5 lakh additional for the senior citizen).
• Empanelled Hospitals: Healthcare facilities that have been registered and approved under AB-PMJAY to provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries. As of September 2024, 29,648 hospitals are empanelled, including both government and private facilities.
• Pre-existing Diseases Coverage: Unlike private health insurance that typically has waiting periods of 2-4 years for pre-existing conditions, AB-PMJAY covers all pre-existing diseases from day one without any waiting period. This is particularly beneficial for elderly citizens who often have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.
• National Health Authority (NHA): The apex body responsible for implementing AB-PMJAY. It functions as an attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and oversees all aspects of the scheme including empanelment, claims processing, and quality assurance.

Significance & Exam Relevance: This expansion is highly significant for multiple reasons. First, it represents a shift toward universal health coverage (UHC), aligning with India's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Second, it addresses the specific vulnerabilities of the elderly population who face higher healthcare costs due to age-related ailments and chronic diseases. Third, with an outlay of Rs 3,437 crore for this expansion, it demonstrates the government's fiscal commitment to social sector spending. For competitive exams, this topic is relevant from multiple angles: it connects to questions on government schemes (for SSC, Banking, State PSC prelims), welfare policies and their impact (for UPSC Mains GS-2), health infrastructure and challenges in India (UPSC Essay, Mains GS-2), fiscal policy and budget allocation (UPSC Mains GS-3), and demographic challenges including aging population (Geography, Sociology optional). Additionally, questions may be asked about the National Health Authority, the distinction between Ayushman Bharat components (Health and Wellness Centres vs PMJAY), and comparisons with other health insurance schemes like CGHS, ECHS, and ESI.

Stakeholders Involved:

• Primary Beneficiaries: 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above across India
• Implementing Authority: National Health Authority (NHA) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Government Bodies: Union Cabinet, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, State Health Departments
• Healthcare Providers: 29,648 empanelled hospitals including 12,696 private hospitals
• Funding Sources: Central Government with Rs 3,437 crore allocated for expansion; overall scheme funding shared 60:40 between Centre and States (90:10 for North-Eastern states and J&K)
• Technology Partners: Insurance companies and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) for claims processing

Impact & Implications:

• Social Impact: The scheme will significantly reduce the financial burden on families caring for elderly members. It provides dignity and access to quality healthcare irrespective of economic status, potentially reducing catastrophic health expenditure among the elderly by an estimated 20-30%.
• Healthcare System Impact: The inclusion of 6 crore additional beneficiaries will increase the load on empanelled hospitals. There will be a need for quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that the influx doesn't compromise service quality. The government will need to fast-track hospital empanelment, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
• Fiscal Impact: With an outlay of Rs 3,437 crore for expansion in FY 2024-25, this represents additional expenditure on healthcare. However, proponents argue that preventive healthcare and timely treatment will reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve productivity of working-age family members who otherwise spend time caring for elderly relatives.
• Political Impact: This move is seen as a major welfare initiative ahead of multiple state elections. It's designed to appeal to a significant voting demographic – the elderly and their families. It also reinforces the government's commitment to "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" by making the scheme truly universal for the elderly.
• Long-term Implications: If successfully implemented, this could serve as a model for achieving universal health coverage in India. It may also encourage private sector participation in healthcare delivery through the empanelment mechanism, potentially improving overall healthcare infrastructure.

2. NCB Busts Methamphetamine Laboratory with Mexican Cartel Links in Delhi-NCR

News Summary: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in a joint operation with the Delhi Police Special Cell, successfully dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine (meth) manufacturing laboratory in the Kasana Industrial Area of Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on October 25, 2024. The raid resulted in the seizure of approximately 95 kilograms of methamphetamine in solid and liquid forms, along with various chemicals used in drug synthesis including acetone, sodium hydroxide, methylene chloride, premium-grade ethanol, toluene, red phosphorus, and ethyl acetate. Sophisticated imported machinery for large-scale drug production was also recovered. Five individuals have been arrested, including a Delhi-based businessman, a Tihar Jail warden, a Mumbai-based chemist, and associates linked to the Mexican drug cartel Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This marks a concerning development indicating international drug cartels' active involvement in establishing drug manufacturing operations on Indian soil.

Context & Background: This operation is part of India's broader campaign toward achieving a "Drug-Free India" (Nasha Mukt Bharat), a vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and operationalized through coordinated efforts by central and state law enforcement agencies. The involvement of CJNG, considered by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as one of the world's top five dangerous transnational criminal organizations, represents a significant escalation in India's drug trafficking landscape. Historically, India has been primarily a transit route for drugs being smuggled from the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran) and Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) to Western markets. However, there is growing evidence of India transitioning from merely a transit point to a manufacturing hub for synthetic drugs. This year alone, the NCB has busted six clandestine drug laboratories – in Gandhinagar and Amreli (Gujarat), Jodhpur and Sirohi (Rajasthan), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and now in Gautam Budh Nagar. The shift toward setting up laboratories in industrial areas is a deliberate strategy by drug mafias to avoid detection, as the movement of chemicals and machinery appears legitimate in such zones. The Mexican cartel's entry into India is particularly alarming as CJNG is notorious for its sophisticated operations, extreme violence, and global reach, controlling significant portions of the methamphetamine and fentanyl trade into the United States.

Key Concepts Explained:

• Methamphetamine (Meth): A highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It appears as a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the NDPS Act, 1985. Street names include "crystal meth," "ice," "speed," and "crank." Long-term use causes severe physical and psychological damage including dental problems ("meth mouth"), skin sores, weight loss, anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairment.
• Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG): A powerful Mexican drug trafficking organization formed around 2010, based in the state of Jalisco. It's considered one of Mexico's most dangerous cartels, known for its brutal tactics and rapid expansion. The cartel controls drug trafficking routes and is involved in producing and distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl across the Americas and increasingly into Asia and Europe.
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): India's apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency, established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for coordinating with state police forces and international agencies to combat drug trafficking. It has 46 zonal and sub-zonal offices across India.
• NDPS Act, 1985: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is India's primary legislation for controlling and regulating operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It provides stringent punishment for offenses, with some provisions allowing for the death penalty in cases involving large commercial quantities. The Act was last amended in 2014 to include provisions for mandatory death penalty in certain cases.
• Clandestine Laboratory: An illegal facility where controlled substances are manufactured. These labs are typically concealed in industrial areas, remote locations, or even residential areas. They pose significant risks including explosions, toxic fume release, and environmental contamination due to the volatile chemicals used in drug synthesis.
• Synthetic Drugs: Artificially manufactured drugs created through chemical synthesis, as opposed to naturally occurring drugs derived from plants. Examples include methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and synthetic cannabinoids. They're particularly concerning because they can be produced anywhere with the right chemicals and equipment, don't require large-scale cultivation, and can be easily modified to create new variants that temporarily evade legal restrictions.

Significance & Exam Relevance: This case has multi-dimensional significance for competitive exam preparation. From an internal security perspective (UPSC Mains GS-3), it highlights the evolving nature of organized crime in India and the nexus between international criminal syndicates and local criminals. The involvement of a Tihar Jail warden raises serious questions about institutional security and corruption in the prison system. From a foreign policy angle, it necessitates enhanced international cooperation in drug enforcement, particularly intelligence sharing with Mexican and American authorities. The case also connects to questions about India's NDPS Act framework, sentencing provisions, and the effectiveness of drug enforcement mechanisms. For Banking and SSC exams, static questions about NCB, its headquarters (New Delhi), and the NDPS Act are frequently asked. The topic is also relevant for essay questions on drug abuse, youth and drug addiction, transnational organized crime, and border security challenges. Additionally, this connects to the broader issue of pharmaceutical industry regulation in India, as precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing are often diverted from legitimate pharmaceutical production.

Stakeholders Involved:

• Law Enforcement Agencies: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) – Operations Unit; Delhi Police Special Cell; Uttar Pradesh Police
• Accused Persons: Delhi-based businessman (previously arrested by DRI in NDPS case); Tihar Jail warden; Mumbai-based chemist; CJNG operative (Mexican national) residing in Delhi; Fifth associate from Rajouri Garden area
• Judicial System: Special NDPS Court that remanded the accused to three-day police custody on October 27, 2024
• Other Agencies: Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) – had previously arrested the businessman; Ministry of Home Affairs – oversees NCB operations
• International Agencies: US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – likely to be involved in intelligence sharing; Mexican authorities – will be approached for information about CJNG operative
• Correctional Authorities: Tihar Jail administration – facing scrutiny over the involvement of one of their wardens

Impact & Implications:

• National Security Implications: The presence of Mexican cartel operatives in India indicates that international drug trafficking networks view India as a viable location for manufacturing operations. This is concerning because it suggests that India's precursor chemical controls, industrial area monitoring, and border security may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The involvement of a prison official raises questions about institutional corruption and the radicalization or criminalization of offenders while in custody.
• Economic Impact: The estimated street value of 95 kg of methamphetamine runs into hundreds of crores of rupees. Drug trafficking generates black money, which fuels other illegal activities including terror financing, money laundering, and corruption. It also diverts law enforcement resources and imposes healthcare costs for treating addiction.
• Social Impact: Methamphetamine is extremely addictive and has devastating effects on users and their families. The availability of domestically produced meth could increase accessibility and affordability, potentially leading to higher addiction rates, particularly among youth. Drug abuse is associated with increased crime rates, family breakdown, lost productivity, and mental health crises.
• Law Enforcement Response: This case demonstrates improved inter-agency coordination between NCB and state police forces. However, it also highlights the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, better monitoring of chemical supplies (many drug precursors have legitimate industrial uses), stricter screening of industrial facilities, and international law enforcement cooperation. The NCB is currently tracing forward and backward linkages, financial trails, and assets acquired through illegal drug trafficking.
• Policy Implications: This bust may necessitate policy interventions including: (1) Stricter monitoring of precursor chemicals and their end-use certification; (2) Enhanced security protocols in correctional facilities to prevent criminal networking; (3) Better coordination with international agencies like DEA and INTERPOL; (4) Increased surveillance of industrial areas in NCR; (5) Awareness campaigns about synthetic drugs and their dangers.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY

3. Israel Enacts Laws Banning UNRWA Operations

News Summary: On October 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) passed two controversial laws with overwhelming support (92-10 vote) that effectively ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating on Israeli soil and in territories under Israeli control. The first law prohibits UNRWA from conducting any activities within Israeli territory, including East Jerusalem. The second law bans Israeli authorities from having any contact with UNRWA officials or entities working on its behalf. The legislation came into effect 90 days after passage, on January 30, 2025. This unprecedented move has drawn sharp international criticism from the United Nations, European Union, various human rights organizations, and several countries, who warn that it will severely impact humanitarian operations serving approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.

Context & Background: UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302(IV) on December 8, 1949, to provide relief and assistance to approximately 700,000 Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (known to Palestinians as the Nakba or "catastrophe"). Initially intended as a temporary agency, UNRWA has continued operating for over 75 years as the Palestinian refugee situation remains unresolved. Today, it serves 5.9 million registered refugees across five fields of operation – Gaza Strip, West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. UNRWA employs approximately 30,000 staff members, the vast majority being Palestinian refugees themselves. It is the primary provider of education (operating 709 schools serving 543,000 students), healthcare (140 primary health centers providing 8.5 million patient visits annually), social services, and emergency assistance to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, with the United States historically being the largest donor (though it suspended funding in 2018 under the Trump administration and resumed in 2021 under Biden). Israel's tensions with UNRWA have deep historical roots. Israel argues that UNRWA perpetuates the refugee problem by maintaining a unique definition of refugee status that passes hereditarily (a Palestinian refugee's descendants are also considered refugees), thus expanding the refugee population from 700,000 in 1949 to 5.9 million today. Israel contends this perpetuates the Palestinian "right of return" claim, which it views as an existential threat. The immediate trigger for the current legislation was Israel's allegation in January 2024 that 12 UNRWA staff members participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israel. This led to multiple countries temporarily suspending funding to UNRWA. A subsequent UN inquiry led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna found no evidence substantiating Israeli claims about systemic involvement of UNRWA staff in terrorism, though Israel maintains broader allegations about UNRWA facilities being used by Hamas.

Key Concepts Explained:

• UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East): A UN agency established specifically to support Palestinian refugees. Unlike UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) which handles all other refugee situations globally, UNRWA has an exclusive mandate for Palestinian refugees in its five fields of operation. This separate structure reflects the unique political circumstances of the Palestinian refugee crisis.
• Palestinian Refugee Status: Under UNRWA's operational definition, a Palestine refugee is any person whose "normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." Uniquely, refugee status is passed to descendants through the patrilineal line. This is distinct from the standard UNHCR definition where refugee status typically isn't hereditary.
• Right of Return: A principle in international law that refugees have the right to return to their country or place of origin. For Palestinians, this refers to their claimed right to return to areas that are now within Israel. UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (1948) states that "refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date." Israel argues that implementing this for 5.9 million Palestinian refugees would fundamentally alter Israel's demographic character and threaten its existence as a Jewish state.
• 1946 Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations: An international treaty that grants UN agencies and their personnel certain legal protections and operational freedoms in member states. This includes immunity from legal process, inviolability of premises, and freedom of movement. Israel is a signatory to this convention, and its ban on UNRWA is seen by many as violating these commitments.
• Occupied Palestinian Territories: Refers to territories captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. The international community, including the UN and International Court of Justice, considers these territories to be under Israeli occupation, though Israel disputes this characterization. Under international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power has certain responsibilities toward the occupied population, including ensuring humanitarian assistance.
• October 7, 2023 Hamas Attacks: A series of coordinated attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken. This triggered the current Israel-Gaza war, which has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health authorities (as reported before the January 2025 ceasefire).

Significance & Exam Relevance: This development is extremely significant for UPSC and other competitive exams for multiple reasons. First, it represents an unprecedented challenge to the United Nations system – never before has a UN member state legislated to ban a UN agency from operating. This raises fundamental questions about state sovereignty versus international obligations, which is a core topic in International Relations (UPSC Mains GS-2). Second, it connects to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been a staple of UPSC prelims and mains questions for decades. Third, it involves the interpretation and application of international humanitarian law, UN conventions, and the role of international organizations. Fourth, it has implications for India's foreign policy, as India has historically supported Palestinian self-determination while also maintaining strong ties with Israel. For prelims, expect questions about UNRWA's establishment year (1949), its headquarters (Gaza City and Amman), the number of refugees it serves, and its operational areas. For mains, this can be asked in GS-2 (International Relations, Important International Institutions), GS-1 (Post-Second World War developments, Middle East conflicts), and even in Ethics (ethical dilemmas in conflict situations, humanitarian intervention). The International Court of Justice's involvement (after the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion in December 2024) also makes this relevant for questions on international judicial mechanisms.

Stakeholders Involved:

• Directly Affected: 5.9 million Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA; 30,000 UNRWA staff members (predominantly Palestinian refugees); 543,000 Palestinian students in UNRWA schools; Patients dependent on UNRWA health centers
• Israeli Government: Knesset (passed the legislation with 92-10 vote); Prime Minister's Office; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Strategic Affairs
• United Nations System: UNRWA (led by Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini); UN General Assembly (passed resolution requesting ICJ advisory opinion); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; UN Security Council
• International Court of Justice (ICJ): Requested by UNGA on December 19, 2024, to provide advisory opinion on Israel's obligations regarding UNRWA; 45 countries submitted written statements; Hearings scheduled for April 28, 2025
• International Community: European Union (expressed deep concern); Norway (increased funding to UNRWA by $24 million); Multiple countries that fund UNRWA; Amnesty International and other human rights organizations
• Regional Actors: Palestinian Authority; Hamas; Jordan (hosts 2.2 million Palestinian refugees); Lebanon (hosts 475,000); Syria (hosts 560,000)
• Other UN Agencies: World Food Programme; UNICEF; WHO (these agencies work alongside UNRWA in Palestinian territories)

Impact & Implications:

• Humanitarian Crisis: The immediate impact is on service delivery to Palestinian refugees. In Gaza, which was already facing a severe humanitarian catastrophe due to the war, UNRWA provides over 60% of humanitarian aid, including food assistance to 2 million people and shelter to over 1 million displaced persons. In the West Bank, UNRWA operates schools serving over 45,000 students and clinics providing 17,000 medical consultations daily. The closure of UNRWA's East Jerusalem headquarters and six schools ordered by Israeli authorities in April 2025 (after the ban took effect) demonstrates the tangible impact on education services. Without UNRWA, there is no clear alternative provider with the infrastructure, local knowledge, and capacity to deliver services at this scale.
• Legal and International Law Implications: The ban is widely viewed as violating the 1946 UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities, to which Israel is a party. The International Court of Justice will likely address this in its advisory opinion. More broadly, this sets a concerning precedent – if member states can unilaterally ban UN agencies, it undermines the entire multilateral system. UN officials warn this could become a "new normal" that threatens UN operations worldwide.
• Israel-Palestine Peace Process: By targeting UNRWA, Israel is seen as attempting to unilaterally remove a key symbol of the Palestinian refugee issue, which is one of the "final status" issues in peace negotiations (along with Jerusalem, borders, settlements, and security). Palestinians view this as an attempt to eliminate the right of return without negotiations, effectively prejudging the outcome of peace talks. This makes any future peace agreement even more difficult to achieve.
• Regional Stability: The ban increases tensions with Jordan and Egypt, both of which have peace treaties with Israel but also host large Palestinian refugee populations. Jordan, in particular, where Palestinians constitute the majority of the population, views UNRWA as essential for stability. Destabilizing UNRWA could lead to increased regional instability.
• US-Israel Relations: The ban came during the transition between US administrations. While the Biden administration expressed concern, the Trump administration (which took office January 20, 2025) has historically been critical of UNRWA and supportive of Israeli positions. The US and Israel are reportedly working on "alternative" arrangements, though details remain unclear and critics argue no alternative can match UNRWA's capacity and legitimacy.
• Implications for India: India has historically supported Palestinian self-determination (recognizing Palestine as a state in 1988) while also developing strong strategic and defense ties with Israel since the 1990s. India will need to carefully balance these relationships in international forums like the UN General Assembly and Security Council. India is also a contributor to UNRWA (though not among top donors), so this raises questions about future funding and diplomatic positioning.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

7. New Guidelines Promote Ayurveda and Curb Antibiotic Use in Veterinary Treatment

News Summary: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has issued new guidelines on October 29, 2024, to promote the use of Ayurvedic and herbal medicines in veterinary treatment while simultaneously reducing reliance on antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs. These guidelines align with India's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) and the global "One Health" approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. The guidelines encourage veterinarians and livestock farmers to use Ayurvedic preparations, ethnoveterinary medicine (traditional veterinary practices), and herbal alternatives for treating common animal ailments, particularly in cases where antibiotics are overused such as minor infections, digestive disorders, and stress-related conditions. The initiative is part of broader efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a growing global health threat where bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms develop resistance to drugs, making infections harder to treat. India is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics in animal husbandry, particularly in poultry and dairy sectors, contributing to AMR development.

Context & Background: Antimicrobial resistance is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats. It is estimated that by 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually worldwide if current trends continue, surpassing deaths from cancer. The agricultural sector, particularly livestock farming, is a significant contributor to AMR through: (1) Overuse and misuse of antibiotics for disease prevention rather than treatment; (2) Use of antibiotics as growth promoters (banned in many countries including India since 2019, but enforcement remains weak); (3) Environmental contamination through antibiotic residues in manure and wastewater. India, as the world's largest milk producer (230 million tonnes annually), second-largest aquaculture producer, and among the top poultry producers, has extensive antibiotic use in animal husbandry. Studies have found antibiotic residues in milk, chicken, and fish samples across India, posing food safety concerns and contributing to AMR in human populations through the food chain. India launched its National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) in 2017, which includes objectives like improving surveillance, strengthening laboratory capacity, promoting infection prevention, and optimizing antimicrobial use across human and animal health sectors. The "One Health" approach, endorsed by WHO, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), and OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), recognizes that 60% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, and addressing health threats requires coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The promotion of Ayurveda in veterinary care has historical precedent – ancient texts like Shalihotra Samhita and Palakapya contain extensive descriptions of animal treatment using herbs. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under Ministry of AYUSH has been researching Ayurvedic veterinary applications. Several Indian states have already initiated ethnoveterinary programs showing promising results in treating mastitis in cattle, worm infestations, and improving general animal health.

Key Concepts Explained:

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to resist the effects of drugs that once effectively treated infections. AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve through mutations or acquire resistance genes from other organisms. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and extremely drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis are examples. AMR makes infections harder, sometimes impossible, to treat, increasing medical costs, disease spread, and mortality.
• One Health Approach: An integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that human health, domestic and wild animal health, plant health, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. The approach is particularly relevant for zoonotic diseases (COVID-19, avian influenza, Nipah virus), food safety, and antimicrobial resistance. In India, One Health is operationalized through inter-ministerial coordination between Health, Animal Husbandry, and Environment ministries.
• National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2017): India's strategic framework to combat AMR across human and animal health sectors. It has six strategic priorities: (1) Improve awareness and understanding of AMR; (2) Strengthen surveillance and research; (3) Reduce incidence of infection; (4) Optimize antimicrobial use; (5) Promote investments for AMR activities; (6) Strengthen India's global leadership. The plan is aligned with WHO's Global Action Plan on AMR adopted in 2015.
• Ethnoveterinary Medicine: Traditional knowledge, skills, methods, practices, and beliefs about animal healthcare that have been passed down through generations in communities. This includes use of local medicinal plants, minerals, and animal-based products. Examples include using neem leaves for deworming, turmeric for wound healing, and various local herbs for digestive problems in cattle. India's rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems make ethnoveterinary practices particularly relevant.
• Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine: Application of Ayurvedic principles and herbal formulations to animal healthcare. Ancient Sanskrit texts document detailed veterinary knowledge including diagnostics, surgical procedures, and herbal treatments for various animal species. Modern Ayurvedic veterinary medicine combines this traditional knowledge with contemporary veterinary science.
• Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs): Sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics added to animal feed to promote faster growth and improve feed efficiency. India banned AGPs in 2019 following global concerns that low-dose antibiotic exposure accelerates AMR development. However, enforcement remains challenging, and some farmers continue using antibiotics inappropriately.
• Prudent Use of Antibiotics: The concept of using antibiotics only when necessary, in correct doses, for appropriate duration, and for correct indications (bacterial infections only, not viral). Includes avoiding use for prophylaxis (prevention) when not medically justified, and never using antibiotics critical for human medicine in animals.

Significance & Exam Relevance: This topic connects multiple dimensions relevant for competitive exams. For UPSC Mains GS-3, it relates to science and technology (biotechnology, medical research), agriculture (livestock management), and environmental conservation (reducing environmental contamination from antibiotics). For GS-2, it connects to health policies, governance, and international