The World Cerebral Palsy Day was celebrated on October 6 with the theme â#UniquelyCPâ.
It celebrates the uniqueness of individuals living with cerebral palsy by emphasizing that they are not defined by their disability.
AboutCerebral Palsy:
Details
Condition
A group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
Cause
Abnormal brain development, usually before birth; can also occur due to injury during birth or early childhood.
Types
– Spastic CP: Stiff muscles, difficulty with movement (most common, 70-80% of cases).
– Dyskinetic CP: Uncontrolled movements affecting limbs.
– Ataxic CP: Poor balance and coordination.
– Mixed CP: Combination of symptoms from different types.
Symptoms
Motor skill difficulties (crawling, walking); Muscle stiffness or looseness; Poor coordination and balance; Speech or swallowing difficulties; Seizures in some cases.
Diagnosis
Physical examination, MRI scans, developmental monitoring (usually diagnosed within first 2 years).
Risk Factors
Premature birth; Low birth weight; Multiple births; Maternal infections; Lack of oxygen during birth.
Treatment
– Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
– Medications to reduce muscle stiffness.
– Surgery in severe cases.
Life Expectancy
Normal life expectancy in many cases, depending on severity and associated complications.
Prevention
Some causes are preventable with proper maternal care, but many are not.
Policy Support
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme:
Coverage: Up to âš1,00,000/- for treatments, surgeries, and therapies for persons with disabilities.
Eligibility: Covers individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
Annual Renewal: Requires yearly renewal with different fees for BPL and APL categories.
Easy Application: Enrollment and claims processed online via Registered Organizations (ROs).
PYQ:
[2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
Q). Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q). Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Prelims:
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (UPSC CSE 2011) a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
Mentorâs Comment: Todayâs editorial discusses the limitations in our present governance and management concerning Natural Disasters. The recent landslide event in Kerala is considered one of the deadliest landslides in India’s history, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management strategies in the region, which has a history of similar incidents over the past four decades. Previously, we saw the limitations based on the Disaster Management Act. Now, this article will help you to build a better consensus around the same theme.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On July 30, 2024, the Wayanad district in Kerala experienced devastating landslides that resulted in significant loss of life and property.
The Chief Minister (Kerala) emphasized the need for a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response approaches, highlighting the helplessness against natural calamities across the state.
Kerala is no longer relatively disaster-free:
The state of Kerala which is bordered by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, was once viewed as disaster-free, which influenced its development patterns.
The frequency and intensity of disasters have surged in recent decades. Over 250 km of Kerala’s coastline is affected by erosion.
Further, the high population density in the Western Ghats exceeded its vulnerability to disasters.
Lowlands like Vembanad Lake, frequently experience flooding during monsoons.
The 2018 floods were labeled the “floods of the century” by the World Meteorological Organization.
Infrastructure development has often ignored natural drainage and slope stability, leading to increased disaster risks.
Why a Comprehensive inventory mapping is needed?
Physical Geography of the Region: Tectonic activity generally correlates with landslide occurrences.
For example, the Wayanad region is characterized by deep gorges and ravines, which is prone to landslides.
Climate Change Impact: Rapid warming of the Arabian Sea increases risks of extreme weather events like floods and cyclones. For example, the Cyclone Ockhi in 2017.
Research Gaps: Current understanding of landslide causative factors is limited; a nuanced approach is necessary for effective disaster mitigation.
Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing monitoring systems for rainfall and tremors can provide timely warnings to prevent loss of life.
Shrinking Safe Space: The “safe operating space” for communities in Kerala is diminishing due to increasing natural disasters.
Need for a Paradigm Shift (Way Forward):
Need to work on Disaster Risk Zones: Develop disaster risk zones based on physical and social criteria within a social-ecological framework, aligned with watershed boundaries.
Strengthening the disaster risk governance and invest them in risk reduction to enhance resilience and preparedness would be helpful.
Comprehensive Approach: Emphasize all aspects of the disaster cycle: preparedness, resilience, risk reduction, mitigation, reconstruction, recovery, response, and relief.
The Sendaiâs global framework highlights the State’s primary role in disaster risk reduction while advocating for shared responsibility with local governments, private sectors, and communities.
Quadruple Helix Model: Utilize a collaborative model involving community organizations, academia, government, and industry for effective disaster risk management.
Engage communities in creating disaster risk maps through a community-based disaster risk management approach.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?
The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.
What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?
Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.
Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).
How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?
Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.
Way forward:Â
Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.
The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and attain self-sufficiency in edible oils.
About the Newly Launched NMEO-Oilseeds:
Aim: Boost domestic oilseed production, achieve self-reliance in edible, and boost farmers’ incomes. Currently, imports account for 57% of Indiaâs domestic demand for edible oils.
Focus: It will focus on increasing edible oil production from Oil Palm by enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops (Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum)
Increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources (Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils).
Tenure: 7 years (from 2024-25 to 2030-31)
Roadmap for the Mission:
Increase Edible Oil Production: Achieve 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production by 2030-31, meeting 72% of domestic demand.
Seed Infrastructure: It will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal to ensure timely availability of seeds.
Seed Hubs & Storage: Establish 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units to strengthen seed production infrastructure.
Value Chain Clusters: Develop over 600 value chain clusters across 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will focus on providing high-quality seeds and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Other Initiatives by the Government:
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation.
Import Duties: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and encourage local oilseed cultivation.
MSP & PM-AASHA: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mandated edible oilseeds has been increased, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures oilseed farmers receive MSP through price support and deficiency payment schemes.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Research and Development: Invest in research initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yield oilseed varieties through advanced technologies like genome editing.
Enhance Farmer Engagement and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and effective resource management.
Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animalâs brain.
How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?
The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.
Key findings
Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit flyâs eyes process motion and color.
A group of âhub neuronsâ was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.
Significance of the Work
Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of howneurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinsonâs and depression.
The mapping of the fruit flyâs brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.
The Union Cabinet approved the rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare into two umbrella schemes:
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) â A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Krishonnati Yojana (KY) â Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
AboutPM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):
Details
Objective
To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
Total Proposed Expenditure
Rs 1,01,321.61 crore (combined with Krishonnati Yojana).
Sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, water conservation, crop diversification, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization.
Flexibility for States
Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
Implementation Method
Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.
Benefits
Avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and streamline the approval process for quicker implementation of Annual Action Plans (AAP).
Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):
National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following pairs:
Programme/Project
Ministry
1. Drought – Prone Areas Programme
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
2. Desert Development Programme
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas
Ministry of rural development
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.
About Little Prespa Lake
Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.
Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying
The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lakeâs decline.
The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the regionâs environmental and economic stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q). Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Q). What do understand by the concept âfreedom of speech and expressionâ? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentorâs Comment: Todayâs editorial discusses the limitations and importance of free speech, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, this right is not absolute. Key restrictions include defamation, obscenity, and incitement to violence. The article highlights that the government cannot arbitrarily decide what constitutes acceptable speech, as outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It also notes that free speech serves both instrumental purposes, like fostering better politics, and intrinsic values, such as recognizing individual dignity. However, the governmentâs attempt to control narratives about its actions can lead to censorship, undermining democratic principles.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Bombay HC ruled against an amendment to the IT Rules, declaring it unconstitutional and upholding free speech rights.
It emphasized that while misinformation is a concern, any regulatory measures must align with constitutional rights, particularly Articles 14 and 19, which protect equality and freedom of speech.
Constitutional Provisions on Free Speech:
⢠Free speech in our legal system is based on the principle that the state should not decide what expressions are acceptable. â˘Article 19(2) of the Constitution outlines specific restrictions, such as defamation and national security. ⢠The right to free speech, guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a), is essential for informed political discourse and recognizes citizens’ dignity and autonomy.
What did the IT Rules (2021) say?
Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 imposes strict obligations on internet intermediaries, such as service providers and social media platforms.
If the governmentâs “Fact Check Unit” labels any reporting about its activities as false, these companies must take steps to avoid hosting that content.
Failing to comply could result in losing their “safe harbor” protection from legal liability under the IT Act, 2000, which safeguards free expression.
Section 79 of the IT Act provides a legal shield for intermediaries (safe harbour), such as social media platforms, by protecting them from liability for content posted by third parties, as long as they take reasonable steps to comply with the law.
Various views presented through the âPetition and Responseâ:
According to thePetitioners’ argument,Rule 3(1)(b)(v) breaches protections for free speech and the State wrongly claims authority to define “fake” information, ignoring less intrusive solutions.
However, the UnionGovernment responded that the law is not coercive and that intermediaries can contest safe harbor losses. While no Constitutional protections are given for false information, regulation of online expression is within government powers.
As per the Judicial opinion, Rule 3(1)(b)(v) is ultra vires, vague, overbroad, and chilling to free speech. Further, the loss of safe harbour does not threaten free expression.
Present Issue over the Intermediaries and Safe Harbour
On Intermediaries: Under Rule 3(1)(b)(v), if the governmentâs “Fact Check Unit” informs an intermediary that certain information about the government is âfalseâ, the intermediary faces a difficult choice: they can either remove the flagged content or defend the userâs right to express their opinion, risking their safe harbour protection in the process.
Here, the intermediaries often prioritize their business interests over the user rights.
They may choose to remove content rather than risk losing their legal protections, effectively sacrificing users’ freedom of expression for their own safety.
On Safe Harbour: Intermediaries can lose the protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if they are aware of illegal activities occurring on their platforms or receive notifications from government agencies about such activities.
Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp serve primarily as hosts for user-generated content.
They do not create this content themselves, which allows them to promote free speech without bearing the same responsibilities as traditional publishers.
Its limitations: True free speech depends on various factors, including access to resources and social dynamics, which can hinder individuals from expressing themselves fully.
Conclusion: While free speech can be reasonably limited, there is no constitutional basis for restricting false or misleading information. The governmentâs attempt to control narratives about its actions represents censorship and undermines democratic principles, as recognized by the Bombay High Court.
Since February this year, hundreds of copies of the Environment Ministryâs elephant census report â “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23” â have remained unreleased, with the government attributing the delay to pending census data from the Northeast.
Findings of the Elephant Census Report:
Significant Drop in Population: The report shows a 20% drop in India’s elephant population since 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats recorded a 41% dip, with some states like Southern West Bengal (84%), Jharkhand (68%), and Orissa (54%) experiencing major declines.
Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats also saw a decline of 18%, particularly in Kerala, where the population fell by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains recorded only a slight drop (2%), while the Northeast’s data was not updated, but is expected to see a reduction when properly modeled.
Developmental Pressures: The report identified “mushrooming developmental projects,” particularly unmitigated mining, linear infrastructure construction, and habitat fragmentation, as key threats to elephants.
Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution were other significant risks.
Fragmentation of Habitats: The once-contiguous populations, particularly in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly fragmented due to land-use changes, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in the Northeast are under threat from a mosaic of human habitation, plantations, mines, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory is a serious issue in this region.
Note: “Mushrooming developmental projects” refers to the rapid, often uncontrolled expansion of infrastructure and industrial activities, such as mining, road construction, and urbanization, which disrupt ecosystems and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity.
Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?:
Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast region as the primary reason for not releasing the report.
 The methodology and data collection, including advanced techniques like DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully implemented in the region due to logistical challenges.
Interim Status: The Ministry stated that the current report is an interim version and the final report, including Northeast data, is expected by June 2025. There is a reluctance to release incomplete data until a uniform methodology is applied across all regions.
What are the implications of this decline for elephant on conservation efforts?
Need for Urgent Action: The significant decline in elephant populations, especially in the Central and Eastern regions, signals an urgent need for conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and strengthened protection measures.
Impact of Development: The report emphasizes the need to address the impacts of developmental projects, which have severely fragmented elephant habitats, increasing human-elephant conflict and other risks such as poaching.
Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings suggest the necessity for reevaluating conservation policies to focus on maintaining elephant corridors, mitigating the impact of infrastructure projects, and fostering community support for conservation.
Scientific Modelling: The shift to more sophisticated scientific modelling of elephant populations (mark-recapture techniques).
Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies must address the fragmentation of landscapes, particularly in critical areas like the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant habitats and ensure their long-term survival.
Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report reveals a worrying decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Urgent action is needed to restore habitats, strengthen protection, and reevaluate conservation policies to ensure long-term elephant survival.
The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global circumnavigation by sailboat was flagged off by Navy Chief at INS Mandovi in Goa.
AboutNavika Sagar Parikrama:
Details
Expedition
Navika Sagar Parikrama, a maritime expedition by the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe in a sailboat crewed by women officers.
Symbolizes womenâs empowerment and Indian maritime traditions.
Objective
Promotes womenâs empowerment, gender equality, oceanic research, and Indian maritime traditions.
First Edition
Began on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of six officers aboard INSV Tarini.
Completed on May 21, 2018.
Second Edition
Launched on October 2, 2024, with two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., setting sail from INS Mandovi, Goa.
Agencies Involved
Indian Navy: Leading the initiative.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO): Marine research on microplastics and ferrous content.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Research on large sea mammals.
Sagar Defence: Providing drones for documentation.
Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL): Supplying meals.
Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and Piramal Foundation: Supporting logistics and research.
Route
Divided into five legs with four stopovers:
1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia
2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa
5. Cape Town to Goa, India
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of âINS Astradhariniâ, that was in the news recently?
