Content:
- Nano-plastics identified as emerging agents in spread of antibiotic resistance
- E-Shram Portal: World’s Largest Database of Unorganised Workers
Nano-Plastics Identified As Emerging Agents In Spread of Antibiotic Resistance
Nanoplastics and Antibiotic Resistance (AR):
- Nanoplastics derived from Single-Use Plastic Bottles (SUPBs) contribute to the spread of AR genes.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment )
- Study highlights a critical yet underrecognized public health risk due to the dual threats of plastic pollution and AR.
Study Overview:
- Conducted by Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Investigated the impact of Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottle-Derived Nanoplastics (PBNPs) on bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus, a key component of the gut microbiome.
Nanoplastics’ Role in AR Spread:
- Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT): PBNPs facilitate AR gene transfer between bacteria, especially from E. coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus via Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) secretion.
- Two mechanisms identified:Direct Transformation Pathway: PBNPs physically carry AR plasmids across bacterial membranes.
- OMV-Induced Transfer Pathway:PBNPs induce oxidative stress and surface damage in bacteria.Trigger stress response genes, increasing OMV secretion, which carries AR genes.
Implications of Findings:
Impact on Gut Microbiota:
- Nanoplastics may turn beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus into carriers of AR genes.
- Such bacteria could transfer AR genes to pathogens during infections.
- Highlights an overlooked threat to gut health and the human microbiome.
Public Health Risks:
- Spread of AR genes could worsen the antibiotic resistance crisis.
- Maintaining microbiome integrity is crucial for immune function, digestion, and disease prevention.
Recommendations:
Policy and Guidelines:
- Develop and enforce stricter guidelines for plastic usage and waste management.
- Implement awareness programs to highlight the dangers of nanoplastic pollution.
Plastic Management:
- Prioritize reduction in SUPBs and promote alternatives.
- Advocate for proper disposal and recycling methods to reduce environmental release of nanoplastics.
Research and Awareness:
- Encourage further studies on the long-term effects of nanoplastics on microbial ecosystems.
- Spread awareness about nanoplastics’ potential role in facilitating AR.
E-Shram Portal: World’s Largest Database of Unorganised Workers
Introduction
- E-Shram Portal: A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched on 26th August 2021.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
- Purpose: To create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) for effective policy implementation and targeted welfare delivery.
- Registration: Free of cost; available on www.eshram.gov.in, CSCs, and State Seva Kendras (SSKs).
- Budget Allocation: ₹704.01 crores (FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25).
- Achievements: By December 19, 2024, over 30.48 crore registrations on the portal.
Objectives
- Establish a centralized database of unorganized workers.
- Improve access to social security schemes.
- Facilitate job matching and skill development.
- Promote financial inclusion and direct benefit transfers (DBTs).
- Strengthen labor market resilience and integrate unorganized workers into the formal economy.
Key Features
- Universal Account Number (UAN): Aadhaar-linked UAN for seamless benefit access.
- Streamlined Registration: Minimal documentation (Aadhaar, mobile number, bank details).
- Multilingual Support: Portal accessible in multiple languages.
- Grievance Redressal: Dedicated helpline for query resolution.
- Employment & Skill Integration: Access to jobs, skill development, and pension schemes.
- Support for Migrant Workers: Captures family details for welfare benefits.
- Data Sharing Portal (DSP): Secure sharing of beneficiary data with States/UTs for targeted welfare delivery.
- BOCW Welfare Boards: Data of construction workers shared with respective boards for access to relevant schemes.
Eligibility
- Age: 16-59 years.
- Sector: Unorganised workers (self-employed, daily wage labourers, gig workers).
- Requirements: Aadhaar card, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and bank account.
- Exclusion: Members of EPFO or ESIC.
Key Developments
Integration with Gati Shakti Portal:
- Links E-Shram with infrastructure projects for job opportunities.
International Accolades:
- Geneva (112th ILC): Showcased as a best practice in labor market management.
- G20 Employment Working Group (EWG): Presented as the world’s largest database of unorganized workers.
Integration with Central Schemes:
- Includes PM-SBY, PMJJBY, Ayushman Bharat, PM-SVANidhi, PMAY, MGNREGA, etc.
Integrated Portals:
- National Career Service (NCS): Job matching.
- Skill India Digital: Skill enhancement and apprenticeships.
- PM-SYM: Pension scheme for unorganized workers.
- myScheme Portal: One-stop government scheme discovery.
One-Stop Solution:
- Launched on 21st October 2024, integrating multiple welfare schemes into E-Shram for seamless benefit access.
UMANG Mobile App Integration:
- Enables on-the-go registrations; 19,049 registrations via UMANG by December 19, 2024.
Top 5 States by Registrations
- Uttar Pradesh: 8.37 crore.
- Bihar: 2.96 crore.
- West Bengal: 2.64 crore.
- Madhya Pradesh: 1.84 crore.
- Maharashtra: 1.73 crore.
Significance
- Average Daily Registrations: 60,000 (October 2024).
- Impact: Addresses gaps in the labor market, empowers the unorganized workforce, and promotes equitable economic growth.
