GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The Indian government has confirmed the recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army to serve in support roles within the Ukrainian border, sparking concerns about the safety and welfare of these individuals.

Government Confirmation and Response:

• Acknowledgement: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army for support jobs, such as military helpers and loaders, within the Ukrainian border.
• Government’s stand: The government actively discourages Indians from participating in such activities and has pressed Russia for the early discharge of these individuals, following reports of their involvement in the conflict.
• Concerns regarding safety: Despite efforts to address the situation, including embassy intervention and denials of accusations regarding responsiveness, concerns persist regarding the safety and well-being of Indian nationals recruited for support roles in conflict zones.

Challenges and Investigations:

• Luring: Evidence suggests that Indians have been lured into joining the conflict through online advertisements and unscrupulous recruiters, highlighting the need for greater awareness drives and investigations into recruitment networks.
• Required government interventions: The government must review its procedures for countries in conflict, updating emigration check requirements and providing better advice and protection to Indian workers seeking employment abroad.
• Cooperation: Regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring countries facing similar issues, may aid in thwarting networks that exploit individuals seeking employment opportunities in unsafe environments.
• Economic Distress and Support Structures:

Economic distress: The recruitment of Indian nationals for support roles in conflict zones reflects deep economic distress and job shortages in India, prompting individuals to seek employment opportunities abroad despite the risks.

• Strict protocols: While addressing entrenched economic issues may take time, the government must demonstrate empathy and implement comprehensive protocols and support structures for emigrants, particularly those in perilous situations.
• Holistic approach: Additionally, the government's approval of recruitment drives to other conflict zones, such as Israel, underscores the need for a more holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by Indian workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.

Context:

• The tragic death of 19-year-old child actress Suhani Bhatnagar from dermatomyositis sheds light on Rare Disease Day, highlighting the plight of millions who suffer from neglected and stigmatised rare medical conditions.

Neglect of Rare Diseases in India:

• How big is the problem? India accounts for one-third of global rare disease cases, with over 450 identified diseases affecting approximately 8 to 10 crore Indians, predominantly children.
• Challenges: Despite the significant burden, rare diseases are largely overlooked in India, with challenges in awareness, diagnosis, and drug development.
• Absence of definition: The absence of a standard definition for rare diseases and policy inconsistencies hinder effective management and treatment, exacerbating the suffering of patients and their families.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Lack of awareness: Timely diagnosis of rare diseases is often delayed, taking an average of seven years, due to lack of awareness among healthcare professionals.
• Lack of treatment: Less than 50% of identified rare diseases in India are treatable, with limited availability of approved therapies and uneven distribution of treatment centers.
• Lack of funding: Inadequate budgetary allocation and funding constraints further impede access to treatment, with financial assistance falling short of addressing the lifelong management needs of patients.

Urgent Need for Government Action:

• Proper definition: The government must establish a standard definition of rare diseases, increase budgetary allocations, and enhance funding for drug development and therapy.
• Effective treatment and collaboration: Expansion of treatment centers, improved fund utilization, and collaboration with public and private sectors are crucial to address the challenges.
• Other measures: Additionally, measures such as incentivising domestic drug manufacturing, reducing clinical trial requirements, and exempting life-saving drugs from GST are essential to ensure affordability and accessibility for rare disease patients.

Context:

The importance of early childhood care and education (ECCE) is gaining recognition in India, with recent initiatives and budget allocations aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of ECCE services.

Underinvestment in Early Childhood Education:

• Lack of investigation: Despite its critical role in human development, early childhood education has historically been under-invested and trivialized, often viewed as insignificant or limited to household responsibilities.
• Neglect: The focus on ECCE has been overshadowed by efforts targeting primary and secondary education, leading to neglect of the foundational years crucial for a child's overall development.
• Government intervention: However, recent government initiatives, such as NIPUN Bharat and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, signal a shift towards prioritizing ECCE and addressing the need for quality early childhood education.

Government Initiatives and Budget Allocations:

• Enhancing ECCE services: The government has committed to enhancing ECCE services through initiatives like Saksham Anganwadis and Ayushman Bharat services for Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and helpers.
• Financial interventions: Budget allocations for teaching-learning materials have increased significantly, demonstrating a commitment to improving infrastructure and resources in Anganwadi centers.
• Need of greater investment: While the budget for ECCE has seen growth, there is still a need for greater investment to address the developmental needs of young children and bridge existing gaps in access and quality.

Importance of Research and Long-Term Impact:

• Positive impact of ECCE: Research highlights the positive impact of ECCE on cognitive and motor skills development, educational attainment, and socio-emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy formulation.
• More studies: Longitudinal studies are essential to understand the macroeconomic implications of investing in ECCE, including its potential contribution to GDP growth, public health, and social stability.
• Sustained investment: To achieve India's development goals and ensure the well-being of future generations, sustained investment in ECCE is imperative, as it lays the foundation for a productive and inclusive society.