Content:

1. Nano-plastics identified as emerging agents in spread of antibiotic resistance
2. 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

1. Uttar Pradesh: 8.37 crore.
2. Bihar: 2.96 crore.
3. West Bengal: 2.64 crore.
4. Madhya Pradesh: 1.84 crore.
5. 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.