Why in News: Recently, the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been reported in Alabama and New York, with serious implications for public health. Mosquito borne illness continue to pose a significant threat across various parts of the world.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE):

• It is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.
• It spreads to people and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito.
• It was first identified in horses in Massachusetts, United States, in 1831.
• It is caused by the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), which belongs to the genus Alphavirus and the family Togaviridae.
• EEE virus has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome.
• The virus does not spread between humans or from animals like horses to humans.
• About 30% of people bitten by an EEE-infected mosquito develop encephalitis and die from the infection.

Symptoms:

• EEEV infections in humans can vary in severity. Many people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms (asymptomatic).
• However, when symptoms do occur, they can include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and various neurological symptoms such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can lead to seizures, coma, and, in some cases, death.
• Severe cases are more common in infants and the elderly.

Treatment:

• Currently, there are no vaccines available to directly treat Eastern equine encephalitis.
• To mitigate the risk of infection, individuals are advised to take several precautionary steps, including avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and wearing protective clothing.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/rare-mosquito-borne-illness-eastern-equine-encephalitis-reported-in-alabama-and-new-york-causes-one-death-101692769324329.html

Why in News: Recently, the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), implemented under eCourts project has gained significant attention for its role in revolutionizing the judicial proceedings in India.

National Judicial Data Grid:

• National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is a database of orders, judgments and case details of 18,735 District & Subordinate Courts and High Courts. It has been created as an online platform under the eCourts Project.
• Data is updated on a near real-time basis by the connected District and Taluka courts. It provides data relating to judicial proceedings/decisions of all computerized district and subordinate courts of the country.
• All High Courts have also joined the NJDG through web services, providing easy access facility to the litigant public.

Important Features of NJDG:

• NJDG provides an Open Application Programming Interface (API) to Central & State Governments and is aligned with the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP).
• This API offers streamlined access to NJDG data using designated departmental IDs and access keys.
• This feature is intended for institutional litigants to evaluate and monitor cases, with plans to extend access to non-institutional litigants in the future.

Significance:

• NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage & reduce pendency of cases.
• It helps to provide timely inputs for making policy decisions to reduce delays in disposing of cases and helps in reducing case pendency.
• It also facilitates better monitoring of court performance and systemic bottlenecks, and, thus, serves as an efficient resource management tool.
• To track cases related to land disputes, Land Records data of 26 States have been linked with NJDG.

International Recognition:

• The World Bank has praised the National Judicial Data Grid in the Ease of Doing Business report for 2018.
• It has said that the grid has made it possible to generate case management reports, thereby making it easier to enforce contracts.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1951373#:~:text=NJDG%20works%20as%20a%20monitoring,helps%20in%20reducing%20case%20pendency.

In News: Government launches steps for integration of transportation for efficient coal Transportation

About Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Initiative

• The Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Initiative is a strategic approach introduced by the Ministry of Coal to optimize the movement of coal across various stages of transportation.
• This innovative approach involves seamlessly integrating rail and sea routes for efficient coal evacuation.
• It aims to address the increasing demand for coal and focusing on establishing a well-organized and efficient coal evacuation system.
• Key features:
  • RSR involves a combination of rail and sea transportation modes, creating a holistic and efficient coal evacuation process.
  • Coal is transported from mines to ports via railways, ensuring a smooth flow of raw material from the production centers.
  • From ports, coal is further transported via sea routes to reach end-users and powerhouses, reducing transit times and costs.
  • By providing an alternative route for coal evacuation, RSR helps alleviate congestion on all-rail routes, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
  • RSR enhances the overall logistic efficiency by minimizing delays and bottlenecks in the coal transportation process.
  • The integration of rail and sea transportation modes leads to cost savings, optimization of infrastructure for future coal exports, opening up additional revenue streams.
  • Compared to an all-rail route, RSR has a lower carbon footprint, contributing to more sustainable coal
• However, the implementation of RSR requires careful planning and collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, railways, and port authorities.
• The RSR Initiative is expected to increase coal transportation capacity significantly, reaching 112 MT by 2030, up from the existing 40 MT.
• The strategy will not only improve coal evacuation but also strengthens India's position in the global coal market.
• By reducing transportation bottlenecks and costs, RSR will help support the energy sector's sustainability and reliability.
• Overall, the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Initiative aligns with the government's focus on enhancing infrastructure and logistics all of which are critical for India's energy and economic growth.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1951359#:~:text=RSR%20Reduces%20Costs%20for%20End%20Users%20and%20is%20Eco%2DFriendly&text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Coal%20has,efficient%20movement%20of%20domestic%20coal.

In News: Importance of Northern Sea route post the 2021 Suez Canal blockage crisis.

About India and the Northern Sea Route

• Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia-Pacific, spanning Arctic Ocean's seas.
• It is about 5,600 km long, starting from Barents-Kara seas boundary to Bering Strait offering a potential 50% distance savings compared to Suez or Panama routes.
• India's engagement with the Arctic dates back to the 1920 signing of the Svalbard Treaty to it becoming an observer-state of the Arctic Council in 2013.
• Significance of the Arctic Region for India:
  • Vulnerability of the Arctic region to climate changes affects India's economic security, water security, and sustainability.
  • Arctic region contains significant unexplored hydrocarbon reserves, including oil, gas, coal, zinc, and silver.
  • India conducts various scientific studies and research in atmospheric, biological, marine, hydrological, and glaciological fields.
  • It has also established research station "Himadri" in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 2008 and launched multi-sensor moored observatory and atmospheric laboratory in 2014 and 2016.
  • India's participation in NSR development is due to rising cargo traffic growth along NSR which was around 73% during 2018-2022.
  • Previously, India has announced Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project to enhance connectivity, reduces transport time and facilitate potential for Russian imports.
• At present, Russia has a nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet to provide Icebreaking assistance to ensure safe navigation in icebound Arctic seas.
• It launched its first nuclear icebreaker "Lenin" in 1959 besides FSUE Atomflot, subsidiary of Rosatom, to operate nuclear-powered icebreakers.
• Russian government has announced a 2035 plan targeting 80 million tonnes and 150 million tonnes cargo traffic for 2024 and 2030.
• Overall, NSR offers reliable and safe transport for energy resources to India besides being an important Transit route for India's sea-dependent trade.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-india-and-the-northern-sea-route/article67230900.ece#:~:text=The%2010%2C500%20km%2Dlong%20CVMC,and%20Waterways%20Sarbananda%20Sonowal%2C%20who

In News: According to the new data released by LinkedIn, it is visible how AI is shaping the world of work and how professionals and companies are adapting to this emerging technology.

About the Report:

• The Future of Work Report uncovers the latest real-time trends around how AI is ushering in a new era of work, based on insights from over 950 million professionals worldwide.
• This report is designed to help both professionals and business leaders in understanding the changing landscape of the job market.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• The intersection of AI and the world of work
  • The report shows increased focus on AI at work in a variety of ways, including in the job listings, skills employees are adding to their profiles, and in everyday conversations.
  • Employers will need to focus on up skilling & reskilling professionals to boost AI literacy
  • Increased emphasis is being laid on hiring for skills
• Acceleration of AI skills across industries and geographies:
  • AI Skills Index of LinkedIn provides an insight into how AI skills are being adopted across geographies and industries.
  • According to the AI Skills Index Singapore, Finland, Ireland, India, and Canada are experiencing the fastest rate of AI skills diffusion.
  • The adoption of AI skills extend beyond tech to a range of industries, including retail, education, financial services, and many others.
• Executive and employee sentiment:
  • US executives have a positive outlook of the impact of AI on their overall business and its ability to drive profit and invest in future growth, despite lingering uncertainty around the macro environment.
  • Employees are worried as seen with any technological change, but a large number of employees (70%) would delegate as much work as possible to AI to lessen their workloads.
• GAI is starting to change the way we work: Generative AI will reduce the time spent on some tasks such as writing or data analysis. It will also drive up demand for other skills, especially people and specialised skills.
• People skills are becoming more critical than ever. Since the launch of ChatGPT, some of the fastest-growing skills in job postings in the US are people skills, such as flexibility and ethics.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/sms-bombing-what-is-it-and-how-to-stay-safe-8050074/

In News: The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been finally ratified and launched at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.

About Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF):

• The GBFF is devised to mobilise and accelerate investments in the conservation and sustainability of wild species and ecosystems.
• The GBFF is exclusively dedicated to supporting the implementation of the goals and targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• It is established as a new trust fund under the umbrella of the Global Environment Facility.
• It will support action towards halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and putting nature on a recovery path by 2050.
• Around 20% of the funds would support Indigenous-led initiatives to protect and conserve biodiversity.
• It will also prioritise support for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, which will receive more than a third of the fund’s resources.
• As per the targets of GBF, $200 billion per year will need to be raised by 2030. Canada and the United Kingdom have already donated 200 million Canadian dollars and 10 million pounds respectively to the GBFF.

About the Global Environmental Facility:

• The GEF was established during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
• It serves as an international financial institution that funds projects to address global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.
• The GEF is funded by contributions from its member countries, known as “donors.
• It operates as a financial mechanism for several international environmental conventions, including:
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and
  • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/7th-gef-assembly-global-biodiversity-framework-fund-ratified-91361

In News: Recently, NHPC signed an MoU with RITES, Ministry of Railways for construction of railway siding for the Dibang Multipurpose Project, Arunachal Pradesh

About

• Dibang Multipurpose Project is a flood control cum hydroelectric power project planned to be developed on the Dibang River (Tributary of Brahmaputra River) in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It will be the country’s biggest hydropower facility with a capacity of 2880MW
• National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is developing this project.

Dibang hydroelectric plant makeup:

• The project aims to build the tallest dam in the nation, standing at 278 meters in height and stretching 375 meters in length.
• This concrete gravity dam will give rise to a reservoir spanning 43 kilometers and boasting a total storage capacity of 3.85 billion cubic meters.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1950887

In News: Cleantech can deliver on development and climate action in the country’s rural areas

About

• Cleantech Solutions focuses on providing access to clean technology solutions to support the livelihoods of the rural populace.
• The clean technology solutions offer the potential to decrease India’s diesel imports and prevent the spoilage of perishable food items.
• It will improve opportunities for rural livelihoods. This presents an investment prospect valued at $50 billion for investors and financiers.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cleantech-for-an-inclusive-green-future-in-india/article67235921.ece#:~:text=These%20cleantech%20solutions%20that%20are,billion%20for%20investors%20and%20financiers.

In News: Muslim Law Board’s stand sought on nikah halala.

About

• “Nikah” and “Halala” both are Arabic terms where “Nikah” means Marriage and “Halala” means to make something halal or permissible.
• As per Muslim Law, a man cannot remarry his wife after he divorces her, unless the wife is married to another man and gets divorced from that man (second husband) or after the death of the second husband.
• The process of making the woman permissible for her first husband by giving her marriage to a third person with a pre-condition is known as Nikah Halala also known as Tahleel marriage.
• In this process, the third person consummates the marriage with the object to make the woman permissible for her first husband.
• There is no sanction in the Holy Quran for such marriages.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/law-commission-seeks-muslim-boards-stand-on-halala-and-muta/article67234729.ece

In News: Cinnamon and its active components prevent prostate cancer

About

• The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) conducted research indicate that cinnamon, along with its active compounds cinnamaldehyde and procyanidin B2, displayed inhibitory properties against early-stage prostate cancer when given orally to rats.
• Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savory dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea, and traditional foods.
• Cinnamomum cassia has a high content of coumarin which is not good for health and is known as a kidney destroyer due to which it is banned in the US and other countries.

Other Benefits of Cinnamon

• Anti-inflammatory properties:Cinnamon includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals that may help decrease inflammation throughout the body. This may be beneficial as individuals age, since chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the evolution of many age-related illnesses.
• Blood sugar control:Cinnamon may help manage blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and decreasing carbohydrate breakdown in the digestive system.
• Heart health:Cinnamon may help improve heart health by reducing levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
• Brain function:Some studies suggest that cinnamon may improve brain function and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the buildup of these proteins.
• Antimicrobial properties:Cinnamon contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight off bacteria and other pathogens, making it a potential natural remedy for certain infections.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/cinnamon-and-its-active-components-prevent-prostate-cancer-national-institute-of-nutrition-study/article67235369.ece

In News: Honey Bees bees can monitor pollution for us — everything from toxic metals to antimicrobial resistance

About

• Honeybees have proven to be effective in mapping patterns of pollution, uncovering key indicators of contamination such as toxic metals and genes related to antimicrobial resistance.
• Through their foraging activities, bees collect pollutants, granting valuable insights into pollution distribution. By detecting the presence of harmful metals in proximity to pollution origins, bees contribute to comprehending the underlying factors behind contamination.
• Bees play a role in evaluating the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes, which can be assimilated from aquatic environments. This innovative method serves as a valuable resource for monitoring pollution and tackling issues pertaining to environmental well-being.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/wildlife-biodiversity/how-bees-can-monitor-pollution-for-us-everything-from-toxic-metals-to-antimicrobial-resistance-91363

About

• Denmark, positioned in Scandinavia, encompasses the Jutland Peninsula and an array of islands. It is connected to its neighboring country Sweden by means of the Öresund Bridge.
• The capital, Copenhagen, boasts royal residences, the vibrant Nyhavn harbor, the Tivoli theme park, and the renowned "Little Mermaid" sculpture.
• Denmark is attached directly to continental Europe at Jutland’s boundary with
• All the frontiers with surrounding countries are maritime, including that with the United Kingdom to the west across the North Sea. Norway and Sweden lie to the north, separated from Denmark by sea lanes linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.

https://www.dw.com/en/denmark-to-ban-quran-burnings-says-justice-minister/a-66629928

Exam View: NITI Aayog’s stand; Stand of various departments; Agriculture Ministry’s rationale.

Context: The Cabinet approved the increase in MSP ranging from 6 percent to 10 percent by stating that the increase was in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the cost of production.

Decoding the editorial:

NITI Aayog’s stand

• Niti Aayog stated that if this much increase is given to MSP, it will be very difficult to keep food inflation in the stipulated range of 4-6 percent, which is very important for macro-economic stability.
• The cabinet note, in most cases, keeps prices at 1.5 times the projected cost for kharif season 2023-24.
  • It implies that a 6 to 10 percent increase in MSP is based on the same percent increase in cost of production.
• According to Niti Aayog, actual data on some of the cost items shows that
  • The real wages in agriculture are not rising.
  • The increase in price of urea has been absorbed by the Government of India by increasing subsidies.
  • The increase in price of diesel is also expected to be small between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• Therefore, there is a need for close examination of projected cost which has necessitated 6 to 10 percent increase in MSP.
• It also said that the Ministry and CACP should collaborate to verify the on-ground situation at the state level regarding the effects of both price and non-price recommendations.

Stand of various departments

• The Department of Expenditure supported the CACP recommendations, but said the price increase in crops should be accompanied by implementation of key non-price recommendations.
• The Department of Food and Public Distribution supported the proposal.
  • However, it also said that the additional financial burden as a result of increase in MSP of paddy for kharif marketing season (KMS) 2023-24 will be Rs 13,819.80 crore and total implication will be Rs 2,12,907.60 crore.
• The Investment and Price Support division of the Ministry of Agriculture stated that there will be a financial implication of Rs 126.99 crore due to higher MSP.
• The Department of Commerce highlighted the need to adhere to the World Trade Organisation’s clause that subsidies should not go beyond the prescribed limit.
  • As per WTO’s AoA (Agreement on Agriculture), Market Price Support (MSP, in case of India) is required to be notified to the WTO.
  • Further, it needs to be ensured that product and non-product specific support is within the de-minimis limit, that is, 10% of the value of the production.
  • Procurement under MSP should not be open-ended and predetermined targets should be specified simultaneously.
• According to CACP, labour shortage and rising wages are key concerns in Indian agriculture. Key strategy:
  • Farm mechanisation could overcome labour shortages.
  • Collective ownership of machinery through self-help groups, cooperative societies, custom hiring centres, etc could make high-cost farm machinery and implements affordable.
  • Supply side bottlenecks such as storage, warehouse infrastructure and transportation should be addressed in a mission mode.

Agriculture Ministry’s rationale

• Response to Niti Aayog:
  • Increase in MSP is in the range of 5.3% to 10.4%. Increase in estimated cost of production over previous year varies from 6.13% and 10.52%.
  • It is essential to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, encouraging them to invest more in production and to ensure food security in the country.
  • Higher MSP for crops such as oilseeds, pulses and Shree Anna aims to promote crop diversification.
  • All India weighted average cost of production is one of the important factors in the determination of MSP.
  • While recommending MSP, CACP considers the cost of production and overall demand-supply situations of various crops in domestic and world markets.
  • The Composite Input Price Index (CIPI) is based on the latest prices of major inputs like human labour, machine labour, fertilisers and manures, seeds, pesticides and irrigation.
• Response to the department of expenditure:
  • For promotion of agricultural mechanisation in the country, a centrally sponsored scheme, ‘Sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanisation’, is being implemented.
  • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) also has this component.
• For WTO commitments:
  • While calculating the aggregate support, ‘inflation’ since 1986 has not been factored in.
  • This leads to an understated External Reference Price (ERP) making the aggregate support overstated.”

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/citing-inflation-and-wto-subsidy-limit-niti-commerce-red-flagged-msp-hike-8913807/