• 29 Nov 2024

National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project

Why in News?

Recently, a High-Level Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation has approved Rs 1,115.67 crore for disaster mitigation and capacity-building projects in various states.

Key Points

• About the Committee:
  • The committee reviewed proposals to mitigate landslide risks in 15 states under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
  • It also approved funding from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for training and capacity-building initiatives for Civil Defense volunteers across all states and union territories.
• The National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project was approved for 15 states at a total cost of Rs 1,000 crore.
  • State-wise allocations:
    • Uttarakhand: Rs 139 crore
    • Himachal Pradesh: Rs 139 crore
    • Eight North-East States: Rs 378 crore
    • Maharashtra: Rs 100 crore
    • Karnataka: Rs 72 crore
    • Kerala: Rs 72 crore
    • Tamil Nadu: Rs 50 crore
    • West Bengal: Rs 50 crore
• Training and Capacity Building of Civil Defense Volunteers was approved for all states and union territories with a total outlay of Rs 115.67 crore.
• Previous Approvals by the Committee:
  • Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Projects: Urban flood risk management projects were approved for seven cities with a total outlay of Rs 3,075.65 crore.
  • GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) Risk Management Projects: GLOF was approved for four states at a total cost of Rs 150 crore under NDMF.

National Disaster Relief Fund

• National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) was renamed as National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) with the enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • It is defined in Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• It is managed by the Central Government to meet the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation due to any threatening disaster situation or disaster.
  • It supplements the SDRF in case of a disaster of a severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in the SDRF.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

• A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a type of catastrophic flood that occurs when the dam containing a glacial lake fails, releasing a large volume of water.
• This type of flood is typically caused by rapid melting of glaciers or the buildup of water in the lake due to heavy precipitation or the inflow of meltwater.
  • In February 2021, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand witnessed flash floods which are suspected to have been caused by GLOFs.

National Security Guards in Jammu

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has permanently established a National Security Guards (NSG) unit in Jammu to swiftly respond to any large-scale terrorist incident.

• Previously, NSG commandos had to be airlifted from Delhi or Chandigarh, causing delays.

Key Points

• Enhanced Security Measures in Jammu City:
  • A security review has led to measures for protecting high-rise buildings, critical installations, and public areas in Jammu City.
  • Regular assessments are conducted to ensure preparedness and prevent attacks.
  • Permanent deployment has significantly reduced response times.
• Integration with Broader Anti-Terror Strategy:
  • Deployment of NSG complements the anti-terror plan devised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP).
  • Focus areas include high-risk locations like multi-story buildings, critical infrastructure, and crowded spaces.
• Multi-Layered Security Approach:
  • Officials assert that the city’s multi-layered security perimeter prevents terrorist infiltration.
  • The NSG serves as a backup force for prolonged engagements, supporting primary responders like the Special Operations Group (SOG).
    • SOG and allied units are the first responders, with other security agencies available for support.
• Recent Terrorist Incidents and Counter-Operations:
  • In 2024, Jammu region saw multiple terrorist attacks in districts like Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch.
    • Counter-operations have eliminated several terrorists, minimizing their impact.
  • In October 2024, Pakistani infiltrators planning a major attack were neutralized in the Khour sector of Akhnoor by Army personnel.

National Security Guards (NSG)

• About:
  • The NSG was created in 1984 as a federal contingency force to tackle terrorism.
  • Its mission is to train, equip, and keep in readiness a special force capable of swiftly and effectively combating terrorism, living up to its motto 'Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha'.
• Structure:
  • It was modeled on the Special Air Service (SAS) of the United Kingdom and GSG-9 of Germany, with two complementary elements - the Special Action Group (SAG) comprising Army personnel and the Special Ranger Groups (SRG) comprising personnel from Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces.

Child Marriage Free India Campaign

Why in News?

Recently, Union women and child development minister launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” or child marriage free India campaign portal to help girls achieve their potential by checking practices such as child marriages.

• This campaign targets seven high-burden states: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Focus areas include 300 districts where child marriage rates exceed the national average.
• The goal is to reduce the prevalence of child marriages to below 5% by 2029.

Key Points

• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign:
  • The campaign advocates for legislative changes to ensure 18 as the minimum age of marriage without exceptions.
  • It provides legal protection for children and aims to prevent child marriages effectively.
• Role of the Child Marriage Monitoring Portal:
  • It will help monitor Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) with better supervision and evaluation.
  • User-friendly tools to encourage reporting by victims and witnesses.
  • Easy access to information for better communication and support.
• Multi-Pronged Approach to Address Child Marriage:
  • Focus areas include:
    • National Education Policy integration.
    • Health, financial security, and safety.
    • Social awareness campaigns.
• Citizen Participation and Gender-Inclusive Initiatives:
  • Citizens are encouraged to pledge to prevent child marriages and report cases to authorities.
  • The government has launched initiatives like Nari Adalats (women’s courts).
    • A Guide on Gender-Inclusive Communication to address gender biases.
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative that aimed to bring societal change in perceptions toward the girl child.
• India’s Global Recognition in Reducing Child Marriages
  • India has been globally acknowledged, with UN reports attributing South Asia’s largest decline in child marriages to India's efforts.
  • In 2006, child marriage rates were 47.4% and in 2019-21 they are declined to 23.3%.
  • According to government data, child marriage rates have declined from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21.
• Supreme Court’s Role and Recommendations:
  • In October 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 supersedes personal laws.
  • Recommendations include:
    • Community-driven approaches and preventive measures.
    • Multi-sectoral coordination and capacity building for law enforcement.
• Vision for a Developed India by 2047:
  • The campaign aligns with the broader goal of creating a developed India by 2047 with girls at the center of women-led development.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiative

• It was launched in January 2015 with the aim to address sex selective abortion and the declining child sex ratio which was at 918 girls for every 1,000 boys in 2011.
• This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Bihar’s Poor Health Infrastructure

Why in News?

Recently, the Bihar government faced criticism for poor performance as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Audit Report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services (2016-2022) was presented to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council during the ongoing winter session.

• The report highlighted critical gaps in Bihar's healthcare system, including severe resource shortages, underutilized budgets, and systemic inefficiencies, underscoring the urgent need for structural reforms.

Key Points

• Human Resource Shortages in Health Services:
  • Bihar faced a 49% vacancy in key health departments, including the Directorate of Health Services, State Drug Controller, Food Safety Wing, AYUSH, and Medical Colleges and Hospitals (MCHs).
  • Against the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 1 allopathic doctor per 1,000 people, Bihar had a ratio of 1 doctor per 2,148 people (58,144 doctors available against the required 1,24,919).
  • Shortages of staff nurses ranged from 18% in Patna to 72% in Purnea, while paramedics faced shortages of 45% in Jamui to 90% in East Champaran.
  • Recruitment for 13,340 healthcare posts out of 24,496 posts remained pending as of January 2022.
• Gaps in Infrastructure and Facilities:
  • None of the four inspected Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) had functional Operation Theatres (OT), breaching Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
  • Only 1% to 67% of pregnant women in 11 test-checked facilities received a full course of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.
    • Maternal death reviews were conducted in only 1 out of 24 reported cases during 2016-22.
  • 19% to 100% of required diagnostic facilities were unavailable in 68 healthcare facilities.
• Shortages of Drugs and Equipment:
  • Essential drugs were unavailable in 21% to 65% of Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and 34% to 83% of Inpatient Departments (IPDs) during 2016-22.
  • Medical colleges reported 45% to 68% drug shortages in FYs 2019-21 due to non-supply.
• Budget Utilization and Policy Gaps:
  • Bihar spent only 69% of the allocated Rs 69,790.83 crore of healthcare budget between FYs 2016-17 and 2021-22, leaving Rs 21,743.04 crore unused.
  • Healthcare expenditure against Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ranged between 1.33% and 1.73%, and against the state budget, it ranged between 3.31% and 4.41%.
  • Bihar lacked a comprehensive health policy aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, to address infrastructure and equipment gaps.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Performance:
  • Bihar scored 66 out of 100 under SDG-3 (health sector) in NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index Report (2020-21).
  • The state’s performance on health indicators like Maternal Mortality Rate, Neonatal Mortality Rate, and Total Fertility Rate was far below the SDG targets and national averages.

Comptroller and Auditor General

• About:
  • The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD). He/she is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both the central and state levels.
    • The CAG upholds the Constitution and parliamentary laws in financial administration and is considered one of the key pillars of India's democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.
  • CAG of India is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.
• Appointment and Term:
  • The CAG of India is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. The officeholder serves a term of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Independence:
  • The CAG can only be removed by the President following a constitutional procedure, not at the President's pleasure.

National Gopal Ratna Awards

Why in News?

Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2024 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).

• It is one of the highest honours in the livestock and dairy sector and is presented on National Milk Day (26th November 2024).

Key Points

• Objective of the Awards:
  • The NGRA aims to recognize and encourage contributions to animal husbandry and dairying.
• Award Categories:
  • Best dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds,
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
  • Best dairy cooperative/ milk producer company/ dairy farmer producer organisation.
• Special Awards for the North Eastern Region (NER) were introduced in 2024.
• Special Recognition for North Eastern Region (NER):
  • From 2024 onwards, a special award is included for the North Eastern Region (NER) in all three categories to boost dairy development activities in the region.
• First Rank Winner of each category is:
  • Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds- Smt. Renu, Jhajjar, Haryana.
  • Best Dairy Cooperative society/Milk Producer company/ Dairy Farmer producer organization- The Gabat Milk Producers Cooperative Society Limited, Aravali, Gujarat.
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)- Shri Bhaskar Pradhan, Subarnapur, Odisha.
• Background on Livestock Sector:
  • The livestock sector contributes one-third to the agriculture and allied sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and has a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 8%.
  • It plays a vital role in enhancing farmer income, especially for landless, small, and marginal farmers, and women and providing affordable and nutritious food.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• Launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development.
• NPBBDD have Two Components:
  • National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB): Conservation and development of recognized indigenous breeds.
  • National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): Creating infrastructure related to production, procurement, processing and marketing by milk unions/federations.
• Objectives:
  • Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.
  • Improving the productivity of indigenous breeds to maximize their economic contribution.