Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Services (JKPSC)

• 08 Jan 2025

Death by Asphyxiation in Kashmir

Why in News? 

Recently, six people died due to asphyxiation in Kashmir valley. The chief minister conveyed his condolences and urged people to exercise utmost caution while using heating gadgets. 

 Key Points 

• Wider Concerns in the Valley: 
  • The incident highlighted the widespread use of heating gadgets in Kashmir during harsh winters. 
  • Kashmir has already experienced two to three major spells of snowfall in 2025. 
• Health Advisory and Expert Recommendations: 
  • The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences warned against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 
    • CO is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in large amounts. 
    • Rising cases of CO poisoning require emergency interventions in critical care units. 
    • Doctors explained how gas, charcoal, and wood-based appliances deplete oxygen in poorly ventilated spaces, producing harmful gases like CO and CO₂. 
    • Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain, and unconsciousness. 
    • CO binds with haemoglobin, impairing oxygen transportation in the body. 
  • It is suggested to distribute Carbon Monoxide Sensors to households at subsidized rates through local bodies. 
    • It is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in Jammu and Kashmir

Why in News? 

Recently, the Supreme Court proposed setting up Benches of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to address the rising backlog of defence-related cases from these regions. 

 Key Points 

• Current Burden on AFT Chandigarh: 
  • The SC noted that AFT Chandigarh is handling cases from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Setting up circuit benches in Jammu and Kashmir, Shimla, and Dharamshala would help reduce the backlog. 
• Supreme Court's Directions to the Centre: 
  • The court instructed the Centre to compile data on the total sanctioned strength and vacancies in tribunals. 
  • The Centre was asked to propose a systematic mechanism for filling these posts. 
  • Details of ongoing recruitment processes for tribunal posts must be submitted within four weeks. 

 Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) 

• It is a military tribunal in India. It was established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. 
• It has provided the power for the adjudication or trial by AFT of disputes and complaints with respect to commission, appointments, enrolments and conditions of service in respect of persons subject to the Army Act, 1950, The Navy Act, 1957 and the Air Force Act, 1950. 
• The Judicial Members are retired High Court Judges and Administrative Members are retired Members of the Armed Forces who have held the rank of Major General/ equivalent or above for a period of three years or more, Judge Advocate General (JAG), who have held the appointment for at least one year are also entitled to be appointed as the Administrative Member.