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SC Verdict on Revocation of Article 370

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, The Supreme Court gave its verdict on the Union government’s 2019 move to amend Article 370 of the Constitution. The abrogation had ended the special status conferred to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The court held the Constitutional order that revoked Article 370 as valid.

What is the Recent Judgement of the Supreme Court?

• Jammu and Kashmir did not Possess Sovereignty:
  • SC observed that there is much evidence in Article 370 and the J&K Constitution to show that in regards to Kashmir, a merger agreement was not necessary to surrender its sovereignty.
  • Article 370(1) applied Article 1 of the Constitution of India (where J&K was listed as a Part III State) with no modifications.
    • Section 3 of the J&K Constitution explicitly states that “the State of Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India.”
    • Section 147 of the Indian constitution prohibited any amendments to Section 3, further making the provision absolute.
      • Thus, Court said that the Constitution of India, “became the supreme governing document of the land.” Further, the Preamble to the J&K Constitution shows a “clear absence of…a reference to sovereignty.”
• Article 370 is a Temporary Provision:
  • The SC relied on the fact that the Constitution framers placed Article 370 with the temporary and transitional provisions contained in Part XXI.
  • Then, it pointed out that the Instrument of Accession (IoA) made it “abundantly clear” that Article 1 which stated that “India that is Bharat shall be a Union of States” applied in its entirety to J&K.
• Constitutional Validity of Proclamations Under President’s Rule:
  • SC’s Bench concurred that the President has the power to make “irreversible changes, including the dissolution of the State Assembly,” and that the President’s powers are kept in check by “judicial and constitutional scrutiny.”
• The Constitution of J&K Stands Inoperative:
  • Court held that it is no longer necessary for the Constitution of J&K through which only certain provisions of the Indian Constitution applied to J&K, to exist.
    • The implicit but necessary consequence of the application of the Constitution of India in its entirety to the State of Jammu and Kashmir is that the Constitution of the State is inoperative.
• Set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to Address Human Rights:
  • The SC recommended that the Union set up a “truth and reconciliation Commission” just like South Africa did post-apartheid to investigate human rights violations by both state and non-state actors. The exercise should be time-bound.

What was the Special Status of J&K?

• About:
  • On 5^th August 2019, the President of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 370(1) of the Constitution issued the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019.
    • Through this, the Government of India has made modifications to Article 370 itself (not revoked it).
  • With this, the Government of India has dramatically altered the relationship between the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union.
• Background:
  • On 17^th October 1949, Article 370 was added to the Indian constitution, as a 'temporary provision', which exempted Jammu & Kashmir, permitting it to draft its own Constitution and restricting the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state.
  • It was introduced into the draft constitution by N Gopalaswami Ayyangar as Article 306 A.
• Article 370:
  • The Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir was empowered to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state.
    • The J&K Constituent Assembly was dissolved after it drafted the state's constitution. Clause 3 of Article 370 gives the President of India the power to amend its provisions and scope.
  • Article 35A stems from Article 370 and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954, on the recommendation of the J&K Constituent Assembly.
    • Article 35A empowers the Jammu & Kashmir legislature to define the permanent residents of the state, and their special rights and privileges.
    • It appears in Appendix I of the Constitution of India.
  • Several states have different constitutional guarantees. These are codified in Articles 371, 371A- I for states including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and those in the North East.

What are the Key Changes Brought Out by the Order of 2019?

• Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019:
  • The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 has replaced the Presidential Order of 1954.
    • Subsequently, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, passed by Parliament divides the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories (UTs): Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
  • This is the first time that a state has been converted into UTs.
    • Of the six Lok Sabha seats currently with the state of Jammu and Kashmir, five will remain with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while one will be allotted to Ladakh.
  • The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry.
    • Ladakh will be a UT without legislature
    • Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, but rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry.
• Status of J&K Union Territory:
  • J&K Assembly will have a five-year term, not six, as was the earlier case.
  • Section 32 of the J&K 2019 Bill proposes that the Assembly can make laws on any subjects in the State and Concurrent lists except on state subjects relating to “public order” and “police”.
    • This is similar to Article 239A of the Constitution that is applicable to Union Territories of Puducherry and Delhi.
  • However, by insertion of Article 239AA and by virtue of the 69^th Constitutional Amendment, the Delhi Assembly cannot legislate on matters in entry 18 of the State List, i.e. land.
    • In the case of J&K, the Assembly can make laws on land.
• The Special Status of J&K Abolished:
  • Jammu & Kashmir will no longer have the separate constitution, flag or anthem.
  • The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir will not have dual citizenship.
  • As the new union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be subject to the Indian Constitution, its citizens will now have the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian constitution.
  • Article 360, which can be used to declare a Financial Emergency, will now also be applicable.
  • All laws passed by Parliament will be applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act.
  • The Indian Penal Code will replace the Ranbir Penal Code of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Article 35A, which originates from the provisions of Article 370 stands null and void.

What were the Different Legal Challenges in Abrogation of Article 370?

• Constitutional Challenges:
  • Presidential order that sought to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, according to Article 370 (3) the President would require the recommendation of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir to make such a change.
  • However, the 2019 Presidential order adds a sub-clause to Article 367, replacing the terms:
    • “Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir” to mean “legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir”.
    • “Government of Jammu and Kashmir” to mean “Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the aid and advice of the council of ministers”.
  • The government sought to dilute the autonomy under Article 370 without bringing a Constitutional Amendment that would require a two-thirds majority in the Parliament.
  • This provision was challenged in the Supreme Court on the ground that it added article 35A to the Indian Constitution only through a Presidential Order.
  • Conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory is in violation of Article 3, as the Bill was not referred to the President by the State Assembly.
  • In the reorganisation of the state, the Presidential order also requires the concurrence of the government of the state. However, since Jammu & Kashmir is currently under the Governor’s rule, the Governor’s concurrence is deemed to be the government’s concurrence.
• Federalism Issue:
  • The Instrument of Accession was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together.
  • In Santosh Kumar v. State of J&K & ors, 2017, the SC said that due to historical reasons, Jammu and Kashmir had a special status.
    • In SBI v Zaffar Ullah Nehru, 2016, the SC held that Article 370 cannot be repealed without the concurrence of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.

What are the Signs of Peace and Security in J&K After the Abrogation of Article 370?

• Reduction in Stone Pelting and Militancy:
  • Increased security presence and action by central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) led to decrease in the cases of stone pelting.
  • The number of stone-pelting incidents decreased from 618 in 2019 to 222 in 2020.
  • Injuries to security forces decreased from 64 in 2019 to 10 in 2021.
• Reduction in Civilian Injuries:
  • Civilian Injuries from pellet guns and baton charges reduced from 339 (2019) to 25 (2021).
  • Law and Order also improved in J&K as only 20 law and order incidents were reported in 2022.
• Arrests of Militants and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs):
  • Arrests of OGWs of militant groups increased from 82 in 2019 to 178 in 2021.
  • There has been a 32% decline in terrorist acts from August 2019 to June 2022, compared to the preceding 10 months.

How did the International Community Respond to the Abrogation of Article 370?

• Pakistan and the Muslim World:
  • Pakistan refused to acknowledge the supremacy of the Indian Constitution over Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterated its call to reverse “all illegal and unilateral measures taken since 5th August 2019 aimed at changing the internationally recognised disputed status of the territory”.
• China:
  • China said that it did not recognise the “so-called union territory of Ladakh set up unilaterally and illegally by India”, and the western section of the China-India border has always belonged to China.
• United States:
  • It expressed concern over detentions and restrictions in J&K, but also called on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control, including “taking firm and resolute steps” to combat cross-border terrorism.
• European Union:
  • It called on India and Pakistan to reopen dialogue, and reiterated the grouping’s backing for a bilateral solution on Kashmir.
• Russia:
  • Russia underlined that the changes were carried out “within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India”. Moscow also stressed the “bilateral” nature of the J&K issue and mentioned the Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999).

Way Forward

• A 10-year strategy for 3Es (education, employment and employability) should be deployed for uplifting Kashmir.
• The plan for a ‘zero-terror incident’ in J&K has been in force since 2020 and will be successful by 2026.
• The Gandhian path of non-violence and peace should be adopted to solve the legitimacy crisis in Kashmir.
• The government can mitigate the challenges emanating out of Action on article 370 by launching a comprehensive outreach programme to all Kashmiris.
• In this context, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's version of Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat, and Jamhooriyat (inclusivity culture of Kashmir, humanitarianism and democracy) for Kashmir solution, should become a cornerstone of the forces of reconciliation in the State.

Global River Cities Alliance: NMCG

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), has launched the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

• During the event the NMCG also signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), representing 124 cities/towns situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, the United States.
• The NMCG has signed the MoCP on behalf of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).

What is the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA)?

• About:
  • The GRCA is an international coalition of cities and countries dedicated to the conservation, sustainable management, and protection of river systems worldwide.
  • The alliance encompasses a diverse array of countries and river cities, fostering partnerships among key nations like India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, and others.
  • GRCA's membership extends to cover 275+ river-cities across 11 countries, demonstrating a substantial global reach and influence.
• Objective:
  • It will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and concerted efforts among various stakeholders, including governments, cities, financial institutions, and environmental organizations..

What is the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI)?

• The MRCTI was created in 2012 to provide an influential voice for the Mississippi River, dramatically increasing demand for effective river protection, restoration, and management in Washington, DC.
• It addresses matters of mutual concern, including river water quality and habitat restoration, flooding and floodplain issues, river-focused recreation, sustainable economies, and celebration of the River culture and history.

What is River Cities Alliance (RCA)?

• About:
  • The RCA is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), with a vision to connect river cities and focus on sustainable river centric development.
  • The Alliance focuses on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support.
  • Beginning with 30 member cities in November 2021, the Alliance has expanded to 110 river cities across India and one international member city from Denmark.
• Objective:
  • The RCA intends to facilitate knowledge exchange (online) for Indian cities to learn new practices and approaches for urban river management.
  • It will also be an opportunity for international cities to learn about experiences in Indian cities, which may be relevant to their contexts.

What is the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)?

• About:
  • On 12^th August 2011, the NMCG was listed as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
  • It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
    • NGRBA was dissolved in 2016 and replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga.
• Objective:
  • The objective of the NMCG is to reduce pollution and ensure the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
    • Namami Gange is one of the Coveted Programmes of NMCG to clean Ganga.
  • This can be achieved by promoting intersectoral coordination for comprehensive planning & management and maintaining minimum ecological flow in the river, with the aim of ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
• Organization Structure:
  • The Act envisages a five-tier structure at the national, state, and district levels to take measures for prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution in river Ganga as below:
    • National Ganga Council under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
    • Empowered Task Force (ETF) on river Ganga under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation).
    • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
    • State Ganga Committees
    • District Ganga Committees in every specified district abutting river Ganga and its tributaries in the states.

Merit Over Reservation in Appointments of Law Officers

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Madras High Court ruled that the rule of reservation need not be followed in the appointment of law officers.

• The court held that merit must be the sole criterion for such appointments as the government is duty-bound to engage only the most proficient, competent and capable lawyers to represent it before the courts of law.

What are the Key Points of the Verdict?

• The verdict was delivered while dismissing a public interest litigation petition filed in 2017 insisting upon transparency and adequate representation for women, the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe and the minorities in the appointment of law officers.
  • The petitioner highlighted that the Appointment of Law Officers of the High Court of Madras had failed to provide vertical as well as horizontal reservation.
• The Division Bench has stated that the relationship between an advocate and their client is one of active confidence and trust and is governed by the doctrine of uberrima fides.
  • The relationship between the government and the law officer is purely professional and not that of a master and a servant.
• The law officers are not appointed to a civil post nor are they employees of the government. Therefore, it cannot be held that reservation needs to be provided while appointing law officers by the government.
• The court suggested that the invitation for applications should be inclusive, allowing the government to select highly competent and meritorious lawyers as law officers.

What are the Rules/Judgements Related to Reservation in Public Employment?

• According to Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in 2021 the rule of reservation must be applied even to contractual as well as temporary appointments barring those that were to last for less than 45 days.
• The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney’s case, 1992 ruled that providing reservations for certain services and positions might not be advisable for the performance of duties.
  • The post of a law officer was one such position that must be exempt from the rule of reservation.
• In 2022, Justices Nageswara Rao, Sanjiv Khanna, and B.R. Gavai issued a ruling emphasizing that state governments must provide measurable data to justify reservation policies for the promotion of candidates belonging to SC and STs.
  • The court upheld the requirement for state authorities to support their decisions on promoting SC/ST candidates with concrete and measurable evidence.
• Constitutional Provisions Governing Reservation in India:
  • Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST.
  • Constitutional 81^st Amendment Act, 2000 inserted Article 16 (4B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of 50% reservation on the total number of vacancies of that year.
  • Article 335 of the constitution says that the claims of STs and STs shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.

ASI's Stance on Religious Practices at Monuments

Source: IE

Why in News?

A recent report on 'Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India' presented by a parliament committee recommends significant changes in the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) approach towards religious activities at protected monuments.

• Earlier, in May 2022, prayers at the 8^th century Martand Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir sparked concerns from the ASI, operating under the Ministry of Culture, citing a violation of regulations.

What is the Current Policy on Worship at ASI Monuments?

• As of now, the ASI allows worship and rituals only at monuments where such traditions were ongoing at the time the ASI took custody.
  • The best-known example of a living ASI monument is the Taj Mahal where namaz is held every Friday.
  • Other notable living monuments include three mosques in Kannauj, the Roman Catholic Church in Meerut, the Nila Mosque in Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village and several Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh.
• This restriction aims to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the monuments.
• No religious rituals can be conducted at non-living monuments where there has been no continuity of worship since it became an ASI-protected site.
  • The policy decision prohibits the revival of worship in cases where it was not in practice at the time of protection or has been abandoned for an extended period.
• Out of the 3,693 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites managed by the ASI, around a fourth (820) include places of worship, while the rest are considered non-living monuments where no new religious rituals can be started or conducted.
  • These sites encompass a diverse range of religious structures, such as temples, mosques, dargahs, and churches.
• The Martand Sun Temple, commissioned by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty, was once a thriving place of worship. However, it was destroyed in the 14th century.
  • ASI took control in the 20th century for conservation, no puja or Hindu ritual was being held there. Recent pujas in 2022, led by devotees, were deemed a violation of ASI norms for non-living monuments.

What are the Committee's Recommendations on Worship at ASI Monuments?

• Recommendations:
  • The committee suggests exploring the possibility of permitting prayers and worship at ASI-protected monuments with religious significance.
    • This potential shift in policy raises questions about its implications for various religious sites.
  • Recommends that the Ministry of Culture and ASI conduct surveys to identify monuments promptly and make the results public, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing critical issues related to monument protection.
• Concerns Against the Committee's Recommendations:
  • Allowing religious activities at protected monuments may pose a threat to the integrity, authenticity and historical value of the monuments, as they may be subjected to alterations, additions, modifications or damage by the devotees or the authorities.
  • Allowing religious activities at protected monuments may also create conflicts and disputes among different religious groups, who may claim ownership or rights over the monuments, or object to the activities of other groups.

AMRIT Technology

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has shed light on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology (AMRIT).

What is AMRIT Technology?

• The technology was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras. It is designed for the removal of arsenic and metal ions from water, addressing water quality issues.
• The technology utilizes nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water passes through it.
• AMRIT is applicable for both domestic and community-level water purification.
• The technology aligns with the broader goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe and potable tap water to rural households in India.
• The technology has been recommended by the 'Standing Committee' of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation for consideration in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?

• About:
  • Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India by Sustainable Development Goal- 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for all).
  • It envisages a supply of 55 liters of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.
  • The Government of India also launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) which has been designed to provide universal coverage of water supply through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory towns of India.
• Objectives
  • Securing tap and sewer connections.
  • Rejuvenation of water bodies.
  • Creating a circular water economy.
• Progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission:
  • In August 2019, only 16.8% of rural households had tap water connections. By December 2023, this increased to around 71.51%.
  • All 378 arsenic-affected habitations awaiting tap water supply reported to have received safe drinking water through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs).

Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module Returns to Earth's Orbit

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, scientists successfully brought the Propulsion Module (PM) of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which brought the Vikram lander within 100 km of the Moon's surface before detaching.

• This historic event involved a controlled descent to the lunar surface and a successful return to Earth orbit.

What is Mission Chandrayan?

• India has launched a total of three Chandrayaan Missions i.e., Chandrayan-1, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayan-3.
• Chandrayaan-1:
  • India's first mission to the Moon was Chandrayaan-1 launched successfully in 2008. It was designed to orbit the Moon and make observations with instruments on board.
  • Key Findings of Chandrayaan-1:
    • Confirmed presence of lunar water.
    • Evidence of lunar caves formed by an ancient lunar lava flow.
    • Past tectonic activity was found on the lunar surface.
    • The faults and fractures discovered could be features of past interior tectonic activity coupled with meteorite impacts.
• Chandrayan-2:
  • Chandrayaan-2 is an integrated 3-in-1 spacecraft consisting of an orbiter of the Moon, Vikram (after Vikram Sarabhai) the lander and Pragyan (wisdom) the rover, all equipped with scientific instruments to study the moon.
  • Launched: 22^th July 2019
    • Lander Vikram: It remains stationary after touching down, and mainly studies the moon’s atmosphere and seismic activity.
    • Rover Pragyan: The Rover, a six-wheeled solar-powered vehicle, detaches itself and slowly crawls on the surface, making observations and collecting data.
    • Chandrayaan-2's lander had crashed, or made a hard landing, on the Moon's surface because of its high velocity.
      • However, its orbiter is functioning very well and this will communicate with Chandrayaan-3 lander.
• Chandrayaan-3:
  • It was India's third lunar mission and second attempt at achieving a soft landing on the moon's surface.
  • Launched: July 14, 2023.
  • Objectives:
    • To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface
    • To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon
    • To conduct In-situ scientific experiments.
  • It consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover with an objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for Interplanetary missions.

What is the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module?

• Chandrayaan-3: It utilized a lightweight Propulsion Module for the lander's journey to the Moon instead of a complete orbiter.
• SpectroPolarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE): The Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module carried a single instrument called SHAPE.
  • It was an experimental payload designed to study Earth's characteristics that make it habitable, aiming to identify habitable exoplanets.
• Pragyaan Rover: The propulsion module separated from the lander, which carried the Pragyaan rover. It was anticipated to orbit the Moon for an additional six months, with SHAPE observing Earth.

How Does the Propulsion Module Return to Earth Orbit?

• The experiment allows ISRO to work towards developing a software module to plan going forward.
• Taking fuel availability and safety into account, designed the best trajectory for the Earth return.
• The SHAPE payload is operated whenever Earth is visible, including a special operation.

India Nears Kala Azar Elimination

Source: IE

Why in News?

India stands on the brink of eliminating visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala azar. With a marked decline in reported cases and deaths, the nation has come close to meeting the elimination target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Bangladesh, India's neighbour, was the first country validated by the WHO for eliminating kala azar as a public health problem.

What is Kala-Azar?

• About:
  • Visceral leishmaniasis commonly known as kala-azar, is a slow-progressing indigenous disease caused by a protozoan parasite of genus Leishmania.
    • It is also known as Black Fever or Dumdum Fever.
    • In India Leishmania donovani is the only parasite causing this disease.
• Transmission and Symptoms:
  • It is transmitted by sandflies. Sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus argentipes are the only known vectors of kala-azar in India.
  • It causes fever, weight loss, and spleen and liver enlargement. If left untreated, it can be fatal in 95% of cases.
• Recorded Cases in India:
  • India documented 530 cases and four deaths in 2023, a decline from previous years.
    • Additionally, there were 286 cases of post-kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).
• Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL):
  • This condition arises when Leishmania donovani infiltrates and thrives within skin cells, resulting in the formation of skin lesions.
  • In some instances of kala-azar, PKDL emerges after treatment, but now it is believed that PKDL might occur without going through the visceral stage. However, more data is needed to understand how PKDL develops.
    • The visceral stage refers to the initial phase of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), where the parasite affects internal organs.
• Treatment:
  • In India, the primary treatment for kala-azar involves administering injectable liposomal amphotericin B.
    • For PKDL, the standard treatment consists of 12 weeks of oral miltefosine, with the dosage adjusted based on the patient's age and weight.
• Strategies for Elimination in India:
  • Effective Spraying: Rigorous monitoring of indoor residual spraying to curb sandfly breeding and disease spread.
  • Wall Plastering: Using Gerrard soil for wall plastering to minimize sandfly breeding areas.
  • Treatment Compliance: Ensuring completion of PKDL treatment through the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) network.

Mummified Baboons

The origin of mummified baboons in Egypt has puzzled scientists for over a century. Recently scientists uncovered the secrets behind these ancient relics using mitochondrial DNA.

• DNA analysis traced the baboons' origin to the ancient city of Adulis, in present-day coastal Eritrea.
• The study shed light on the potential location of the lost city of Punt, a significant trading partner with ancient Egypt, and Adulis.
• The findings emphasized the historical trade relationships between Egypt and Adulis, highlighting the Red Sea as a crucial node in trade history between India, Egypt, and Europe.
• Papio anubis and Papio hamadryas are both species of baboons. Baboons are Old World monkeys that are part of the genus Papio.
  • Papio anubis is the most broadly distributed baboon species, ranging through most of central sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Papio hamadryas is found on the African continent in the area of the southern Red Sea, in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea.
  • The IUCN Red List rates them "Lower Risk, Least Concern."

Male Mosquitoes with Bloodsucking Behavior

Recently, Scientists unearthed the oldest-known mosquito fossils, dating back 130 million years, has revealed the bloodsucking behavior in ancient males. These fossils provide insights into the evolutionary history of mosquitoes and their role as disease vectors.

• The fossils represent two male mosquitoes from the Cretaceous Period, possessing elongated piercing-sucking mouthparts typically seen only in females.
  • This discovery suggests that originally all mosquitoes were hematophagous (blood-eaters), regardless of their gender.
  • The male mosquitoes' mouthparts were shorter than those of modern female mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes are blood-feeders and transmit parasites and diseases to their hosts, including malaria, yellow fever, Zika fever, and dengue.
• The researchers hypothesize that mosquitoes evolved from insects that did not consume blood, with their mouthparts initially adapted for piercing plants to access nutritious fluids.
  • The appearance of flowering plants during the Cretaceous Period may have played a role in the divergence of feeding behaviour between male and female mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes likely originated millions of years earlier than the discovered fossils, with molecular evidence suggesting their existence during the Jurassic Period.

Military Exercise “VINBAX-2023”

• The Indian Armed Forces contingent reached Hanoi, Vietnam to take part in the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.
• Exercise VINBAX was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
• It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam.
• Aim:
  • The exercise is to foster collaborative partnership, promote inter- operability and share best practices between the two sides under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
  • The exercise will be conducted as a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise with focus on deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team.
• Ideas will be exchanged on modern methods to construct roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelter and observation posts in operational areas.

Read More: EX VINBAX 2022

Project ARTHA Ganga

• Arth Ganga is an initiative added to the Namami Ganga Program launched by the Government in 2014.
  • It is a sustainable and viable economic development model to strengthen the river-people connection through an economic bridge.
  • It was decided that the Namami Gange mission should lead the concept of Arth Ganga with the involvement of all stakeholders. It was added as a vertical of the Namami Ganga Program, in addition to 4 verticals:
    • Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Jan Ganga and Gyan Ganga.
• Six pillars of Arth-Ganga identified are
  • Promotion of Natural Framing on the 5 km band on either side of River Ganga.
  • Monetisation and reuse of Treated water and sludge from the STPs;
  • Improvement of Livelihood opportunities, particularly for women;
  • Promotion of Tourism and Cultural heritage
  • People’s Participation and Capacity Building
  • Empowering local administration for improved water governance.

Read More: Arth Ganga Project