CHIKUNGUNYA
1. Context
In response to the increasing chikungunya cases in Telangana, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a ‘Level 2’ travel advisory for U.S. travellers returning from Telangana. “[The] CDC has identified a higher-than-expected number of chikungunya cases among the U.S. travellers returning from Telangana,”.
2. About Chikungunya
- Chikungunya is characterised by severe joint pain and impaired mobility and comes with fever.
- It is a viral infection (CHIKV) transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It has been described as "an emerging global health threat."
- The WHO fact sheet says Chikungunya is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Sporadic outbreaks have been reported in other regions.
- Since 2004, outbreaks of CHIKV have become more frequent and widespread.
- This is partly due to viral adaptations allowing the virus to be spread more easily by the Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
3. Clinical Manifestations of Chikungunya
- The joint pain is often debilitating and varies in duration. It can last for a few days, but also be prolonged over months.
- Other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
- While severe symptoms and deaths from chikungunya are rare, they are usually related to other coexisting health problems.
- It is believed that the numbers are generally underestimated because chikungunya is often misdiagnosed as dengue or zika, as symptoms can seem similar. As of now, there is no cure, only symptomatic relief.
- This includes analgesics to help with the pain, antipyretics for the fever, rest, and adequate fluids.
- Prevention includes mosquito control activities, primarily falling under public health outreach and routine civic maintenance.
- Individuals are also advised to use medicated mosquito nets and ensure that there is no water stagnation in any containers at home in order to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
- Ixchiq is administered as a single dose by injection into the muscle.
- It contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus and may cause symptoms in the vaccine recipient similar to those experienced by people who have the disease.
- Its safety was evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in North America.
- About 3,500 participants, 18 years of age and older, received a dose of the vaccine.
- The other study included about 1,000 participants receiving a placebo.
- The most reported side effects by vaccine recipients were headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea, and tenderness at the injection site.
- The effectiveness of the vaccine was based on immune response data from a clinical study conducted in the U.S. in individuals 18 years of age and older.
- In this study, the immune response of 266 participants who received the vaccine was compared to the immune response of 96 participants who received the placebo.
- The level of antibody evaluated in study participants was based on a level shown to be protective in nonhuman primates that had received blood from people who had been vaccinated.
5. Significance of Vaccine
- Vaccines are designed to prevent diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. They help the body develop immunity without causing the disease itself.
- Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating or significantly controlling many infectious diseases worldwide. Diseases like smallpox have been completely eradicated, and others, such as polio and measles, have seen drastic reductions in cases due to vaccination efforts.
- Vaccines protect not only individuals but also communities and populations by establishing herd immunity. When a significant portion of a population is vaccinated against a contagious disease, it becomes more challenging for the disease to spread, thereby protecting even those who aren't vaccinated, such as individuals who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons.
- Vaccines help reduce the burden on healthcare systems by preventing illness, hospitalizations, and long-term medical care associated with infectious diseases. This, in turn, saves healthcare costs and resources.
- In the context of global health security, vaccines play a crucial role in combating infectious diseases that can rapidly spread across borders. They are essential tools in managing pandemics and preventing the emergence of new public health crises
- By preventing illnesses and their associated complications, vaccines contribute to a better quality of life for individuals and societies. They allow people to live healthier lives, attend school regularly, and contribute more fully to the economy
- Vaccine development involves significant scientific research and innovation. Advances in vaccine technology have not only improved the efficacy and safety of vaccines but have also paved the way for new methods of disease prevention and treatment.
6. Types of vaccines
There are many different types of vaccines, but they can be broadly categorized into the following types:
- Live attenuated vaccines contain a weakened form of the live virus that causes the disease. The weakened virus is not strong enough to cause the disease, but it can stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can protect against the disease. Examples of live attenuated vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the varicella vaccine.
- Inactivated vaccines contain a killed form of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease. The killed virus or bacteria is not able to cause the disease, but it is still able to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies. Examples of inactivated vaccines include the polio vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine.
- Subunit vaccines contain only a part of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease, such as a protein or sugar. The subunit is not able to cause the disease, but it is still able to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies. Examples of subunit vaccines include the hepatitis B vaccine and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- Toxoid vaccines contain the toxin produced by a bacterium, rather than the bacterium itself. The toxin is modified so that it is not able to cause disease, but it is still able to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can neutralize the toxin. Examples of toxoid vaccines include the tetanus vaccine and the diphtheria vaccine.
- mRNA vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA) that instructs cells to make a protein. The protein is then recognized by the immune system, which produces antibodies to protect against the disease. Examples of mRNA vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- Viral vector vaccines use a modified virus to deliver a gene from another virus or bacterium into human cells. The gene then instructs the cells to make a protein that is recognized by the immune system, which produces antibodies to protect against the disease. Examples of viral vector vaccines include the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
- DNA vaccines contain DNA that instructs cells to make a protein. The protein is then recognized by the immune system, which produces antibodies to protect against the disease. DNA vaccines are still in development, but they have the potential to be a more effective and long-lasting way to protect people from infectious diseases.
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For Prelims: chikungunya vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization, dengue, Zika, National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control,
For Mains:
1. Critically analyze the effectiveness of current mosquito control strategies in preventing chikungunya transmission in India. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010) 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: C 2. Chikungunya is transmitted by: (MPPEB Group 2 2021)
A. Aedes mosquitoes B. Female Anopheles C. Cockroach D. Rat
Answer: A
3. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
4. Covid-19 is which of the following? (Rajasthan Police Constable 2020)
A. An under study vaccine for the corona virus.
B. Drug used to treat corona virus.
C. Another name for the corona virus that created the epidemic in 2019.
D. All diseases in 2019.
Answer: C
5. Which of the following facts about Covid - 19 virus is / are wrong? (TNPSC Group 1 2021)
(a) People who have been infected by the virus but do not have symptoms do not spread virus. (b) Reinfection is not possible.
(c) Anosmia (loss of smell) is a symptom.
(d) Babies do not get infected by Corona virus.
A. (a) and (b) only B. (a), (b), and (d) C. (c) only D. (d) only E. Answer not known Answer: B
6. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of a balanced diet, to avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat should NOT exceed _______ of total energy intake. (UPSSSC Mandi Inspector 2019)
A. 20% B. 30% C. 10% D. 40%
Answer: B
7. Dengue is caused by- (MP Police Constable 2022)
A. Bacteria B. Virus C. Fungus D. Pollution
Answer: B
8. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 9. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
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ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
1. Context
Tamil Nadu could use the genomic testing laboratories set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to measure the level of antimicrobial resistance by analysing effluents from pharmaceutical companies and hospitals
2. What is Anti Microbial Resistance?
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicine making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread severe illness, and death.
3. Emergence and spread of AMR
- AMR occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes.
- Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants, and the environment (in water, soil, and air).
- They can spread from person to person or between people and animals, including from food of animal origin.
- The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals, and poor infection and disease prevention and control in healthcare facilities and farms. Poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics, lack of awareness and knowledge, and lack of enforcement of legislation.
4. Factors causing AMR in India
- The high disease burden
- The rising income
- The easy and cheap availability of these medicines to the public.
- The uncontrolled sales of antibiotics
- Poor Public health infrastructure
- Lack of awareness regarding the misuse of antibiotics.
6. Government Initiatives that help to curb Antimicrobial Resistance In India
- Through the Swacch Bharat Program, the government has taken active steps to improve hygiene and sanitation and reduce the environmental spread of pathogens.
- Vaccination is an equally important public health measure, and through Mission Indradhaniush, India has set itself an ambitious goal of increasing routine immunization coverage to 90% within just a few years.
6.1 Red Line Campaign
7. WHO's Global plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance?
- To improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education, and training.
- To Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research.
- To reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention measures.
- To Optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health.
- To develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries and to increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other interventions.
8. Global efforts
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For Prelims: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Environment Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health, Mission Indradhaniush, Red Line Campaign.
For Mains: 1.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the most significant challenges the world faces today. Discuss.
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? ( UPSC CSE 2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 Answer: (b) |
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC)
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established in India in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- It serves as an autonomous public institution tasked with the protection and promotion of human rights across the country.
- The NHRC investigates complaints of human rights violations, conducts inquiries, and recommends remedial action to the government.
- It also plays a role in promoting awareness of human rights and providing education on related issues.
- The commission consists of a chairperson and several members appointed by the President of India, and it operates at both the central and state levels
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in India on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- This Act was enacted to fulfill the obligations India undertook by becoming a signatory to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which called for the establishment of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights.
- The NHRC was founded with the aim of addressing human rights violations and promoting awareness and respect for human rights across the country. It operates as an autonomous body, independent of the government, to ensure impartiality and effectiveness in its functioning.
- Since its inception, the NHRC has played a crucial role in investigating complaints of human rights violations, conducting inquiries, and making recommendations to the government for remedial action. It also engages in advocacy, education, and awareness programs to promote a culture of human rights in India.
- Over the years, the NHRC has evolved and expanded its scope to address various human rights issues, including those related to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It operates at both the central and state levels, with a chairperson and members appointed by the President of India.
- The NHRC's history is marked by its efforts to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and dignity enshrined in the Indian Constitution and international human rights instruments
The composition of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) includes a chairperson and several members appointed by the President of India. According to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC consists of:
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Chairperson: The chairperson is appointed by the President of India and must be a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or a serving or retired Judge of the Supreme Court.
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Members: The NHRC can have up to four members, including a member who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, a member who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court, and two other members who have knowledge or practical experience in matters relating to human rights.
These appointments aim to ensure the independence, expertise, and credibility of the NHRC in addressing human rights issues effectively. The members serve fixed terms as specified by the Act, and they collectively contribute to the commission's efforts to protect and promote human rights across the country
5.Appointment of NHRC Members
The appointment of members to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) follows a process outlined in the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. Here's an overview of the appointment procedure:
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Selection Committee: A Selection Committee is constituted to recommend candidates for appointment as Chairperson and members of the NHRC. The Selection Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and includes the following members:
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Deputy Speaker, in case the Speaker is unable to attend.
- The Minister in charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of India.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) in the absence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- The NHRC is authorized to inquire into complaints of human rights violations received from individuals or groups. It can investigate violations committed by public servants or by any authority or person acting under the government's authority
- The Commission has the power to monitor human rights violations, including through suo moto action, where it can initiate an inquiry based on media reports, complaints, or its own knowledge
- Following investigations or inquiries, the NHRC can make recommendations to the concerned authorities for remedial action, prosecution, or compensation to victims of human rights violations
- The NHRC engages in activities to raise awareness about human rights issues through seminars, workshops, publications, and other educational programs
- It advises the government on policies and measures to promote and protect human rights effectively
- The NHRC can intervene in court proceedings related to human rights violations, either as a party or as amicus curiae (friend of the court)
- The Commission conducts research and studies on human rights issues to better understand the challenges and formulate appropriate responses
- Based on its findings and experiences, the NHRC can recommend legislative reforms to strengthen human rights protection in the country
- The NHRC collaborates with international human rights organizations and participates in international forums to promote human rights globally
- The NHRC has the authority to visit and monitor places of detention, such as prisons and juvenile homes, to ensure that inmates' human rights are respected
- The NHRC lacks direct enforcement authority. It can investigate human rights violations, make recommendations, and issue guidelines, but it cannot enforce its decisions or ensure their implementation. Its recommendations are non-binding, and compliance by government agencies or other authorities is voluntary.
- The process of investigation and resolution of complaints by the NHRC can be lengthy and time-consuming, leading to delays in providing justice to victims of human rights violations. This delay can undermine the effectiveness of the NHRC in addressing urgent and serious violations
- The NHRC operates with limited resources, including budgetary allocations and staffing. This constraint can affect its capacity to handle a large number of complaints effectively and conduct thorough investigations into human rights violations
- The NHRC's jurisdiction is limited to investigating human rights violations committed by public servants or authorities acting under the government's authority. It may not have jurisdiction over violations by non-state actors or in certain areas like the armed forces, where separate mechanisms exist
- There have been instances where political pressures or interference have affected the independence and impartiality of the NHRC. Political influence can hinder its ability to address human rights violations objectively and without bias
- Many people, especially in rural areas and marginalized communities, may not be aware of the NHRC's existence or how to access its services. This lack of awareness and accessibility can prevent victims of human rights violations from seeking redress through the commission
- Even when the NHRC makes recommendations for remedial action or compensation, there may be instances where these recommendations are not implemented fully or effectively by the concerned authorities
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For Prelims: National Human Rights Commission
For Mains: Emerging Human Rights Challenges, Role and Functions of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
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Previous Year Questions
1.Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC CSE 2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) 2.Consider the following: (UPSC CSE 2011)
Which of the above is/are Human Right/Human Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”? (a) 1 only Answer: (d)
1.Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analysing theirstructural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC CSE Mains GS 1 2021) |
COLLEGIUM VS NJAC
1. Context
2. Collegium System
- The Collegium system is not rooted in the Constitution. Instead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
- Under the system, the Chief Justice of India along with four senior-most Supreme Court judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges.
- A High Court Collegium, meanwhile, is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two senior-most judges of that court.
- In this system, the government’s role is limited to getting an inquiry conducted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) if a lawyer is to be elevated as a judge in a High Court or the Supreme Court.
- The government can also raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the Collegium’s choices, but, if the Collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound, under Constitution Bench judgments, to appoint them to the post.
3. Evolution of Collegium System
- In the First Judges case, the court held that the consultation with the CJI should be "full and effective".
- The Second Judges Case introduced the collegium system in 1993, as they ordered the CJI to consult a collegium of his two senior judges in the apex court on judicial appointments, such a "collective opinion" of the collegium would have primacy over the government.
- The Third Judges case in 1998, expanded the judicial collegium to its present composition of the CJI and four of its senior-most judges.
4. Constitutional Provisions for Appointment of Judges
5. Procedure for replacement of Collegium System
- Replacing the Collegium system calls for a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
- It requires a majority of not less than two-thirds of MPs (Members of Parliament) present and voting in Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.
- It also needs the ratification of legislatures of not less than one-half of the states.
6. What are the concerns associated with the Collegium system?
- Constitutional Status: The Collegium is not prescribed in the Constitution. Article 124 mentions consultation, which the SC interpreted as ‘concurrence’ in Second Judges Case (1993). During the hearing against the NJAC, the then SC Bar President had argued that the Constituent Assembly had considered a proposal for making Judges’ appointment ‘in concurrence’ with the CJI but had eventually rejected it.
- Transparency: There is no official procedure for selection or any written manual for the functioning of the Collegium. The parameters considered for selection (or rejection) are not available in the public domain.
- Accountability: The selection of Judges by the Judges is considered undemocratic. Judges are not accountable to the people or any other organ of the State (Legislature or Executive). It can add an element of arbitrariness in functioning.
- Criticism by Judges: Many retired Judges have criticized the working of the Collegium, especially the lack of transparency. Several controversial appointments have been made despite objections by the member-Judges of the Collegium.
- No Checks: There are no checks on the process. Nor has there been any review regarding the effectiveness of the process. Critics of the system argue the phenomena of ‘Uncle Judges’ wherein near relatives, kith, and kin of sitting Judges are appointed to the higher judiciary leading to nepotism. Law Commission in its 230th Report (2012) recommended that that the Judges, whose kith and kin are practicing in a High Court, should not be appointed in the same High Court. The absence of transparency, accountability, and external checks creates space for subjectivity and individual bias in appointments. In some cases, the principle of seniority has been ignored.
- No Reforms: The Supreme Court did not amend the contentious provisions of the NJAC Act or added safeguards to the Act. Instead, it struck down the whole Act. The Supreme Court reverted to the old Collegium System. However, the Court did not take any steps to address the concerns associated with the Collegium System.
7. What is National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
- The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, which established the NJAC and the NJAC Act, was passed by Parliament in 2014 to set up a commission for appointing judges,
replacing the Collegium system. - This would essentially increase the government’s role in the appointment of judges.
- The laws were repealed in October 2015 after the Supreme Court struck them down.
7.1 Composition of NJAC
- The Chief Justice of India as the ex officio Chairperson.
- Two senior-most Supreme Court Judges as ex officio members.
- The Union Minister of Law and Justice as ex officio members.
- Two eminent persons from civil society (one of whom would be nominated by a committee consisting of the CJI, Prime Minster, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the other would be nominated from the SC/ST/OBC/minority communities or women.
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For Prelims: Collegium system, National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), Supreme court, High court, Intelligence Bureau (IB), First Judges case, Second Judges Case, Third Judges Case, Article 124(2), Article 217, Law Commission, and 99th Constitutional Amendment Act.
For Mains: 1. What are the two systems of the appointment of Judges that has triggered the fresh debate on the Judicial system in India? (250 Words).
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Previous year Question
1. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
2. In India, Judicial Review implies (UPSC 2017)
A. the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders
B. the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures
C. the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President
D. the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgments given earlier in similar or different cases
Answer: A
3. Consider the following statements:
1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehavior' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India
3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, of 1968.
4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 3 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4
Answer: C
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STUBBLE BURNING
1. Context
2. What is Stubble?
Stubble refers to the leftover plant material, mainly crop residues, that remains in the field after the primary crop has been harvested. This includes the stems, leaves, and other organic material that is left behind.
Stubble burning is a common agricultural practice where farmers set fire to crop residues, such as straw and stubble, that remain in the field after the main crop (usually paddy or wheat) has been harvested. This practice is typically used as a quick and cost-effective method to clear the field for the next planting season. Stubble burning is particularly prevalent in regions with mechanized farming, where machines like combine harvesters leave behind a significant amount of crop residues.
3. Stubble burning contributes to air pollution
When stubble is burned, it releases a variety of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can cause several health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world. In India, for example, stubble burning is responsible for up to 30% of the air pollution in Delhi during the winter months.
- Stubble burning generates fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems and reduced air quality.
- The combustion of stubble releases carbon monoxide, which can have adverse health effects when inhaled, particularly in enclosed spaces.
- Stubble burning produces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can react with other pollutants in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major air pollutant.
- Burning stubble emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to climate change.
- The combustion of crop residues can release various hazardous chemicals and pollutants, further deteriorating air quality.
4. About the Central Scheme for the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue
The Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (AMICMR) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to promote the use of in-situ techniques for managing crop residue. In-situ techniques are those that are used to manage crop residue on the field, rather than burning it. Examples of in-situ techniques include:
- Mulching is the practice of covering the soil with a layer of organic material, such as straw or leaves. This can help to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil health.
- Zero tillage is the practice of planting crops without tilling the soil. This can help to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture in the soil.
- Direct seeding is the practice of planting seeds directly into the soil, rather than transplanting seedlings. This can help to reduce soil disturbance and prevent the spread of weeds.
The AMICMR scheme provides financial assistance to farmers to purchase machinery that can be used for in-situ management of crop residue. The scheme also provides training and extension services to farmers on how to use these techniques.
The AMICMR scheme is a promising initiative that could help to reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning. However, the scheme needs to be scaled up and made more widely available to farmers to have a significant impact.
5. Conclusion
Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world. However, there are several alternatives to stubble burning, such as in-situ management of crop residue. In-situ management of crop residue is a more sustainable way to manage stubble, as it does not release pollutants into the air and has several benefits for soil health and crop yields.
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For Prelims: Stubble burning, air pollution, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, PM2.5, PM10, Volatile Organic Compounds, ozone, carbon dioxide, methane, Climate Change, The Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue,
For Mains:
1. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Central Scheme on Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue (AMICMR) in addressing the issue of stubble burning in India. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? ( UPSC 2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: B 2. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment (UPSC 2013, 2022) (a) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen (b) Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide (c) Ozone and Carbon Dioxide (d) Nitrous Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide Answer:D 3. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC 2017) (a) Measuring oxygen level in blood (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions Answer: C 4. Consider the following: (UPSC 2019) 1. Carbon monooxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide
Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: D 5. What is Particulate matter? (BPSC 2016) A. Solid residue B. Air pollutant C. Water pollutant D. Soil pollutant E. None of the above/More than one of the above Answer: B 6. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas because it: (OPSC OAS 2021) A. Binds to digestive hormones
B. Damages lungs
C. Destroys RBCs
D. Binds to haemoglobin
Answer: D 7. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019) 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D 8. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 3 and 4 B. 1 and 4 only C. 2, 3 and 4 D.1 and 2 only Answer: B 9. Which of the following is a VOC? (MP Vyapam Sub Engineer Mechanical 2022) A. Toulene B. Water C. Carbon dioxide D. Carbon monoxide Answer: A 10. Which of the following Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted from anthropogenic sources only? (UGC NET 2023) A. Isoprene
B. Benzene
C. Terpene
D. Methane
E. Toluene
1. A, B and C Only 2. B and E Only 3. A and C Only 4. C, D and E Only Answer: 2 11. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substance? (UPSC 2015) A. Bretton Woods Conference B. Montreal Protocol C. Kyoto Porotocol D. Nagoya Protocol Answer: B 12. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs (UPSC 2012) A. the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
B. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
C. all the solar radiations
D. the infrared part of the solar radiation
Answer: D 13. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? (UPSC 2014) 1. Volcanic action
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. The decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 1, 2 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: C 14. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? (UPSC 2019) 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D 15. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas' consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: D Mains
1. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? ( UPSC 2021)
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