Current Affairs Exam

Chlorpyrifos Under Scrutiny at International Conventions: The 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva (April 28-May 9) are addressing hazardous chemicals, including chlorpyrifos.

Global Concerns: Chlorpyrifos, classified as ‘moderately hazardous’ by WHO, is banned in over 40 countries but still used in India on 18 crops.

Health and Environmental Risks: Chlorpyrifos is linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, irreversible brain damage in unborn children, and ecosystem contamination.

PAN India Advocacy: Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India is advocating for:

• Inclusion of chlorpyrifos in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention (prior informed consent for trade).
• Inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention (global ban), citing safer alternatives.

Illegal Use in India: A 2022 report revealed unauthorized use of chlorpyrifos and other agrochemicals, raising regulatory and enforcement concerns.

CIBRC’s Role: The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) regulates insecticides in India, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, established under The Insecticides Act, 1968.

Indian Experts Call for Ban: Indian experts are urging an immediate ban on chlorpyrifos, emphasizing its continued threat to public health, future generations and ecosystems.

Pakistan’s Abeyance of Simla Agreement: Pakistan announced it would place the Simla Agreement of 1972 in abeyance following India’s response to a terror attack, raising concerns about regional peace, specifically regarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Background of Simla Agreement: Signed in 1972 by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh and an Indian victory. The accord aimed to normalize relations and establish peaceful coexistence.

Key Provisions:

• Adherence to UN Charter principles.
• Bilateral resolution of disputes, including Kashmir, without third-party intervention.
• Respect for territorial integrity and non-interference.
• Redesignation of the ceasefire line as the LoC, with a commitment against unilateral alteration.
• Normalization of diplomatic, communications, and trade ties.

Potential Implications:

• Shift from bilateralism to internationalization of the Kashmir issue.
• Risk of revived proxy warfare tactics, violating the Simla framework.
• Increased diplomatic and military tensions between the two countries.
• Impact on multilateral cooperation in regional organizations like SAARC.

India’s Security Measures:

• Deployment of anti-drone systems.
• Enhanced surveillance using satellite and UAV technologies.
• Strengthening counter-infiltration grids.
• Community engagement and Village Defence Committees.
• Comprehensive border fencing modernization.

Farmer Seeks Profit Share: Jayant Kumar Jena, son of the original developer of the Keonjhar Kalachampa paddy variety, has requested compensation from the PPV&FRA for the commercialization of the seed. This could be the first instance of an Odisha farmer receiving such compensation.

Keonjhar Kalachampa’s Features: The paddy variety is known for its resilience to diseases, pests, and climate change, and it’s non-lodging, fertilizer-responsive, suitable for various sowing times, and high-yielding. It was integrated early into India’s formal seed supply chain.

Variety’s History: Developed by Anirudha Jena and officially released by the State Seed Sub-Committee, the variety was notified by the Indian government in 2015. After Anirudha Jena’s death, the registration was transferred to his son, Jayant Jena.

Commercial Success: The Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) alone has produced and distributed over 87,000 quintals of certified seed of this variety between 2018 and 2023, indicating significant commercial use.

PPV&FRA’s Role: The PPV&FRA chairperson has stated that they will facilitate benefit sharing if a request is received, aligning with the authority’s mandate to protect farmers’ rights.

Gene Bank Initiative: Odisha has a gene bank for traditional paddy varieties, preserving seeds for up to 50 years. Keonjhar Kalachampa is one of 780 registered varieties in Odisha.

Significance of Local Varieties: Local varieties like Keonjhar Kalachampa are crucial for developing climate-resilient and sustainable new varieties.

Second Annual Synchronized Estimation: Tamil Nadu and Kerala are conducting the second annual synchronized estimation of the Nilgiri Tahr population.

Expanded Survey Area: This year’s survey covers 176 blocks (36 new), a significant increase from the 140 blocks surveyed last year, including the Kodaikanal division.

Data Significance: The survey aims to generate vital data on the population trend of the state animal.

Part of Project Nilgiri Tahr: The survey is a key component of Tamil Nadu’s “Project Nilgiri Tahr,” launched in October 2023.

Extensive Coverage: The survey spans 2,000 km of terrain, covering an estimated 233 sq. km.

Baseline Data from Previous Survey: The first survey provided baseline data, estimating 1,031 individuals in Tamil Nadu and 827 in Eravikulam National Park (Kerala).

Post-Calving Season Survey: Conducted post-calving to spot adult tahrs with their young.

Survey Methods: Enumerators use the bounded count method in fragmented areas and the double observer method in large continuous landscapes.

Faecal Sample Collection: Faecal samples of carnivores will be collected to assess parasitic loads in tahrs.

Endangered Species: The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Its IUCN status is endangered and its also under schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972.

Habitat and Distribution: Found in a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, inhabiting montane grasslands. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density.

Physical Characteristics: Stocky goats with short, coarse fur; males are larger and darker with larger horns; adult males develop a “saddle.”

State Animal: The Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.

Keel Laying of 4th NGOPV (Yard 3040): Ceremony held at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata, on April 24, 2025. Marks a major step in its construction.

Contract for 11 NGOPVs: Signed on March 30, 2023, for indigenous design and development. Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is the Lead Shipyard (7 vessels), GRSE the Follow Shipyard (4 vessels).

NGOPV Capabilities: Approximately 3000 tonnes. Designed for coastal defence & surveillance, search & rescue, protection of offshore assets, and anti-piracy missions. Enhances maritime domain awareness and low-intensity maritime conflict capabilities.

“Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India”: Project aligns with national initiatives promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Above-Normal Monsoon Forecast: IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon for 2025 (105% of LPA), potentially boosting agricultural output.

Regional Variations: Uneven distribution predicted; below-normal rainfall in some regions (J&K, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Northeast), normal to above normal in core monsoon zone (MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, UP, WB)

Monsoon Impact on Food Prices: Good monsoons generally lower prices, but specific crop issues can still cause price hikes. Supply chain disruptions during heavy rains raise transportation costs.

Monsoon Failure & Imports: Deficient rainfall increases import dependence (pulses, edible oils), fueling inflation.

Other Inflation Factors:

• Supply shocks (hoarding).
• Global commodity prices (edible oils, pulses).
• Monetary policy (higher interest rates).
• Government policies (MSPs, export restrictions).
• Supply chain weaknesses (storage, transport).

Steps to Control Inflation:

• Improve supply chain management.
• Promote Agri-Tech.
• Encourage agricultural diversification.
• Reform food subsidy systems.
• Climate-smart practices.

National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 Launched: Aims for 100% immunization coverage with two M-R vaccine doses for all eligible children. This is crucial because measles and rubella are highly infectious and can cause serious complications and death, especially in vulnerable populations.

Goal: Eliminate Measles and Rubella in India by 2026. This is significant due to the diseases’ high infection rate and potential for severe lifelong complications.

Progress: 332 districts reported zero measles cases and 487 districts reported zero rubella cases (January-March 2025). Demonstrates advancement towards M-R elimination.

“ACT NOW” Policy: Focuses on eliminating M-R similar to the success achieved with Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. The policy aims to accelerate efforts and ensure no child is left behind in the vaccination drive.

Current Vaccination Coverage: India’s MR vaccination coverage is at 93.7% (first dose) and 92.2% (second dose) (2024-25 HMIS data). High coverage is vital for achieving herd immunity and preventing outbreaks.

IEC Materials Released: Multi-language materials (posters, radio jingles, film) to raise awareness and promote community participation. These materials are intended to address vaccine hesitancy.

Call for Jan Bhagidari: Encourages inclusive participation of community leaders to spread awareness. Public support can significantly improve vaccination rates.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Provides free M-R vaccines to children at 9-12 months and 16-24 months. UIP acts as a large program for vaccines across India for children and pregnant women.

Measles and Rubella Champion Award: India received international recognition for its efforts in preventing Measles and Rubella. The award recognizes India’s exceptional efforts.

Decline in Cases: India has seen a 73% decline in Measles cases and a 17% reduction in Rubella cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Demonstrates the effectiveness of current strategies.

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” (Observed annually on April 25th)

Global Malaria Burden: Remains a major health challenge, affecting 263 million people and killing over 600,000 annually. Africa bears 94-95% of the burden.

India’s Progress: Significant decline in malaria cases and deaths between 2015 and 2023. India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) list, aiming for malaria-free status by 2030.

Treatment & Prevention: Advanced drugs like chloroquine and artemisinin. Tools like insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Vaccines: RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M approved. Chemoprophylaxis and Preventive Chemotherapy.

Global Initiatives: WHO Global Malaria Program and Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 (aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by at least 90% by 2030, eliminate malaria in ≥35 countries by 2030 ).E-2025 initiative (WHO has identified 25 countries, with the potential to eradicate malaria by 2025). Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Against Malaria.

National Initiatives: National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030, National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, MERA-India, HBHI Initiative, National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).

Historical Context: Malaria significantly impacted human migration, European colonization, and the slave trade. Understanding malaria transmission enabled colonial expansion in Africa.