Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Lessons learned form COVID-19 pandemic and the future of Health governance
Central Idea
- COVID-19 has transitioned from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, and it is time for India to shift gears and apply the lessons learned from the pandemic.
WHO Announcements on COVID-19
- On January 30, 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a public health emergency of international concern.
- On May 5, 2023, WHO declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.
Issues of misinformation during the second wave of COVID-19 in India
- False claims about a third wave affecting children: In April-May 2021, there was a COVID-19 misinformation blitzkrieg that a third wave in India would affect children, leading to children being repeatedly asked to wear masks and deprived of schooling and learning.
- Lack of scientific evidence: School closure and making masks mandatory for schoolchildren had their origin in nearly identical challenges of actions not being supported by scientific evidence.
- Influencers’ impact on public discourse: Social media influencers, not necessarily subject experts, were shaping the public discourse, which was not effectively addressed by governments.
- Disparate viewpoints: Disparate viewpoints existed among experts and influencers living in India and abroad, with the latter making more definitive and stronger arguments for school closure and mask wearing for children in India.
- Failure to consider local context: The sub-groups of super-specialists and those staying abroad failed to factor in the local context while coming up with their opinions.
- Dogmatic stands of self-proclaimed experts: Self-proclaimed experts and influencers have adopted a dogmatic stand and have been selectively and conveniently using emerging evidence and published literature to support their stand, often misguiding gullible followers.
- COVID-foreverers: A group of disparate individuals and social media groups keep insisting on the enforcement of restrictions such as universal masking at ‘the drop of the hat’, often on frivolous grounds.
What lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
- The importance of preparedness: The pandemic highlighted the importance of being prepared for future outbreaks and the need for robust public health infrastructure.
- The role of misinformation: The pandemic showed how misinformation can spread rapidly and have serious consequences, highlighting the need for better education and awareness to combat misinformation.
- The importance of local context: The pandemic demonstrated the importance of factoring in local context when making policy decisions, as different regions and countries may face different challenges and require different interventions.
- The danger of dogmatic thinking: The pandemic showed how dogmatic thinking can be dangerous, and the need for an open-minded and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
- The importance of nuance and context in epidemiology: The pandemic highlighted the need for nuanced understanding of epidemiology, and the importance of taking into account the broader context when interpreting scientific studies.
- The need for a shift in focus: With COVID-19 transitioning from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, there is a need to shift the focus from COVID-19 fixation to tackling other pressing health challenges.
- The importance of integrating COVID-19 response with general health services: The pandemic showed the need for integration of COVID-19 response with general health services, and the importance of a balanced approach to public health.
Way forward
- Formal training courses on the principles and practice of epidemiology should be offered by the government to prepare India for more nuanced responses to outbreaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.
- The government needs to integrate the COVID-19 response to general health services.
- India’s response to surges, outbreaks, and epidemics (of any infectious disease and not just COVID-19) should be guided by a nuanced understanding of epidemiology and not unduly derailed by social media influencers.
- Schools should not be closed for a COVID-19 uptick, and wearing masks in order to attend school should never again be made mandatory, as children were never at risk from moderate to severe COVID-19.
- It is time to drop the COVID-19 fixation and move on to tackle other more pressing health challenges in the country.
Conclusion
- The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges and lessons for India and the world. The issues of misinformation and lack of context-based policy interventions have been major obstacles in effectively tackling the pandemic. It is time to apply the lessons learned and shift focus to other pressing health challenges while being prepared to respond to future outbreaks and epidemics with a nuanced understanding of epidemiology.
Mains Question
Q. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how did misinformation pose a significant challenge? Discuss what lessons have we learned from it?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: common currency and reciprocal trading
Mains level: Speculations over the US Dollar as world reserve and viability of alternatives
Central Idea
- The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. However, the demise of the dollar as the world reserve currency is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Rise of the dollar: Historical Context
- The rise of the dollar as the world’s preferred currency aligns with the rise of the US as one of the world’s strongest economies with a deep financial system and stable government.
- Though the position of the dollar has been challenged over time by the Great Britain Pound, the euro, and other currencies, the dollar has maintained its dominance.
What is the current status of Dollar as forex reserve?
- According to reports from the International Monetary Fund, the dollar’s share of foreign exchange reserves has fallen over time from 80% in the 1970s to about 60% in 2022.
- The euro has made up for about 20% of the remaining 40% room created by this fall.
- Smaller currencies such as the Australian and Canadian dollars, Swedish krona, and South Korean won have claimed their share in the portfolios of various countries’ foreign exchange reserves making up most of the remaining gap of 20%, with Chinese currency taking up the rest.
How Dollar maintained its dominance as a reserve currency?
- The strength of the U.S. economy: The U.S. has one of the world’s strongest economies, with a deep financial system and a stable government. This has contributed to the popularity of the dollar as a preferred currency for international trade and as a reserve currency.
- Demand for dollar-denominated assets: Many countries hold U.S. government debt as a hedge against currency fluctuations affecting the valuation of their reserves. Additionally, many currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar and some countries use the dollar as their own currency. This has meant that a huge proportion of U.S. dollars reside outside the U.S.
- The dollar premium: The U.S. government debt is in high demand worldwide, which allows it to issue debt at the lowest interest rate. This relaxes the fiscal constraint substantially, boosting the debt-issuing government’s capacity to borrow more without having to deal with the negative effects of such borrowing on the domestic economy. This phenomenon is often referred to as the dollar premium.
- No serious competition: Although the position of the dollar as the world currency has been challenged from time to time by other currencies, no currency has emerged as a serious contender. The only serious competitor at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance.
Facts for prelims
Common Currency or Reciprocal Trading Arrangement?
- A common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement refers to an agreement between two or more countries to use a common currency or to trade with each other using their own currencies without the involvement of a third-party currency, such as the US dollar.
- The purpose of such an arrangement is to increase trade among the participating countries and reduce the reliance on a single currency for international transactions.
- The idea of a common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement has been discussed among various countries, including China, India, and Russia, as an alternative to the US dollar-dominated international financial system.
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What are the Factors supporting the US Dollar?
- Status as Reserve Currency: The US Dollar is still the world’s most dominant reserve currency, which means that central banks and governments around the world hold significant quantities of it as part of their foreign exchange reserves.
- Large Financial Market: The US has one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world, which makes it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
- Safe Haven Status: The US Dollar is often seen as a safe haven during times of global economic uncertainty, due to the perceived stability of the US economy and political system.
- Demand for US Treasury Bonds: The US government issues Treasury bonds, which are widely held by foreign governments and investors as a low-risk investment.
- Petrodollars: The US Dollar is used as the currency of choice for global oil trading, which means that countries that buy oil from the OPEC countries must hold US Dollars to pay for it. This leads to a constant demand for US Dollars.
- Military and Political Influence: The US has a significant military and political influence on the world stage, which gives it leverage in global trade negotiations and financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Challenges facing the US Dollar
- Increased global competition: As more countries try to shift away from the US dollar, there is increased competition from other currencies such as the euro, the Chinese renminbi, and even cryptocurrencies. This could potentially reduce the demand for the US dollar.
- Rising US debt levels: The US has been running persistent budget deficits and adding to its national debt for many years. This could lead to inflation and a loss of confidence in the US dollar, particularly if investors begin to worry about the US government’s ability to service its debt.
- Geopolitical risks: Political tensions and instability around the world could also undermine the US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. For example, sanctions imposed by the US on other countries could prompt them to look for alternatives to the US dollar in international trade.
- Emerging technologies: The rise of digital currencies and blockchain technology could challenge the dominance of traditional currencies, including the US dollar. If cryptocurrencies become more widely accepted, they could potentially weaken demand for the US dollar as a global reserve currency.
Future of the US Dollar
- Despite the challenges, the US dollar is likely to remain the dominant reserve currency for the foreseeable future due to its widespread use in international trade, its deep and liquid financial markets, and its historical stability.
- The euro and other currencies may continue to gain ground, but are unlikely to displace the dollar anytime soon.
- The growing use of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, may also pose a challenge to the traditional reserve currency system in the future, but it remains to be seen how this will play out.
Facts for prelims: Concept box from civilsdaily
What is mean by closed capital account?
- A closed capital account is a situation where a country has restrictions on the flow of capital in and out of its borders. This means that the government regulates and limits the movement of funds across its borders.
- Closed capital accounts are often implemented to protect the domestic economy from external shocks and to maintain the stability of the local currency.
- China, for example, has a relatively closed capital account as it imposes strict controls on capital inflows and outflows.
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Conclusion
- The run of the US dollar as an international reserve currency is far from over. The only serious contender at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance. The possibility of the Chinese currency or any other common currency becoming a serious contender is thin and distant at this point. The current system may not be optimal and should be improved, but expecting a common currency between China, India, and Russia or any such reciprocal trading arrangement to replace the US dollar would be an exaggeration.
Mains Question
Q. The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. In this light discuss the challenges faced by US dollar and viability of reciprocal trading arrangements.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Security agencies and anti Naxal guards
Mains level: Insurgency, challenges and way ahead
Central Idea
- The recent ambush of the convoy in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district resulting in the deaths of 10 personnel of the District Reserve Guards (DRG) highlights that the Maoist insurgency remains a significant threat in India. The Home Minister has repeatedly given the impression that the end of the Maoist problem is near, but history has shown otherwise.
What is mean by Insurgency?
- Insurgency refers to a violent uprising against the established government or authority of a country, typically carried out by a group of individuals or an organization that seeks to challenge the existing political, economic, or social order.
- It often involves armed conflict, sabotage, and other forms of violence aimed at destabilizing the government or seizing power.
- The ultimate goal of an insurgency is to overthrow the existing government and establish a new political system that is more in line with the insurgents’ ideology or goals
Rise of Insurgency India
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) split in 1967, with a section of the party rejecting the electoral path and advocating for armed struggle to overthrow the Indian state.
- The Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal in 1967, where a group of peasants led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal revolted against the local landlords and police. The uprising was brutally crushed by the state, but it gave birth to the Naxalite movement.
- The formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) in 1969, which became the political front of the Naxalite movement.
- The formation of the People’s War Group in Andhra Pradesh in 1980, which became one of the most active Naxalite groups in the country.
- The merger of the People’s War Group with the Maoist Communist Centre in 2004, to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist), which is the largest Naxalite group in India today.
- The expansion of the Naxalite movement from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to other states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharashtra, among others.
- The violent attacks by Naxalites on the state and central police forces, government officials, politicians, and civilians, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives over the years.
Facts for prelims
District Reserve Guards (DRG)
- District Reserve Guards (DRG) is a special unit of the police force in some Indian states, primarily in Chhattisgarh, that is trained and equipped to combat Naxalite and Maoist insurgency.
- DRG personnel are typically drawn from local tribal communities and are familiar with the local terrain, which makes them effective in fighting the insurgency.
- They are provided with specialized training in guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, and use of modern weaponry.
- The DRG is often at the forefront of anti-Naxalite operations and is considered a vital component of the Indian government’s efforts to counter the Maoist insurgency in the country.
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What are the flaws in the anti-Naxal strategy?
- Outsourcing operations to central armed police forces:
- In most states, there is a tendency to outsource the operations against Naxals to the central armed police forces.
- This strategy is flawed because unless the local police, who know the language and terrain, take the lead in anti-Naxal operations, the problem would linger.
- Imposed development paradigm:
- The development paradigm pursued since independence has always been imposed on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns. As a result, government plans have ended up in destroying their social organization, cultural identity, and resource base and generated multiple conflicts.
- The tribals want schools and hospitals, but they neither need nor want capital-intensive plants or factories, which are inevitably accompanied by deforestation and displacement.
- Insensitivity towards tribal communities:
- The development paradigm pursued since independence has always been imposed on the tribal communities and has been insensitive to their needs and concerns. As a result, government plans have ended up destroying their social organization, cultural identity, and resource base and generated multiple conflicts.
- Lack of an overall strategic plan:
- There is no overall strategic plan against the Naxals. States have been carrying out anti-Naxal drives according to their individual understanding.
- Territorial domination is essential, and security forces are able to achieve that, but that should be followed by the administrative apparatus establishing its network in the affected areas.
- Absence of peace talks:
- The government should seriously think of applying the healing touch. If it can have peace talks with the Nagas and several other insurgent outfits in the Northeast, there is no reason why it should not take the initiative to have a dialogue with the Maoist leadership. This would not be seen as a sign of weakness on the contrary, it would be taken as a magnanimous gesture.
The way ahead to address the Naxal insurgency in India
- Multi-pronged approach: The government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the Naxal problem that includes development initiatives, security measures, and dialogue with the Naxal leadership.
- Focus on development: The government should focus on development initiatives in Naxal-affected areas that are tailored to meet the needs of the local population. This includes building infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads, creating employment opportunities, and addressing land rights issues.
- Empowering local police: The state police should be empowered to take the lead in anti-Naxal operations as they have a better understanding of the local language and terrain.
- Humanitarian approach: The government should adopt a humanitarian approach in dealing with the problem. The use of excessive force should be avoided, and care should be taken to ensure that the local population is not adversely affected.
- Dialogue with Naxal leadership: The government should initiate a dialogue with the Naxal leadership to address their grievances and concerns. This would help in building trust and confidence between the two sides and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the problem.
- Coordination among states: The states should coordinate their efforts to address the Naxal problem. The sharing of intelligence, resources, and best practices would go a long way in addressing the issue.
- Strengthening of institutions: The government should strengthen institutions like the police, judiciary, and administrative machinery to ensure that they are better equipped to deal with the problem.
- Long-term vision: A long-term vision should be adopted to address the Naxal problem. This requires sustained efforts over a period of time to ensure that the problem is effectively tackled.
Conclusion
- India’s Maoist insurgency problem is not one that can be solved by just law and order enforcement. It is crucial to address the underlying social and economic aspects of the problem. The government should acknowledge the flaws in its anti-Naxal strategy and undertake a comprehensive approach to solve the problem. It must ensure that the local police take the lead in anti-Naxal operations, and the development policies must be sensitive to the needs and concerns of the tribal communities. Initiating peace talks with the Maoist leadership could also go a long way in resolving the issue.
Mains Question
Q. The recent events of violent attacks on security forces highlights that the Maoist insurgency remains a significant threat in India. In light of this discuss what are the flaws in anti-Naxal strategy and what is needed to address the Naxal insurgency in India?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UTF Project
Mains level: India- Maldives Relations
Central Idea: The article discusses the recent commissioning of the Indian grant-in-aid UTF (Uthuru Thila Falhu- Island) Harbour Project, the coastal surveillance radar system, in the Maldives. The project is a significant milestone in the growing defence ties between the two countries.
What is the UTF Project?
- The UTF project was announced during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit in February 2021.
- It is among the biggest Indian grant-in-aid projects in the Maldives.
- It is aimed at developing a maintenance and repair hub for naval vessels and will help the Maldives become self-sufficient.
Importance of the Project
- The project marked a major step in growing defence cooperation between India and Maldives.
- The facility will strengthen the capability of the Maldivian Coast Guard and facilitate regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Controversy Surrounding the Project
- There were allegations that the project was a cover for Indian military presence in the Maldives.
- An “India Out” campaign was launched in the island nation backed by its opposition leader Abdulla Yameen.
- Maldives President Ibrahim Solih banned anti-India protests as a threat to national security.
Defence Cooperation and Other Projects
- India has gifted a Dornier aircraft and a patrol vessel to the Maldives in the past.
- India has provided 24 vehicles and a naval boat and will build police facilities on 61 islands in the country.
- The joint statement released by India and Maldives after Defence Minister’s visit highlighted ongoing defence cooperation between the two neighbours.
- The countries have agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in areas of defence trade, capacity building, and joint exercises.
- Both the countries are working closely to address challenges, including those on maritime security, terrorism, radicalisation, piracy, trafficking, organised crime, and natural disasters.
- India has financed the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a $500 million project, to build a 6.74 km bridge and causeway linking the capital of Maldives, Male, with neighboring islands.
India-Maldives Relations: A backgrounder
- India and Maldives are neighbors sharing a maritime border.
- Both nations established diplomatic relations after the independence of Maldives from British rule in 1966.
- India was one of the first nations to recognize Maldives’ independence.
- Since then, India and Maldives have developed close strategic, military, economic and cultural relations.
- Maldivians generally regard Indians and India as a friend and trusted neighbor in the field economic, social and political.
Causes for the anti-India sentiments
- Political instability: The anti-India sentiment is nearly a decade old and can be traced back to when Abdulla Gayoom became president in 2013. He used anti-India sentiments for his political mobilization and started tilting China.
- Controversy over helicopter gift: Two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALF) that were given by India to the Maldives for ocean search-and-rescue operations. Opposition tried to portray this as military presence in the country.
- Confidential agreements: Most agreements being signed between the Ibrahim Solih government and India are backdoor and has not been publicly discussed in the Maldives Parliament.
- Alleged interference in domestic politics: India being a big neighbour, there are unsubstantiated perceptions & allegations on Indian Diplomats stationed in Maldives interfering in Domestic affairs.
Restoration of ties
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who became President in 2018 has restored Maldives close ties with India.
Major irritants in ties
- Political Instability: India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighborhood on its security and development.
- Increasing radicalization: In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups has been increasing.
- Inclination towards terror: Radicalism in the island nation has increased the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.
- Chinese affinity: China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighborhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia.
Recent gestures by India
[1] 2014 Male drinking-water crisis
- In the wake of a drinking water crisis in Malé in December 2014, following collapse of the island’s only water treatment plant, Maldives urged India for immediate help.
- India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76 carrying bottled water.
[2] 2020 Covid-19 crisis
- During the COVID-19 crisis of 2020, India extended help to Maldives in the form of financial, material and logistical support.
- Also, the IAF airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives, as part of ‘Operation Sanjeevani’.
[3] Greater Male Connectivity Project
- India has recently announced the signing of a $500-million infrastructure project for the construction of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
- This infrastructure project, the largest-ever by India in the Maldives, involves the construction of a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link.
Maldives’ significance for India
- Increasing maritime cooperation: As maritime economic activity in the Indian Ocean has risen dramatically in recent decades, the geopolitical competition too in the Indian Ocean has intensified.
- Toll Gate in Indian Ocean: It is situated at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean. More than 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value passes through the region.
- Naval cooperation: Maldives is an important partner in India’s role as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Important SAARC member: Besides, Maldives is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC).
- People To People Contact: There is a significant population of Maldivian students in India. They are aided by a liberal visa-free regime extended by India. There is also medical tourism.
- Major destination for Tourists: Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.
Way forward
- India continues to be an important partner of the Maldives.
- India must not grow complacent over its position and must remain attentive to the developments in the Maldives.
- India must play a key role within Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries.
- At present, the ‘India Out’ campaign has support from a limited population but this cannot be taken for granted by the Indian government.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaladan Multimodel Project
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been made operational with the departure of the inaugural shipment, the MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
- This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
About Sittwe Port, Myanmar
- The Sittwe Port in Myanmar has been built under a grant assistance from the Indian government.
- It has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan river.
Significance of Sittwe Port
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stated that the port will open up new opportunities for trade and transit from and to Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine state.
- The port is expected to enhance trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.
Connectivity of KMTTP
- Once fully operationalized, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project will provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
- The port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway, and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
- The port is expected to boost trade and commerce between India and Myanmar, and the wider region.
Back2Basics: Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- It connects the seaport of Kolkata in India to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar, by sea.
- In Myanmar, the project links Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
- The project is being funded by the Indian government and is aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
History of the Project
- It was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014.
- The project is affected by Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict, and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Route of the Project
- There are different sections of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which combines multi-modes of transport, including sea, river, and road routes.
- It includes- Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route, Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jetty river boat route, Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town, Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar, and the Zorinpui to Aizawl road route in India.
- This project will complement the river-road route of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar-Mizoram.
- It has the Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar, Kyaukhtu-Zorinpui in Myanmar, and the Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)-Sairang railway in India.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Dantak
Mains level: NA
The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.
What is Project Dantak?
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Description |
| Establishment |
Established on April 24, 1961, as per the agreement between the third king of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. |
| Objective |
Identify the most important aspects of connectivity and spur the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan. |
| Responsibility |
Construct and maintain roads suitable for motorised transportation in Bhutan. |
| Legal Provision |
Established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949. |
Works and Involvement
|
Description |
| Infrastructure Development |
Constructing infrastructure in adjoining Indian districts, including Sherbathang–Nathu La road, Gangtok–Sherbathang road, and Sevoke–Gangtok road. |
| Establishment of Facilities |
Establishing medical and education facilities in outlying areas, which were the first in those regions. |
| Takthi Canteen |
Takthi Canteen, commonly known as the DANTAK canteen, is a major stop for travelers midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu. |
| Recruitment of Workers |
Recruiting local workers from Bhutan and Indian workers from adjoining districts like Jaigaon, Alipurduar, and other parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India under a basic monthly wage. |
| Supervision of Work |
Posting officials from India for the supervision of work. |
Controversies and Incidents
- The Bhutanese Government accused DANTAK of installing Indian tricolour-themed raised pavement markers or reflectors on the highway railings. DANTAK confirmed their presence, and those reflectors were immediately replaced.
- A 204 meters long bridge in Haa along the Damchu-Haa road collapsed in February 2021, leaving 3 workers dead and 6 missing. The bridge was handed over to Project DANTAK by the contractor.
- The project has faced criticisms for its approach to hiring practices and labor management.
Major projects undertaken
- Paro Airport: Built in 1968 as an airstrip for on-call helicopter services for the Indian Armed Forces. Now used as an international airport.
- Yonphula Airfield: Domestic Airport in Bhutan
- Thimphu – Trashigang Highway: Major Highway in Bhutan
- Damchu-Chukha Road: Major Road in Bhutan
- India House Estate: The Indian Embassy in Bhutan.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, F Protein
Mains level: NA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first vaccine ‘Arexvy’ for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to lower respiratory tract disease in people older than 60 years.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause illness in people of all ages.
- It is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and it can also affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
- RSV is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face.
- Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or death.
Identification of Protein F
- In 2013, Barney Graham and other scientists identified the key protein, protein F, responsible for the RSV virus to infect human cells.
- The protein, introduced in humans, elicited neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
Approval and Efficacy of Arexvy
- The FDA has approved Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine to be approved anywhere in the world, manufactured by GSK.
- The approval was based on a phase-3 trial carried out on nearly 25,000 participants.
- It showed a single dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease caused by the RSV virus by 82.6% and severe disease by 94.1% in people older than 60 years.
- The vaccine will be available for older adults in the U.S. before the 2023-2024 RSV season.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Molecular Motor
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences have discovered a new kind of molecular motor that has potential applications in biology and medicine.
What is a molecular motor?
- Cells use molecular motors to move things like organelles and molecules, and disruption of these processes can lead to diseases.
- Molecular motors use biochemical energy to do mechanical work.
What did the new study find?
- The study found that EEA1, a long protein, can regain its rigid shape to create a new kind of two-part molecular motor.
- EEA1 regains its rigid shape through a reaction called GTP hydrolysis, mediated by enzymes called GTPases.
- The researchers believe this could mark a new class of molecular machines that operate as motors in a unique way with novel collective effects.
Why is the finding significant?
- The motor is different from most motors because it doesn’t produce a lever-like back-and-forth action and it uses GTP instead of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate) for energy.
- EEA1 exerts an entropic force on the membranes that it pulls, which is a unique feature.
- The finding could have potential applications for understanding membrane fusion and for many other mechanochemical proteins or assemblies.
What are the potential applications?
- The discovery of the molecular motor could have potential applications in biology and medicine.
- The study provides a general mechanism that is applicable to many mechanochemical proteins or assemblies that harness chemical energy for mechanical work in cells.
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