Saturday, 27th January 2024

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

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

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.