Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes the rabies virus. It is known for causing Chandipura encephalitis, a severe neurological condition. The virus was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura village, Maharashtra, during a dengue outbreak.

Key Features of Chandipura Virus:

• Association with Encephalitis:
• Chandipura Encephalitis: This condition, also referred to as Chandipura viral encephalitis, involves inflammation of the brain. It falls under the broader category of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which is characterized by a range of neurological symptoms due to various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and toxins.
• Transmission and Vectors:
• Primary Vectors: The virus is primarily transmitted by sandflies and mosquitoes, with Aedes aegypti (the same vector responsible for dengue fever) being a notable carrier.
• Direct Contact: Transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected animals, though this is less common.
• Symptoms:
• Initial Symptoms: Fever, headache, and convulsions.
• Progression: The disease can rapidly progress to unconsciousness, coma, and potentially death in severe cases. The rapid progression of symptoms underscores the severity of the infection.
• Impact:
• Demographics: It predominantly affects children under the age of 15, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
• Seasonality: Outbreaks are more frequent during the monsoon season, which may be linked to increased vector activity and environmental conditions favorable to the virus's transmission.
• Treatment and Management:
• Lack of Specific Treatment: Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for Chandipura Virus.
• Supportive Care: Management of the disease focuses on supportive care, which includes maintaining hydration, managing symptoms, and providing intensive care in severe cases.

Recent Developments:

• Outbreaks: Recent reports of deaths in Gujarat due to Chandipura Virus highlight the need for improved surveillance, vector control, and public health measures to address outbreaks.
• Research: Ongoing research aims to understand the virus better and develop potential vaccines or antiviral treatments. Efforts are also focused on improving diagnostic methods and public health responses to outbreaks.

Preventive Measures:

• Vector Control: Measures to control sandfly and mosquito populations are crucial in preventing transmission. This includes reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed and using insect repellent.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the symptoms and transmission of the virus can help in early detection and prompt treatment, potentially reducing the impact of outbreaks.

Conclusion:

Chandipura Virus is a significant concern due to its rapid progression and high mortality rate, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. Continued research and public health efforts are essential to manage and eventually mitigate the impact of this dangerous virus.

 Introduction:

The UN Water Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996. Its primary goal is to foster the sustainable management of shared water resources across borders and to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 Recent Developments:

• Ivory Coast's Accession: Ivory Coast recently joined the UN Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so. This move highlights the growing recognition of the importance of managing transboundary water resources.
• Other Recent Accessions:
• Iraq (March 2023) – First from the Middle East.
• Namibia (June 2023) – First from Southern Africa.
• Panama (July 2023) – First from Latin America.

 Historical Context:

• Initial Negotiation: The Convention was originally negotiated as a regional framework for the pan-European region.
• Global Expansion: Following an amendment in March 2016, all UN Member States are now eligible to accede to the Convention, broadening its scope beyond Europe.

Key Provisions:

• Prevention and Control: Parties are required to prevent, control, and reduce transboundary impacts from water usage and pollution.
• Equitable Use: It mandates the reasonable and equitable use of transboundary waters.
• Sustainable Management: Ensures the sustainable management of shared water resources.
• Cooperation: Countries sharing transboundary water resources must cooperate by entering into specific agreements and establishing joint bodies for management.

Framework and Integration:

• Not a Replacement: The Convention does not replace existing bilateral and multilateral agreements on specific basins or aquifers but rather supports and enhances these agreements.
• Fostering Agreements: It encourages the establishment and implementation of additional agreements for transboundary water management.

 Significance:

• SDGs Alignment: It plays a crucial role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting integrated water resources management.
• Regional Integration: Helps in preventing conflicts over water resources and promoting peace and regional integration.

 Role of UNECE:

• Service Provider: The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) services the UN Water Convention, providing support and facilitating its implementation.

Importance for Ivory Coast:

• Transboundary Water Basins: Ivory Coast shares eight transboundary river basins with its neighbors, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. These shared basins include:
• Black Volta
• Bia
• Tanoe
• Comoe
• Niger
• Sassandra
• Cavally
• Nuon
• Impact: Joining the Convention will enhance Ivory Coast’s ability to manage these shared water resources sustainably, improve regional cooperation, and address transboundary water issues more effectively.

Conclusion

The UN Water Convention is a pivotal instrument for the management and protection of transboundary water resources. With recent expansions beyond Europe, including the accession of Ivory Coast and other nations, the Convention is becoming increasingly influential in fostering international cooperation and sustainable water management globally. Ivory Coast's participation underscores its commitment to addressing regional water challenges and aligns with broader efforts to achieve sustainable development and regional integration.

Why in the News?

Recent data from the Ministry of Coal highlights a significant decrease in the share of imported coal in India, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of -2.29% from 2014-15 to 2023-24, compared to 13.94% from 2004-05 to 2013-14.

Key Reforms/Initiatives in Coal Sector

• Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act):
• Permitted auctioning of coal mines for commercial mining by private entities.
• The first auctions for commercial coal mining were launched in 2020.
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021:
• Enhanced transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining licenses.
• Introduced Composite Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) for a seamless process of prospecting and mining.
• Relaxed end-use restrictions for captive miners.
• National Coal Index (NCI):
• A price index that combines prices from all sales channels (notified, auction, and import prices) to provide insights into market dynamics and price fluctuations.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Technological Advancement:
• Allowed 100% FDI in coal mining to attract global expertise and technology.
• Amendment to New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP):
• Allowed transparent and objective sales of coal from closed/abandoned/discontinued mines.
• Recent Initiatives:
• Integrated Coal Logistic Policy and Plan, 2024: Aims to develop a resilient and cost-effective coal evacuation logistics system.
• Investment in Coal Gasification: Approved comprehensive scheme with a Rs. 8,500 crore outlay to promote coal/lignite gasification projects.
• PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan: A strategic plan to enhance coal sector infrastructure and logistics.

Persistent Issues/Challenges

• High Import Dependence:
• Limited availability of high gross calorific value (GCV) coal in India.
• Major import sources include Australia, Russia, South Africa, and the US.
• Industries like iron and steel rely heavily on coking coal with lower ash content.
• Dominance of Coal India Limited (CIL):
• CIL produces over 80% of India's coal.
• Issues include market dominance, supply of lower quality coal, and opaque contract conditions.
• Lack of Upgradation:
• Technological obsolescence in mining techniques leads to lower productivity and higher costs.
• Logistics Issues:
• High logistics costs due to limited multi-modal transport options.
• Environmental Issues:
• Open-cast mining causes irreparable environmental damage and renders land unusable.
• Developing New Coal Mines:
• Challenges include land acquisition and potential displacement of communities.
• Other Issues:
• Non-payment of dues by power sector consumers.
• Labor and industrial relations issues in coalfields.
• Unseasonal and extended rainfall affecting coal-bearing areas.

About Coal

Definition and Formation

• Coal: A readily combustible sedimentary rock, predominantly made of carbon. It forms from peat, which is a soft, organic material consisting of partly decayed plant and mineral matter.

Types of Coal Found in India

• Anthracite
• Characteristics: The highest grade of coal with a high percentage of fixed carbon. It is hard, brittle, black, and lustrous.
• Occurrence: Found in smaller quantities in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Bituminous
• Characteristics: Medium grade coal with high heating capacity, widely used for electricity generation.
• Occurrence: Predominantly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Subbituminous
• Characteristics: Black in color, dull (not shiny), with a higher heating value than lignite but lower than bituminous coal.
• Lignite
• Characteristics: The lowest grade of coal with the least carbon content. It is brownish-black and has a lower heating value compared to other types.
• Occurrence: Found in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Top Coal Reserves by State

• Odisha: One of the leading coal-producing states with substantial reserves.
• Jharkhand: Known for its significant coal deposits.
• Chhattisgarh: Major contributor to India's coal reserves.

Collectively, these three states account for approximately 69% of India's total coal resources.

Way Forward

• Promoting Sustainable Practices:
• Implement the Miyawaki plantation method to enhance green cover around mining areas.
• Encouraging Private Players:
• Reducing reliance on CIL by inviting private sector participation, which will also drive technological advancements.
• For Import Substitution:
• Rationalization of Coal Linkage Policy: Reduce transportation distances from mines to consumers.
• Early Operationalization of Captive/Commercial Coal Blocks: Expedite the operationalization of allocated coal blocks.
• Mandate Domestic Coal Usage: Encourage domestic coal use by power plants and ensure adequate supply and logistics.
• Enhance Coal Gasification: Increase coal gasification to produce synthetic gas, especially for sectors reliant on imported coal.

By addressing these issues and implementing these strategies, the Indian coal sector aims to reduce import dependency, improve efficiency, and foster sustainable practices