Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) Project

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have jointly launched the project titled Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW). 

• It will help create awareness and share technical know-how and knowledge about the best labour standards. 

What is ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) Project? 

• About FPRW Project: 
  • It is a commitment by governments, employers' and workers' organisations to uphold basic human values that are vital to our social and economic lives.  
  • The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) was adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022. 
  • Increasing concerns about the social impact of globalisation led the members of the ILO to recognize four categories of labour standards, expressed in eight conventions. 
  • In 2022, four categories were amended to become five categories with the addition of the occupation of safety and health conventions, expressed in ten conventions. 
• Five Categories of FPRW Project and Related Conventions: 
  • Freedom of Association and the Effective Recognition of the Right to Collective Bargaining: It is the prerogative of workers and employers alike to form and manage their own organisations, free from external interference. 
    • Through collective bargaining, employers and workers discuss and negotiate their relations, in particular terms and conditions of work. 
    • It is enforced by conventions like: 
      • Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87), 1948 
      • Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98), 1949. 
  • Elimination of All Forms of Forced or Compulsory Labour:  
    • Labour should freely join, and employees should be free to leave, subject to previous notice of reasonable length. 
    • It is enforced by conventions like: 
      • Forced Labour Convention (No. 29), 1930 
      • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105), 1957. 
  • Effective Abolition of Child Labour:  
    • ILO Convention No. 138 (minimum age for entry into work or employment) and Convention No. 182 (Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour) set minimum age requirements for work, ensuring it is not below the age for compulsory schooling, and in any case not less than 15 years. 
    • It is enforced by conventions like: 
      • Minimum Age Convention (No. 138), 1973 
      • Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182), 1999. 
  • Elimination of Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation:  
    • Exclusion or preference should not be made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin. 
    • It provides for equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value. 
    • It is enforced by conventions like: 
      • Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100), 1951 
      • Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111), 1958. 
  • Safe and Healthy Working Environment:  
    • ILO Convention No. 155 aims to prevent workplace accidents and health issues, while No. 187 mandates continuous improvement in occupational safety and health to prevent injuries, diseases, and deaths. 
    • It is enforced by conventions like: 
      • Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155), 1981 
      • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187), 2006. 
• Need of FPRW for India: 
  • Non-Tariff Barrier to Trade: Cotton and hybrid cotton seeds from India continue to remain in the US Labour Department’s “List of Goods Produced by Child Labour or Forced Labour”. The FPRW project will help India ease this barrier to trade. 
  • Global Obligation: The FPRW Project of the ILO applies to all ILO member states whether they have ratified it or not. It is part and parcel of the ILO’s Constitution.  
    • Since India is a member of ILO, it was needed to comply with the FPRW Project. 
  • Sustainable Workforce: Cotton-growing communities can foster a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous environment for all workers, leading to long-term benefits for individuals and families. 
  • Socio-economic Upliftment: The collaboration will equip farmers with knowledge about various government schemes and initiatives aimed at their socio-economic upliftment. 
    • Outreach services, information dissemination and linkages with vocational training facilities for target communities can help in their betterment. 
    • It is necessary to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). 

What is Status of Child Labour in India? 

• According to the last available Census 2011, there were 10.1 million child labourers in India. 
• As per the National Crime Records Bureau Report 2022, in 2021, around 982 cases were registered under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, with the highest number of cases registered in Telangana, followed by Assam. 
• Initiatives Taken by Government to Curb Child Labour: 
  • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: Bans the employment of children below 14 years and adolescents below 18 years in hazardous occupations and processes. 
  • The Factories Act, 1948: Prohibits the employment of children below 14 years of age in any hazardous environment and restricts the working hours and conditions of adolescents (14 to 18 years) who are allowed to work only in non-hazardous processes. 
  • National Policy on Child Labour, 1987: Aims to eradicate child labour by prohibiting and regulating it, providing welfare and development programmes for children and their families, and ensuring the education and rehabilitation of working children. 
  • Pencil Portal: The platform aims at engaging the Central Government, State Government, District, civil society and the public in eradicating child labour to achieve the target of a child labour free society. It was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 
  • Ratifying conventions of the International Labour Organization:  India has also ratified two core conventions of the International Labour Organization on child labour in 2017 i.e., Minimum Age Convention (1973) No. 138 and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999) No. 182.

What is the Status of Cotton Farming in India? 

• About: 
  • Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops cultivated in India and accounted for around 23% of the total global cotton production in 2022-23 .  
    • It plays a major role in sustaining the livelihood of an estimated 6 million cotton farmers and 40-50 million people engaged in related activities such as cotton processing and trade. 
  • Due to its economic importance in India, it is also termed as “White-Gold”. 
• National Scenario: 
  • Acreage under Cotton: In 2022-23, India ranked first globally in cotton acreage with 130.61 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation i.e., around 40% of world area of 324.16 lakh hectares.  
    • Approximately 67% of India's cotton is produced on rain-fed areas and 33% on irrigated lands. 
  • Cotton Yield: In terms of productivity, India is on 39th rank with a yield of 447 kg/ha. 
  • Cotton Types: India is the only country which grows all four species of cotton i.e., G. Arboreum and G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).  
    • G. Hirsutum represents 90% of the hybrid cotton production in India and all the current Bt cotton hybrids are G. Hirsutuim. 
  • Production: India is having 2nd place in the world with estimated production of 343.47 lakh bales during cotton season 2022-23 i.e., 23.83% of world cotton production. 
  • Production Pattern: Majority of cotton production comes from 9 major cotton growing states, which are grouped into three diverse agro-ecological zones, as under: 
    • Northern Zone: Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan 
    • Central Zone: Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh 
    • Southern Zone: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 
  • Consumption: India is also the 2nd largest consumer of cotton in the world with estimated consumption of 311 lakh bales (5.29 Million Metric Tonnes). 
    • It accounts for 22.24% of world cotton consumption of 1399 lakh bales (23.79 Million Metric Tonnes).  
  • Import and Export of cotton: India is one of the largest exporters of cotton i.e., 6% of world export of 528 lakh bales (8.98 Million Metric Tonnes) in 2022-23. 
    • Less than 10% of the total consumption of cotton in India is imported by the textile industry to meet their specific requirement.

What are the Reasons and Solutions for Child Labour in the Cotton Industry in India?

• Reasons:
  • Cheap and Compliant Labour: Children are often paid less than adults (or unpaid) and have weaker negotiating power as well as being often perceived as more submissive workers.
  • “Nimble Fingers” Myth: Employers claim that the tasks of cross-pollination, emasculation and hand-pollination are best undertaken by pre-pubescent, female children. 
    • There is a perception that children’s small hands and bodies are better for tasks such as weeding.
  • Unskilled Work: Cotton farming is largely a unskilled work where certain physical attributes such as small stature and agility increase the demand for child labour. 
  • Social Norms: Children are often expected to follow in their parents’ footsteps and are frequently summoned to “help” other members of the family, often at a young age.
• Way Forward:
  • National Legislation: Governments should translate the content of international treaties and conventions that they have ratified into national legislation. 
    • In addition, governments should ensure that labour laws are implemented and enforced.
  • Sustainable Business Practices: Companies should act with due diligence across all its business operations, including at the level of suppliers and subcontractors.
    • Eliminating and preventing child labour need to be included in this effort.
  • Transparency and Traceability: Brands and retailers should focus on gaining full understanding of their supply chains. 
    • It includes informal sector and homeworkers where the bulk of child labour occurs.
    • Governments on the buying end of the supply chain should curb the import of products made with child labour.
  • Substitution of Workforce: Labour can be substituted with machines for efficient functioning. Substituted labourforce should be reskilled to make them employable in other economic sectors.

Drishti Mains Question  Q. Discuss the importance of cotton cultivation for the development of the textile industry in India. Q. What are the reasons for the prevalence of child labour in the cotton sector in India? How child labour in the cotton sector can be curbed for its sustainable development?

Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project

Source: DTE

Why in News?

The Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project, part of India’s ambitious National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, has become a point of contention. Flood victims in Bihar have protested against its implementation.

• The project is aimed at improving irrigation in the region. However, locals argue that it fails to address the critical issue of flood control, which affects them annually.

What are the Key Facts About the Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project?

• About: The project involves linking the Kosi River with the Mechi River, a tributary of the Mahananda River, impacting regions in Bihar and Nepal.
  • Aims to provide annual irrigation to 4.74 lakh hectares (2.99 lakh hectares in Bihar) and 24 million cubic meters (MCM) of domestic and industrial water supply.
    • Upon completion, the project is expected to release an additional 5,247 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from the Kosi barrage.
  • The project is overseen by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti (Water Resources).
• Concerns: The project is designed primarily for irrigation purposes, with an aim to support 215,000 hectares of agricultural land in the Mahananda river basin during the Kharif season.

  • Despite government claims, the project does not have a significant flood control component, which is a major concern for the flood-prone region.

  • The project will release only 5,247 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of additional water from the barrage, which is negligible compared to the barrage's capacity of 900,000 cusecs.
    • Locals argue that such a small reduction in water flow will not be effective in preventing the annual flooding that devastates the region.
  • Flooding and land erosion have destroyed homes and inundated crops, affecting local livelihoods and villagers living between embankments.
    • The project's focus on irrigation does not address these immediate and recurring challenges.

What are the Key Facts About Kosi River and Mechi River?

• Kosi River: It is known as the "Sorrow of Bihar," originates over 7,000 metres above sea level in the Himalayas, within the catchment area of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. 
  
  • Flowing through China, Nepal, and India, it enters India near Hanuman Nagar and merges with the Ganga River near Kursela in Katihar district Bihar.
  • The Kosi River is formed by the confluence of three main streams: the Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi. 
    • The Kosi river is known for its tendency to shift its course westward, having moved 112 km over the last 200 years, devastating agricultural lands in Darbhanga, Saharsa and Purnea districts. 
  • Tributaries: The river has several important tributaries, including the Trijunga, Bhutahi Balan, Kamla Balan, and Bagmati, all of which join the Kosi River during its course through the plains.

• Mechi River: It is a trans-boundary river flowing through Nepal and India. It is a tributary of the Mahananda River. 

  • The river Mechi is a perennial river which rises in the inner valley of the Himalaya in Mahabharat range of hills in Nepal and then flows through the Indian state of Bihar to join the Mahananda in Kishanganj district.

What is the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking Rivers?

• About: NPP was formulated in 1980 by the Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti), to develop water resources through the inter-basin transfer of water.
• Components: The plan is divided into two main components: the Himalayan Rivers Development Component and the Peninsular Rivers Development Component.
• Projects Identified: 30 link projects have been identified, with 16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component.
  • Key Projects Under Peninsular Component: Mahanadi-Godavari Links, Godavari-Krishna Links, Par-Tapi-Narmada Link, and Ken-Betwa Link (first project under the NPP to begin implementation).
  • Key Projects Under Himalayan Component: Kosi-Ghaghra Link, Ganga (Farakka)-Damodar-Subernarekha Link, and Kosi-Mechi Link.
• Significance: The NPP aims to manage flood risks in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin.
  • It seeks to address water shortages in western and peninsular states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
  • The plan aims to improve irrigation in water-scarce regions, boosting agricultural productivity and thereby enhancing food security and potentially doubling farmers' incomes.
    • It will facilitate the development of infrastructure for freight movement via environmentally friendly inland waterways.
  • The NPP is designed to utilise surface water to alleviate groundwater depletion and reduce the amount of freshwater flowing into the sea.
• Challenges: Comprehensive feasibility studies assessing the economic, social, and ecological impacts are often incomplete or lacking.
  • Inadequate data can lead to uncertainties about the project's effectiveness and potential unintended consequences.
  • Water being a state subject complicates agreements on water sharing between states, leading to potential disputes. For example, issues have arisen between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Large-scale water transfers can worsen flooding, disrupting local ecosystems and communities. Additionally, changes in water flow may lead to water logging and increased salinity in agricultural lands, negatively affecting soil quality and crop yields.
  • The extensive financial outlay for construction, maintenance, and operation of dams, canals, and related infrastructure presents a significant economic burden.
  • Climate change can alter rainfall patterns, which may affect the availability and distribution of water, potentially undermining the intended benefits of the interlinking projects.

Way Forward

• Develop a comprehensive plan for floodplain zoning, restricting settlements and critical infrastructure in high-risk areas. Encourage flood-resistant housing and cropping patterns in designated zones.
  • Invest in fortifying embankments along the Kosi River to prevent breaches and reduce inundation
• Develop a clear mechanism to ensure equitable distribution of project benefits.  Flood-prone areas should see significant investments in flood control measures, while water-scarce regions benefit from improved irrigation infrastructure.
• Given the challenges faced by the Interlinking of Rivers plan, adopting the National Waterways Project (NWP) offers a promising alternative. 
  • The NWP, which uses excess floodwaters that currently flow into the sea,  avoids state disputes over water sharing and provides a more cost-effective solution for irrigation and power generation.

Drishti Mains Question: Q.  Discuss the objectives and expected benefits of the Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project. How does it align with the broader goals of the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking Rivers?

Lateral Entry in Civil Services

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued a notification for recruiting 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries as specialists in government departments through lateral entry scheme. 

• Due to opposition from several groups who argued that the scheme compromised the reservation rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), SCs, and STs, the government decided to withdraw its plan to proceed with recruitment through the Lateral Entry Scheme

What is a Lateral Entry Scheme?

• About:  
  • Lateral entry refers to the process of appointing individuals from outside the government directly to mid-level and senior positions. 
  • It aims to bring in domain-specific expertise and fresh perspectives to enhance governance. 
  • These 'lateral entrants' are appointed on contracts for 3 years, which can be extended to a maximum of 5 years. 
• Origin and Implementation: 
  • The concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the 2004-09 and was strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) established in 2005. 
  • It  was later recommended by NITI Aayog in 2017 to bring in expertise and fresh perspectives.  
    • In 2017, NITI Aayog, in its 3-year Action Agenda, and the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Governance recommended the induction of personnel at middle and senior management levels in the central government. 
• Eligibility: 
  • Individuals with domain expertise and a proven track record in relevant fields from the private sector, state governments, autonomous bodies, or public sector undertakings are eligible to apply for these positions.  
  • The selection criteria typically emphasise professional accomplishment and subject matter expertise. 
• Reservation in Lateral Entry: 
  • Lateral entries have been excluded from the reservation system because of the "13-point roster" policy. 
    • The "13-point roster" policy establishes a method for determining a candidate's placement on a list of job openings by calculating their group's quota percentage (SC, ST, OBC, and EWS) as a fraction of one hundred. 
  • Since each lateral entry position is considered a "Single Post," the reservation system does not apply, allowing these appointments to be made without following reservation guidelines. 
  • In the current round of recruitment, 45 openings have been advertised separately for each department. If considered as a single group, reservations would apply with specific allocations for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates. 
    • However, since the vacancies are treated as individual posts, they bypass the reservation policy, effectively excluding reserved categories from these positions. 
• Number of Recruitments So Far: 
  • Since the lateral recruitment process began in 2018, a total of 63 individuals have been appointed to various Ministries/Departments.  
  • As of August 2023, 57 of these lateral entrants currently hold positions in the central government. 

What are the Arguments in Favour of Lateral Entry Scheme in Civil Services? 

• Specialised Skill and Expertise: Lateral entry allows the government to recruit specialists with expertise in areas like technology, management, and finance, addressing gaps in knowledge that generalist civil servants may not have as governance becomes more complex. 
• Innovation and Reforms: Lateral recruits can bring valuable experiences from the private sector, NGOs, or other organisations, helping to reform and enhance administrative processes and governance. 
• Filling The Gap: According to Department of Personnel and Training data, there is a shortage of about 1500 IAS officers. Lateral entry can help bridge this deficit. 
• Bringing a Change in Work Culture: It will help in bringing change work culture in the Government sector which is criticised for red-tapism, rule-book bureaucracy, and status-quoist. 
• Participatory Governance: Presently, governance is becoming a more participatory and multi-actor endeavour and lateral entry provides stakeholders such as the private sector and non-profits an opportunity to participate in the governance process. 

What are the Criticisms of Lateral Entry Scheme in Civil Services? 

• Short Tenure: The Central government has set the tenure for joint secretaries at 3 years, which is insufficient for newcomers to fully acclimate to the complex governance systems and make meaningful contributions. 
• Maintaining Objectivity and Neutrality: Bringing in individuals from diverse backgrounds can challenge objectivity and neutrality due to potential conflicts of interest and impartiality concerns, especially if recruits have prior ties to private companies or interest groups. 
• Impact on Permanent Officers' Morale: The increasing number of lateral entrants could create a divide between them and permanent officers, potentially harming the morale of career bureaucrats. 
• Potential Dilution of Merit-Based Recruitment: Lateral entry might dilute the merit-based recruitment system that underpins the civil services. If not conducted transparently, it could lead to perceptions of favouritism or nepotism in the selection process. 
• Outsider Syndrome: Traditional bureaucrats may resist lateral entrants due to concerns about hierarchy and disruption, often treating them as outsiders and displaying hostility towards their inclusion. 
• Experience Requirement for Senior Positions: In the permanent system, IAS officers are promoted to the joint secretary level after 17 years of service, typically around the age of 45, and remain at that level for ten years.  
  • If similar experience requirements are applied to lateral entrants, it may deter the best candidates from joining, as they often reach the peak of their professions in the private sector at that age. 

Way Forward

• Ensure Transparency: Maintain a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entries that focuses on relevant expertise, experience, and skills, avoiding perceptions of favouritism or bias. 
  • In the UK, the UK Civil Service Fast Stream program recruits individuals directly into the civil service at multiple levels, focusing on candidates with specialised skills and expertise. 
• Training of Lateral Entrants: An intensive training program for entrants from the private sector to civil services needs to be formulated which helps them understand the complex nature of work in Government. 
• Clear Expectations and Role Definition: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and establish specific performance indicators and objectives to align contributions with organisational goals. 
• Relaxing Age Barrier: To attract top talent, age requirements for joint secretary positions should be relaxed to include candidates as young as 35.  
  • In the past, economists like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Bimal Jalan advanced to senior positions at a younger age, which was a factor in their return from lucrative international roles. 

Conclusion

Lateral entry, like competition in any field, can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration of entry criteria, job roles, personnel numbers, and training to ensure it drives positive change. Additionally, reforms to the traditional seniority-based system are essential for comprehensive administrative improvements. 

Drishti Mains Question: What is the Lateral Entry Scheme of the Government into Civil Services? What are its merits and demerits and its implications?

Subclinical Tuberculosis

Source: TH

Why in News?

Subclinical Tuberculosis (TB) is a growing concern in India, contributing to the slow decline in TB incidence rates despite advances in detection and treatment. 

What is Subclinical Tuberculosis?

• Definition: Subclinical TB refers to a form of TB infection where individuals do not exhibit the typical symptoms of the disease, such as a persistent cough. 
  • This makes it harder to detect compared to active TB, which presents with more apparent symptoms.
• Detection: It is often identified through imaging techniques like chest X-rays or molecular tests, as it may not be noticeable through routine symptom-based screenings.
• Prevalence: Subclinical TB accounted for 42.6% of cases in the National TB Prevalence Survey (2019-2021), with similar findings in Tamil Nadu (39%).
  
  • Although asymptomatic, individuals with subclinical TB can still spread the bacteria to others.
  • High-burden countries, including India, have a considerable proportion of subclinical TB, which remains largely undetected, thus sustaining the transmission of the disease.
  • Countries like Vietnam have successfully reduced TB prevalence by screening entire populations using X-rays and molecular tests, regardless of symptoms.
    • Implementing similar large-scale screening in India would require strategic shifts, including mobile units and community engagement.
• Impact: This form of TB can contribute to the slow decline in overall TB incidence rates, as it remains largely undetected and untreated.

What are the Key Facts About Tuberculosis?

• About: TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that mainly affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. 
• Symptoms: Prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. 
  • Diabetes, weakened immune system, malnutrition, tobacco use can increase the risk of TB disease. 
• Prevention: Seek medical attention, get tested if at risk, early treatment. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine helps prevent TB outside the lungs but not in the lungs.
• Prevalence and Treatment: About 25% of the global population has been infected with TB bacteria. 5-10% of these infections progress to active TB disease. 
  • TB is preventable and curable with antibiotics, typically including isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin.
  • Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is caused by bacteria resistant to first-line drugs, treatable with costly and toxic second-line drugs. 
    • MDR-TB remains a public health crisis, with only about 2 in 5 people accessing treatment in 2022. 
• TB and HIV: People living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are 16 times more likely to develop TB. TB is the leading cause of death among people with HIV.
  • Without proper treatment, 60% of HIV-negative people with TB and nearly all HIV-positive people with TB will die.
• Impact: TB disproportionately affects adults in low and middle-income countries, with over 80% of cases and deaths occurring in these regions. The highest burden is in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asian and African Regions. 
  • A total of 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022 (including 167 000 people with HIV). Worldwide, TB is the second leading infectious killer after Covid-19.
• Initiatives Related to TB:
  • India:
    • The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)  to Eliminate TB by 2025.
    • Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative.
    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) provided to TB patients.
    • TB-Mukt Panchayat Initiative: Launched to leverage the support of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats to increase TB awareness, eliminate stigma, and improve service uptake.
    • Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) 

• Global:

  • The Global Tuberculosis Programme by the World Health Organization works towards the goal of a world free of TB, with zero deaths, disease and suffering due to the disease.

  • Global Plan to End TB 2023-2030 is a plan to end tuberculosis as a public health challenge by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    • SDG 3 aims to prevent needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death by focusing on key targets that boost the health of a country's overall population.
  • Global Tuberculosis Report.

Wolbachia-Infected Mosquitoes for Dengue Control

Source: TH

Why in News?

Dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus represent major public health challenges in India, leading to considerable economic losses and healthcare burdens. 

• The limited success of traditional control methods underscores the need for innovative strategies, such as the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which offer a promising alternative.

How does Wolbachia Help in Controlling Mosquito Populations?

• About:

  • Wolbachia is a common type of bacteria found in insects. Approximately 6 in 10 of all insects, including butterflies, bees, and beetles, around the world have Wolbachia. 

    • Wolbachia bacteria cannot make people or animals (for example, fish, birds, pets) sick.

    • They are not found in Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.
  • Aedes aegypti can spread viruses including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
  • Aedes mosquitoes with Wolbachia can be used to reduce the number of target mosquito species. 
    • Mosquitoes with Wolbachia are not genetically modified.
• Process of Production: Wolbachia bacteria are first introduced into the eggs of male and female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. 
  • The eggs are then used to mass-produce new mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia. 
    • There are 2 Wolbachia strains, wMel and wAlbB, that have been transinfected into Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes for population replacement.
  • After production, the mosquitoes are sorted by sex, with only the males being retained for release, while the females are kept for further breeding in the laboratory.
• Use for Mosquito Control: Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are used to lower the population of target species like Aedes Aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, Mayaro etc. 
  • Control professionals release male Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia into areas with wild Aedes Aegypti. 
  • When these males mate with wild females that lack Wolbachia, the eggs produced do not hatch. As a result, the population of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes decreased.
• Status of Wolbachia Programs in India: India currently lacks an active Wolbachia mosquito release program. 
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research - Vector Control Research Center (ICMR-VCRC) has initiated the development of wMel Aedes strains but has faced delays in public updates and government approvals. 
  • Recent findings indicate the natural presence of Wolbachia in Aedes mosquitoes in Northeast India, though its immediate significance is unknown.

Global Examples for Wolbachia Implementation

• In Singapore, the release of infected male mosquitoes resulted in a 90% reduction in the Aedes population and a 77% decrease in dengue cases in release areas. 
• Australia adopted a population replacement strategy, leading to a stable wMel strain genome in wild populations and significant reductions in dengue incidence. 
• A landmark randomised controlled trial in Indonesia demonstrated that areas with released wMel (strain) mosquitoes experienced a 77% reduction in dengue cases and an 86% decrease in hospitalizations.

WHO Declares Mpox a PHEIC

Source: IE

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox (monkeypox), a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a significant upsurge in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring African countries. 

• The disease has been detected in 10 African nations this year, with over 96% of cases located in the DRC. The emergence of a new virus strain, clade 1b, spreading mainly through sexual contact, is particularly concerning.
  • The risk assessment of another clade (Ia), which is spreading mostly in children through multiple modes of transmission, has also been considered to be high.
• The PHEIC designation is the highest level of alarm under International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), reflecting the disease's potential to spread beyond Africa. 
  • This is the second time in two years that mpox has been declared a global emergency.
• Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two different clades exist: clade I and clade II.
• Symptoms: Skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Transmission: It can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
• Prevention: Mpox can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with someone who has mpox. Vaccination, including the JYNNEOS® vaccine, can help protect those at risk. 
• Treatment: Persons with mpox should be isolated. Several antivirals, such as tecovirimat, have been used to treat mpox, and further studies are underway

Read more: Mpox Virus

National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

Source: TH

Recently, the union government has launched the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based platform aimed at connecting farmers with agricultural scientists and experts to enhance pest control measures. 

• This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce farmers' reliance on pesticide retailers and promote a scientific approach to pest management.

Features of NPSS Platform:

• AI-Driven Analysis: The system utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse real-time data on pest infestations, allowing for timely interventions.
• Direct Communication: Farmers can easily communicate with experts by uploading images of affected crops or pests via their mobile phones, facilitating rapid diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• Reduction of Pesticide Dependence: By providing accurate pest management advice, NPSS aims to decrease the overuse of pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Widespread Reach: The platform is expected to assist approximately 140 million farmers across India, enhancing accessibility to expert advice.
  • The app will help farmers avoid unnecessary pesticide purchases by providing accurate advice on pest management.
• Integration with Local Outreach: The technology will be disseminated through state-level outreach programs, ensuring that farmers receive support tailored to their regional agricultural challenges.

Read More: Adoption of Modern Technology in Agriculture 

Emerging Covid Strains Spark Renewed Concerns

Source: TH

Recently, the central government has attributed the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India to two strains, KP.1 and KP.2.

• These strains are categorised under the “FLiRT” group and have evolved from the JN1 Omicron variant.
• These are highly transmissible, causing mild symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body ache, and fatigue.
• KP.2 was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Variant Under Monitoring.
• Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  • COVISHIELD, Covaxin and  AstraZeneca were among the recommended vaccines for Covid-19 in India.

Government Measures to Monitor the Spread of New Strains:

• The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been implemented in all 36 States/UTs and sanctioning Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories across India to improve virus detection and research.
• Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-A BHIM)

Read More: WHO Designates JN.1 as Variant of Interest as Covid-19 Cases Rise 

Former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Punya Tithi

Source: PIB

Recently, PM Narendra Modi paid tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his punya tithi at ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial.

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee:  born on 25th December, 1924 in the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior (now a part of Madhya Pradesh).
  • He entered in national politics during the Quit India Movement of 1942 which hastened the end of British colonial rule.
• In 1947, Vajpayee started working as a journalist for newspapers of Deendayal Upadhyaya — Rashtradharma (a Hindi monthly), Panchjanya (a Hindi weekly) and the dailies Swadesh and Veer Arjun. 
  • Later, influenced by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Vajpayee joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951.
• He was the former Prime Minister of India and was elected to the position twice in 1996 and 1999.
• As a parliamentarian, Vajpayee was awarded with the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for Best Parliamentarian in 1994, which defines him as "a role model par excellence for all legislators."
• He was conferred with the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 2015 and second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan in 1994.
• A revered former Prime Minister, he passed away on 16^th August 2018.

Read More: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Passes Away,