Current Affairs - 17 Nov 2024 PDF

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 17 Nov 2024 Incident Overview: A fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maharani I...

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 17 Nov 2024 Incident Overview: A fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maharani Incident Overview: Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The bodies of six individuals, missing since November 11, were reportedly Casualties: 10 newborns lost their lives; 16 others are critically injured. found near the Assam-Manipur border, escalating tensions in the region. Cause: Suspected electrical short circuit. Protests: Contributing Factors: ○ Outrage in Imphal Valley, with protesters attacking residences of 1. Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of fire safety mechanisms in government MLAs, demanding justice for the victims. hospitals. ○ Protesters called for the resignation of MLAs if they failed to ensure 2. Overcrowding in NICUs: Higher patient load strains resources and safety accountability and peace. measures. Curfew: Imposed in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur to control 3. Delayed Emergency Response: Failure in timely evacuation due to the violence. structural issues and panic. Background of the Conflict: Solutions Ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have persisted 1. Improving Fire Safety Standards: since May 2023, resulting in over 240 deaths. ○ Mandate fire audits and installation of fire safety systems in all Ongoing violence includes: hospitals. ○ Clashes between communities. ○ Establish guidelines for routine maintenance of electrical and fire ○ Armed insurgencies. safety equipment. ○ Controversies over the deployment of security forces and ○ Government Initiative: National Programme for Fire Safety, application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). focusing on auditing public infrastructure. Challenges: 2. Upgrading NICU Infrastructure: 1. Fragile Security Environment: ○ Increase the capacity of NICUs to handle patient loads. ○ Ethnic clashes continue to threaten law and order. ○ Adopt advanced monitoring systems to detect early fire hazards. ○ Trust deficit between communities and security forces exacerbates ○ Scheme: National Health Mission (NHM) supports improving tensions. hospital infrastructure. 2. Poor Governance and Communication: 3. Training Hospital Staff: ○ Delay in delivering justice and inadequate conflict resolution ○ Regular fire safety drills and training to manage emergencies. mechanisms. ○ Build capacity in handling neonatal critical care with swift ○ Alleged failure of political leadership to address the root causes of evacuation protocols. the conflict. ○ Program: Skill India Initiative can train healthcare workers in safety Solutions: protocols. 1. Dialogue and Reconciliation: 4. Accountability and Monitoring: ○ Foster talks between Meitei and Kuki-Zo leaders under neutral ○ Form independent hospital oversight committees. mediation. ○ Implement Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS) for ○ Initiatives like Inter-Community Peace Committees can help build transparency. trust. ○ Initiative: Pradhan Mantri Digital Health Mission (PM-DHM) can 2. Strengthening Governance: integrate safety audits. ○ Appoint a conflict resolution team to implement inclusive 5. Public Healthcare Funding: development policies. ○ Increase allocation for public health under schemes like Ayushman ○ Strengthen local self-governance mechanisms under schemes Bharat to ensure quality care in government hospitals. like Rural Development Missions. ○ Address resource gaps, including fire safety, NICU equipment, and 3. Security and Law Enforcement: staff. ○ Ensure impartial deployment of forces and fair investigation of 6. Compensation and Support: incidents. ○ Provide financial and medical aid to affected families. ○ Review AFSPA implementation and gradually replace it with ○ PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) can be leveraged for immediate community-policing models. assistance. 4. Development and Rehabilitation: ○ Implement targeted tribal development programs under Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and PM Jan Vikas Karyakram. ○ Ensure housing, employment, and infrastructure development in violence-affected areas. 5. Social Cohesion Measures: ○ Introduce education programs promoting communal harmony. ○ Use media and local leaders to counter hate propaganda and build positive narratives. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to ensure free, fair, and ethical elections by maintaining the decorum of the democratic process. Purpose of MCC: Ensures level playing field among political parties. Prevents misuse of power by the ruling government. Safeguards the integrity of the election process. Promotes peaceful and fair campaigning. Enforcement: The MCC comes into effect from the announcement of election dates and remains in force until the results are declared. The Election Commission monitors violations and takes corrective actions, including issuing notices, warnings, or recommending disqualifications. India-Japan Agreement for UNICORN Masts Context: Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed between India and Japan for co-development of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) masts for naval warships. Part of the India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation Framework. UNICORN Mast: Prime Minister Modi’s 3-Nation Tour Purpose: A conical structure that houses integrated communication 1. Nigeria: systems to improve stealth and communication capabilities of naval ○ Expected to sign MoUs in critical sectors like trade, energy, and platforms. technology. Benefits: ○ Focus on strengthening the Strategic Partnership with Nigeria, ○ Enhances stealth characteristics, reducing detection by radar. India’s key partner in West Africa. ○ Improves operational effectiveness of naval warships. 2. Brazil: Significance: ○ Participation in the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 1. Bilateral Defence Cooperation: ○ Builds on India’s successful G20 presidency in 2023, focusing ○ First co-development project under the 2015 Defence Agreement on Global South priorities. between India and Japan. 3. Guyana: ○ Strengthens India’s "Make in India" initiative with Bharat ○ Engagement with the CARICOM grouping of Caribbean nations. Electronics Limited (BEL) as a collaborator. ○ Strengthens India-Guyana relations based on shared cultural and 2. Strategic Advantage: historical heritage. ○ Promotes advanced technology transfer. Significance: ○ Aligns with India’s maritime security goals in the Indo-Pacific region. Global South Leadership: Reinforces India’s role in representing Global 3. Japan’s Role: South interests on global platforms. ○ Japan’s focus on exporting military hardware, despite its pacifist Bilateral Engagement: Strengthens India’s ties with strategically important constitution, aligns with India’s defence modernization. nations. ○ Builds on previous discussions regarding military hardware like Economic Diplomacy: Promotes cooperation in critical sectors such as amphibious planes. energy, trade, and defence. This tour is an opportunity to enhance India’s global influence and bilateral relations while aligning with its strategic and economic goals. India's prisons are overcrowded, operating at 131% capacity as of December 2022. Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme: 76% of inmates are undertrials awaiting court judgments. Launched under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY. Supreme Court's Centre for Research and Planning recommends using Benefits for senior citizens aged 70+. electronic tracking to reduce overcrowding. Over 10 lakh seniors enrolled; treatments worth ₹9 crore authorized within three weeks. Aims to provide free healthcare to vulnerable sections. Rice Shortage and Mango Kernel Deaths in Odisha: Two women died consuming mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal due to insufficient rice under Public Distribution System (PDS). Issues: ○ Monthly allocation of 5kg/person is inadequate. ○ Delayed rice distribution (October allocation given in November). ○ PDS card exclusions for women and children. Highlights need for improved food security and social audits of PDS. ICMR-NIN Study on AMR in Poultry: Indian scientists identified Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) genes in Proposal for Electronic Tracking: poultry (Kerala, Telangana). Objective: Findings: High prevalence of gram-negative and anaerobic species ○ Use technology like GPS-enabled ankle bracelets to track resistant to antibiotics. undertrials. Concerns: AMR challenges treatment of diseases like pneumonia and food ○ Implement pilot programs for undertrials eligible for release on poisoning. parole or furlough. Urgent intervention needed to stop AMR spread. Global Precedents: ○ Countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Malaysia, and Australia already use electronic tracking systems to monitor prisoners. Advantages: Reduces Prison Overcrowding: ○ Frees up space in jails for serious offenders. ○ Improves living conditions for inmates. Facilitates Reformation: ○ Allows undertrials to integrate with society under supervision. ○ Reduces stress and mental health issues due to prison isolation. India's Diabetes Burden: Cost-Effective: Lower financial burden compared to maintaining prisoners 1. Global Context: in jail. ○ Over 800 million people worldwide live with diabetes, a fourfold Improves Surveillance: Ensures compliance with bail conditions (e.g., increase since 1990. restricted movement). ○ India has 212 million diabetics—a quarter of the world's total. Challenges: § India accounts for 25% of the global diabetic population, with Risk of Misuse: 212 million diabetics, surpassing China (148 million). ○ Potential for tampering with or evading tracking devices. 2. Key Findings: ○ Concerns about invasion of privacy. ○ Data Source: WHO and NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, based on Legal and Ethical Concerns: over 140 million adults' data from 1,000+ studies. ○ Need for strict safeguards to prevent misuse. ○ Many Indians with diabetes remain untreated, highlighting a significant healthcare gap. ○ Possible stigmatization of individuals wearing tracking devices. Technology Dependence: Requires robust technological infrastructure ○ Rising diabetes rates among younger populations in low- and middle-income countries. and monitoring mechanisms. 3. Challenges in Diagnosis: Safeguards and Way Forward: Clear Guidelines: ○ Half remain untreated. ○ Define eligibility criteria for using electronic tracking (e.g., non- ○ Rising cases in younger adults. violent offenses). ○ The study compared HbA1c values (≥6.5%) and Oral Glucose ○ Ensure privacy protections and judicial oversight. Tolerance Test (OGTT), revealing underdiagnosis when using HbA1c Pilot Programs: Start with low-risk undertrials to assess feasibility and alone. scalability. Reasons for Rising Diabetes in India: Legislative Support: Amend the Prisons Act, 1894, and related laws to Dietary Factors: High consumption of processed foods rich in sugars and institutionalize electronic monitoring. carbohydrates. Community Readiness: Sensitize society to reduce stigma associated with Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary habits and reduced physical activity. the use of tracking devices. Socioeconomic Inequalities: Poor access to healthcare and unhealthy dietary practices among lower-income groups. Gender-Specific Concerns: Post-pregnancy obesity and menopausal weight gain among women. Prevention and Mitigation: Suggested Measures: ○ Awareness campaigns on nutrition and exercise. ○ Legal regulations for sugar and carb content in packaged foods. Navrattan Green Crete Development: ○ Make healthy foods affordable and promote exercise spaces. Eco-Friendly Cement: A sustainable and environmentally-friendly 1. Awareness Campaigns: alternative. ○ Educate people on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle Features: modifications. ○ Superior air-curing properties. ○ Promote early diagnosis and periodic screenings for high-risk ○ Requires 15% less material compared to traditional cement. groups. ○ Provides equal or higher compressive strength. 2. Policy Interventions: Impact: Aims to reduce environmental harm from traditional cement ○ Regulate sugars and processed foods in packaged goods. manufacturing. ○ Provide subsidies for healthy food alternatives. ○ Increase opportunities for physical activity through open parks and fitness centers. 3. Healthcare Initiatives: ○ Extend free or affordable healthcare services for diabetes treatment. Respite for Indian Coffee Growers - EU Regulation Update: ○ Encourage research on effective diagnostic methods (e.g., Context: combining HbA1c and OGTT). ○ EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires proof that agricultural 4. Long-Term Measures: products are not sourced from deforested or illegally cultivated ○ Establish a dedicated task force for diabetes prevention and land. treatment. ○ India, a key coffee exporter (70% exports to EU), opposed the ○ Support women's health initiatives focusing on pre- and post- regulation for lack of incentives for sustainable production. menopausal stages. New Deadlines: ○ Large growers and exporters: Compliance by December 30, 2025. ○ Micro and small growers: Compliance by June 30, 2026. Industry Impact: ○ Provides relief and time for mobilizing resources. ○ Ensures the continuation of exports while addressing ambiguities. Optical Biosensor for Monkeypox Detection Sustainability Efforts: Issue: Monkeypox (mpox) has spread globally, with symptoms resembling ○ Indian coffee estates feature diverse flora and fauna. other viral infections. ○ Seen as sustainably grown under native tree cover. Solution: Researchers developed an optical biosensor to detect Future Outlook: Delayed implementation ensures a smoother transition monkeypox quickly and cost-effectively. and positive market impact. Key Features: Uses monoclonal antibodies that bind to virus proteins. Tiny chambers with silicon chips detect virus-antibody complexes. Detection occurs in two minutes using a color camera for analysis. Significance: Faster diagnosis at the point of care. Reduces dependency on expensive and time-consuming PCR tests. Can distinguish monkeypox from other diseases like Ebola and COVID-19. Supreme Court Ruling on Bulldozing Property Context: The Supreme Court ruled demolitions of accused persons' property unconstitutional without due process. Key Guidelines: ○ Mandatory 15-day prior notice for demolition. ○ Justified grounds required; collective punishment disallowed. ○ Emphasis on judicial accountability. ○ Municipal Commissioner must document inspection details before demolition. Constitutional Basis: Right to shelter (Article 21). Significance: Aims to uphold due process and prevent arbitrary actions. Workplace Violence Against Doctors in India Issue: Rising violence against healthcare workers; 35% of doctors feel unsafe at work. Riyadh Summit and Gaza Conflict ○ Causes include: Arab Stance: Condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, termed as "genocide." § Overcrowding and understaffing. Palestinian Question: Reinforced demand for a two-state solution based § Lack of security measures and communication lapses. on 1967 borders. § Perceived inadequacy of care by patients and families. Geopolitical Significance: Study Findings: ○ Delayed normalization of Arab-Israel ties post-Abraham Accords. ○ 75% of doctors experienced workplace violence. ○ Saudi Arabia aligns with Palestine for regional stability. ○ Verbal abuse is the most common, followed by physical assaults. Prospects of War: Arab countries unlikely to engage militarily due to ○ Emergency rooms are hotspots for violence. political and strategic constraints. Solutions Suggested: ○ Enforce strict visitor policies and crowd control in healthcare facilities. ○ Improve security measures in hospitals. ○ Introduce soft skills training for doctors to manage agitated patients. ○ Implement legislation for protection of healthcare workers, ensuring effective enforcement. Super Typhoon Man-yi in the Philippines Key Event: Super Typhoon Man-yi made landfall, displacing over 6.5 lakh people. Impact: ○ Classified as a "potentially catastrophic and life-threatening" typhoon. ○ Sixth major storm to hit the Philippines in a month. ○ Extensive destruction to infrastructure and livelihoods expected. Georgia's Contested Election Results Key Event: Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, won with 53.93% of votes amid allegations of Russian meddling. Protests: ○ Opposition and citizens protested against alleged election fraud. ○ Western nations called for investigations. Xi Jinping at APEC Summit Key Event: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for unity among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members against "protectionism." Geopolitical Focus: ○ Criticized unilateralism and geopolitical challenges, indirectly UN Climate Chief on Climate Finance referencing U.S. policies. Key Event: UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell urged G-20 leaders to accelerate ○ Promoted regional cooperation. climate finance commitments. Focus: ○ Importance of sending a unified message at the upcoming Rio G-20 summit. ○ Need to meet COP29 targets for global climate finance. Hornbill Haven in Mayong, Assam Species Highlighted: ○ Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). ○ Significant for its role in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health. Location: Mayong Village, Morigaon District, Assam. A village fostering a small colony of oriental pied hornbills. Conservation Efforts: ○ Community-driven conservation initiative. ○ Villagers protect the species by: § Avoiding activities that harm or disturb the birds. § Preserving habitats and ensuring the birds have access to food (e.g., bananas). ○ Belief: Hornbills symbolize peace, prosperity, and ecological health. Ecotourism: ○ Hornbill habitat attracts visitors, including birdwatchers and researchers. ○ Nearby Mishing Eco Resort supports eco-tourism and promotes conservation awareness. Hornbill Importance: ○ Seed dispersers for forest ecosystems. ○ Indicators of forest health due to their reliance on unspoiled habitats. Geographical Distribution: Found in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Eastern Himalayan foothills.