22 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Atmanirbhar Bharat: Two of the World’s Five Largest Coal Mines Now in India

(Source – https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034007 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context

SECL’s Gevra and Kusmunda mines in Chhattisgarh are ranked 2nd and 4th globally in coal production.They produce over 100 million tons annually, contributing 10% of India’s total coal output. The mines utilise advanced machinery for eco-friendly mining, with significant reserves to support future energy needs.

Analysis of the news:

• South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines in Chhattisgarh are ranked 2nd and 4th among the world’s 10 largest coal mines according to WorldAtlas.com.
• Both mines are located in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh and together account for about 10% of India’s total coal production.
• Gevra opencast mine has an annual production capacity of 70 million tons and produced 59 million tons in FY 23-24. It began operations in 1981 and has reserves to meet India’s energy needs for the next decade.
• Kusmunda OC mine produced over 50 million tons of coal in FY 23-24, making it the second mine in India after Gevra to achieve such a high production level.
• The mines use advanced equipment such as the Surface Miner for eco-friendly mining operations and large Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) for overburden removal.
• The mining operations include large 240-ton dumpers, 42 cubic metres shovels, and Vertical Rippers.

2. A Nipah virus patient in Mallapuram district of Kerala, confirmed by NIV, Pune succumbs to the disease

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2034771 )

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

Context

A Nipah virus case in Malappuram, Kerala, has led to immediate public health measures, including active case search, contact tracing, and strict quarantine. A central team will assist with investigation and technical support. Monoclonal antibodies and a mobile BSL-3 lab have been provided. Past outbreaks in Kerala have involved fruit bats.

Nipah Virus:

• Virus Type: Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Henipavirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family.
• Reservoir: Fruit bats, specifically the Pteropus species, are the primary natural reservoirs of Nipah virus.
• Transmission: The virus can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals (bats or pigs), consumption of contaminated food (especially raw date palm sap), or person-to-person transmission via respiratory droplets or secretions.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation) and coma.
• Incubation Period: Typically 5-14 days, but it can vary.
• Mortality Rate: High, with reported mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak.
• Prevention: No specific vaccine; prevention involves avoiding contact with infected animals, safe food practices, and isolation of patients.
• Outbreaks: First identified in Malaysia (1998), with subsequent and frequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India.

Practice Question:  Discuss the transmission methods, symptoms, and preventive measures for Nipah virus. (150 Words /10 marks)