The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a Notifiable Disease, meaning both private and public hospitals must report it to the government.
Snakebites Menace in India:
Snakebites are a significant public health concern in India, with approximately 3 to 4 millioncases reported annually.
It causes an estimated 58,000 deaths every year, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study.
States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat report the highest number of snakebites.
The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the government earlier in 2024, aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 and includes making snakebites notifiable.
What are Notifiable Diseases?
Notifiable diseases are those that must be reported to the government for effective public health monitoring and management. These are typically:
Infectious diseases likely to cause outbreaks.
Diseases that result in deaths or require quick action to prevent wider transmission.
Legal Basis:
According to WHO’s International Health Regulations, 1969, disease reporting is mandatory for global surveillance.
The primary law governing notifiable diseases is the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which outlines the reporting requirements for diseases considered a public health threat.
However, the specific list of notifiable diseases can vary across different states and is typically determined by the respective state governments under their individual public health acts.
Common examples of notifiable diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
Why snakebite is considered a Notifiable Disease?
Snakebites can cause severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, and tissue damage, making it crucial for timely intervention.
Victims need immediate antivenom treatment to prevent death and long-term effects.
In 2009, the WHO added snakebite to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), acknowledging its widespread impact on public health.
Making snakebites a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, help track case numbers, and improve treatment strategies across the country.
It will ensure the availability of adequate antivenoms in regions where snakebites are frequent.
Medical staff will receive training to handle snakebite cases effectively, reducing mortality rates.
The Ministry of Development of North-East Region has provided progress update regarding various projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme.
About the PM-DevINE Scheme:
Details
PM-DevINE is a Central Sector scheme introduced under the Union Budget 2022-23, aiming to drive development in the North Eastern Region (NER) through infrastructure and social projects.
Aims and Objectives
Infrastructure Development: Enhance connectivity and accessibility in NER, aligned with PM GatiShakti.
Social Development: Address critical issues and improve residents’ quality of life.
Livelihood Opportunities: Focus on creating opportunities for youth and women.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Nodal Agency: Ministry of Development of North-East Region.
Approval: Cabinet approved on 12th October 2022.
Central Funding: 100% central funding for projects.
Outlay: Rs. 6600 crore for FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26.
Project Sanctions: 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore sanctioned as of November 2024.
State-wise Project Analysis
Sikkim: Passenger Ropeway System (completed), Skywalk Project (13% completed).
Mizoram: Bamboo Link Roads (28% completed).
Nagaland: Special Development Projects (30% completed).
Assam: School Transformations (55% completed), IT Park Construction (23% completed).
Manipur: Infrastructure for Manipur Technical University (25% completed).
Tripura: Solar Micro Grid (30% completed), Skill Development Centre (work started).
The Government has empowered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), aiming to provide generic medicines at affordable prices to underserved rural areas.
AboutPradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) by PACS:
Details
PMBJKs were established in November 2008.
Government-established outlets that provide affordable, quality generic medicines.
Operated by PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in rural areas.
PACS are empowered to run these Kendras to ensure accessibility in remote regions under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Aims and Objectives
To provide affordable medicines, promote healthcare equity, and reduce medical expenses for farmers, while generating local employment and ensuring PACS’ financial sustainability through the sale of medicines and allied products.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers;
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency.
Implementation:
PACS receive technical and administrative support from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
PACS leverage their existing infrastructure, including land, buildings, and storage, to run the Kendras.
PACS-run Kendras receive a 20% incentiveon monthly purchases, capped at Rs. 20,000 per month.
Kendra owners receive a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes).
They can sell allied medical products.
Features and Significance
Affordable Medicine Distribution: Ensures that generic medicines are affordable in rural areas.
Economic and Healthcare Benefits: Reduces medical costs and improves healthcare outcomes for farmers.
Alignment with National Health Policy: Supports equitable healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Utilizes PACS’ infrastructure to boost rural healthcare.
PYQ:
[2015] Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court made comments against the Muslim community at an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s legal cell, which has caused a lot of public criticism.
What are the key ethical principles outlined in the code of conduct for judges?
Majority Rule: Justice Yadav stated that India would function according to the wishes of the majority, referring to Hindus as the “bahusankhyak” (majority) community. He implied that the values taught to children in one community differ significantly from those in another, particularly regarding animal slaughter practices.
Critique of Muslim Practices: He criticized certain practices within the Muslim community, such as polygamy and triple talaq, while asserting that Hindus revere women as goddesses. This comparison has been interpreted as a direct attack on Islamic traditions.
Response from Legal Community: The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms has called for an inquiry into Justice Yadav’s conduct, arguing that his statements violate judicial ethics and undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Prominent legal figures have also suggested impeachment proceedings against him.
How do codes of conduct vary across different jurisdictions and judicial systems?
United States: The American Bar Association has established Model Rules of Professional Conduct which emphasize independence, integrity, and impartiality.
United Kingdom: The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office oversees judicial behavior, with a focus on maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
India: The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life serves as a guiding document for judges, emphasizing the need for impartiality and respect for constitutional values.
What are the consequences for judges who violate the code of conduct?
In-House Procedures: Many jurisdictions have internal mechanisms allowing for complaints against judges to be investigated without public embarrassment.
Impeachment: In severe cases, judges can be impeached for misconduct, requiring a significant legislative majority to proceed.
Public Reprimand or Suspension: Depending on the severity of the violation, judges may receive reprimands or temporary suspensions from their duties.
Way forward:
Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Establish clearer and more transparent procedures for addressing judicial misconduct, including an independent body to investigate complaints and ensure timely action, thus preserving public trust in the judiciary.
Promote Judicial Sensitivity and Training: Implement regular training programs on diversity, impartiality, and the ethical responsibilities of judges to reinforce the importance of maintaining neutrality and respect for all communities, both in and out of the courtroom.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha is preparing to move a motion for impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge for the same controversial remarks inciting communal hatred.
Impeachment Processfor Judges in India:
About
The process involves Parliament passing an address to the President to remove the judge.
To pass the motion, two–thirds of the MPs present and voting in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha;
Must approve it, with a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of each House.
Key Constitutional Provisions
Article 124(4): The judge can only be removed by a Presidential order, passed after a majority vote in both Houses of Parliament.
The vote must come from two-thirds of the members present and voting.
Articles 218 of the Constitution extends the same rules to High Court judges.
The impeachment process ensures judicial independence by maintaining a high bar for removal, limiting political influence.
Grounds for Impeachment
A judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can be impeached on two grounds: “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” as per the Constitution of India.
Further clarified in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, including:
Misuse of office
Grave offences that undermine the judge’s integrity
Contravention of the provisions of the Constitution.
What does the process entail?
Procedure under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:
Initial Step: The impeachment motion must be signed by at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee Formation: Once the motion is introduced, the Speaker or Chairperson of the respective House forms a three-member inquiry committee:
Headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
The second member is usually a Chief Justice of any High Court.
The third member is a distinguished jurist, appointed by the Speaker or Chairman.
Inquiry Process: The committee investigates the charges, cross-examines witnesses, and regulates its procedure.
The committee may also request a medical test if the charge relates to mental incapacity.
Outcome: If the committee finds the judge not guilty, the motion is dismissed. If found guilty, it will be reported back to the House for further action.
Instances of Impeachment in India:
1993: Justice V Ramaswami (Supreme Court) faced impeachment proceedings on financial impropriety. The motion was unsuccessful despite a guilty finding.
2011: Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court) was impeached for corruption but resigned before Lok Sabha could take up the matter.
2015: Justice S K Gangele (Madhya Pradesh High Court) faced impeachment on charges of sexual harassment, but the committee cleared him in 2017.
2015: Justice J B Pardiwala (Gujarat High Court) faced impeachment for controversial remarks about reservation but the motion was dropped after the judge expunged the remarks.
2017: Justice C V Nagarjuna (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana High Court) faced impeachment for financial misconduct and victimizing a Dalit judge, but the motion was not pursued.
Mains PYQ:
Q Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) 2024 to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education sector.
The new regulations will apply to all Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities across India.
Back2Basics: University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC was inaugurated in 1953 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, then Minister of Education.
it was established as a statutory body in November 1956 under the UGC Act 1956.
The Sargeant Report (1944) recommended a University Grants Committee, established in 1945, initially handling all universities by 1947.
Post-independence, the University Education Commission (1948) under Dr. S Radhakrishnan proposed reorganizing the committee along the lines of the UK’s University Grants Commission.
A proposal to replace UGC with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is under consideration.
UGC handles:
Providing funds to higher education institutions.
Coordination, determination, and maintenance of academic standards.
About the Draft UGC Regulations, 2024:
Aims and Objectives
To reform India’s higher education system.
To introduce flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and inclusivity in higher education while removing disciplinary rigidities.
Key Provisions and Features
Biannual Admissions: Institutions can admit students twice a year (July/August and January/February).
Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can enter or exit their programs multiple times, with continuous assessments, recognition of prior learning, and the possibility to pursue two programs at the same time.
Flexibility for Students: Students can choose any discipline for UG and PG programs, irrespective of their background, subject to clearing entrance exams (e.g., CUET or university-specific exams).
Minimum Attendance Requirement: Institutions will set the minimum attendance based on program-specific requirements and statutory approvals, in line with the NEP 2020.
UG Degree Credits: At least 50% of credits must be earned in the major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% credits can be from skill courses, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
Duration of Degrees: UG degrees can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure. PG degrees will typically take 1 to 2 years, though they can be longer or shorter based on the program.
Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs:
ADP (Accelerated Degree Programs): Allows students to complete their degree in a shorter duration while covering the full curriculum.
EDP (Extended Degree Programs): Extends the duration for students who need more time to complete the program.
Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can be earmarked for ADP. Students can choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
ADP/EDP degrees will include a note specifying the adjusted duration, while ensuring the full academic content is covered.
Postgraduate Eligibility: Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Research, BTech, BE) will be eligible for a two-year postgraduate program.
PYQ:
[2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education?
Directive Principles of State Policy
Rural and Urban Local Bodies
Fifth Schedule
Sixth Schedule
Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
PYQ Relevance: Q) What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Food Security’ (in 2021), ‘conventional energy generation’ (in 2020) and ‘India’s Energy Security’ (in 2017).
“Food insecurity and energy poverty are critical to ensuring global stability, but addressing them in isolation is inadequate,” cautions the World Bank in its latest climate and development report. The intertwined crises of food and energy security are shaping the course of the 21st century, posing significant threats to global stability. Food production is under pressure from climate change, population growth, and inequality, while energy systems grapple with geopolitical conflicts, aging infrastructure, and a slow shift away from fossil fuels.
Today’s editorial explores their deep interconnection and intensifies the challenge: agriculture, vital for humanity, is both a major energy consumer and a driver of climate change.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
In a virtual address at the 5th Energy Finance Conference, it was emphasized that energy-reliant agricultural systems struggle to adapt to climate-induced changes in food production, underscoring their interlinked challenges.
Impact of Energy Price Fluctuations on Food Production and Security
Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Agriculture relies heavily on fossil fuels for mechanization, irrigation, fertilizer production, and transportation. This dependence creates a cycle where rising energy prices lead to increased costs for food production, directly impacting food security.
Volatility in Natural Gas Prices: Natural gas is crucial for fertilizer production so fluctuations in its prices can significantly affect fertilizer costs and, consequently, global food prices. For instance, geopolitical actions such as export bans can disrupt supply chains, exacerbating food insecurity in countries reliant on imports.
Climate Change Effects: Erratic weather patterns due to climate change further strain agricultural output, putting the livelihoods of billions at risk.
Nearly 11.8% of the global population faced severe food insecurity between 2020 and 2023, a figure expected to rise significantly.
Role of Sustainable Energy in Enhancing Food Security
Renewable Energy Investments: The transition to renewable energy presents opportunities for enhancing food security. Investments in renewable technologies can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower operational costs for agricultural practices.
Innovative Solutions: Solar-powered irrigation and biomass energy solutions could transform agricultural productivity. However, high costs and inadequate infrastructure limit their adoption in low-income countries where they are needed most.
Reducing Vulnerability: Clean energy solutions can help mitigate the vulnerability of food systems to energy price shocks. By integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices, countries can improve resilience against climate-induced disruptions.
Strategies to Address the Nexus of Water, Energy, and Food Security (Way Forward)
Integrated Policy Approaches: A holistic approach that integrates water management with energy and food policies is essential. This includes promoting water-efficient agricultural practices and investing in infrastructure that supports sustainable resource management.
Investment in Renewable Technologies: Increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure can support agricultural productivity while reducing carbon emissions. This includes expanding access to clean energy solutions for rural areas to enhance agricultural efficiency.
Financial Support for Vulnerable Communities: Providing financial resources and technical support to low-income nations is crucial for enabling them to transition towards sustainable practices without exacerbating poverty. Targeted investments can help build resilience against climate impacts while ensuring food security.
The government is set to introduce the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Coastal Shipping Bill, of 2024, aiming to drive critical reforms and deliver transformative changes to strengthen and revitalize the shipping industry.
Have the Merchant Shipping Act, of 1958, and the Coasting Vessels Act, of 1838 failed?
The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838, do not meet contemporary maritime needs and regulatory requirements as follows:
Regulatory Gaps: Significant gaps exist for offshore vessels, which account for nearly 50% of Indian-flagged vessels. The current framework fails to regulate these vessels adequately.
Seafarer Welfare Limitations: Welfare provisions are restricted to Indian-flagged ships, neglecting the majority of Indian seafarers (85%) who work on foreign-flagged vessels.
Lack of Legal Framework: There is no effective legal framework to regulate private sector participation in maritime training, leading to unauthorized institutions operating without oversight.
Inadequate Implementation of International Conventions: The existing laws lack provisions to implement various international conventions that India has signed or plans to ratify.
What are the key features of the New Merchant Shipping Bill 2024?
Ease of Registration: The Bill allows for reduced ownership thresholds (from 100% to 51%) for Indian entities and permits foreign entities to hold shares in Indian vessels while ensuring majority ownership remains with Indians.
Expanded Scope of Vessels: It broadens the definition of ‘vessels’ to include a variety of crafts (e.g., submersibles, barges), ensuring comprehensive regulatory oversight.
Temporary Registration for Ship Recycling: Introduces provisions for temporary registration of vessels destined for demolition, facilitating operations in ship recycling hubs like Alang.
Strengthened Coastal Security: Empowers authorities to issue instructions across all vessel categories to enhance coastal security.
Integration with International Standards: Aligns with global best practices from leading maritime jurisdictions like the U.K., Norway, and Singapore.
What are some of the international maritime conventions that India has ratified?
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): Establishes minimum safety standards in the construction and operation of ships.
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW): Sets standards for training and certification of seafarers.
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC): Focuses on the rights and welfare of seafarers, ensuring decent working conditions.
International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC): Addresses liability for oil pollution damage from ships.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Aims to minimize pollution from ships, covering various aspects of marine pollution.
Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC): Limits the liability of shipowners in case of maritime claims.
Wreck Removal Convention: Provides a legal framework for the removal of wrecks to prevent marine pollution.
Will the new Bills address maritime training and education as well?
Yes, the new Merchant Shipping Bill, of 2024, specifically addresses maritime training and education, aiming to fill regulatory gaps and ensure standardization.
Establishment of a Legal Framework: The new Merchant Shipping Bill introduces clear legal provisions to regulate maritime training institutes, addressing the absence of such a framework in the existing law.
Elimination of Unauthorised Institutes: It empowers the government to act against unauthorised maritime training institutes, ensuring only approved institutions operate and deliver high-quality, standardised education.
Alignment with Global Standards: The Bill ensures maritime training aligns with international best practices, enhancing the employability and skills of Indian seafarers in the global maritime sector.
Way forward:
Robust Implementation and Monitoring: Ensure effective enforcement of the new Bills by establishing transparent regulatory mechanisms, leveraging technology for compliance, and regular monitoring to address gaps swiftly.
Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Foster collaboration between the government, private sector, and international maritime bodies to enhance infrastructure, promote innovation, and build capacity for sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022)
The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.
Why Center is re-evolving this scheme?
Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):
Aims and Objectives
To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
Set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
Manuscripts are often on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf, and are at least 75 years old, with significant scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts covering various themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records.
80% of manuscripts are privately owned, limiting public availability.
Structural Mandate
Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
Managed by the National Archives of India.
Currently operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
Features and Programs under the Mission
Documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third of them have been uploaded.
Only 70,000 of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy.
Preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios has been conducted over 21 years.
PYQ:
[2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?
The Supreme Court remarked that a long-term solution to food security issues is generating employment, while advocate Prashant Bhushan pointed out that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) still relies on 2011 census data.
About National Food Security Act, 2013:
Details
Launch
NFSA was signed into law on 12th September 2013, with retroactive effect from 5th July 2013.
It aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 2/3rd of India’s population.
Aims and Objectives
Provide subsidized food grains to 2/3rd of India’s population, covering about 75% of rural and 50% of urban areas.
Converts food security programs into legal entitlements.
Recognizes maternity entitlements for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
Structural Mandate
Central Government directs states to implement the provisions of the Act (Section 38).
Mandates that the subsidized prices remain fixed for 3 years (with no revision yet).
Ensures that eligible households have a legal right to food grains at subsidized rates under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Eldest woman (18 years or above) in the household is considered the head of the family for issuing ration cards.
Provides free meals to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 14 years under ICDS and mid-day meal schemes.
Ensures pregnant and lactating women receive a ₹6,000 cash benefit, payable in installments.
Midday Meal and ICDS are universal, and PDS reaches 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
Priority Households get 5 kg of food grains per person per month, and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households get 35 kg per month.
Why figures from 2011 Census still drive it?
Data Discrepancy: The 2021 census is getting extensions indiscriminately. It would have identified additional beneficiaries, possibly up to 10 crore more people.
Ration Card Issue: Many migrant workers had still not received ration cards, despite several court orders.
Logistical and Administrative Constraints: Updating census-based allocations requires substantial administrative coordination and a shift in policy across the Centre and States.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only