Managing microplastic pollution in India

Microplastic pollution – a significant environmental problem, has not attracted much attention in India.

Microplastics:

These are tiny plastic particles (less than 5 mm long) that result from both commercial product development (microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibres from clothing, etc) and the breakdown of larger plastics.

They are found everywhere, from terrestrial ecosystems to freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, seas and oceans, even in Antarctica.

Threats posed by microplastics:

Microplastics are not only toxic for the ecosystems but also act as vectors to transport other toxic chemicals in the aquatic ecosystems.

As a pollutant, microplastics are a significant environmental problem and pose risks to marine life, terrestrial organisms and human health.

As a result, many scientists are using a new historical epoch – Plasticene, due to the global distribution and abundance of microplastics.

Factors contributing to microplastic pollution in India:

Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth have led to increased plastic consumption and waste generation.

Inadequate waste management systems, including limited recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices. For example,

Municipal areas in India generate 133,760 metric tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste (MSW).

Of which only 91,152 TPD waste is collected and 25,884 TPD treated.

Of which only 9,250 TPD plastic waste is recycled.

The vast coastline and numerous rivers make it susceptible to the transport of microplastics from inland areas to the marine environment.

Challenges India is facing:

Most populous country in the world with a population of 1.42 billion → Demand for water is rising.

Access to water plays a critical role in all 17 SDGs either directly or indirectly.

Misuse, poor management and contamination of freshwater systems have amplified the water stress.

Thus, achieving SDGs by 2030 is a mammoth task amid microplastic pollution.

Some SDGs that have direct and intricate relations with water:

SDG 2: Zero hunger

SDG 3: Good health and well-being

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

SDG 14: Life below water

SDG 15: Life on land

Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP)

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP).

About the Manual for DMP:

Developed by: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, based on the Advisory issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), under the Disaster Management Act 2005.

Objective:

To ensure safety, uninterrupted supply and minimum loss of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assets and services involving stakeholders at the national, state, district, and village levels.

Enhance WASH resilience to reduce disaster vulnerability.

Establish a robust environment, fund and coordination mechanism to achieve the desired goals.

Develop a plan which caters to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, reconstruction, and mitigation.

The plan includes Gender-based vulnerabilities, and issues concerning SC/ST, elderly, children and people with disabilities.

The Plan aligns with The two-flagship programmes on WASH implemented by the Department namely the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G).

In case of disaster, 3 kinds of assessment need to be conducted:

Before the disaster: A Hazard-Vulnerability-Capacity mapping to guide the preparedness activities most needed,

During Response: A Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) which can be completed in a day and point out the immediate needs of the affected population,

During Recovery and Reconstruction: A detailed Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which –

Highlights the long-term needs of the community andHelps the administration “build back better” and “update” to mitigate against future disasters.

Other Indian efforts towards reducing the risk of disasters:

G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group: India has established the first G20 Working Group on DRR to elevate DRR as a priority for G20 through its presidency.

Expanding disaster early warning: During Cyclone Biparjoy, effective systems for end-to-end early warning and action helped achieve zero deaths from the event in India.

UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative: India is working to realise the goal of the initiative, which seeks to create universal coverage for everyone by the end of 2027.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CRDI): India launched CRDI with the UN in 2019, to spur policy development and capacity support for disaster resilient infrastructure, especially in developing countries.

Best practices – Disaster response in Odisha:

Sneha Abhiyaan: Under this, self-help groups (SHGs) in the village are entrusted with managing cyclone shelters, including the distribution of cooked food.

Mamta Gruhas: These safe spaces provide comprehensive care for women, children and other vulnerable sections of society.

Training and capacity building of frontline workers (ASHAs, SHGs): SDRF provides training in first aid, shelter management, rescue operations, government regulations concerning trafficking and compensation norms.

Way ahead:

To build resilience within affected communities, it is essential to focus on long-term rehabilitation.

The leadership of women collectives plays a vital role in this process.

BBC Presenter Scandal: A case study

The BBC is currently embroiled in a scandal involving its star news presenter, Huw Edwards, who is accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photos since 2020.

The BBC suspended Edwards after the allegations emerged and has been investigating the matter. The London Metropolitan Police concluded their assessment and found no indication of a criminal offence

 The scandal has sparked scrutiny of the BBC’s handling of complaints and has led to calls for accountability from the top management.

Ethical issues involved in the case are:

Consent and Exploitation: The alleged exchange of sexually explicit photos with a teenager raises serious ethical concerns regarding consent.

Privacy and Confidentiality: The scandal involves the breach of privacy of individuals, including the accused presenter and the teenager.

Handling of Complaints: The BBC’s handling of the initial complaint against the presenter in May raises ethical concerns.

Abuse of Influence: As a high-profile news presenter, the accused presenter holds a position of influence and power. Any abuse of that power, especially for personal gain, raises ethical questions about the responsibility that comes with such a position.

Transparency and Accountability: Ethical concerns arise regarding the transparency of the BBC’s investigation process and its accountability in addressing the allegations promptly and effectively.

Impact on Reputation: The scandal could have significant repercussions on the reputation of the accused presenter, the BBC, and other individuals mentioned in the media coverage.

Protection of Minors: The involvement of a teenager in the alleged exchange of explicit photos raises concerns about the protection of minors and the potential harm they may face from such incidents.

Addressing these ethical issues requires several steps:

Thorough Investigation: The BBC must continue its investigation into the allegations, considering all available evidence, and cooperating with relevant authorities.

Support for Victims: The teenager involved should be provided with necessary support and counselling to cope with the potential harm caused by the incident.

Accountability and Transparency: The BBC should demonstrate transparency in its investigative process and be accountable for any mistakes in handling complaints.

Ethical Training: Regular ethics training for all employees, especially those in positions of influence, can help prevent similar incidents and promote responsible behaviour.

Restorative Justice: If the allegations are proven, restorative justice measures may be considered to address the harm caused to the victim and foster a sense of accountability.

Rebuilding Trust: The BBC must take steps to rebuild trust with its audience by demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards and values.

Strengthening Policies: Reviewing and improving internal policies related to handling complaints, privacy protection, and the responsible use of influence can help prevent similar scandals in the future.

WHO new guidelines for HIV

The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidance for HIV at the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science.

Key points of the guideline:

It emphasizes the critical role of HIV viral suppression and undetectable virus levels in enhancing individual health and preventing transmission of the virus.

Countries integrate Mpox (monkeypox) detection, prevention and care with existing and innovative HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention and control programmes.

People living with HIV who achieve an undetectable level of the virus through consistent use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not transmit HIV to their sexual partner(s) and are at low risk of vertically transmitting HIV to their children.

Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)

India is taking its first step towards introducing Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), a research model used in other countries for vaccine and treatment development.

What is CHIS?

It is a research model used to intentionally expose healthy volunteers to pathogens in a controlled environment to study diseases and develop vaccines and treatments for diseases like malaria, typhoid, and dengue. The goal is to gain insights into disease pathogenesis and find efficient and cost-effective ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases.

The issues with CHIS (Controlled Human Infection Studies) include:

Ethical Sensitivity: CHIS involves intentionally exposing healthy volunteers to pathogens, raising concerns about deliberate harm and protecting participants’ rights.

Disproportionate Payment: Concerns about inducements and potential financial incentives for volunteers to participate in risky studies.

Third-Party Risk: The risk of transmission of the pathogen to individuals outside the study, leading to potential community spread.

Research with Vulnerable Participants: Ensuring that vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women or children, are not exposed to undue risks during CHIS.

Technical and Clinical Challenges: Ensuring proper scientific procedures and safety protocols are followed in the controlled environment.

Legal Contentions: Addressing potential legal issues related to participant consent and liability.

Socio-Cultural Context: Considering unique socio-cultural factors that may impact the acceptability and feasibility of CHIS in different communities.

The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Bioethics Unit has introduced a consensus policy statement, open for public comment, to address the ethical concerns associated with CHIS. The aim is to conduct research in India while protecting human participants and ensuring ethical principles are upheld.