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1. An expert group from NITI Aayog has proposed a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) to address various health crises. PHEMA aims to establish health cadres at national and state levels and empower public health agencies for urgent action against epidemics, non-communicable diseases, disasters, and bio-terrorism. Key recommendations include forming an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for coordinating responses, implementing a scorecard mechanism for tracking progress, creating a Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response Fund for critical activities, harmonizing Indian regulations with global standards, and developing a clinical trial network to boost international research participation.
2. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed annually on September 10 to highlight that suicide is preventable and to foster open discussions about mental health. With over 700,000 deaths globally each year, and suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, this day aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and stress that prevention is achievable. The 2024-2026 theme, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," promotes open dialogue and understanding. Launched in Stockholm on September 10, 2003, by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), WSPD also aligns with key government initiatives in India, including the Mental Healthcare Act (2017), the KIRAN Helpline, the Manodarpan Initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2022.
3. Following the severe landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district in July 2024, there's debate on whether subnational entities can access the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) established under the UNFCCC. The LDF, created at COP27 in 2022 and operationalized at COP28, aims to support regions impacted by climate change through extreme weather and slow-onset processes. Governance involves a Governing Board and the World Bank as interim trustee, with mechanisms for direct access, small grants, and rapid disbursement. Concerns include potential delays in fund access for local communities. India, having suffered over USD 56 billion in climate-related damages since 2019, is developing climate finance strategies and funds like the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) and the National Clean Energy Fund to address adaptation and mitigation needs.
4. The Global Bio India 2024 conference in New Delhi highlighted India’s burgeoning bio-economy, with the launch of the India Bio Economy Report (IBER) 2024 and the introduction of 30 innovative biotech startups. Organized by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the event showcased collaboration among various stakeholders. The newly approved BioE3 policy, focusing on biomanufacturing, bio foundries, and Bio-AI hubs, was a key topic. According to IBER 2024, India's bio-economy surged from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 151 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030. Key initiatives include the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2020-25 and the Biotech-KISAN Scheme.
5. An expert group by NITI Aayog has proposed a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) to enhance India's response to public health crises. PHEMA aims to establish health cadres at national and state levels and empower agencies to act swiftly. Key recommendations include forming an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) for coordinating pandemic preparedness, implementing a Scorecard Mechanism to track progress, and creating a Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response Fund for critical activities. The act also suggests aligning Indian regulatory standards with global norms and developing a Clinical Trial Network to improve access to international research and practices.