Bhutan has become the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.

Bhutan has maintained zero human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies since June 2023 through surveillance, vaccination, and a One Health approach.

Validation of Elimination

The validation was conducted according to the WHO Expert Consultation on Rabies (2018) criteria. Experts supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) assessed Bhutan’s surveillance systems, laboratories, records and field-level implementation.

For elimination of dog-mediated human rabies as a public health problem, there must be no human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies for at least two years, along with effective surveillance, vaccination and disease-control mechanisms to prevent re-emergence.

Rabies

About Rabies

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus.

The virus affects the central nervous system and can cause fatal encephalitis after the onset of clinical symptoms. Rabies is also classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).

Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.

Transmission

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, particularly through bites and scratches.

Transmission can also occur when infected saliva comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has mainly been associated with organ transplantation.

Prevention and Treatment

Rabies deaths are completely preventable when appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is provided promptly.

PEP includes immediate washing of the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, followed by a full course of rabies vaccine. For severe exposures, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies may also be administered.

Symptoms

The incubation period is usually around 2–3 months, although it can range from approximately one week to one year.

Two major clinical forms are recognised:

Furious rabies is characterised by hydrophobia, hallucinations, hyperactivity and rapid progression to death.

Paralytic rabies involves gradual paralysis and may sometimes be misdiagnosed.

Rabies Burden

India continues to face a significant rabies burden, largely associated with dog bites.

Globally, rabies imposes an estimated economic cost of approximately US$8.6 billion annually, including healthcare expenditure, livelihood losses and the financial burden of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Why in News?

India recently condemned an attack on peacekeepers deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

About the UN Mission in South Sudan

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is a UN peacekeeping mission mandated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Background

UNMISS was established on 8 July 2011 under UN Security Council Resolution 1996 (2011), following South Sudan’s declaration of independence.

After the outbreak of civil conflict in December 2013, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2155 (2014). This reprioritised the mission’s core focus towards protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Key Functions of UNMISS

Protection of Civilians

UNMISS works to protect civilians from violence and create a secure environment for vulnerable populations.

Humanitarian Assistance

The mission facilitates the safe, timely and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to people in need across South Sudan.

Promotion of Human Rights

UNMISS monitors, investigates and reports violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Support for the Peace Process

The mission uses good offices and facilitates dialogue between the parties to support the peace process and prevent the escalation of political violence.

Institutional and Electoral Support

UNMISS monitors and reports on progress in security-sector reforms, legal reforms, election-related processes and transitional justice mechanisms.

Promotion of Durable Peace

The mission works to promote human rights, political dialogue and sustainable peace in South Sudan.

India’s Contribution to UNMISS

According to the provided source, as of April 2026, India was the largest troop contributor to UNMISS, with 1,775 Indian military personnel deployed with the mission.

Why in News?

The National Shipping Board (NSB) recently held its first ‘Sagar Samvad’ and proposed a five-point roadmap to add 100 vessels to India’s merchant fleet over the next five years.

About the National Shipping Board

The National Shipping Board (NSB) is a permanent statutory body established in 1959 under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

Its primary function is to advise the Government of India on shipping-related matters, including the development of the shipping sector.

The Board has played an important role in India’s maritime development. Its deliberations and recommendations have contributed to the evolution of a sound and pragmatic National Maritime Policy over the years.

Composition of the National Shipping Board

The Board consists of a Chairman and Members.

Members elected by Parliament: Six members are elected from among Members of Parliament, comprising four from the Lok Sabha and two from the Rajya Sabha.

Members nominated by the Central Government: The Central Government may appoint up to 16 additional members to represent its interests, shipowners and seamen.

Tenure: According to the provided source, the Chairman and other members hold office for a period of two years.

Nodal Ministry

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal ministry for the National Shipping Board.