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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 06 NOVEMEBER 2023
KAVACH SYSTEM
 

1. Context

The deadly collision between two passenger trains in southern India’s Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh which killed 14 people and injured fifty persons could have been averted if Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) were in place. East Coast Railway officials indicated that the indigenously developed TCAS called ‘Kavach,’ was not installed on the route where the Visakhapatnam-Palasa and Visakhapatnam-Rayagada trains collided.

2. What is Kavach System?

  • The KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian industry.
  • The South Central Railway facilitated the trials to achieve safety in train operations across Indian Railways. It is a state­ of­ he­art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level-­4 (SIL-­4) standards.
  • It is meant to protect by preventing trains from passing the signal at Red (which marks danger) and avoiding collision.
  • It activates the train’s braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as per speed restrictions. In addition, it prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional Kavach systems.
  • The system also relays SoS messages during emergencies. An added feature is
    the centralized live monitoring of train movements through the Network Monitor System.
  • ‘Kavach’ is one of the cheapest, SIL­4 certified technologies where the probability of error is 1 in 10,000 years. 
Source: The Hindu

3. The key feature of Kavach

  • One of its features is that by continuously refreshing a train's movement information, it can send out triggers when a loco pilot jumps signal, called Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD).
  • The devices also continuously relay the signals ahead to the locomotive, making it useful for loco pilots in low visibility, especially during dense fog.
  • It includes the key elements from already existing and tried and tested systems like the European Train Protection and Warning System, and the indigenous Anti Collison Device.
  • It will also carry features of the high-tech European Train Control System Level-2 in the future.
  • The current form of Kavach adheres to the highest level of safety and reliability standard called Safety Integrity Level 4.

4. How does Kavach work on Railway systems?

  • The Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), with the help of equipment on board the locomotive and transmission towers at stations connected to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, helps in two ­way communication between the station master and loco­pilot to convey any emergency message.
  • The instrument panel inside the cabin helps the loco­pilot know about the signal in advance without visual sighting and the permissible speeds to be maintained.
  • If a red signal is jumped and two trains come face to face on the same line, the technology automatically takes over and applies sudden brakes.
  • Additionally, the hooter activates by itself when approaching a level crossing which serves as a big boon to loco­pilots during fog conditions when visibility is low.

5. Kavach deployment strategy

  • Kavach implementation is being taken up in a focused manner by the Railway board.
  • The priority is the High-Density Routes and the New Delhi­Mumbai and New Delhi­Howrah Sections, as they have higher chances of accidents because the trains run closer to each other.
  • The second priority lines are the Highly Used Networks, the third ones are other Passenger High-Density Routes and the final priority is of course to cover all other routes.
  • The RDSO has approved three firms -Medha Servo Drives, HBL, and Kernex -for providing Kavach equipment with two more being in the pipeline.
  • Glitches about the vulnerability of a vehicle crossing a closed level crossing, stray cattle or boulders on track, radio communication issues in tunnels, and ghat sections have been tackled.

6. Significance of the Kavach System

  • The Kavach system will help prevent accidents on rail tracks like collisions of trains.
  • Once the system is activated, all trains within a 5-km range will halt to protect trains on adjacent tracks.
  • Currently, the loco-pilots or assistant loco-pilots have to look out for caution signs and signals. It will only cost Rs 50 lakh per kilometer to operate in comparison to about Rs 2 crore worldwide.
  • It will also include stationary equipment to gather signaling inputs and relay them to a central system to enable seamless communication with the train crew and stations.
For Prelims: Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, KAVACH System, Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Safety Integrity Level-­4 (SIL-­4) standards, Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD), Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
For Mains: 1. The Indigenous train collision avoidance system also known as the automatic train protection system or Kavach, is to help the railways to achieve the goal of Zero Accidents. Comment.
Source: The Hindu

MARATHA RESERVATION

 
 
1. Context
Since late August this year, 41-year-old Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil hailing from Maharashtra’s drought-prone Marathwada region, has brought the Eknath Shinde government to its knees by demanding a blanket reservation in education and government jobs for all Marathas in the State
 
2. Who are Marathas?
  • The Marathas are a group of castes comprising peasants and landowners among others constituting nearly 33 per cent of the state’s population
  • While most Marathas are Marathi-speaking, not all Marathi-speaking people belong to the Maratha community
  • This politically dominant community in state comprises nearly one-third of the population of the state
  • Historically, they have been identified as a ‘warrior’ caste with large land holdings
  • Since the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960, of its 20 chief ministers, 12 (including Eknath Shinde) have been from the Maratha community
  • While division of land and agrarian problems over the years have led to a decline of prosperity among middle class and lower middle-class Marathas, the community still plays an important role in the rural economy
3. Demand for reservation
  • Maratha reservation is a demand for reservation for the Maratha community in government jobs and educational institutions in Maharashtra, India.
  • The Maratha community is a large and influential community in Maharashtra, and they have been at the forefront of the Indian independence movement and other social movements. However, they argue that they are still socially and economically backward, and that they need reservation to improve their condition
  • In 2018, the Maharashtra government passed a law to provide 16% reservation to Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions.
  • However, the law was challenged in the Supreme Court, and in 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the law on the grounds that it violated the 50% ceiling on reservation set by the court in its 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) judgment
  • The new Maharashtra government, which was formed in June 2023, has said that it is committed to providing reservation to Marathas. However, it is unclear how the government will achieve this goal without violating the Supreme Court's 50% ceiling on reservation
  • Some people argue that Marathas do not need reservation because they are not socially and economically backward.
  • They point to the fact that the Maratha community has produced many successful politicians, businessmen, and professionals. Others argue that Marathas do need reservation because they are still struggling to achieve equality with other communities.
  • They point to the fact that Marathas are overrepresented in manual labor and underrepresented in white-collar jobs.
4. Courts on Maratha reservation
  • The court heavily relied on the findings of the 11-member Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) headed by Justice G M Gaikwad (retd). The commission surveyed nearly 45, 000 families from two villages from each of 355 talukas with more than 50 per cent Maratha population
  • The HC expressed satisfaction over the data and observed that the commission had conclusively established the social, economic and educational backwardness of the Maratha community.
  • It had also established inadequacy of representation of Maratha community in public employment in the state.
  • In May 2021, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan struck down the provisions of Maharashtra law providing reservation to the Maratha community, which took the total quota in the state above the 50 per cent ceiling set by the court in its 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) judgment.
  • In November 2022, after the SC upheld the 10 per cent quota for the Economically Weaker Sections, the state government said that until the issue of Maratha reservation is resolved, economically weaker members of the community can benefit from the EWS quota
5. Way forward
Nearly five years later, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the important home portfolio, is once again the target of his opponents riding the Maratha quota politics. When MVA was in power (2019 to 2022), BJP also explored reservation issues to consolidate its base among Marathas. It yielded results, with BJP emerging as the number one party in local bodies elections
 
Source: indianexpress

DENGUE VIRUS

 

1. Context

With dengue cases in Punjab have reached 16,129 — an all-time high figure since 2016 — The Indian Express explains possible reasons for the outbreak, what tests should be done and what patients should do to stay healthy.

2. What is Dengue?

  • The dengue virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and is responsible for causing dengue fever, a significant global health concern.
  • This virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, with Aedes aegypti being the primary vector.
  • Dengue infections can range from asymptomatic or mild cases to severe forms, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening.

Key Characteristics of the Dengue Virus:

  • Serotypes: There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Each serotype can cause the full spectrum of dengue disease, but subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of severe disease.
  • Genome: The dengue virus has a single-stranded RNA genome that encodes for three structural proteins (capsid, precursor membrane, and envelope) and seven non-structural proteins.
  • Replication: The virus replicates in both mosquitoes and humans. In mosquitoes, it infects midgut cells and salivary glands, facilitating transmission. In humans, it replicates in various tissues, including skin, lymph nodes, and spleen.

Transmission: Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the virus is introduced into the person's bloodstream. Once inside the human body, the virus replicates and spreads, leading to the onset of dengue symptoms.

3. Which virus causes dengue?

  • The virus responsible for causing dengue is known as the dengue virus.
  • It belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is classified into four distinct serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
  • These serotypes are closely related but distinct variations of the dengue virus.
  • Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype but only temporary immunity to the others.
  • Subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of severe dengue, as the immune response can sometimes enhance the virus's replication, leading to more severe symptoms.

4. Why it is spreading in India

The spread of dengue in India can be attributed to a combination of factors, including environmental, climatic, socio-economic, and public health aspects. Some of the key reasons for the spread of dengue in India are:

  • Climate and Environment: Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, which are responsible for transmitting the dengue virus, thrive in warm and humid environments. India's tropical and subtropical climate provides favorable conditions for the breeding and survival of these mosquitoes.
  • Urbanization and Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and population growth have led to increased construction and improper waste management, creating more breeding sites for mosquitoes. Urban areas with crowded populations and inadequate sanitation can facilitate the transmission of dengue.
  • Water Storage Practices: Aedes mosquitoes prefer to breed in clean, stagnant water. Improper water storage practices, such as uncovered containers or discarded tires, provide breeding sites for these mosquitoes. Many communities lack proper waste disposal mechanisms, contributing to mosquito breeding.
  • Lack of Vector Control: Inadequate vector control measures, including limited use of insecticides, mosquito repellents, and larval control methods, contribute to the increased presence of Aedes mosquitoes in residential areas.
  • Travel and Migration: The movement of people, including tourists and migrant workers, can contribute to the spread of dengue from one region to another. Infected individuals can carry the virus and introduce it to new areas where susceptible mosquito vectors are present.

5. Is there any vaccine for dengue in India?

  • The first dengue vaccine approved for use in the country is called "Dengvaxia," which is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur. Dengvaxia is a tetravalent vaccine, meaning it provides protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4).
  • Dengvaxia is indicated for individuals aged 9 to 45 years who have a history of laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection. This is because the vaccine's safety profile is better established in individuals who have been previously exposed to the virus. The vaccine helps to reduce the risk of severe dengue disease in those who have had a prior infection.
  • It's important to note that Dengvaxia is not recommended for individuals who have not been previously infected with the dengue virus, as there is evidence suggesting that the vaccine can lead to more severe disease in individuals without prior exposure.
  • The availability and usage of the dengue vaccine may vary across different regions and healthcare settings within India. As with any vaccine, its administration should be carried out under the guidance of healthcare professionals, taking into consideration individual medical histories and risk factors.

6. What do you understand by the DNA Vaccines?

  • DNA vaccines, a cutting-edge innovation in the field of immunization, offer a novel way to stimulate the immune system's response against pathogens.
  • Unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened or inactivated pathogens, DNA vaccines harness the power of genetic material to trigger immunity.
  • They hold immense potential for combating a range of diseases, from infectious diseases to cancers, by leveraging the body's own cellular machinery.

7. Indian Council of Medical Research

  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India responsible for coordinating and promoting biomedical research in the country.
  • Established in 1911, it operates under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • The ICMR plays a crucial role in shaping the health research landscape, addressing health challenges, and advancing scientific knowledge.
For Prelims: Dengue Virus, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
For Mains: 1. Analyze the Role of Climate Change in the Increasing Incidence of Dengue Virus Infections and its Implications for Public Health. (250 words).
Source: The Indian Express

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

I. Introduction

The Supreme Court's recent decision to examine whether a transgender woman, post-sex reassignment surgery, qualifies as an "aggrieved person" under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, raises significant questions about gender identity and the scope of the Act.

 

 2. About Domestic Violence Act

  • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, commonly known as the Domestic Violence Act (DV act), is an Indian law that provides for the protection of women from domestic violence.
  • The Act defines domestic violence as any act of violence, physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or verbal, committed by a spouse or a live-in partner against a woman.
  • Section 2(a) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, defines an "aggrieved person" as a woman who has been in a domestic relationship and alleges acts of domestic violence by the respondent. The Act seeks to provide effective protection of women's rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

3. The Case of the Transgender Woman

  • In this case, a transgender woman, who underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2016, filed a plea for interim maintenance under the DV Act, contending that her gender transition qualified her as an "aggrieved person."
  • The husband challenged this claim, arguing that the DV Act's reference to "women" excluded transgender individuals.
  • He further noted the absence of a certificate issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which, according to him, disqualified her from being recognized as a woman under the DV Act.
  • The 2019 Act acknowledges the right of transgender persons to be recognized and affirms their self-perceived gender identity.
  • It also provides a legal process for obtaining a "certificate of identity" as a transgender person, which can enable gender marker changes on official documents.
 
4. Bombay High Court's Ruling
  • The Bombay High Court took a broad view of the term "woman," referencing the Supreme Court's 2014 ruling in NALSA vs. UOI, which recognized the rights of individuals who undergo gender reassignment.
  • The High Court concluded that a person who aligns their gender with their identity, based on a gender transition facilitated by medical science, qualifies as a woman under the DV Act.
  • The High Court emphasized the necessity of interpreting the term "aggrieved person" in the broadest possible terms.
  • It asserted that exercising the right to self-identified gender was sufficient for a person to be considered an aggrieved person within the meaning of the DV Act.

5. Conclusion

The Bombay High Court's ruling not only affirms the recognition of transgender rights but also underscores the need for gender-inclusive interpretations of laws like the DV Act. This case marks a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity, are protected under domestic violence legislation. This case has broader implications for legal recognition and protection of transgender individuals and underscores the evolving understanding of gender identity within the framework of Indian law.

 

For Prelims: Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, Supreme Court, Bombay High Court, 
For Mains: 
1. How can the government ensure that the Domestic Violence Act is effectively implemented and that all women, including transgender women, are protected from domestic violence? (250 Words)

 

 Previous Year Questions

1. Protection of women from Domestic Violence is a _________ . (Karnataka PSC 2017)

A. Constitutional Right      B. Fundamental Right    C. Human Right       D. Legal Right

Answer: D

2. When did the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 come into effect ?  (SSC GD 2021)

A. June 2020        B. December 2019       C. January 2020      D. March 2020

Answer: C

3. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? (2020)

  1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
  2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
  3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
  4. All Senior Citizens

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only      (b) 3 and 4 only        (c) 2 and 3 only            (d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: A

Source: The Indian Express 

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

1. Context

India has initiated the development of its inaugural National Security Strategy. After years of contemplation within the military and strategic circles, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is currently amalgamating inputs from diverse central ministries and departments to create the preliminary draft. However, the precise timeline for the strategy's completion remains unclear, despite several ministries having already submitted their contributions.

2. About the National Security Strategy

A National Security Strategy is a comprehensive document delineating a nation's security objectives and the methodologies to achieve them. This periodically updated document encompasses traditional and non-traditional threats and opportunities, instilling accountability among agencies responsible for executing these duties.

The Role and Scope of India's National Security Strategy

  • India's strategy aims to provide a holistic view of the nation's security, encompassing diverse challenges such as financial and economic security, energy and food security, information warfare, critical information infrastructure vulnerabilities, supply chain concerns, and environmental issues.
  • This strategy will guide defense reforms, ensuring strategic alignment and offering a roadmap to counter the identified threats.

Other Countries' Strategies

  • Most developed countries with advanced military and security structures possess and update National Security Strategies.
  • Notable examples include the US, the UK, Russia, China with its Comprehensive National Security strategy, and Pakistan's recently introduced National Security Policy.

3. The Imperative for India's National Security Strategy

  • Despite being a recurrent topic in military discourse and strategic debates,
  • India has struggled to materialize a National Security Strategy, despite three previous attempts.
  • Increasing geopolitical tensions and escalating uncertainties have accentuated the urgency for a comprehensive strategy, as articulated by former Army Chief General NC Vij and other experts.
  • Former NSA Shivshankar Menon highlighted that past attempts were hindered by political hesitancy, possibly due to the increased accountability in defense management that such a strategy would introduce.
  • Varied opinions within the strategic community have speculated on the reasons behind India's delay in formulating a comprehensive strategy.

4.  Conclusion

The need for a National Security Strategy has long been acknowledged within India's strategic circles. As the country embarks on this groundbreaking endeavor, bridging the gap between strategic vision and practical military reforms becomes crucial. With the development of this strategy, India sets its sights on a more cohesive, informed, and proactive approach to national security in an era characterized by evolving threats and uncertainties.

For Prelims: National Security Strategy, National Security Council Secretariat,
For Mains: 
1. Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities that India faces in developing its National Security Strategy. (250 Words)
Source: The Indian Express

JAMMU AND POONCH

1. Context

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance connectivity in the Jammu and Poonch regions. This achievement comes as part of the upgradation project of National Highway 144A, a vital and strategically important road stretch in Jammu and Kashmir.

2. Origin of NH 144A

NH 144A, a double-lane road, originates in Jammu and extends through Rajouri and Poonch districts. This road project was granted national highway status (NH 144A) by the central government in 2015, serving as a critical route for the Akhnoor sub-division and a part of Reasi district.

3. The Significance of Upgradation

  • The upgradation of National Highway 144A is a crucial infrastructure development project, aimed at transforming the existing two-lane road into a four-lane highway.
  • The upgradation will substantially improve all-weather road connectivity for residents in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, as well as parts of Jammu and Reasi districts.
  • It is expected to drive socio-economic growth in these regions, including the Pir Panjal area, which encompasses the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
  • This improved highway will significantly expedite the movement of defense vehicles along the Line of Control, strengthening the region's security.
  • Travel time between Poonch-Rajouri and Jammu will be reduced from the current 6-7 hours to just 4.5 hours.
  • Additionally, road widening is seen as a long-overdue demand from local residents, considering the surge in vehicular traffic and road accidents.

4. Executing the Project

The National Highway upgradation project has been divided among two key executing agencies:

  • National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is responsible for the four-laning of the highway from Jammu to Akhnoor. This segment includes the construction of a 4.6-kilometer flyover between Jammu city's Canal Head to Muthi. This stretch of the project is nearing completion.
  • Border Roads Organisation (BRO) The remaining work, spanning from Akhnoor to Poonch, is undertaken by BRO under Project Sampark. Due to its mountainous terrain and sharp curves, this section of the highway will include four tunnels, effectively reducing the road length by 32 kilometers and travel time to 4.5 hours.

5. Project Breakdown

The road-widening efforts from Akhnoor to Rajouri and further on to Poonch have been structured into eight packages, which include the construction of tunnels, bypasses, and road upgrades. The division of the project is as follows:

  • Package 1: From Akhnoor to Chowki Choura, featuring a 260-meter-long Kandi tunnel.
  • Package 2: From Chowki Choura to Bhamla, with ongoing work on a 2.78-kilometer tunnel at Sungal.
  • Package 3: From Bhamla to Bakhar, including a 4-kilometer bypass.
  • Package 4: From Bakhar to Nowshera, passing through various towns and areas.
  • Package 5: From Nowshera to Kallar, involving a new bridge and a 0.700-kilometer tunnel.
  • Package 6: From Kallar to Dhari Dhara, passing through several regions and featuring a 2.7-kilometer bypass.
  • Package 7: From Dhari Dhara to Bhatadhurian, which includes a 15-kilometer new road and a 1.1-kilometer tunnel at Bhatadhurian.
  • Package 8: From Bhatadurian to Poonch Police Lines, covering various towns and areas.

While substantial progress has been made in widening the road from Akhnoor to Rajouri, work on the Poonch district portion is yet to commence.

6. Conclusion

This comprehensive road upgradation project will undoubtedly have far-reaching positive implications for the region, promoting better connectivity, safety, and economic development. The project is aligned with the Prime Minister's Development Package, announced in November 2015, to support the reconstruction and development of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

For Prelims: Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister's Development Package, Border Roads Organisation, National Highway 144A, National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, 
For Mains: 
1. Critically evaluate the challenges faced by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in carrying out the upgradation projects. (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. Which place in Jammu & Kashmir is known as “Chhota Kashi”? (JKSSB Finance Sub-Inspector 2021) 
A. Kathua        B. Purmandal      C. Gulmarg         D. Kupwara
 
Answer: B
 
2. Which of the following statements about the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2022)
1. BRO is concerned with the construction and maintenance of roads in strategically sensitive areas.
2. BRO undertakes snow clearance in high-altitude areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only      B. 2 only          C. Both 1 and 2          D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
 
3. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2014) 
National Highway           Cities connected 
1. NH 4                            Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH 6                            Mumbai and Kolkata
3. NH 15                         Ahmedabad and Jodhpur
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only        B. 3 only            C. 1, 2 and 3         D. None
 
Answer: D
 
4. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was established in India in the year: (DSSSB Junior Secretariat Assistant Official 2022)
A. 2017                 B. 2013             C. 2014                  D. 2012
 
Answer: C
 
Source: The Indian Express
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