UPSC Quiz – 2024 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 27th March 2024

·       NDRF is constituted to supplement the funds of the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.

·       It is placed in the “Public Account” of the GOI under “reserve funds not bearing interest”. Since it is placed in the public accounts, the government does not require parliamentary approval to take money out of this fund.

·       NDRF guidelines state that natural calamities of cyclones, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack, and cold wave and frost considered to be of severe nature by the Government of India (GoI) and requiring expenditures by a state government in excess of the balances available in its own SDRF will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.

·       The NDRF also covers man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, chemical or biological disasters, or nuclear disasters as notified by the Central Government.

·       For availing the NDRF funds, states are required to submit a memorandum indicating the sector-wise damage and need for funds. The Centre, on its part, assesses the damage and grants the additional funds to states.

·       It is financed through the levy of a cess on certain items, chargeable to excise and customs duty, and approved annually through the Finance Bill.

·       The requirement for funds beyond what is available under the NDRF is met through general budgetary resources.

·       The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Disaster Management Authority takes decisions on the expenses from NDRF.

·       The NDRF accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) every year.

·       It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.

·       Tuberculosis is preventable and curable.

·       Tuberculosis disease is treated with antibiotics.

·       The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed vaccine against TB; it provides moderate protection against severe forms of TB (TB meningitis) in infants and young children.

·       National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): The Government of India has developed a National Strategic Plan (2017-25) for Ending TB in the country by 2025.

·       Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA): Launched in 2022 for community support to TB patients with the objective to provide nutritional, diagnostic and vocational support.

·       Ni-kshay portal: An online Ni-kshay portal has been set up to track the notified TB cases.

·       R&D for Treatment: Researchers have been studying shorter three- and four-month courses of anti-tubercular drugs, instead of the existing six-month therapy.

·       Vaccine Development: Trials are underway to test the effectiveness of a vaccine called Immuvac, which was initially developed to prevent leprosy, in preventing TB.

·       Location – It extends from Gudalur through the core area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

·       Biome – The valley is an important biome in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, sheltering several vital species like tiger and elephant and the critically endangered Gyps vulture.

·       NSAIDs – The region provides a stable food-chain to nature’s scavengers, simply because these carcasses are mostly free from Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other poisonous chemicals.

·       Resident Vultures of Moyar Valley – White Rumped vultures, Long Billed vultures, Red Headed vultures, and Egyptian vultures.

·       As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day.

·       However, it becomes necessary to revise/update the plan occasionally.

·       Executing the DEMP requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc.

·       Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.

·       Activities under the SVEEP plan include the use of social media, engagement with various community and youth organisations, and organising events leading up to the poll day to increase awareness and participation.

·       The plan also includes training district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and providing a training program for all election personnel to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.

·       Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) – Material management is a crucial component of the DEMP involving procuring 61 essential items, including indelible ink, seals, stamps, stationary and statutory forms.

·       Report prepared by – Institute for Human Development (IHD) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Key findings

·       Unemployment – India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce.

·       The Labour Force Participation Rate, Worker Population Ratio and the Unemployment Rate showed a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018, but witnessed an improvement after 2019.

·       The youth unemployment rate increased with the level of education, with the highest among graduates and higher among women than men.

·       Nature of work – Most of the workers remain engaged in informal work and the share of regular work declined after 2018.

·       Skill development – India’s large young workforce don’t appear to have the necessary skills with 75% of youth unable to send emails with attachments.

·       Gender gap – Among the educated unemployed youths, women accounted for a larger share (76.7%) than men (62.2%).

·       India is also facing the challenge of a substantial gender gap in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation.

·       Demographic dividend – India remains ready to reap a demographic dividend for at least another decade due to the youth population remaining at 23% of the total in 2036 from 27% in 2021.