1. Chandipura virus

• In Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district, four children have died and two others are under treatment for suspected infection of Chandipura virus, which causes encephalitis.

Chandipura virus:

• Chandipura virus is a rare and potentially deadly pathogen that causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
• The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae.
• Chandipura virus, named after the town in Maharashtra where the discovery was first made.

Causes of Chandipura Vesiculovirus

• The Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of sandflies, specifically those belonging to the genus Phlebotomus. The infection spreads when these infected sandflies bite humans, injecting the virus into their bloodstream. Other possible modes of transmission, though less common, include contact with bodily fluids from an infected person or animal.

Symptoms:

• Sudden high fever accompanied by headaches and altered consciousness.
• Convulsions.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Unconsciousness

Treatment of Chandipura Vesiculovirus

• Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus infection. The management of the disease focuses on symptomatic relief and supportive care. Treatment options include:
• Rehydration: Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and fever.
• Antipyretics: Medications to reduce fever.
• Anticonvulsants: Drugs to control seizures.
• Intensive Care: In severe cases, patients may require intensive care support to manage complications.

Prevention:

• The best approach for suppressing CHPV infection is prevention. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), maintaining good nutrition, sanitation, hygiene and knowledge in rural areas is important for the containment of disease-transmitting vectors.

2. Air pollution harms pollinators more than pests, study finds

Bees and other beneficial bugs are disproportionately harmed by air pollution compared to crop-destroying pests, according to a new study.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study revealed that pollinators, including bees, moths, and butterflies, experienced a 39% decline in foraging efficiency when exposed to high levels of air pollution.
• In contrast, plant-eating pests like aphids showed no significant impact.

Detrimental Air Pollutants

• Among air pollutants, ozone emerged as particularly harmful to beneficial insects, reducing their ability to thrive and carry out their roles in the ecosystem by 35%.
• Even low ozone levels below current air quality standards can cause significant damage.
• Nitrogen oxides also substantially impaired beneficial insects.

Impact on Insect behaviour

• The research focused on how air pollution impacts various insect behaviors and biological aspects, including feeding, growth, survival, reproduction, and food location.
• The ability to find food was the most severely impaired, declining by about one-third on average.

3. Gram nyayalayas: Paving the Path to Equality and Justice in India

The Supreme Court has sought a full report from the States and High Courts on the establishment and functioning of gram nyayalayas.

• Gram nyayalayas: To provide access to justice to the citizen at their door steps, the Central Government has enacted the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008.  It provides for establishment of Gram Nyayalayas at intermediate panchayat level.  The State Governments are responsible for establishing Gram Nyayalayas in consultation with the respective High Courts.  As per information made available by State Governments / High Courts, 476 Gram Nyayalayas have been notified so far by 15 States/UT.  Out of these, 257 are operational in 10 States at present. 

From Constitutional Roots to Practical Challenges: Evolution and Implementation of Gram Nyayalayas in India

• Article 39A:Added by 42nd CAA 1976 in DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (Part IV) of Indian constitution directs the State “to ensure equal justice on a basis of equal opportunity and shall provide free legal aid”.
• 114th Report of the Law Commission (1986):recommended setting up Gram Nyayalayas (mobile village courts) at the grass root levels.
• Gram Nyayalayas Act 2008:The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, came into effect on October 2, 2009, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

Objectives of Gram Nyayalayas 

To provide access to Justice 

• These courts'' objective is to provide access to justice to the rural population at their doorsteps who may not be able to access the regular courts due to various reasons such as distance, cost, lack of awareness, etc.

To provide affordable justice

• These courts seek to provide justice at an affordable price, making it accessible to rural populations. These courts impose modest costs, and the process is simplified, reducing the need for lawyers.

To provide speedy disposal of cases

• To provide speedy justice, these courts are required to dispose of cases within a period of six months. This helps to reduce the backlog of cases while also ensuring that justice is delivered on time.

To promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms

• These courts encourage cost-effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, which facilitate the resolving of disputes peacefully manner.

Limitations of the Act

• The risk of the improper dispensation of justice remains, as the judges are not chosen through merit-based examinations. 
• Further, Nyayadhikaris, being state appointees, may not be accessible to the people.
• The Act seeks to establish Gram Nyayalayas as the lowest tier of the judiciary for rural areas. A similar provision should be made for urban areas too.
• The Act states that a Gram Nyayalaya shall be the lowest court of the subordinate judiciary in a state. According to the CrPC, the Court of a Magistrate of the Second Class is the lowest court. Both courts have jurisdiction over cases where punishment does not exceed imprisonment for a year. This issue of overlapping jurisdiction over cases where punishment does not exceed imprisonment for a year needs to be addressed.

Strategies for Strengthening Gram Nyayalayas in India

• Proposed Amendment:Act should be amended- Jurisdiction of the Gram Nyayalayas may be redefined in order to remove the ambiguities regarding the jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas.
• Training of Gram Nyay Adhikari:Apart from the legal and procedural requirements of Family Courts, training may also include the local language of the community amongst whom they are posted.
• Awareness and Capacity Building:Conduct programs to educate and enhance skills among stakeholders.
• Creation of Regular Cadre of Gram Nyay Adhikari:Introduce mandatory service for newly recruited judicial officers in the regular cadre of first-class judicial magistrates or civil judges.
• Permanent Gram Nyayalayas:Establish these courts at every intermediate-level Panchayat or in clusters of contiguous Panchayats, based on the typical number of disputes in the area.

4. Kharchi Puja

Recently, Kharchi Puja, which is observed annually on the Shukla Ashtami day of the lunar month of Ashadha, was celebrated.

• Kharchi Puja is a fascinating festival celebrated in the Northeastern state of Tripura in India. Also known as the ‘Festival of 14 Gods,‘ it takes place on the eighth day of the new moon in July or August each year.
• The festival revolves around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people, and showcases their rich history and traditions.
• The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from Tripuri words meaning ‘sin’ and ‘cleaning,’ signifying the cleansing of sins. T
• he significance of Kharchi Puja is linked to the belief that the presiding deity of the land, Tripura Sundari or Mother Goddess, menstruates during the Ambubachi period in June.
• It is believed that the Earth becomes impure during this time, so puja is performed to ritually clean the Earth and wash away the sins of the people.