22-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

GUIDELINES ON AMOEBIC BRAIN INFECTION ISSUED BY KERALA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

In response to the recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, the State’s Health Department has issued technical guidelines to address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare but fatal infection.

Recent Cases and Causative Organisms

• Reported Cases: Five cases reported in adolescents over the past three months, including three fatalities.

Causative Organisms:

• Naegleria fowler: Identified in all but one case.
• Vermamoeba vermiformis: Found in one case, another free-living amoeba present in the environment.

Characteristics of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM):

• A rare but lethal infection of the central nervous system.
• Rapid fatality due to free-living amoebae found in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers.
• Commonly caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
• Amoeba enters through nasal channels, destroying brain tissue, leading to brain swelling and death in most cases.

Treatment Guidelines

• Optimal Treatment Approach: Currently uncertain.
• Recommended Drug Regimen: Should include an amoebicidal drug (or a combination) with good in vitro activity capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Preventive Measures

• Avoid Diving and Stagnant Water: To prevent infection, avoid diving and jumping into stagnant water.
• Use of Nose Plugs: Recommended when participating in water-related activities.

NAEGLERIA FOWLERI: About Naegleria fowleri ·         Known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” ·         Single-cell organism found in warm freshwater (lakes, hot springs, pools). ·         Microscopic and only visible with a microscope. ·         Causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) by entering through the nose. Spread in the Human Body ·         Acquired through nasal passage when swimming, diving, or using contaminated water. ·         Travels via the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing severe inflammation and tissue destruction. ·         Cannot be transmitted from person to person. At-risk Individuals ·         Infections are very rare. ·         Higher risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, nasal or sinus issues, or those exposed to warm freshwater. Symptoms and Prognosis ·         Symptoms appear within a week: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations. ·         Rapid progression leading to coma and death. ·         Low survival rate with a 97% death rate. Treatment ·         Involves a combination of drugs. ·         Miltefosine has shown some effectiveness in treating the infection. ·         Despite treatment, survival chances remain very low.

Conclusion

The issuance of these guidelines by Kerala’s Health Department aims to mitigate the risks associated with amoebic brain infections and provide clear directives for healthcare providers in managing and preventing such cases effectively.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about Naegleria fowleri:
2. Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater environments.
3. It causes a brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
4. The infection caused by Naegleria fowleri can be transmitted from person to person.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Naegleria fowleri is indeed an amoeba found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools.

Naegleria fowleri causes a severe brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

The infection caused by Naegleria fowleri cannot be transmitted from person to person. It is typically acquired through the nasal passage when swimming or diving in contaminated water.

FOCUS ON FEMALE EMPLOYMENT TO COUNTER UNEMPLOYMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Lokniti-CVoter survey for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections highlighted job difficulty and inflation as key issues. The India Employment Report (IER) 2024, published by the Institute for Human Development and the International Labour Organization, underscores the critical role of female employment in mitigating unemployment.

Current Employment Trends

• Rising Unemployment Rates: Unemployment increased from a little over 2% in 2000 and 2012 to 5.8% in 2019. It reduced to 4.1% in 2022.
• Underemployment: Time-related underemployment was high at 7.5%.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Dropped from 61.6% in 2000 to 49.8% in 2018, but recovered to 55.2% in 2022.
• Female LFPR: Declined from 26.6% in 2018 to 23.3% in 2022, indicating an untapped potential for employment generation.

Barriers to Female Employment

• Gendered Employment Choices: Women’s employment often constrained to traditional occupations due to limited access to diverse opportunities.
• Lack of Resources: Difficulty in developing enterprises due to limited access to capital and insufficient social norms.
• Traditional Occupations: 30% of women stuck in traditional roles due to unavailability of other options.

Strategies for Improvement

• Utilizing Traditional Skills: Enhancing opportunities in non-farm sectors and promoting self-help groups (SHGs) for better economic returns.
• Access to Resources: Providing resources like land and water, supported by government initiatives.
• Supportive Work Environment: Ensuring gender-sensitive infrastructure and facilities, such as safe transportation and improved sanitation, to encourage female participation.

Examples of Success

• Self-Help Groups: Initiatives like the Kutchi Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) in Gujarat and the West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project have empowered women through resource access and microcredit.

Conclusion

Improving female employment, particularly in rural areas, can enhance overall economic growth and welfare. Strategic efforts in providing diverse job opportunities and supportive infrastructure are essential for increasing female workforce participation and reducing unemployment.

ICJ’S OPINION ON ISRAEL’S OCCUPATION OF WEST BANK AND EAST JERUSALEM

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem breaches international law and must end promptly. This judgment emphasizes the need to address long-standing issues related to human rights and self-determination for Palestinians.

Definition of Occupation

• According to Article 42 of the Hague Convention, occupation refers to a territory under the authority of a hostile army.
• The occupying power must respect humanitarian obligations and avoid transferring its civilian population into the occupied area.

ICJ’s Findings on Prolonged Occupation

• Legal Status: No set timeframe defines an occupation, but prolonged occupation should not lead to annexation.
• Policies and Practices: Israel’s actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including settlement expansion, breach international laws like the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Settlement Policy

• Violation: Israeli settlements violate Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
• Consequences: Policies have forcibly displaced Palestinians, leading to violence and insufficient enforcement of laws against settlers.

Discriminatory Legislation

• Systemic Discrimination: Israel’s laws in occupied territories are discriminatory against Palestinians, violating international conventions on human rights and racial discrimination.

Self-Determination

• Violation: Israel’s prolonged occupation undermines Palestinian self-determination and fundamental rights.

Future Course of Action

• Immediate Steps: ICJ recommends Israel cease illegal occupation activities, return territories, and compensate affected Palestinians.
• International Responsibility: Global organizations should not support illegal actions and should aid in resolving the situation peacefully.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) About the ICJ ·         Principal Organ: The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the main judicial branch of the United Nations (UN). ·         Establishment: It was founded in June 1945 and began operations in April 1946. ·         Location: The court is seated at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. ·         UN Organs: It is the only one of the six principal UN organs not located in New York, USA. ·         Public Hearings: All hearings of the ICJ are open to the public. ·         Languages: The official languages of the ICJ are French and English. Powers and Functions Contentious Cases: ·         Acts as a dispute resolution body between member states. ·         Handles issues like land and maritime boundaries, territorial sovereignty, and violations of international humanitarian law. Advisory Opinions: ·         Provides legal opinions on questions referred by UN bodies or specialized agencies. ·         Helps clarify lawful functions and strengthen authority of these organizations. ·         Judgments: ·         Final and binding in contentious cases, with no appeal possible. Advisory opinions are not binding. Sources of Law: ·         International conventions, customs, general principles of law, judicial decisions, and expert writings in international law.

Conclusion

The ICJ’s opinion, though advisory, underscores the illegality of Israel’s prolonged occupation and the urgent need for compliance with international law to ensure justice and peace in the region.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about the International Court of Justice (ICJ):
2. The ICJ is the only principal organ of the United Nations located outside of New York, United States.
3. The judgments of the ICJ in contentious cases are final and binding on the parties involved, with no option for appeal.
4. The ICJ can only handle disputes between member states and cannot issue advisory opinions on legal questions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

The ICJ is the only principal organ of the UN located outside of New York, with its seat in The Hague, Netherlands.

The ICJ’s judgments in contentious cases are final and binding, with no option for appeal.

The ICJ can handle disputes between member states and can also issue advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN bodies or specialized agencies.

RE-EXAMINING GOVERNOR’S IMMUNITY UNDER ARTICLE 361: A JUDICIAL REVIEW

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutional immunity granted to the Governor of a state, particularly focusing on Article 361 of the Constitution. This comes after allegations of misconduct by a Governor, highlighting potential implications for the role and accountability of constitutional heads.

Constitutional Immunity

Article 361 Provisions:

• Shields President and Governors from criminal prosecution and judicial scrutiny.
• Prevents initiation or continuation of criminal proceedings, arrest, or imprisonment during their tenure.

Scope of Immunity:

• Covers acts performed in official capacity.
• Questions raised on whether it includes registration of FIR, preliminary inquiry, or magistrate taking cognizance.

Judicial Interpretations

• State vs. Kalyan Singh (2017): Delayed trial against Rajasthan Governor, asserting immunity until office tenure ends.
• Vyapam Scam (2015): Madhya Pradesh HC protected the Governor from FIR, allowing investigation against other accused.
• Rameshwar Prasad vs. Union of India (2006): SC allowed scrutiny of Governor’s actions for malafides, distinguishing between official duties and personal acts.

Current Review:

• A contractual employee’s petition against West Bengal Governor highlights potential rights violations due to immunity.

International Context:

• US Supreme Court ruled former Presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for official acts, not personal ones.

Political Context:

• Indian SC noted instances of Governors acting with political motives, necessitating a relook at immunity provisions.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR Appointment and Term: ·         Each State has a Governor appointed by the President of India. ·         The Governor serves at the President’s pleasure and typically holds office for five years, continuing until a successor is appointed. Executive Powers: ·         The Governor is vested with executive powers and can exercise these directly or through subordinate officers. ·         However, the Governor’s role does not transfer functions specified by existing laws to other authorities. Legislative Powers: ·         The Governor can summon, prorogue, and dissolve the State Legislature on the advice of the Chief Minister. ·         The Governor has the authority to reserve bills for Presidential assent. Judicial Powers: ·         Under Article 161, the Governor can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or commute sentences for offenses against state laws. Article 361 of the Indian Constitution: Immunity for President and Governors Immunity from Legal Accountability: ·         Article 361 grants immunity to the President and State Governors from being answerable to any court for their official acts. ·         They cannot be sued or prosecuted for actions done in their official capacity. Criminal Proceedings:   ·         No criminal proceedings can be initiated or continued against the President or Governor while they are in office. ·         They cannot be arrested or imprisoned during their term. Civil Proceedings: ·         Civil cases related to personal acts (not official duties) can be initiated only after two months’ notice. ·         If a Governor commits a crime, prosecution can occur after their term ends. Supreme Court Ruling: ·         The Supreme Court has affirmed that Governors enjoy complete immunity for acts done in their official capacity, including allegations of personal malfeasance. Historical Precedent: ·         In 2017, the Supreme Court deferred criminal proceedings against former UP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, who was then Governor of Rajasthan, highlighting the application of this immunity.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s review of Article 361’s immunity provisions could redefine the accountability of constitutional heads, ensuring they are not shielded from justice in cases of personal misconduct. The next hearing is scheduled for August 12.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements regarding the powers of the Governor of an Indian State is/are correct?
2. The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister.
3. The Governor has the power to appoint the Chief Minister of the state if no party has a clear majority.
4. The Governor can unilaterally summon or prorogue the State Legislature without the advice of the Council of Ministers.
5. The Governor has the power to grant pardon and commute sentences under Article 161 of the Indian Constitution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2, and 4 only
4. 1, 3, and 4 only

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister, as the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers hold executive powers, and the Governor acts on their advice.

If no party has a clear majority in the State Legislative Assembly, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister who, in their view, is most likely to command the confidence of the Assembly.

The Governor does not have the power to unilaterally summon or prorogue the State Legislature. These actions are taken based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Under Article 161 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor has the power to grant pardon, reprieve, or commute sentences for offenses against state laws.

PATENT TRENDS IN INDIA AND GLOBAL COMPARISON (FY24)

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

In FY24, India experienced a significant increase in domestic patent filings, though foreign entities still dominate in final patent approvals.

Domestic vs. Foreign Patent Filings:

Indian Patent Applicants’ Performance:

• Indian entities and individuals led in the number of patent filings, showing a marked increase in domestic innovation and intellectual property protection.
• This trend reflects a growing emphasis on innovation within India and a more proactive approach to securing patents.

Foreign Dominance in Final Approvals:

• Despite the rise in Indian patent applications, foreign entities continue to secure a majority of final patent approvals.
• In 2022, non-resident Indians and foreign entities accounted for 74.46% of granted patents, underscoring their significant presence in the patenting process.

Factors Influencing Patent Trends:

Corporate Investments and R&D:

• Current corporate investments are relatively low, impacting research and development (R&D) spending.
• Companies are prioritizing expansion using existing technologies over long-term research initiatives.
• Increased corporate investment is anticipated to boost R&D activities and lead to a rise in patent filings in the future.

Comparative Global Position:

• In the 1980s, India was competitive with China in terms of patent filings and R&D efforts.
• However, China has since advanced significantly, with its universities and research institutions ramping up their research capabilities and innovations.
• This shift highlights the need for India to enhance its research infrastructure and investment to regain a competitive position.

Conclusion:

The rise in domestic patent filings indicates growing innovation in India, but the dominance of foreign entities in final approvals points to a need for increased R&D investments and stronger research initiatives. To compete globally, India must improve its research capabilities and increase investment in technology.