Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 09 Jan 2025

Technology to Combat Cyber Threats Across Border

Why in News? 

Recently, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir urged police officials to adopt innovative tools to strengthen their capabilities in addressing cross-border cyber threats. 

 Key Points 

• Addressing Disinformation and Modern Security Challenges: 
  • Speaking at the passing-out parade of Probationer Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) at the Police Academy in Udhampur, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to counter disinformation campaigns originating from across the border, facilitated by advanced technology. 
  • Highlighting the impact of modern tools like artificial intelligence, he noted that deep fakes and disinformation are significant threats to security. 
  • He urged officers to adopt technological tools for maintaining law and order, staying vigilant, and responding swiftly.  
  • He also emphasized the importance of anticipating and analyzing changes in criminal behavior to stay ahead. 
• Enhancing Coordination and Tackling Emerging Threats: 
  • The LG reaffirmed the commitment to a terror-free and fear-free Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting improved coordination between police and security agencies to dismantle terrorist and separatist networks. 
  • He identified narco-terrorism, weaponization of social media, and disinformation campaigns as major internal security threats, urging officers to lead efforts against drug trafficking, cybercrime, and radicalization using innovative ideas and tools. 
• Strengthening Investigation and Prosecution: 
  • The L-G emphasized the need for robust investigation and prosecution to ensure every crime reaches its logical conclusion. 
  • He urged the police force to focus on neutralizing terrorists and eliminating divisive elements threatening societal harmony. 

 Lieutenant Governor (LG) 

• About: 
  • The LG is the administrator of theUnion Territory, appointed under Article 239 of the Constitution of India (COI). 
  • Under Article 239AA (4) COI, the Lieutenant Governor is required to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where he is required by law to act at his discretion. 
  • The Lieutenant Governor's powers and functions are derived from the Constitution, particularly Article 239AA of COI. 
  • The office of the Lieutenant Governor represents the Union government in the administration. 
• Seats of Lieutenant Governors in India: 
  • Andaman and Nicobar Island 
  • Chandigarh 
  • Ladakh 
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 
  • Puducherry 
  • Lakshadweep 
  • Jammu and Kashmir 
  • Delhi 

Governor	Lieutenant Governor
Governors are appointed for states	Lieutenant Governors are appointed for Union Territories.
Governors have authority over states with more autonomy	Lieutenant Governors oversee Union Territories under more central control.
Governors generally have more ceremonial roles	Lieutenant Governors, especially in Delhi, play a more active administrative role.
Governors act mostly on state cabinet advice	Lieutenant Governors have more extensive discretionary powers.
Governors' roles are defined under Articles 153 to Article 162 of the COI.	Lieutenant Governors roles under Articles 239 to Article 239AA of the COI.

Special HMPV ICU Ward Set Up in Jammu

Why in News? 

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir health department has established a specialized ICU ward in Jammu to address concerns about a potential outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases detected in the country. 

 Key Points 

• Preparedness for Potential Outbreak: 
  • The ward is centrally heated, equipped with eight ventilator-supported beds, and provides a 24x7 oxygen supply. 
  • Doctors have reassured the public that HMPV is not a new pathogen and is not causing a widespread outbreak. 
  • Describing it as a mild upper respiratory disease, Doctors highlighted that only six cases have been detected in the country so far, and there is no cause for panic. 
• Enhanced Readiness Measures: 
  • The administration has held meetings to review the situation and ensure sufficient facilities are in place. 
  • The Gandhinagar government hospital’s fully operational oxygen plant, with a capacity of 22,000 liters per minute, supports preparedness. 
    • In addition to the ICU ward, the hospital offers 100 oxygen-supported beds, sufficient concentrators, and various types of oxygen cylinders. 

 Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) 

• Discovery: It was discovered in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands. It causes acute respiratory infections, similar to flu and Covid-19.  
• Presence: It is not limited to China and is found all over the world. It is clubbed as a common respiratory pathogen. It does not have a vaccine.  
• Symptoms: Cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and wheezing, which typically resolve within 2-5 days.  
• Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications like pneumonia.  
• Transmission: HMPV spreads through close contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.  
• Seasonality: It commonly circulates during winter and spring, along with other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza.  
  • HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes RSV, measles, and mumps viruses.  
• Severity: While most HMPV cases are mild, a small percentage (5-16%) may develop into severe conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.