In News:

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in a significant step toward safeguarding the legal rights of India’s uniformed forces, launched the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana during the North Zone Regional Conference in Srinagar. Themed “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals,” the event spotlighted the urgent need to institutionalize accessible legal assistance for military personnel and their families.

Rationale and Objectives

• Defence and paramilitary personnel frequently serve in remote, conflict-prone, or high-risk environments, which limits their ability to attend to civilian legal matters. Be it land disputes, family conflicts, service-related claims, or bureaucratic issues, legal hurdles can deeply affect their lives. The scheme acknowledges that a soldier stationed on the border cannot readily leave his post to handle legal proceedings back home.
• The Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana is designed to bridge this critical gap by providing free, competent, and timely legal aid to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Joint Collaboration: The initiative is a joint effort between NALSA, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs), and Zilla Sainik Boards (ZSBs) under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
• Legal Clinics Across Sainik Boards: Legal Services Clinics will be established at the district, state, and central levels of the Sainik Boards across India. These will function as the first point of contact for defence families seeking legal assistance.
• Trained Legal Volunteers: The initiative actively involves panel lawyers and trained paralegal volunteers, including ex-servicemen and defence family members, to offer legal services and counselling.
• Back-end Legal Infrastructure: A robust administrative mechanism will support the on-ground functioning of clinics and ensure prompt resolution of legal grievances.
• Coverage for Paramilitary Forces: The scheme will also extend support to paramilitary personnel from forces such as BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and others, who operate under similar hardships and isolation.

Significance and Constitutional Context

• The scheme upholds Article 39A of the Constitution, which mandates equal justice and free legal aid for all citizens. Defence personnel, who make immense sacrifices for national security, often remain underserved when it comes to civilian entitlements, rights, and dispute resolution.
• By reaffirming the constitutional commitment to access to justice, the scheme aligns with the broader goal of legal empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized communities, including those in service of the nation.

In News:

Over 1.6 lakh individuals globally have benefited from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)—a cutting-edge neurological procedure designed to manage complex brain disorders.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

DBS is a neurosurgical intervention wherein electrodes are surgically implanted into precise regions of the brain. These electrodes are connected via insulated wires to a pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker), typically placed under the skin near the collarbone.

The device delivers regulated electrical signals to targeted brain circuits. This helps modulate abnormal neural activity or restore disrupted brain function caused by neurological or psychiatric conditions.

How Does It Work?

• The implanted system sends mild, continuous electrical pulses to specific brain areas.
• These pulses help in stabilizing erratic electrical signals, which are often responsible for motor and cognitive dysfunctions.
• The stimulation does not destroy brain tissue and can be adjusted or turned off, offering reversibility unlike traditional ablative surgeries.

Clinical Applications of DBS

DBS has been widely adopted for treating movement disorders, especially when medications become ineffective:

• Parkinson’s Disease
• Essential Tremor
• Dystonia

Beyond motor disorders, DBS has received regulatory approval for use in certain psychiatric illnesses, such as: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Research is ongoing to explore its efficacy in conditions like:

• Severe Depression
• Epilepsy

Benefits of DBS

• Reversible and adjustable intervention
• Helps reduce motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and rigidity
• Aims to normalize brain circuit functions at both micro (cellular) and macro (network) levels
• Offers hope in cases resistant to standard pharmacological therapies

In News:

The tragic case of a student’s self-immolation in Balasore, Odisha, in 2025, has brought renewed focus on the functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in India. The student, alleging sexual harassment by her Head of Department, had approached the college ICC, but her complaint was dismissed. Her family has alleged that the ICC was inadequately trained and biased in favor of the accused, exposing systemic flaws in India’s redressal mechanisms for workplace harassment.

This incident is a stark reminder that even a decade after the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013—popularly known as the POSH Act—the law’s implementation remains inconsistent and often ineffective.

Evolution of ICCs and the Legal Framework

1. Vishaka Guidelines (1997)

The foundation for workplace sexual harassment law in India was laid by the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997). The case stemmed from the gang-rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker who attempted to prevent a child marriage. The judgment led to the formulation of the Vishaka Guidelines, which:

• Defined sexual harassment at the workplace.
• Mandated Complaints Committees in institutions.
• Required these committees to be headed by a woman, have at least 50% female members, and include an external member to prevent internal bias.

However, these were non-binding guidelines and lacked statutory force.

2. POSH Act, 2013

The 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case spurred public demand for stronger gender-based protections, resulting in the enactment of the POSH Act, which gave legal backing to the Vishaka Guidelines. Key provisions of the POSH Act include:

• Mandatory establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) at all workplaces with more than 10 employees.
• Creation of Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) at the district level to cover unorganized or small enterprises.
• ICCs are empowered to inquire, recommend disciplinary action, and facilitate criminal reporting when needed.

Structure and Powers of ICCs

Each ICC must have the following composition:

• Presiding Officer: A senior female employee.
• Two internal members: Preferably with legal knowledge or experience in social work.
• One external member: From an NGO or association committed to women's rights.
• At least 50% women members.

Functions and Powers:

• Can attempt conciliation if requested by the complainant.
• If not, must conduct an inquiry within 90 days.
• Can summon individuals and documents, with powers equivalent to a civil court.
• Can recommend disciplinary action to the employer if allegations are proven.
• The employer must assist the victim in pursuing a criminal complaint if desired.
• All proceedings and identities must be kept confidential.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite a clear legal mandate, the real-world functioning of ICCs has been fraught with systemic issues:

1. Poor Coverage

• Many institutions, especially in the private and informal sectors, have not constituted ICCs.
• Local Committees, intended to help informal workers, are either underreported or ineffective.

2. Inadequate Training and Bias

• ICC members often lack legal training or understanding of trauma-sensitive inquiry.
• As seen in the Balasore case, committees may favor senior male colleagues, reinforcing institutional power hierarchies.
• The absence of external accountability leads to compromised decisions.

3. Lack of Monitoring and Enforcement

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal agency for the Act.
• But enforcement responsibility often lies with Labour and Industry Ministries, leading to fragmented oversight.
• The Supreme Court, in a 2024 review, described enforcement as “disquieting”, with serious lapses and poor record-keeping.

4. Breaches of Confidentiality

• There have been reports of identities being leaked, and complainants being stigmatized or retaliated against, violating the core principles of the Act.

Strengthening the POSH Mechanism

To ensure that the POSH Act fulfills its mandate, the following steps are critical:

• Universal Coverage and Registration:
  • Mandate public disclosure of ICCs in all eligible institutions.
  • Strengthen district monitoring mechanisms for both ICCs and LCCs.
• Capacity Building: Introduce mandatory training for ICC members on legal procedures, gender sensitivity, and trauma-informed handling.
• Robust Monitoring Framework:
  • Enable centralized reporting portals for annual compliance.
  • Conduct audits and periodic evaluations of ICC functioning.
• Accountability and Penalties:
  • Impose penalties on employers for non-compliance or retaliatory action.
  • Encourage whistleblower protections for witnesses and complainants.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Inform women—especially in informal sectors—about their rights and the complaint mechanisms available to them.

In News:

• In July 2025, a concerning outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) led to the death of 16 spotted deer (chitals) at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune, Maharashtra.

About Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Nature of the Disease

• Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family.
• It affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, goats, pigs, sheep, deer, and camelids.
• FMD is not zoonotic, i.e., it does not affect humans, and it poses no food safety risk.

Global and National Status

• FMD is classified as a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD).
• It remains endemic in over 77% of the world’s livestock populations, particularly across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• It severely disrupts livestock productivity, animal trade, and rural livelihoods.

Transmission and Symptoms

Transmission Routes

• Direct contact with infected animals.
• Indirect transmission through contaminated feed, equipment, vehicles, human movement, and airborne particles.
• Incubation period: 2–14 days.
• The virus can enter via inhalation, ingestion, or skin wounds.

Clinical Symptoms

• High fever lasting 2–3 days.
• Blisters and ulcers on the tongue, lips, hooves, teats, and mouth.
• Excessive salivation, lameness, and depression.
• Significant drop in milk production, weight loss, and growth retardation.
• In young animals, the disease can cause high mortality, while adults may suffer debilitating effects, affecting long-term productivity.

Strains and Immunity

• There are seven known strains of the FMD virus: A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1.
• Immunity to one strain does not protect against others, making strain-specific vaccination critical.

Diagnosis and Institutional Infrastructure

• Confirmatory diagnosis is conducted through laboratory testing at premier institutes such as:
  • ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD), Bhubaneswar
  • Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly
  • National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal

Government Interventions and Policies

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

• Launched in 2019, the 100% centrally funded programme targets eradication of FMD and Brucellosis by 2030.
• Key components include:
  • Mass vaccination
  • Ear-tagging for traceability
  • Cold chain infrastructure
  • Disease surveillance and reporting
  • Farmer awareness and community participation

Integrated Disease Management

• NADCP is aligned with the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
• Several institutions like NIVEDI Bengaluru and Regional Disease Investigation Laboratories contribute to monitoring and outbreak control.

Preventive Strategies and Recommendations

To strengthen India's preparedness against FMD and other epizootics, the following measures are vital:

• Expand FMD Vaccination Coverage: Include zoo animals, wildlife reserves, and peri-urban livestock in regular vaccination drives.
• Strengthen Veterinary Surveillance: Ensure round-the-year disease surveillance, especially during weather extremes (monsoon and summer).
• Upgrade Infrastructure
  • Expand testing capacity at regional levels.
  • Deploy mobile diagnostic labs in remote zones.
• Raise Awareness: Educate livestock owners, zoo staff, and veterinary professionals about early symptoms, hygiene practices, and reporting protocols.
• Develop Strain-Specific Vaccines: Increase funding for R&D in strain identification and rapid-response vaccines.
• Leverage Technology: Use AI, GIS mapping, and data analytics to predict outbreaks and monitor disease spread.

In News:

• In recent years, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have emerged as a critical concern in the Himalayan region, particularly affecting countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
• The July 8, 2025, GLOF in Nepal—which washed away a China-built bridge and crippled hydropower plants supplying 8% of Nepal’s electricity—has drawn urgent attention to the increasing frequency and severity of such events.
• For India, especially in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), GLOFs pose an escalating risk to lives, infrastructure, and ecological systems due to climate change and unregulated development.

What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

A GLOF is the sudden, catastrophic release of water from a glacial lake—typically dammed by ice or moraine (glacial debris). The floodwaters often cause massive downstream destruction, marked by:

• Extremely high discharge volumes
• Destructive debris flows
• Short warning times

Types of Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas

• Supraglacial Lakes: Form on the surface of glaciers due to meltwater accumulation. Highly unstable during summer.
  • Example: Cirenma Co in Tibet (1981), July 2024 Nepal GLOF.
• Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Form at glacier snouts, blocked by weak debris. Most vulnerable to outbursts.
  • Example: South Lhonak (Sikkim), Tsho Rolpa (Nepal), Shako Cho (Sikkim)

Causes of GLOFs

Natural Triggers

• Glacial Retreat: Rising temperatures accelerate glacial melt, enlarging lakes.
• Ice or Rock Avalanches: Sudden falls into lakes displace water and rupture dams.
• Cloudbursts & Heavy Rainfall: Rapid rise in water levels increases pressure on dams.
• Seismic Activity: Earthquakes can destabilize moraine dams.
• Internal Piping: Seepage within dams weakens structural integrity over time.

Anthropogenic Factors

• Climate Change: Human-induced warming accelerates glacial melt.
• Unregulated Development: Construction near glacial zones—e.g., hydropower—exacerbates risk.
  • Example: Teesta-III dam destruction in 2023.

Impacts of GLOFs

On Human Life and Infrastructure

• Casualties: Kedarnath (2013) and Sikkim (2023) GLOFs caused hundreds of deaths.
• Hydropower & Transport Damage: Washed-out roads, bridges, and dams; loss of electricity and connectivity.
• Displacement & Livelihood Loss: Long-term socio-economic disruption in affected regions.

On Environment

• River Course Changes & Silting: Raised riverbeds and reduced flood-carrying capacity.
  • Teesta river rose several meters post-2023 flood.
• Habitat Loss & Biodiversity Decline: Ecological imbalance in alpine and riparian zones.
• Long-Term Ecosystem Stress: Sedimentation affects water quality and ecosystem resilience.

The Situation in India

India’s Himalayan arc—covering J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—houses:

• 28,000 glacial lakes
• 7,500 lakes above 4,500 m altitude
• 11 major river basins

Yet, the region lacks sufficient monitoring infrastructure and early warning systems, primarily due to remoteness and hostile terrain.

Notable GLOF events:

• Kedarnath (2013): Triggered by cloudburst and glacial melt.
• South Lhonak (2023): Avalanche-triggered breach, damaging a $2 billion hydro project.

India’s Institutional Response to GLOF Risks

1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Initiatives

India has transitioned from reactive relief to proactive risk mitigation, through:

• National GLOF Programme: A ?150 crore initiative targeting 195 high-risk lakes.
• Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR): Coordinates central and state agencies, scientific institutions, and communities.

2. Five-Pronged Strategy

1. Hazard Assessment: Classification of lakes by size, dam type, and downstream threat.
2. Automated Weather & Water Stations (AWWS): Real-time monitoring (e.g., in Sikkim).
3. Early Warning Systems (EWS): ITBP-led manual alerts; multilingual digital alerts in pilot stages.
4. Engineering Interventions:
   • Bathymetry and ERT scans
   • Artificial channels and retention structures
5. Community Engagement:
   • Sensitization on religious and ecological concerns.
   • Involving locals in scientific expeditions for credibility and access.

Technological Interventions

• SAR Interferometry: Satellite-based technique to detect micro-slope changes.
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT): Detects ice-cores under moraine dams.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): High-resolution terrain mapping.
• Remote Sensing: Tracks surface area growth of glacial lakes (but is post-facto).

Status of Mitigation Efforts

• Expeditions to 40 high-risk lakes in 2024 across J&K, Ladakh, HP, UK, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh yielded positive outcomes.
• Installation of AWWS at lakes in Sikkim providing 10-minute interval data and daily lake imagery.
• ITBP trained for early alerts in absence of automated systems.
• More stations and expeditions are planned post-monsoon 2025.

Transboundary Challenges

• Many GLOF-prone lakes lie in Tibet, with rivers flowing into Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
• Nepal has faced multiple transboundary GLOFs recently (2024–25), with little to no warning from China.
• Example: July 8, 2025 GLOF from Tibet triggered floods in Nepal, destroying infrastructure.
• Past major GLOFs: Cirenma Co (1981), Dig Tsho (1985), Tama Pokhari (1998).

Policy Recommendations

• Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Expand AWWS and EWS coverage, integrate with mobile alerts.
• Transboundary Collaboration: Create shared protocols for upstream monitoring and data exchange with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Integrate Climate Adaptation in Planning: Include GLOF risk in disaster risk reduction and infrastructure resilience planning.
• Ban Critical Infrastructure: Avoid siting major installations near vulnerable glacial zones.
• Promote Indigenous Technology: Invest in SAR, ERT, and AI-based modelling to predict GLOF risks.
• Community-Led Risk Reduction: Involve local populations in monitoring, response planning, and implementation.