Current Affairs 06 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Debate Over Proposed Changes to India’s Disaster Management Framework
2. National Nutrition Week 2024
3. Advancement in Virus Research: Mapping of Chandipura Vesiculovirus Genome
4. Central Industrial Security Force
5. Arnoux’s Beaked Whale
6. New Symbolism for India’s Judiciary: President Unveils Supreme Court Flag

 Debate Over Proposed Changes to India’s Disaster Management Framework

Context:

The central government has recently introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This bill seeks to revise the existing Disaster Management Act of 2005. The amendments proposed by the bill have ignited a debate concerning the growing centralization of disaster management processes in India. Critics argue that these changes may influence the effectiveness of disaster response, questioning whether centralized control could impede or improve the nation’s capacity to manage and mitigate disasters effectively.

Relevance:

GS III: Disaster Management

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Elements of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:
2. Concerns Regarding the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
3. Shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
4. Disaster Management Act, 2005

Key Elements of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

Organizational Structure Changes:

• Direct Plan Development: The amendment allows the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to formulate their national and state disaster management plans independently, sidestepping the National and State Executive Committees.
• Disaster Database Creation: Mandates the establishment of an extensive disaster database to integrate data on assessments, funding, expenditures, and preparedness at both national and state levels.

Enhanced Disaster Risk Assessment:

• Periodic Assessments: NDMA’s scope will be broadened to include regular evaluations of disaster risks to bolster preparedness and response strategies.

Administrative Autonomy:

• Staffing Autonomy: NDMA can now determine its staffing requirements and hire specialists without needing to secure central government approval.

Urban Focus:

• Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMA): Introduces UDMAs for state capitals and major cities, tasked with dedicated disaster management efforts, excluding Delhi and Chandigarh.

Response and Relief:

• State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs): Empowers states to establish their response forces with specific functions and operational terms to strengthen local disaster response capabilities.

Statutory Committees:

• Committee Formalization: Provides statutory status to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC), tasked with overseeing significant disasters and related financial aid.
• Leadership: The NCMC will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary, while the HLC will be led by the Minister in charge of disaster management.

Legal Provisions:

• New Section 60A: Introduces powers for the Central and State governments to command actions or inactions from individuals to mitigate disaster impacts, with penalties for non-compliance capped at Rs 10,000.

Concerns Regarding the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Increased Centralization:

• Further Centralization: The bill enhances the already centralized structure of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 by creating additional layers of authority, complicating decision-making processes and potentially slowing down responses.
• Dilution of NDRF: Changes in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) remove specific usage guidelines, raising concerns about the increasing centralization of disaster response mechanisms.

Resource Allocation Issues:

• Funding for Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs): There’s a notable absence of provisions for adequate resources and funding at local levels for establishing and maintaining UDMAs, which may affect their operational effectiveness.

Legal and Administrative Gaps:

• Lack of Legal Framework for Disaster Relief: The bill fails to establish disaster relief as a justiciable right, which would allow violations of relief measures to be challenged in court.
• Inconsistent Relief Measures: There is significant variability in relief measures across different states and regions, which may lead to inequities in disaster response.

Climate Change Integration:

• Inadequate Addressing of Climate Change: The bill does not sufficiently incorporate climate change impacts into disaster risk management, despite existing international frameworks like the Sendai Framework and Paris Agreement.

Structural and Operational Challenges:

• Transition of Responsibilities: Shifting responsibilities from the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees to the NDMA and SDMAs could lead to integration challenges and misalignment with existing frameworks.
• Lack of Collaboration Mechanisms: There is no defined mechanism for effective collaboration among various stakeholders, including NGOs, private sectors, and the public, which is crucial for effective disaster management.

Environmental Considerations:

• Classification of Heatwaves: The government has no current plans to recognize heatwaves as a notified disaster, despite their increasing frequency and impact, highlighting a gap in addressing climate-induced natural disasters.

Governance and Autonomy:

• Central vs. State Tensions: The bill may increase tensions between central and state governments by centralizing decision-making and financial management, potentially reducing the autonomy of state governments in disaster management.

Shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act, 2005

Organizational Leadership:

• Vacant NDMA Vice-Chairperson Position: The prolonged vacancy in the NDMA’s vice-chairperson position has led to a lack of leadership and reduced political influence within the organization.

Administrative Efficiency:

• Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: The NDMA lacks independent administrative and financial powers, necessitating routing all decisions through the Ministry of Home Affairs, leading to delays and inefficiencies.

Policy and Definition Issues:

• Vague Definitions and Bureaucracy: The Act suffers from overly bureaucratic processes and vague definitions of disasters, which complicate the response and recovery efforts during disaster events.

Resource Sufficiency:

• Insufficient Funds: Allocated funds are often inadequate for addressing the needs during large-scale disasters, contributing to delayed responses and recovery efforts, as evidenced in past events like the Kerala and Kedarnath floods.

Disaster Management Act, 2005

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005, (23 December 2005) received the assent of The President of India on 9 January 2006.
• The Act extends to the whole of India.
• The Act provides for “the effective management of disasters and for matters connected there with or incidental thereto.”
• The Act calls for the establishment of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• The Act enjoins the Central Government to Constitute a National Executive Committee (NEC).
• All State Governments are mandated under the act to establish a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
• The Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will be the Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner of the district.
• The Act provides for constituting a National Disaster Response Force “for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under a Director General to be appointed by the Central Government.
• Definition of a “disaster” in the DM Act states that a disaster means a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made causes.
• The objective of the Act is to manage disasters, including preparation of mitigation strategies, capacity-building and more.
• The Act contains the provisions for financial mechanisms such as the creation of funds for emergency response, National Disaster Response Fund and similar funds at the state and district levels.
• The Act also devotes several sections various civil and criminal liabilities resulting from violation of provisions of the act.

-Source: The Hindu

National Nutrition Week 2024

Context:

National Nutrition Week 2024 is a significant annual event dedicated to spotlighting the crucial role of nutrition in achieving overall health and well-being. Held from September 1st to 7th, this week-long observance focuses on educating the public about the advantages of a balanced diet and promoting healthier eating habits.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. National Nutrition Week 2024
2. Challenges of Malnutrition in India

National Nutrition Week 2024

National Nutrition Week, celebrated from September 1-7 annually, focuses on increasing awareness about the significance of proper nutrition, which is crucial for maintaining health, preventing diseases, and enhancing the overall quality of life. This initiative promotes the adoption of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Historical Background of National Nutrition Week

• Origin: Initiated in 1973 in the United States by the American Dietetic Association, now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to highlight the importance of good nutrition.
• Implementation in India: Introduced in 1982 by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to educate the public on nutritional habits and healthy eating.
• Development Over the Years: The focus has broadened to include a variety of nutritional aspects, from balanced diets to the impact of nutrition on health, with activities aimed at enhancing dietary knowledge through workshops, seminars, and public engagement initiatives.
• Evolution: The observance has evolved to address new nutritional challenges and align with global health initiatives, emphasizing nutrition’s critical role in public health.

Theme for National Nutrition Week 2024

While the specific theme for 2024 has not yet been announced, it typically centers around promoting accessible and healthy dietary choices, with previous themes such as “Healthy Diet Going Affordable for All” in 2023 focusing on the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods.

Challenges of Malnutrition in India

• Prevalence of Stunting and Wasting: High rates among children under five years indicate significant nutritional gaps.
• Deficiency in Essential Nutrients: There is a widespread deficiency of vital nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, and iodine, leading to health issues such as anemia and cognitive impairments.
• Disparities in Nutritional Access: Malnutrition is notably more prevalent in marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, highlighting significant disparities.
• Diversity in Diet: The limited consumption of a diverse range of foods leads to nutritional imbalances, affecting overall health and development.
• Impact of Sanitation and Hygiene: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to the exacerbation of malnutrition, especially among children.
• Access to Healthcare and Education: Limited healthcare and nutritional education hinder effective management and intervention of malnutrition.
• Economic Barriers: Poverty and unemployment often restrict access to quality food, perpetuating malnutrition cycles.
• Cultural Influences: Certain cultural practices and beliefs influence dietary choices, affecting nutritional intake and potentially leading to malnutrition.

-Source: The Hindu

Advancement in Virus Research: Mapping of Chandipura Vesiculovirus Genome

Context:

The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has achieved a significant milestone by successfully publishing the first fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV). This virus is known for causing encephalitis, a condition characterized by brain swelling. The mapping comes in the wake of a substantial outbreak that affected numerous individuals in Gujarat during July and August, highlighting the critical importance of this research in understanding and combating the virus effectively.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Genome Mapping
2. Specific Findings from GBRC’s Genome Mapping of CHPV
3. Chandipura Virus

Genome Mapping

• Definition and Process: Genome mapping involves identifying gene locations and key sequences within a genome, providing insights into the origins, mutations, and potential dangers of viruses.
• Types of Genome Maps:
  • Genetic Maps: Display gene positions based on recombination frequencies.
  • Physical Maps: Indicate exact gene positions using DNA base pairs.

Importance of Genome Mapping

• Medical Advancements: Facilitates the early detection of genetic diseases, aids in creating personalized medical treatments, and enhances genetic counseling effectiveness.
• Agricultural Benefits: Helps in breeding programs by identifying traits that enhance yield, disease resistance, and quality in crops and livestock.
• Virus Research: Essential for developing vaccines by analyzing the genomic structures of pathogens, such as those causing COVID-19 and Chandipura virus (CHPV).
• Evolutionary Biology: Provides insights into the evolutionary relationships among species by analyzing genetic sequences.

Challenges in Genome Mapping

• Complexity in Larger Genomes: Genomes of plants and animals can be complex and repetitive, complicating precise mapping efforts.
• Privacy and Ethical Concerns: Issues arise over the use and access to genetic information.
• Resource Intensity: Requires significant financial and technological investment, with ongoing challenges in interpreting the relevance of various genes and sequences.

Specific Findings from GBRC’s Genome Mapping of CHPV

• Genetic Stability: The CHPV strain from a recent outbreak in Gujarat shows minimal genetic variation from the 2012 strain, except for a single mutation in the glycoprotein-B gene, crucial for the virus’s interaction with human cell receptors.
• Impact Despite Low Viral Load: Despite low viral load indicated by high Cycle Threshold values in RT-PCR tests, the virus caused severe symptoms.
• Indigenous Strain Confirmation: Sequencing confirms that the current strain is similar to those identified in previous outbreaks within India (2003-04, 2007), distinct from strains outside India, indicating no external introduction.

Chandipura Virus

• Nature of the Virus: Chandipura virus is an infectious agent known to cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which can lead to severe brain swelling and is potentially lethal.
• Symptoms and Impact: It manifests as fever, headache, and encephalitis, leading to severe neurological symptoms like convulsions, coma, and often death within days after the onset.

Transmission Vectors

• Virus Classification: The Chandipura virus is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, akin to the rabies virus.
• Vectors: The virus is transmitted to humans through bites from Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes also serving as carriers.
• Infection Mechanism: It resides in the salivary glands of these vectors and infects vertebrates via bites.

Progression and Clinical Presentation

• Infection Spread: Post-bite, the virus rapidly invades the central nervous system, causing encephalitis characterized by brain inflammation.
• Symptomatology: Initial symptoms include flu-like effects, progressing to more severe conditions such as altered mental status, seizures, respiratory issues, and bleeding tendencies.
• Disease Course: The progression is swift, typically resulting in fatality within 24-48 hours post-hospitalization.

Demographics and Epidemiology

• High-Risk Group: Mainly affects children under the age of 15.
• Seasonality: Peaks during monsoon seasons when sandfly populations increase, leading to more frequent outbreaks.

Historical Data and Epidemiological Patterns

• Discovery: Identified in 1965 during investigations for dengue and chikungunya in Maharashtra, India.
• Notable Outbreaks: Significant outbreaks were recorded in 2003-2004 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, with over 300 child fatalities.
• Case Fatality Rates: Notably high fatality rates, with 78% during the Gujarat outbreak in 2004 and 55% in Andhra Pradesh in 2003.
• Endemic Areas: The virus remains endemic in central India, predominantly affecting rural, tribal, and peripheral regions where vector populations are dense.

-Source: Indian Express

Central Industrial Security Force

Context:

The central government recently approached the Supreme Court, alleging that inadequate arrangements were made for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata.

Relevance:

GS III: Security Challenges

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Overview
2. Core Functions

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Overview

• Foundation and Development:
  • Established by an Act of Parliament on March 10, 1969, starting with 2,800 personnel.
  • Legislatively reinforced as an armed force on June 15, 1983.
  • Currently, CISF boasts a strength exceeding 188,000 members.
• Administrative Placement:
  • Operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Headquarters located in New Delhi.
• Operational Scope:
  • Provides security to 359 establishments nationwide, spanning various critical sectors.

Organizational Structure

• Leadership:
  • Led by a Director-General, supported by an Additional Director-General, both from the Indian Police Service.
• Divisional Setup:
  • Organized into seven sectors: Airport, North, North-East, East, West, South, and Training.
  • Incorporates a specialized Fire Service Wing.

Core Functions

• Infrastructure Security:
  • Guards vital infrastructure including nuclear facilities, space establishments, airports, and power plants.
• High-Profile Assignments:
  • Took over airport security responsibilities post-2000 following the IC-814 hijacking incident.
  • Safeguards significant government structures, heritage sites, the Delhi Metro, and central jails in Jammu and Kashmir.
• VIP Protection:
  • Houses a dedicated VIP Security division for high-profile personal protection.
• Fire Safety Services:
  • Recognized as one of the largest providers of fire protection services, featuring a bespoke fire wing.
• Expansion Post-2008:
  • Extended post-Mumbai 2008 attacks to include private sector security coverage.
• Consultancy Role:
  • Offers security consultancy to private enterprises, highly sought after for expertise.
• Public Interface:
  • Unique among CAPFs for its routine public interactions at airports, the Delhi Metro, and various iconic monuments.

-Source: Indian Express

Arnoux’s Beaked Whale

Context:

A team of researchers has stumbled upon rare Arnoux’s Beaked Whales off the coast of Antarctica recently.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Arnoux’s Beaked Whale

• Arnoux’s Beaked Whale belongs to the cetacean group, which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Scientific Name: Berardius arnuxii

Social Behavior and Habitat

• Typically found in groups ranging from 6-10 individuals, though larger gatherings of up to 80 have been observed.
• Exclusively inhabits the Southern Hemisphere, with a range extending to circumpolar regions in cooler temperate and subpolar waters, often nearing the Antarctic ice shelf around 78°S.

Physical Characteristics

• Size and Build: Known for their impressive diving capabilities, they can reach lengths of about 30 feet.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females generally surpass males in size.
• Appearance: Resembling dolphins, they have a spindle-shaped body with a distinctively small, triangular, and slightly hooked dorsal fin located towards the rear.
• Coloration: Predominantly dark brown with lighter hues on the head and the ventral side, adorned with white patches.
• Unique Features: Known as the Southern four-toothed Whales for the four visible teeth in their lower jaw, even when their mouths are closed.
• Scarring in Males: Males often exhibit significant scarring around their dorsal fins, a common trait among many whale species.

Conservation Status

• Current Status: Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population within their natural habitat.

-Source: The Hindu

New Symbolism for India’s Judiciary: President Unveils Supreme Court Flag

Context:

At the recent two-day National Conference of District Judiciary held in New Delhi, the President of India introduced the new flag and insignia for the Supreme Court. This event marks a significant moment in the visual representation of India’s highest judicial body, underscoring its enduring legacy and authority in the nation’s governance and legal framework.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Overview of the New Flag and Insignia of the Supreme Court of India:

• Design Elements: The flag includes iconic symbols tied to India’s legal framework and cultural heritage, such as the Ashoka Chakra, an image of the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution of India.
• Color Scheme: The flag is primarily blue.
• Insignia Details: It features the inscriptions ‘Supreme Court of India’ and ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ written in Devanagari script.
• Inscription Meaning: The phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” translates from Sanskrit as “Where there is Dharma, there is victory,” underscoring the principle that righteousness leads to triumph.
• Symbolic Significance: This maxim reflects the Supreme Court’s commitment to justice and righteousness.
• Design Origins: The flag and insignia were created by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi.
• Availability: The flag will be offered in various formats including cross table flat, single table flag, pole flag, and wooden frame, catering to different display needs across varied environments.

-Source: The Hindu