Saturday, 27th January 2024

Table of contents

1   Daily Current Affairs

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Health Ministry’s new Treatment Regimen for Leprosy

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Expansion of the jurisdiction of BSF

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Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace

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Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership

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NFRA to Inspect Big Four Audit Firms

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Halwa Ceremony

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National Voters’ Day (NVD)

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Wandering albatrosses

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Disease X

2   Daily Editorial Analysis

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ICJ Proceedings: South Africa vs. Israel

3   Weekly Current Affairs Practice

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Practice Questions - Current Affairs 27-01-2024

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Daily Current Affairs

Health Ministry’s new Treatment Regimen for Leprosy


In News: The Central government has sanctioned a novel treatment regimen for leprosy with the goal of halting its transmission at the sub-national level by 2027, surpassing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by three years.

Understanding Leprosy: Causes and Effects

Hansen’s Disease Overview

  • Causative Agent and Affected Areas
    • Infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
    • Affects nerves, skin, eyes, and nasal mucosa.
  • Symptoms and Consequences
    • Manifests as skin ulcers, nerve damage, and muscle weakness.
    • Untreated cases may lead to severe disfigurement and disability.
  • Importance of Early Treatment
    • Early intervention prevents additional tissue damage.
    • Halts the spread of the disease.

Transmission of Leprosy: Myths and Facts

  • Droplet Transmission
    • Spread through droplets from the nose and mouth.
    • Prolonged, close contact needed for transmission.
  • Misconceptions
    • Not transmitted through casual contact like handshakes or hugging.
    • Disease transmission ceases with the initiation of treatment.

Global Landscape of Leprosy

  • Historical Context
    • One of the oldest diseases, dating back to 600 B.C.
    • A Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) prevalent in 120+ countries.
  • Global Statistics (2022)
    • 182 countries reported 1,65,459 existing cases and 1,74,087 new cases.
    • NTDs encompass various health issues with significant social and economic consequences.

Leprosy in India: Challenges and Efforts

  • Post-Declaration Challenges
    • Despite India being declared "Leprosy Eliminated" in 2005, it still accounts for 52% of global new cases.
  • High-Risk Districts
    • Certain states and union territories have districts yet to achieve leprosy elimination targets (82 districts).
  • National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
    • Centrally sponsored scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM).
    • Aims to reduce Prevalence Rate to less than 1/10,000 population at the district level.
  • Key Objectives of NLEP
    • Zero Grade II Disability rate per million population at the district level.
    • Eliminate Grade II Disability among new cases.
    • Achieve zero child leprosy cases.
  • Awareness Initiatives
    • Leprosy Case Detections Campaign (LCDC) in high endemic districts.
    • Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC) in low endemic districts.
    • Special plans for Hard-to-Reach areas.
    • ASHA Based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS).
    • Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign on January 30th annually.
    • Active Case Detection and Surveillance in both rural and urban areas.

Source: TH

Keywords: GS-3 Health
Daily Current Affairs

Expansion of the jurisdiction of BSF


In News: The Supreme Court is scheduled to adjudicate the dispute concerning the extension of the Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab.

Border Security Force (BSF): Safeguarding India's Borders

About BSF

  • Formation and Purpose
    • Established in December 1965 as one of India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
    • Originated after the 1965 War to ensure border security.
  • Distinct Capabilities
    • The only CAPF with its Water Wing, Air Wing, and ancillary units.
    • Headquarters located in New Delhi, operating under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Operational Responsibilities
    • Manages 6,386.36 km of International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
    • Ensures security during peace and war times.

BSF Operations

  • Peace Time Role
    • Prevents trans-border crimes and unauthorized entries.
    • Combats smuggling and illegal activities.
  • War Time Role
    • Safeguards vital installations, particularly airfields.
    • Engages in limited aggressive actions against enemy forces under the overall Armed Forces plan.
    • Assists in controlling refugees.
  • Overseas Deployment
    • Contributes personnel for UN Missions.
    • Plays a crucial role in securing the Kartarpur Corridor.
  • Additional Roles
    • Deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K under the Army's operational control.
    • Assists in natural disaster/calamity situations, as witnessed in events like the Kashmir flood (2014) and Kerala flood (2018).

Powers and Jurisdiction

  • Arrest, Search, and Seize Authority
  • Empowered under various laws, including the Criminal Procedure Code, Passports Act 1967, Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920, and the NDPS Act.
  • BSF's authority extends within a specified jurisdiction.

Expansion of Jurisdiction: Background and Rationale

  • Legal Basis for Expansion
    • Section 139 of the Border Security Force Act, 1968, grants the Centre authority to determine the area and extent of BSF's operational mandate.
  • Notification and Parliamentary Oversight
    • Orders issued under Section 139 must be presented before both houses of Parliament.
    • The October 2021 notification expanded the jurisdiction to 50 kilometers from the border.
  • Operational Efficiency and Countermeasures
    • Aimed at enhancing efficiency and curbing smuggling.
    • Addresses challenges such as drug, arms, cattle, and fake currency smuggling.
  • Addressing Security Challenges
    • Responds to security threats posed by drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
    • Ensures uniform BSF jurisdiction across states, aligning with the 50-kilometer limit in Rajasthan.
  • Uniform Jurisdiction Across States
    • The notification brings uniformity to BSF's jurisdiction, addressing variations in different states.
    • Notably, it reduced the jurisdiction in Gujarat from 80 km to 50 km.

Source: IE

Keywords: GS-3 Defence and Security
Daily Current Affairs

Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace


In News: The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP), a voluntary mass movement of Buddhists in Asia, was recently convened in New Delhi.