In News:

In a significant move for global security, the Foreign Ministers of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) grouping issued a strong declaration against terrorism during the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. This declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed the collective responsibility of the international community to eliminate terrorist safe havens worldwide.

Key Points from the IBSA Declaration:

• Universal Threat: The ministers stressed that terrorism is a threat that transcends borders, cultures, and governments.
• Rule of Law: They emphasized that counter-terrorism efforts must adhere to international law, particularly the UN Charter and human rights laws, ensuring civil liberties are respected.
• International Framework: A call was made for establishing a comprehensive international counter-terrorism framework, with the United Nations at its core, to coordinate global efforts against terrorism.
• Cross-Border Security: The declaration highlighted the need for stringent actions against the movement of terrorists and the financing of terrorist networks, condemning groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
• Comprehensive Convention: A renewed commitment to accelerate the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN was emphasized, aiming to create a unified legal framework for combating terrorism.

In News:

World leaders have officially adopted the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the UN High-Level Meeting, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global action to combat AMR, which claims 1.27 million lives annually. This declaration recognizes drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) as a critical component of the global AMR response, marking a significant moment in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Key Highlights of the Declaration

• DR-TB Priority: The declaration emphasizes the severe burden that DR-TB imposes on health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the potential reversal of progress made against tuberculosis and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Global Death Reduction Target: A target to reduce global deaths associated with AMR by 10% by 2030 and a funding goal of USD 100 million to help at least 60% of countries establish funded AMR plans by 2025.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Recognition of the socioeconomic challenges faced by those affected by AMR, affirming the need for integrated, person-centered healthcare, including support to reduce stigma.
• Independent Panel for Action: Agreement to establish an independent panel to provide evidence for actions against AMR by 2025.

Commitment to Action

The Stop TB Partnership applauds this commitment and urges UN Member States to provide necessary funding for implementing the declaration's commitments. The partnership aims to work closely with governments and civil society to translate these commitments into concrete actions.

Challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR poses a significant threat, particularly in LMICs, where it exacerbates existing healthcare challenges:

• Increased Infections: Medical facilities often become hotspots for treatment-resistant infections, making routine procedures riskier. In LMICs, about 11% of surgical patients experience infections.
• Lack of Resources: Access to clean water, proper diagnostics, and antimicrobial medicines is often limited, increasing vulnerability to drug-resistant infections.
• Impact of Conflicts: AMR complicates treatment in conflict zones, where drug-resistant infections spread rapidly among displaced populations, further emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions.

Economic Implications of AMR

The economic case for addressing AMR is compelling:

• Without a stronger response, AMR could lead to an additional $412 billion in healthcare expenditures annually over the next decade, along with $443 billion in losses due to workforce participation and productivity declines.
• Implementing critical AMR interventions is considered a “best buy,” with a potential return of $7 to $13 for every dollar invested.

In News:

Over 67 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created in the past three years under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The digital healthcare mission marked its three-year anniversary.

Key Highlights:

• Launch Date: September 27, 2021.
• Vision: Establish a robust digital health infrastructure to enhance healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
• Duration: A transformative three-year journey aimed at revolutionizing India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.

Objectives and Background

• Alignment with National Health Policy: The mission stems from the National Health Policy (2017), emphasizing accessibility and the integration of digital technologies.
• Building Blocks:
  • National Health Stack (2018) introduced unique health identifiers and verified registries.
  • National Digital Health Blueprint (2019) provided guidance for implementing ABDM.

Key Features of ABDM

• Unique Health Identifier (ABHA ID): Assigns a unique ID to every individual for managing health records.
• Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): Comprehensive database of healthcare professionals across all systems of medicine.
• Health Facility Registries (HFR): Repository of public and private health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
• Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM): Allows secure access and sharing of health records based on informed consent.
• Unified Health Interface (UHI): Facilitates the discovery and delivery of health services.
• National Health Claims Exchange (HCX): Standardizes the insurance payment process for quicker claims.
• Data Privacy and Security: Ensures confidentiality and security of health-related information in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Interoperability: Enables seamless data exchange among stakeholders, supported by key gateways (HIE-CM, NHCX, UHI).
• Transparency: Offers individuals access to both public and private health services, ensuring transparent pricing and accountability.

Key Initiatives

• Scan and Share: QR-code based OPD registration reduces wait times and improves data accuracy.
• Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS): Financial incentives to encourage participation in the ABDM ecosystem, launched on January 1, 2023.
• Microsites for Private Sector Adoption: Operationalized 106 microsites to facilitate ABDM adoption among private providers.
• End-to-End ABDM Adoption Pilot: Aimed at digitizing healthcare facilities across India, with 131 selected for participation.

Achievements

• Health Accounts Creation: Over 67 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) established, linking 42 crore health records.
• Ecosystem Participation: Involvement of 236 private entities and leading public institutions, enhancing interoperability.
• Healthcare Facility Registration: 3.3 lakh health facilities and 4.7 lakh healthcare professionals registered.

Moving Towards Transformation

• Collaborations: Partnerships with IIT Kanpur and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences to drive digital health education and public goods development.
• Training Initiatives: Introduction of a WhatsApp Chatbot for stakeholder training on digital health practices.
• Digital Health Standards: Launched by the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals to promote digital health technology adoption.
• Integration of eSwasthya Dham Portal: Extends ABDM benefits to Char Dham Yatris.

Vision for the Future

ABDM aims to create a seamless digital health ecosystem, ensuring every Indian citizen has access to their health records through a unique ABHA ID. The initiative includes:

• Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS): Aids healthcare professionals in improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

In News:

India and Uzbekistan signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) aimed at boosting the confidence of investors of both the countries.

Key Highlights:

• Investor Protections:
  • Assured Protection: The BIT guarantees protection for investors from both countries, aligning with international standards.
  • Minimum Standards: It establishes a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination for investors.
  • Dispute Resolution: An independent arbitration forum will be available for dispute settlement.
• Investment Safeguards:
  • Protection from Expropriation: The treaty safeguards investments from unjust expropriation.
  • Transparency and Compensation: Provisions are included for transparency and compensation for losses incurred.
• Regulatory Balance: While protecting investors, the treaty maintains a balance with the state's right to regulate, ensuring adequate policy space for both countries.

Economic Context

• Shared Commitment: The BIT reflects the commitment of both nations to foster economic ties and create a resilient investment environment.
• Expected Outcomes: It is anticipated that the treaty will facilitate increased bilateral investments, benefiting businesses and economies in India and Uzbekistan.
• Current Investment Landscape: As of August 2024, Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) from India to Uzbekistan stands at $20 million, with Indian investments notable in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, amusement parks, automobile components, and hospitality.

India and Bilateral Investment Treaties

BITs are reciprocal agreements between two countries designed to promote and protect foreign private investments within each other's territories.

• Key Guarantees Established:
  • National Treatment: Foreign investors are treated on par with domestic companies.
  • Fair and Equitable Treatment: Investors receive treatment aligned with international law.
  • Protection from Expropriation: Limits the ability of a country to seize foreign investments without appropriate compensation.
• Status of BITs in India
  • Historical Context:
    • Until 2015, India had signed BITs with 83 countries, with 74 currently in force. These agreements were based on the Indian Model BIT established in 1993.
  • Revisions and Current Approach: In 2015, India revised its Model BIT text. Since then, India has:
    • Signed new BITs/Investment Agreements with four countries.
    • Entered negotiations with 37 countries/blocks for new agreements.
    • Terminated older BITs with 77 countries, with only six remaining in force.
• Key Features of the Revised Model BIT
  • Investor Protection:
    • Provides robust protection for foreign investors in India and Indian investors abroad.
    • Balances investor rights with government obligations.
  • Investor Confidence:
    • Enhances investor confidence by ensuring non-discriminatory treatment and a level playing field.
    • Establishes an independent arbitration forum for dispute resolution.
  • Investment Definition:
    • Adopts an "enterprise"-based definition of investment to encompass various forms of investment.
  • Dispute Settlement Provisions:
    • Refined Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions require investors to exhaust local remedies before seeking international arbitration.
    • Limits arbitration tribunals to awarding monetary compensation only.
  • Regulatory Authority Preservation:
    • Excludes government procurement, taxation, subsidies, compulsory licenses, and national security from BIT coverage, ensuring the government retains regulatory authority.
• Strategic Impact
  • Preferred FDI Destination: The revised BIT aims to position India as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Protection of Outbound FDI: It also focuses on safeguarding outbound investments made by Indian entities.

In News:

• India has moved up to 39th place among 133 economies in the GII 2024, showcasing significant progress from its 81st position in 2015.

Key Details:

• Regional Leadership: India ranks first among the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia, highlighting its emerging leadership in innovation within the region.
• Lower-Middle-Income Economies: India is also the top-ranked lower-middle-income economy in the GII.
• WIPO Science & Technology Ranking: India holds the 4th position in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Science & Technology Cluster Ranking, indicating robust innovation capabilities.
• Top Science & Technology Clusters: Major Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai—are recognized among the world’s Top 100 S&T clusters, emphasizing urban centers' roles in fostering innovation.
• Intangible Asset Intensity: India ranks 7th globally in intangible asset intensity, reflecting a strong focus on knowledge-based assets and intellectual property.

Context and Significance of GII

• Purpose of GII: The GII evaluates innovation ecosystems of 133 economies, providing insights into trends that drive economic and social change through innovation.
• Global Leaders: The top five most innovative economies according to the GII 2024 are Switzerland, Sweden, the US, Singapore, and the UK.
• Fastest Climbers: India is among the fastest climbers in the GII over the past decade, alongside China, Turkey, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Overview of WIPO

• Foundation and Mission: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), established in 1974 and part of the UN since then, aims to support global innovators and creators, ensuring the safe journey of their ideas to market.
• Membership: WIPO comprises 193 member states, including a diverse range of developing and developed countries, facilitating a broad exchange of intellectual property knowledge.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.