Rajasthan social accountability Bill

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context:

     ★ In a first for India, Rajasthan government has prepared the draft of Rajasthan Social Accountability Bill and has invited suggestions from the general public.

Rajasthan - Social Accountability Bill:

Objective:

     ★ The bill is intended to seek the accountability of public functionaries and authorities for timely delivery of goods and services.

     ★ To create democratic, decentralized and participative approach to enable wider public participation.

     ★ Initiate monitoring of programmes and policies through community score cards, citizens report card and social audits.

Key Features:

     ★ The purview of bill includes any entity or body, which is under the control of the government, governor and the high court of Rajasthan.

     ★ Entity or the body set up by Central Government to function within the State of Rajasthan and partially or wholly providing public goods and services provided there is consent of the Central Government

     ★ The bill seeks to impose penalties and compensation and initiation of departmental action against the Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) of the service delivery department for non-compliance.

     ★ For example: If the local police have failed to deliver it duties, the onus is on the GRO.

     ★ The Bill will also set up a grievance redressal mechanism starting from village panchayats.

     ★ The Bill included provisions for citizens’ charter, public hearing, social audit and information and facilitation centres.

Significance:

     ★ The accountability law is required to hold public servants and bureaucrats accountable for not performing or delivering their service. This law will compliment RTI which is becoming far more challenging. The citizen centric law will enable citizens to initiate enquiries rather than relying on the departmental enquires in the existing system.

                                                                                                               Source:- Times Of India

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2 more States to set up drug price units

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context:

     ★ After Kerala, it is now the turn of Punjab and Gujarat to have Price Monitoring & Research Unit (PMRU), set up by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority in collaboration with the Department of Health and State Drug Controller.

     ★ Earlier this year, Kerala became the first State to set up a price monitoring and research unit to track violation of prices of essential drugs and medical devices under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO).

Price Monitoring & Research Unit (PMRU):

     ★ PMRU is aimed at monitoring the notified prices of medicines, detection of violation of the provisions of DPCO, pricing compliance and ensuring availability of medicines, among other objectives.

     ★ The units will function under the supervision of State drug controller.

Need:

     ★ The suggestion to set up PMRUs was made against the backdrop of the lack of a field-level link between the NPPA and the State Drugs Controllers and State Drug Inspectors to monitor drug prices.

     ★ Pharma companies have been accused of overcharging prices of drugs in the scheduled category fixed by the DPCO and those outside its ambit too.

                                                                                                    Source;- The Hindu

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SC turns down petition on use of ‘Dalit’ by media

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context:

     ★ The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a petition challenging Centre’s notification advising the media not to use the term “Dalit” to describe members of Scheduled Castes.

Background:

     ★ In its August 7, 2018, circular, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had advised that the media should refrain from using the word “Dalit” for members belonging to Scheduled Castes and had directed that ‘Scheduled Caste’ should alone be used for all official transaction, matters, dealings, certificates for denoting the persons belonging to the community.

Petitioner contention:

     ★ Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner V.A. Ramesh Nathan, questioned the legality of the circular and said: “How can the government of India issue such a circular questioning my identity?”

“Dalit-Harijan-Depressed Class” Nomenclature Controversy :

     ★ The word “Dalit” comes from the Sanskrit root dal- and means “broken, ground-down, downtrodden, or oppressed”.

     ★ “Dalit” refers to one’s caste rather than class; it applies to members of those menial castes which have historically borne the stigma of “untouchability” because their traditional occupations were deemed to be impure and polluted by the upper castes.

     ★ Dalits, in a way, are ‘outcastes’ falling outside the traditional four-fold caste system consisting of the hereditary Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra classes; till a few decades ago, there were physically and socially excluded and isolated from the rest of the society.

     ★ The term was believed to have been first used by Jyotirao Phule, founder of the Satya Shodak Samaj, in the nineteenth century. He used the term for ‘untouchables’ and victims of caste based oppressions.

     ★ It was B R Ambedkar, the ‘father of Indian Constitution’ and a victim of caste oppression in his early years, who popularised the term ‘Depressed Classes’, which is the anglicized version of Dalit.

     ★‘Harijan’, meaning ‘children of God’, was a term first used by Gandhi to refer to Scheduled Castes in 1932. He even started three journals in English, Hindi and Gujarati in the same name in 1933. The exact origin of the word is subject to debate.

     ★ Gandhi’s idea of using the word ‘Harijan’, many argue, was to avoid other words like ‘untouchables’ or ‘bhangis’ which were then used to refer to Scheduled Castes, because they were strongly stigmatised. He used the word ‘Harijan’ to bring the untouchables closer to God, and thereby to those who believed in God, which was the rest of Hindu society.

                                                                                                                        Source:- The Hindu

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Japan approves stem cells trial to treat spinal cord injuries

GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Awareness in the fields of bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Context:

     ★ A team of Japanese researchers will carry out an unprecedented trial using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to treat spinal cord injuries.

     ★ The team at Tokyo’s Keio University has received government approval for the trial — which have the potential to develop into any cell in the body — to treat patients with serious spinal cord injuries.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) :

     ★ The iPSC technology was pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka’s lab in Kyoto, Japan, who showed in 2006 that the introduction of four specific genes encoding transcription factors could convert adult cells into pluripotent stem cells.

     ★ He was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize along with Sir John Gurdon “for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent.”

     ★ Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state by being forced to express genes and factors important for maintaining the defining properties of embryonic stem cells.

     ★ Although additional research is needed, iPSCs are already useful tools for drug development and modeling of diseases, and scientists hope to use them in transplantation medicine.

         

Stem Cell :      ★ Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth.      ★ In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive.      ★ When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

 

                                                                                                                   Source :- The Hindu

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‘Lack of cleaning in brain cells causes Alzheimer’s’

GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technolog and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Context:

     ★ A weakened cleaning system of the brain cells in animals and humans is central to developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study which may lead to new treatments for the neurodegenerative disorder.

     ★ Researchers, including those from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, found that improving mitophagy — the cleaning system of the brain cells — nearly removed the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the animals.

Alzheimer’s Disease :

     ★ Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive brain disease which results in loss of memory and thinking skills.

     ★ It destroys the brain cells which cause memory loss, memory changes, erratic behaviour and loss of body functions. This disease usually starts slowly but gets worse with time.

     ★ One of the most common early symptoms of Alzheimer is difficulty in remembering the recent events. Alzheimer’s patient forgets the name of the people like longtime friend, address, even name of the roads and other things. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease.

     ★ It starts with forgetting things and develops short memory loss which results in difficulty in remembering recent events, eventually resulting in the inability to look after daily activities and even basic needs.

     ★ Alzheimer’s disease mostly affects elderly people. Since the population of elderly people is rising in India, this is the cause of alarm.

     ★ The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet known. Certain complex events occurring in the brain appear to cause this disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease as of now.

     ★ Early detection benefits the patient in treating this disease effectively. The treatment modalities include medicinal, psychological and care giving aspects. Family and social support plays a key role.

                                                                                                          Source:- The Hindu

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International Vision Zero Conference’ to Promote Occupational Safety and Health

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context:

     ★ Ministry of Labour and Employment inaugurated the three days Conference on the VISION ZERO and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health being held from 18th to 20th, February, 2019 in Mumbai.

     ★ The Conference has been organized by Directorate General Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), Ministry of Labour and Employment, German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Germany in association with Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and International Social Security Association - Manufacturing, Construction and Mining.

Vision Zero:

     ★ The concept of ‘Vision Zero’ is fast gaining international acceptance and is expected to leverage the efforts of the Government of India to raise the occupational safety and health standards in the country so as to improve the occupational safety and health situation.

Principle of Vision Zero:

     ★ Controlling Risks, Ensuring Safety and Health in Machines, Equipment and Workplaces and Skill Upgradation of Workforce.

4 Fundamental Principles of Vision Zero :

     ★ life is non-negotiable,

     ★ humans are fallible,

     ★ tolerable limits are defined by human physical resistance, and

     ★ people are entitled to safe transport and safe workplaces.

                                                                                                                               Source:- PIB

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Three important initiatives on women’s safety

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context:

     ★ The Ministry of Women and Child Development has conceptualized several initiatives to promote safety of women in their living spaces, working spaces and the public spaces. Three of these important initiatives are:

              ★ Panic Button

              ★ SCIM Portal under Safety city Project

              ★ DNA Analysis Facilities in States

Panic Button:

     ★ The idea of having a panic button on the mobile phone was conceived way back in 2015 and after a series of deliberations with the Ministry of Telecom, mobile phone manufacturers and mobile telephony service providers, the  Ministry of Telecom mandated a physical panic button on all mobile phones in the country.

     ★ such a panic button must be backed by an emergency response mechanism through the local police when panic button message would alert the specified family members etc. of a woman in distress situation.

     ★ The emergency response system can be triggered in the following manners:

     ★ On the smart phones, the power button (which is dedicated panic button) when pressed three times quickly.

                  ★ Dialing 112 from any phone.

                  ★ In case of feature phones, long press of the touch key 5 or 9.

                  ★ Using 112 India Mobile App which is available for free downloading.

     ★ The emergency message coming  out of the above modes, will trigger a response from the emergency response centre through a team of trained personnel who can handle emergency requests of various kinds and get the necessary relief services launched.

     ★ For Women and children, 112 India App provides a special SHOUT feature which alerts registered volunteers in the vicinity of victim for immediate assistance.

SCIM Portal under Safety city Project :

     ★ In order to provide safety for women in public spaces, the Government has identified eight cities for implementation of Safe City project.

     ★ The 8 major cities which have been chosen are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai.

     ★ Some of the key  features of the safe city project include:

                ★ Identification of sensitive hot spots in each city,

                ★ Installation of CCTV surveillance covering the entire hot spot.

                ★ Automated number plate reading machines to be deployed in extremely sensitive areas.

               ★ Intensive patrolling in vulnerable areas beyond the identified hot spots.

               ★ Improving street lighting and public toilet facilities for women.

               ★ Others like setting up women help desks in police stations, augmentation of women support centres etc.

     ★ All the above measures would be coordinated through an Integrated Smart Control Room in the city.

     ★ In order to facilitate States to monitor and manage the Safe City projects and avoid duplication on ground, an online Safe City Implementation Monitoring (SCIM) portal has been developed by MHA which will also be launched tomorrow.

     ★ SCIM will facilitate online tracking of deployment of assets and infrastructure created under the Safe City projects.

     ★ SCIM facilitates an evidence based online monitoring system.

     ★ SCIM also creates a digital repository of assets, infrastructure and social outreach programs, as well as best practices achieved in each City.

DNA Analysis Facilities in States :

     ★ In view of the complaints of delay in cases of sexual assault investigations, it was proposed that dedicated DNA analysis facilities should be created in the forensic science laboratories on a mission mode.

     ★ Timely testing of DNA samples from the crime scene is the quickest process of obtaining forensic evidence in cases of sexual assault on women.

     ★ In the initial phase, dedicated DNA analysis facilities have been sanctioned for the forensic science laboratories located at Chennai, Madurai, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata.

                                                                                                                          Source:- PIB

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Magnitude of Substance use in India

GS PAPER - 02 GOVERNANCE - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context:

     ★ According to recent survey conducted by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with All India Medical Science (AIIMS) on consumption of substances in India.

     ★ The survey covered general population (10-75 years), in all the 36 states and union territories covering over 2 lakh households and 4.73 lakh people in 186 districts of the country.

Key Findings:

     ★ India is home to six crore alcohol addicts, more than the population of 172 world nations including Italy.

     ★ Alcoholism is a condition that requires medical attention, but unfortunately only less than 3% of the people with drinking problem get any treatment.

     ★ There is a large number of people in the country addicted to various drugs.

                 ★ More than 3.1 crore Indians (2.8%) have reported using cannabis products, Bhang, Ganja, Charas, Heroin and Opium, in last one year.

                 ★ Unfortunately only one in 20 drug addicts gets treatment at a hospital.

     ★ Country liquor accounts for 30% of the total liquor consumption, and Indian made foreign liquor also account for the same amount.

     ★ In Punjab and Sikkim, the prevalence of cannabis use disorders is considerably higher (more than thrice) than the national average.

     ★ At the national level, Heroin is most commonly used substance followed by pharmaceutical opioids, followed by opium (Afeem).

     ★ Less than 1% or nearly 1.18 crore people use sedatives, non medical or non prescription use.

                  ★ However, what is more worrying that its prevalence is high among children and adolescents.

                  ★ This problem of addiction of children is more prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana.

     ★ Cocaine (0.10%) Amphetamine Type Stimulants (0.18%) and Hallucinogens (0.12%) are the categories with lowest prevalence of current use in the country.

Steps Taken by Government :

     ★ The Government has taken several policy and other initiatives to deal with drug trafficking problem.

     ★ It constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in November, 2016 and revived the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”.

     ★ In 2017, the government approved new Reward Guidelines with increased quantum of reward for interdiction or seizure of different illicit drugs.

     ★ For effective coordination with foreign countries, India has signed 37 Bilateral Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding.

     ★ Narcotics Control Bureau has been provided funds for developing a new software i.e. Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) which will create a complete online database of drug offences and offenders.

     ★ The government has constituted a fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs; rehabilitating addicts, and educating public against drug abuse, etc.

     ★ The government is also conducting National Drug Abuse Survey to measure trends of drug abuse in India through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS.

     ★ The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has drafted National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2023) for addressing the problem of drug and substance abuse in the country, dumping a long-pending draft policy on the matter.

Way Forward:

     ★ Scientific evidence based treatment needs to be made available for people with substance use disorders - at an adequate scale

     ★ A conducive legal and policy environment is needed to help control drug problem

     ★ Evidence based substance use prevention programs are needed to protect the young people.

                                                                                                                   Source:- PIB ; Times of India

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