News In Short 02-12-2024

Snake Bite as a Notifiable Disease

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

In News

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has declared snakebite envenoming a notifiable disease. 

About Notifiable Disease

• Notifiable diseases are those that healthcare providers are legally obligated to report to public health authorities. This allows for surveillance, outbreak detection, and timely intervention. Other notifiable diseases in India include: AIDS, Hepatitis, Dengue,  Cholera etc
• The World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) require countries to report certain disease outbreaks and public health events to the WHO. 

National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE)

• Aims to halve snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by 2030 and making Snakebite a Notifiable disease is a good step in this regard. 

Source: TH

World AIDS Day

Syllabus :GS2/Health

In News

• World AIDS Day 2024 highlights the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing progress, challenges, and the need for continued action. 

About World AIDS Day,

• It has been observed annually on December 1 since 1988.
• It  is a global event to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and show solidarity against the pandemic.
•  It provides an opportunity for reflection on progress in prevention, treatment, and care, while also addressing ongoing challenges. 
• It emphasizes the link between combating HIV/AIDS and achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Right to Health.

About HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

• It attacks the immune system by targeting white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
• AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. 
• HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, but not through casual contact like kisses or hugs. It can also be passed from mother to child.
  • HIV can be prevented and managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

Steps by India 

• India, as a key player, has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, with over 2.5 million people living with HIV, but a 44% reduction in new infections since 2010. 
• The country’s efforts have been aided by the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, which has evolved over the years to tackle prevention, treatment, and care.
  • The NACP Phase-V (2021-2026) focuses on reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80% by 2025-26.
• India’s rights-based approach and legal reforms, like the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, along with initiatives like Mission Sampark and the ‘Test and Treat’ policy, have contributed to the success of the HIV/AIDS response. 

Source: TH

India re-elected to U.N. Peacebuilding Commission

Syllabus: GS2/ International Organisation

In News

• India has secured its re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its commitment to global peace initiatives.

About UN Peacebuilding Commission

• Established in 2005, the UNPBC is an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries.
• It brings together key stakeholders, including UN agencies, regional organizations, and civil society, to develop comprehensive strategies for post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding.

India’s Contributions to UN Peacekeeping

• India is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions, with thousands of Indian peacekeepers deployed in various conflict zones.
• India is a significant financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget.
• India actively engages in diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability, particularly in its regional neighborhood.

Source: AIR

Border Security Force (BSF)

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence

Context

• The Border Security Force (BSF), often referred to as India’s First Line of Defence, celebrates its Raising Day every year on December 1.

About

• Establishment: On December 1, 1965, in the wake of the 1965 India-Pakistan war. 
• Administrative Control: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Deployment: Deployed at Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border and Line of Control (LoC), along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.
• Officials: Although, the BSF has its own cadre of officers but its head, designated as a Director-General (DG), since its raising has been an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS).
• Logo and motto: The Logo of BSF has two spikes of grains, embracing the National Emblem of India and the typeface BSF. The motto of BSF “DUTY UNTO DEATH” is placed at the bottom.

Do you know? – The BSF does not have police powers; after apprehending a suspect it can only conduct “preliminary questioning” and has to hand over a seized consignment or the suspect to the local police within 24 hours.  – It does not have powers to prosecute crime suspects.

Source: PIB