The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started the process of conducting polygraph tests on seven persons, in connection with the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
About Polygraph Test:
It is also called the Lie Detector Test.
It is a procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person answers a series of questions.
It is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise.
A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person is telling the truth, is deceiving, or is uncertain.
It is different From Narco-Analysis Test which involves injecting sodium pentothal into the accused, inducing a hypnotic or sedated state that supposedly neutralizes their imagination. In this state, the individual is considered incapable of lying and is expected to reveal truthful information.
It is not scientifically proven to be 100% accurate. Despite this, investigative agencies have used it as a softer alternative to torture to extract the truth from suspects.
Legal Admissibility of a Polygraph Test:
Violation of Article 20(3): Polygraph tests conducted without the accused's consent violate Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right against self-incrimination. This article ensures that no person accused of an offense is compelled to be a witness against themselves.
Necessity of Consent: As this test involves the accused providing potentially self-incriminating information, obtaining their consent is mandatory to avoid breaching constitutional rights.
Judicial and Human Rights Concerns: The use of this test raises significant concerns about judicial integrity and human rights, particularly regarding individual rights and freedoms.
Criticism from Courts: Courts have often criticised these tests as they can constitute mental torture, violating the right to life and privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
NHRC Guidelines of Polygraph Test:
Voluntary Consent: The accused must willingly agree to undergo the polygraph test, with the option to refuse.
Informed Consent: Before agreeing, the accused should be fully informed by the police and their lawyer about the test's purpose, procedure, and legal consequences.
Recorded Consent: The accused's consent must be formally recorded in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate.
Documentation: During court proceedings, the police must provide evidence that the accused voluntarily agreed to the test, which is documented by the lawyer and presented to the judge.
Clarification of Statements: The accused should be made aware that any statements made during the polygraph test are treated as statements to the police, not as confessions.
Judicial Consideration: Judges consider various factors, such as the length of the accused's detention and the nature of the interrogation, when evaluating the results of a polygraph test.
2.H1N1 flu
Why in the news?
Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat reported most of the H1N1 deaths, says National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, is a respiratory infection that can affect both pigs and humans.
About H1N1 flu:
It is also known as Swine flu.
It is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses.
Transmission of swine influenza virus to humans is uncommon. However, this virus can be transmitted to humans via contact with infected pigs or through environments contaminated with swine influenza viruses.
Its symptoms include cough, fever, stuffy or runny nose, headache, body ache etc.
Its sub-types are based on:
Host of the origin
Geographical origin
Strain in number
Year of isolation etc.
In tropical climates, disease tends to occur seasonally as well as regular virus spreading from person-to-person through sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Seasonal influenza viruses evolve continuously, which means that people can get infected multiple times throughout their lives.
Diagnosis and treatment:
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend real-time polymerase chain reaction as the method of choice for diagnosing H1N1.
Antiviral drugs are the mainstay of clinical treatment of swine influenza and can make the illness milder and enable the patient to feel better faster.
Prevention of swine influenza has 3 components i.e.
prevention in swine
prevention of transmission to humans
prevention of its spread among humans
3.Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Maharashtra’s Jalgaon to participate in the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’.
Mr. Modi distributed certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new ‘Lakhpati Didis’, who recently became lakhpatis (owners of ₹1 lakh) during the third term of the National Democratic Alliance government.
The PM also released a revolving fund of ₹2,500 crore, which will benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). He also disbursed bank loans of ₹5,000 crore, which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.
About Lakhpati Didi Scheme:
It facilitates the government's goal to create two crore "lakhpati didis" (prosperous sisters) in villages.
This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
Drones will be provided to women SHGs for agricultural activities.
This initiative aims to leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape while empowering women in rural communities.
Around 15,000 women's SHGs will be given training in operating and repairing drones.
This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills.
Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
Under the scheme, women will be trained in skills like LED bulb making, plumbing, among others.
Other initiatives related to women empowerment and poverty alleviation:
Swadhar Greh
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna
Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh
Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
These are informal associations of people who choose to come together to find ways to improve their living conditions.
These are self governed groups of people with similar socio-economic backgrounds and having a desire to collectively perform common purpose.
4. BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy
Why in the news?
The Union Cabinet cleared a proposal to bolster biotechnology based manufacturing, called BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing.
It is to be steered by the Department of Biotechnology, with an aim to catalyze a technology revolution.
About BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy:
The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry.
Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
It will further strengthen Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.
It will foster and advance future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
It would focus on the following strategic sectors:
high value biobased chemicals
biopolymers and enzymes
smart proteins and functional foods
precision biotherapeutics
climate resilient agriculture
carbon capture and its utilization
marine and space research
Biomanufacturing:
It is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote manufacturing of bio-based products through integration of advanced biotechnological processes.
5. BHISHM cubes
Why in the news?
After his bilateral talks with President Volodymr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted four BHISHM cubes (compact, mobile medical units aimed at providing emergency care) to his government.
Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is a unique effort which will ensure medical facilities in a rapidly deployable manner. It consists of cubes which contain medicines and equipment for medical care. It is a critical tool that will help expedite the treatment of the injured and save precious lives amid the war with Russia.
About BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri) cubes:
These cubes provide compact, mobile medical units for emergency care.
These are designed to deliver medical facilities swiftly and effectively.
Key features of BHISHM cubes:
Compact and organised: Medical supplies and equipment are packed into 15-inch cubical boxes, which are organized based on injury types and medical needs, making them efficient for quick deployment in emergencies.
Transport flexibility: The cubes are mounted on an adjustable framework, allowing them to be transported via multiple modes, including air, sea, land, and drone. Each cube weighs up to 20 kg and is designed to be carried by an individual.
Mother and BHISHM cubes:
36 mini cubes combine to form one mother cube.
Two mother cubes combine to form one BHISHM Cube.
One Mother Cube offers first-line care, shelter, and food for up to five people for 48 hours.
The second mother cube is equipped for surgical care, handling 10-15 basic surgeries per day.
Ease of use and management: Medicines and equipment are classified, with RFID inventory management and real-time stock updates.
A dedicated app and a tablet with support for 180 languages are provided for operational instructions.
Capacity and Features:
Each BHISHM Cube can handle around 200 emergency cases, including trauma, burns, fractures, and shock.
These cubes are capable of supporting basic surgeries and can generate their power and oxygen for limited durations.
These cubes incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics for effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services.
These cubes are part of India’s Aarogya Maitri project, which is aimed at providing essential medical supplies to developing countries affected by disasters or humanitarian crises.
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