Daily Prelims Notes 17 May 2021

May 17, 2021
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Daily Prelims Notes

17 May 2021

Table Of Contents

1. INSACOG

Subject : Governance

Context: Virologist Shahid Jameel Quits India’s Genome Sequencing Consortium.

Concept :

The central government set up a consortium of 10 national research institutions, which will collaborate for carrying out effective surveillance and monitoring of the genomic variations observed in the new SARS nCov-2 virus strain, recently identified from the United Kingdom.
Indian SARS CoV2 Genome Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), it will be a platform for scientists, virologists, experts studying diseases and government officials to interact and track the genomic variations of the novel coronavirus.
INSACOG will have a high level Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee.
It will have a Scientific Advisory Group for scientific and technical guidance.
It will monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network.
This vital research consortium will also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future.
The consortium will also establish a sentinel surveillance for early detection of genomic variants with public health implication, and determine the genomic variants in the unusual events/trends (super-spreader events, high mortality/morbidity trend areas etc.).

2. LIGHTNING IMPACT ON ANIMALS

Subject : Science & tech

Context : Recently, 18 elephants died on a hilltop in Assam and the preliminary post-mortem report indicates they had been struck by lightning.

Concept :

How does lightning kill animals?

When current flows through the ground following a lightning strike, the electric potential (voltage) is highest at the point of the strike, and decreases with distance along the direction of the flow.
If an elephant is facing the strike point, the current will flow from the front feet (higher potential) to the hind feet (lower potential), electrocuting it in the process.
Direct Flash: An animal in an open field may be struck directly by lightning if part of its body protrudes over other objects in the vicinity.
The taller animals are more vulnerable.
Side Flash: When lightning strikes a tall object such as a tree, it may generate a side flash that can strike an animal standing underneath the tree.
Touch Potential: If one part of a tall animal’s body is in contact with the ground while another part, at a higher elevation, comes in contact with a lightning-struck object, a partial current may pass through its body.
Step Potential: The most common lightning hazard among four-legged animals.
When an animal’s front and hind feet are far enough apart, a partial current may pass through the body in certain circumstances.

3. OIC

Subject : International Organisations

Context :Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world’s largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting Sunday.

Concept :

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states.
It is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on the 25th of September 1969.
Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
India is not a member of the OIC.

4. NATIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Subject : Governance

Context: The National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced restrictions to access of CoWin portal’s vaccination slot availability information by third parties.

Concept :

National Health Agency was restructured as the “National Health Authority” for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri – Jan ArogyaYojana (PM-JAY).
It is an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
It replaced multi-tier decision making structure of National health Agency and has been replaced with the Governing Board chaired by the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India which will enable the decision making at a faster pace, required for smooth implementation of the scheme.
It will have due representations from the Government, domain experts, etc. Besides, the States shall also be represented in the Governing Board on rotational basis.
It will have full accountability, authority and mandate to implement PM-JAY through an efficient, effective and transparent decision-making process.

5. INTEGRATED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME

Subject : Governance

Context : The Health Ministry guidelines also talk on focusing on contact tracing in rural pockets as per Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme’s (IDSP) guidelines.

Concept :

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in assistance with the World Bank, in 2004.
It continued as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) during 12th Plan (2012–17) under the National Health Mission with a domestic budget.
Under it, a Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) at Delhi, State Surveillance Units (SSU) at all State/Union Territories (UTs) head quarters and District Surveillance Units (DSU) at all Districts have been established.

Objectives:

To strengthen/maintain decentralized laboratory based and IT enabled disease surveillance systems for epidemic prone diseases to monitor disease trends.
To detect and respond to outbreaks in the early rising phase through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).

Programme Components:

Integration and decentralization of surveillance activities through establishment of surveillance units at Centre, State and District level.
Human Resource Development – Training of State Surveillance Officers (SSOs), District Surveillance Officers (DSOs), RRT and other medical and paramedical staff on principles of disease surveillance.
Use of Information Communication Technology for collection, collation, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data.
Strengthening of public health laboratories.
Inter sectoral Coordination for zoonotic diseases.

6. COLONIAL PIPELINE ATTACK

Subject : International Relations

Context :The Colonial Pipeline on Saturday announced that it has returned its systems to “normal operations” after a cyberattack forced the company to shut down last week, leading to gas shortages in the United States.

Concept :

The Colonial Pipeline Company, which transports about 45 per cent of all petrol and diesel consumed on the east coast of the US, was forced to shut down operations after a cyberattack.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that a criminal gang called Darkside was responsible for compromising the Colonial Pipeline network.
The shutdown led to the US federal government declaring a regional emergency to allow transportation of fuels through tanker trucks to tide over the impact of shortages.

What is a ransomware attack?

A ransomware attack is a cyber-attack using malware that encrypts the victim’s files and requires users pay a ransom to decrypt the files.
The hackers can then threaten to leak the data if the ransom is not paid.
It takes advantage of human, system, network, and software vulnerabilities to infect the victim’s device.

Impact of cyberattack on oil prices

The oil prices rose in response to the attack on Colonial Pipeline, with the price of Brent crude rising to $69 per barrel before falling to $67.8.
The experts noted that a prolonged shutdown of the operations of the pipeline could push up petrol prices in the US as demand peaks during the summer.
The disruption has already led to an uptick in international refining margins, pushing up the price of auto fuels.
An increase in the price of petroleum products in Asia could provide a further push to petrol and diesel prices in India, which are already at record high levels.
The crude oil prices have risen over the past fortnight despite a surge in Covid-19 infections in Asia due to expectations of increasing crude oil demand from the US and Europe.

7. NDRF & SDRF

Subject : Disaster Management

Context: Cyclone Tauktae hurtles towards Gujarat; teams of NDRF, SDRF deployed.

Concept :

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is an Indian specialized force constituted “for the purpose of special response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The “Apex Body for Disaster Management in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
The head of the NDRF is designated as Director General. The Director Generals of NDRF are IPS officers on deputation from Indian police organisations. Director General is a three-star officer.
The NDRF is a top-heavy organisation which in addition to the Director General has several Inspector Generals (IG) and Deputy IGs, who are flag officers and wear badges of rank
The ‘Nodal Ministry’ in the central government for management of natural disasters is the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The responsibility of managing disasters in India is that of the State Government.
When ‘calamities of severe nature’ occur, the Central Government is responsible for providing aid and assistance to the affected state, including deploying, at the State’s request, of Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and such communication, air and other assets, as are available and needed.

Composition of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a force of 12 battalions, organized on para-military lines, and manned by persons on deputation from the para-military forces of India: three Border Security Force, three Central Reserve Police Force, two Central Industrial Security Force, two Indo-Tibetan Border Police and two SashastraSeema Bal.
The total strength of each battalion is approximately 1149. Each battalion is capable of providing 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel each including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical/paramedics.

State Disaster Response Force

As per of National Policy on Disaster Management 2009, the State Governments are required to raise their own SDRF for quickly responding to disasters.
As per information available, 24 State/UTs have raised their SDRF.
These SDRF are placed strategically at suitable locations well connected to the airport, rail heads and roads for their immediate deployment at the disaster sites.
The SDRF are also be used for Community Capacity Building and Awareness Generation programmes within the State.
During these programmes, SDRF can familiarize themselves with terrain, critical buildings and other existing infrastructure for prompt responses at the time of disasters and simultaneously work with the community, including school children, village volunteers and other stakeholders on what to do during disasters.

8. HELMAND

Subject : International Relations

Context : Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces resumed in the restive southern province of Helmand, ending a three-day ceasefire agreed by the warring sides to mark the Id-ul-Fitr holiday.

Concept :

Helmand is also known as Hillmand or Helman and, in ancient times, as Hermand and Hethumand.
It is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, in the south of the country.
It is the largest province by area. The province contains 13 districts.
Lashkargah serves as the provincial capital. The Helmand River flows through the mainly desert region of the province, providing water used for irrigation. The Kajaki Dam, which is one of Afghanistan’s major reservoirs, is located in the Kajaki district.
Helmand is believed to be one of the world’s largest opium-producing regions, responsible for around 42% of the world’s total production.
Since the 2001 War in Afghanistan, Helmand Province has been a hotbed of insurgent activities. It has been considered to be Afghanistan’s “most dangerous” province.

9. TRIBUNAL REFORMS ORDINANCE 2021

Subject : Governance

Context : The Centre has abolished several appellate tribunals and authorities and transferred their jurisdiction to other existing judicial bodies through the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021. This Ordinance has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Concept :

The government, through the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance 2021, is seeking to dissolve some existing tribunals and transfer their functions to the existing judicial bodies.
Through the Ordinance, the government seeks to amend the Finance Act 2017 to include provisions related to the composition of search-cum-selection committees and the term of office of members for 19 tribunals (such as Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal) in the Act itself.

Provisions Proposed in the Tribunals Reform Ordinance 2021:

Search-cum-selection committee

The committee that is responsible to recommend the names of the chairpersons and the members for the appointment by the central government in the Tribunal is called the search-cum-selection committee. The composition of the committee as mentioned in the Tribunals Ordinance 2021 is:
Chairperson – The Chief Justice of India, or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by him. He/She has the casting vote
Two secretaries – Central Government nominates them
The sitting or outgoing Chairperson, or a retired Supreme Court Judge, or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court
The Secretary of the Ministry under which the Tribunal is constituted. He/She has no voting right.

Term of Office for the Tribunals Members

The Tribunals Reform Ordinance states the following term of office:
Chairperson – 4 years or till he attains the age of 70 years [Whichever is earlier]
Remaining Members- 4 years or till they attain the age of 67 years [Whichever is earlier]

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)

The ordinance seeks to include the NCDRC within the purview of the Finance Act 2017. The NCDRC has been set up under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Further, the Centre is yet to constitute a National Tribunals Commission (NTC), an independent umbrella body to supervise the functioning of tribunals, appointment of and disciplinary proceedings against members, and to take care of administrative and infrastructural needs of the tribunals.

10. CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

Subject : Governance

Context : The government has laid out a procedure for children who have lost both parents to COVID-19 to appear before the District Child Welfare Committee for rehabilitation.

Concept :

It is a quasi-judicial agency and is the final authority on children in need of care and protection. It is an autonomous body.
The Child Welfare Committee functions as a bench guided by the powers that are conferred in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
Anyone connected to the child is allowed to file a petition to the Magistrate of that District, who considers and passes appropriate orders.
It is mandatory to form one or more Child Welfare Committees in every district for exercising power and to discharge the duties conferred in relation to children in need of care and protection.
This committee consists of a Chairperson and other four members who according to the State Government are fit to be appointed, at least one of whom should be a woman and the other should preferably be an expert on matters that are concerning the children.

Power and function as mentioned in Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice, Act 2015:

The Committee has the full authority of disposing of cases for the care, protection and treatment of the children.
The Committee can also dispose of cases that are for the development, rehabilitation and protection of children that are in need, and also to provide for the basic need and protection that is needed by the children.
When a Committee is constituted for any particular area, then it has the power to exclusively deal with all proceedings that are being held under the provisions of this Act that are related to children in terms of need of care and protection.
While exercising the given powers curtailed under this Act, the Committee is barred from performing any act which would go against anything contained in any other law that is in force at that time.
CWCs are designated by law as final district-level authorities for care, protection, treatment, development and rehabilitation of “children in need of care and protection” – or CNCP
POCSO Act mandates the police to inform CWC
In case of sexual abuse, the Juvenile Justice Act defines CNCP as any child “who has been or is being or is likely to be abused, tortured or exploited for the purpose of sexual abuse or illegal acts”.
Rules under POCSO Act make it mandatory that if the police have reasons to believe that the child is without a home or paternal support, or is in any institution or when a perpetrator is in the same house, among others, the victim has to be produced before CWC.

11. UNSC

Subject : International Organisations

Context : TS Tirumurti, India’s ambassador to the UN, outlined the country’s position during an open debate at the UN Security Council early on Monday, saying both Israel and Palestinian authorities should show extreme restraint and desist from actions that exacerbate tensions

Concept :

The Security Council was established by the UN Charter in 1945. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
The other 5 organs of the United Nations are—the General Assembly, the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
Its primary responsibility is to work to maintain international peace and security.
The council has 15 members: the five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year term
The five permanent members are the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China and the United Kingdom.
Each member of the Security Council has one vote. Decisions of the Security Council on matters are made by an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members.
A “No” vote from one of the five permanent members blocks the passage of the resolution.
Any member of the United Nations which is not a member of the Security Council may participate, without vote, in the discussion of any question brought before the Security Council whenever the latter considers that the interests of that member are specially affected.
The council’s presidency is a capacity that rotates every month among its 15 members.
The council is headquartered at NewYork.

12. B.1.617.2 VARIANT

Subject: Science & tech

Context : COVID vaccines almost certainly less effective against transmission of B.1.617.2 variant, says UK expert

Concept :

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus as a ‘variant of concern‘, it appears that this lineage consists of at least 3 sub-lineages — B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3.
The lineage B.1.617 was defined by the mutations E484Q, L452R and P681R -—along with D614G — in the spike protein.
1.617.2 is defined by more mutations in the spike protein, namely T19R, DEL157/158, T478K and D950N.
It is important to note that each of these viral lineages have more mutations, but the ones mentioned above are considered to be more important since they occur in the spike protein of the virus which facilitates the entry of the virus into the host cells.