Census in India    
No Confidence Motion    
Bangladesh's Political Upheaval and Its Impact on India    
RBI’s Monetary Policy Review    
Rare Diseases    
Chandipura Virus    
Japanese Encephalitis (JE)    

1.    Census in India
Who Conducts the Census?
•    Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India:
o Post-1949, the Census is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
o    All censuses since 1951 have been conducted under the 1948 Census of India Act.
•    Last Census:
o    The last census was held in 2011, with the next scheduled for 2021.
Census 2011: The Latest One
•    15th National Census:
o    Conducted in 2011, this was the 15th National Census since 1872 and the 7th after Independence.
•    Two Phases:
o    House Listing or Housing Census
o    Population Enumeration
Census in Ancient and Medieval India
•    Rig-Veda (800-600 BC):
o    References to a population count maintained during this period.
•    Arthashastra by Kautilya (3rd Century BC):
o    Prescribed the collection of population statistics as a state policy for taxation.
o    Detailed methods for conducting population, economic, and agricultural censuses.
•    Ain-e-Akbari (Mughal Period):
o    Comprehensive data on population, industry, and wealth during the reign of Akbar.
Census in Modern Times
•    First Complete Census (1830):
o    Conducted by Henry Walter in Dacca (now Dhaka).

o    Collected statistics on population, sex, broad age group, and house amenities.
•    Second Census (1836-37):
o    Conducted by Fort St. George.
Non-Synchronous Census
•    1865-1872:
o    A modern population census conducted non-synchronously across different parts of India, culminating in 1872 under British Viceroy Lord Mayo.
First Synchronous Census
•    1881:
o    The first synchronous census in India, led by W.C. Plowden, Census Commissioner of India.
o    Emphasized complete coverage and classification of demographic, economic, and social characteristics.
o    Censuses have since been conducted uninterruptedly every ten years.
Q The 2021 Census: What’s New?
•    Digital Data Collection:
o    For the first time, data will be collected digitally via mobile applications with an option for offline mode.
•    Language Coverage:
o    Conducted in 18 languages out of the 22 scheduled languages and English.
•    Code Directory:
o    Introduction of a code directory to streamline data collection.
•    Third Gender Category:
o    The option of “Other” under the gender category will be changed to “Third Gender.”
o    Approximately 5 lakh people were categorized as "Other" in 2011.
•    Incentivized Mobile App Usage:
o    Data collection via a mobile app, with additional payment for enumerators as an incentive.
o    Census data expected by 2024-25.

Issue of Caste Data Collection
•    OBC Category Inclusion:
o    The Ministry of Home Affairs initially declared the inclusion of the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in Census 2021.
o    However, the Registrar-General of India (RGI) decided to include only SC/ST
categories due to the unreliable nature of caste data collection.
•    2011 Caste Data:
o    Collected as part of the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), but yet to be released by the Centre.
•    Historical Caste-Based Census:
o    The last caste-based census was conducted by the British in 1931.
Q Why Should We Care About the Census in 2021?
Delimitation Exercise
•    Political Balance:
o    The political balance in the Lok Sabha is set to transform with the next
delimitation exercise in 2026.
Distribution of Proceeds
•    Finance Commissions:
o    Provide guidance on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the states.
Targeted Investments
•    Economic Planning:
o    The Census informs targeted investments by providing data on who benefits, how much, and at what cost.

Question: With reference to the Census in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Census of India is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
2.    The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881.

3.    The option of "Other" under the gender category will be changed to "Third Gender" in Census 2021.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the Census in India, focusing on its historical evolution, challenges in data collection, and the role it plays in shaping public policy and governance.

2.    No Confidence Motion
Constitutional Basis
•    Parliamentary Democracy:
o    In a parliamentary democracy, a government can remain in power only if it commands a majority in the directly elected House.
•    Article 75(3):
o    Specifies that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
•    Rule 198 of the Lok Sabha:
o    Provides the mechanism to test this collective responsibility through a motion of no-confidence.
•    Constitutional Mention:
o    The Constitution does not explicitly mention a Confidence or No Confidence Motion.
Who Can Move a No-Confidence Motion?
•    Eligibility:
o    Any Lok Sabha MP who can garner the support of 50 colleagues can introduce a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers.
•    Lok Sabha Only:

o    A no-confidence motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha.
How is a No-Confidence Motion Debated and Voted?
•    Procedure:
o    The motion is moved by the member who submitted it, and the government responds to the motion.
o    Opposition parties have the opportunity to speak on the motion.
o    After the debate, the Lok Sabha votes on the no-confidence motion.
o    The motion passes if it is supported by a majority of the members of the House.
•    Outcome:
o    If the no-confidence motion is passed, the government must resign.
o    If the government wins the vote, the motion is defeated and the government remains in power.
Historical Context
•    Number of Motions:
o    27 no-confidence motions have been introduced in the Lok Sabha since independence.
•    First No-Confidence Motion:
o    The first no-confidence motion was presented in August 1963 against the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
o    The motion received only 62 votes in favor and 347 votes against.
•    Last No-Confidence Motion:
o    The last no-confidence motion was moved in 2018 against the then NDA government.
No Confidence Motion Against Vice President
•    Article 67(B):
o    Specifies that the Vice President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an effective majority and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority.

•    Recent Motion:
o    As many as 50 Opposition MPs have signed a resolution to bring a no- confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the No Confidence Motion in India, consider the following statements:
1.    A no-confidence motion can be introduced in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
2.    Article 75(3) of the Constitution specifies that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
3.    A motion of no-confidence can only be introduced by a Lok Sabha MP who has the support of at least 100 colleagues.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 and 3 only
Answer: B) 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the No Confidence Motion in a parliamentary democracy. How does this mechanism ensure the accountability of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha?

3.    Bangladesh's Political Upheaval and Its Impact on India
Context
•    Significant Turn in Geopolitics:
o    The resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh marks a significant turning point in South Asian geopolitics.

o    Amid protests, she fled to India, raising concerns about Bangladesh's stability
and its relationship with India.
•    Regional Consequences:
o    This upheaval could have far-reaching implications for India's national security
and the broader region.
Current Situation in Bangladesh
Protests and Unrest
•    Job Quota Issues:
o    Bangladesh is experiencing widespread protests over job quota issues, fueled by authoritarian policies and suppression of opposition, leading to the most significant unrest since Hasina's tenure began in 2008.
Economic Challenges
•    Economic Uncertainty:
o    Hasina’s departure raises concerns about Bangladesh’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, already strained by rising inflation and currency depreciation.
Political Landscape
•    Interim Government:
o    The Bangladesh Army is set to form an interim government, with the potential return of radical Islamist forces threatening Bangladesh’s secular governance.
Disruption in Export Flow
•    Textile Sector:
o    Bangladesh’s textile sector faces major disruptions, affecting the USD 45 billion garment industry, which represents more than 85% of its merchandise exports.
•    Global Impact:
o    Bangladesh is a key player in the global clothing industry, with significant market shares in the European Union, UK, and US.
o    International buyers are reassessing supply sources, potentially shifting orders to alternative markets, including India.
•    Opportunity for India:

o    India stands to gain substantially if it captures a portion of the displaced orders. Experts estimate an additional USD 300-400 million in monthly business if 10-11% of Bangladesh’s textile exports are redirected to Indian hubs like Tiruppur.
How Does the Political Instability in Bangladesh Affect India?
???????? Loss of a Trusted Ally
•    Security and Bilateral Relations:
o    India has lost a key partner in Sheikh Hasina, who was instrumental in
countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties.
o    India-Bangladesh bilateral trade reached USD 13 billion in FY 2023–24, with duty-free access provided on most tariff lines under the SAFTA agreement.
•    Strategic Concerns:
o    With the shift in political dynamics, this relationship is now in jeopardy, posing challenges for India's regional security interests.
Western Scrutiny and Potential Backlash
•    International Relations:
o    India’s backing of Hasina has created friction with Western allies, particularly the US, which has criticized her undemocratic practices.
o    Supporting a now-unpopular leader could strain India-Bangladesh relations
and lead to backlash from Bangladeshi citizens.
Significance of Bangladesh for India
•    Trade and Transportation Corridor:
o    Bangladesh serves as a crucial corridor for trade, linking India’s Northeast with the rest of the country and facilitating access to international markets.
•    Regional Security:
o    A stable and friendly Bangladesh is essential for regional security, including cooperation on counter-terrorism and border security.
•    Economic Partner:
o    Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, and India is the second largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.

o    Collaboration is critical for the success of regional forums like BIMSTEC and
SAARC.
Challenges Ahead for India in Engaging with a New Regime
Uncertain Political Environment
•    Strategic Implications:
o    The nature of the new government, whether led by opposition parties or the military, will significantly impact India’s strategic interests.
•    Security Concerns:
o    A less friendly administration could re-energize anti-India militant groups, adding pressure to an already tense security situation along the borders.
•    Minority Risks:
o    The Hindu minority in Bangladesh may face increased risks if Islamist extremism rises. India must carefully navigate citizenship promises for Hindu refugees to avoid regional tensions.
Regional Geopolitics
•    Chinese Influence:
o    Political instability in Bangladesh could provide an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region.
•    Geopolitical Strategy:
o    India must be vigilant as Beijing might offer lucrative deals to the new regime, similar to its approach in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Impact on Indian Investments
•    Business Uncertainty:
o    Indian businesses and investments in Bangladesh might face uncertainties due to the political upheaval. Disruptions in trade and payment delays could impact profitability.
•    Shift in Manufacturing:
o    Indian-owned textile manufacturing units, which make up about 25% of Bangladesh’s textile units, may consider shifting operations back to India.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Concerns
•    Crucial Projects at Risk:

o    India has provided USD 8 billion in credit since 2016 for road, rail, and port projects, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and Khulna-Mongla Port rail line.
•    Potential Disruptions:
o    Current unrest threatens these crucial connections, potentially disrupting trade and access to India’s Northeast region.
How Should India Approach Its Foreign Policy Moving Forward?
Building New Alliances
•    Cautious Approach:
o    India is maintaining a cautious, wait-and-watch strategy, closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh.
•    Engaging Political Factions:
o    India should engage with various political factions in Bangladesh to foster a more inclusive relationship and accommodate the evolving political landscape.
A Enhancing Security Measures
•    Border Security:
o    India should bolster security measures along the border and in areas with significant Bangladeshi expatriate populations to address potential spillover effects and maintain stability.
Digital Connectivity Corridor
•    Trade and Technology:
o    Developing a digital connectivity corridor can enhance trade, technological exchange, and e-commerce between the two countries.
•    FTA Feasibility:
o    India should evaluate the feasibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh in light of the new political climate.
Geopolitical Maneuvering
•    Strategic Partnerships:
o    India must anticipate that Pakistan and China will seek to exploit the situation in Bangladesh to their advantage.
•    Collaborating with International Partners:

o    Collaboration with the US, UK, and European nations will be key to mitigating risks.
o    Working with Gulf partners like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to support Bangladesh’s economic stabilization and counter extremist influences is essential for maintaining regional stability.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, consider the following statements:
1.    Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia.
2.    India’s backing of Sheikh Hasina has strengthened relations with Western allies.
3.    The political instability in Bangladesh poses no significant risk to India’s national security.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1 and 3 only
Answer: A) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Analyze the impact of political instability in Bangladesh on India’s national security and economic interests. Discuss the measures India should take to navigate the evolving political landscape and maintain regional stability.

4.    RBI’s Monetary Policy Review
Context
•    Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Review:
o    The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
unveiled its latest review of the Monetary Policy.
Highlights of the Review
GDP Growth Forecast

•    Revised Growth Estimate:
o    The MPC has revised its GDP growth estimate to 6.8% for the fiscal year 2022- 23, down from the earlier projection of 7%.
o    This revision follows the World Bank's upward revision of India's growth forecast to 6.9% for FY 2022-23, up from a revised 6.5% in October 2022.
Inflation & Interest Rates
•    Inflation Forecast:
o    The MPC maintained its forecast for headline inflation at 6.7% for FY 2022-23.
o    RBI expects inflation to stay above the 6% mark for 15 straight months, with the 4% target likely to take longer to achieve.
•    Repo Rate Adjustment:
o    The MPC increased the repo rate by 35 basis points (bps) to 6.25%.
◻ What is the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?
◻ Origin
•    Legal Basis:
o    Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934, the central government is empowered to constitute a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
Objective
•    Mandate:
o    The MPC is responsible for determining the Policy Rate required to achieve the
inflation target.
o    The decisions made by the MPC are binding on the RBI.
Composition
•    Membership:
o    The MPC consists of 6 members:
    RBI Governor as the ex officio chairperson
    Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy
    An officer of the RBI nominated by the Central Board

    Three persons appointed by the central government, selected from individuals with knowledge and experience in economics, banking, finance, or monetary policy.
Instruments of Monetary Policy
•    Repo Rate: The rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks.
•    Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate: A tool for absorbing liquidity without the need for collateral.
•    Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate: Allows banks to borrow overnight funds from the RBI against approved government securities.
•    Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF): A mechanism used by the RBI to modulate liquidity in the banking system.
•    LAF Corridor: The range within which the LAF operates, defined by the repo rate and reverse repo rate.
•    Main Liquidity Management Tool: The primary instrument used by the RBI for managing liquidity.
•    Fine-Tuning Operations: Operations conducted to manage short-term liquidity mismatches.
•    Reverse Repo Rate: The rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial banks.
•    Bank Rate: The rate at which the RBI lends long-term loans to commercial banks.
•    Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): The percentage of a bank's total deposits that must be kept in reserve with the RBI.
•    Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): The percentage of a bank's net demand and time liabilities that must be maintained in the form of liquid assets.
•    Open Market Operations (OMOs): The buying and selling of government securities in the open market to regulate liquidity.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of India, consider the following statements:
1.    The MPC is responsible for determining the policy rate to achieve the inflation target.
2.    The decisions of the MPC are advisory and not binding on the Reserve Bank of India.

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3.    The MPC is composed of six members, all appointed by the central government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the role of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in shaping India's economic policy. How do its decisions impact inflation and economic growth?

5.    Rare Diseases
About Rare Diseases
•    Definition:
o    Rare diseases are loosely defined as conditions that occur infrequently in the population, with prevalence varying between nations.
o    WHO Definition: Rare diseases are often debilitating lifelong conditions with a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population.
o    Country-Specific Definitions:
    US: Diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients.
    European Union: Diseases affecting no more than 5 in 10,000 people.
    India: Currently lacks a standard definition, but the Organisation of Rare Diseases India (ORDI) suggests defining a disease as rare if it affects 1 in 5,000 people or less.
Global Rare Diseases Burden
•    Affected Population:
o    Approximately 300 million people worldwide are affected by rare diseases.
o    Rare diseases impact 3.5% to 5.9% of the global population.
•    Genetic Nature:
o    72% of rare diseases are genetic, with over 7000 characterized by diverse disorders and symptoms.

o    75% of rare diseases affect children, and 70% have their onset during childhood.
Characteristics and Impact of Rare Diseases
•    Diverse Symptoms:
o    Rare diseases present a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms, varying not only between diseases but also among patients with the same disease.
•    Chronic and Life-Threatening:
o    The chronic, progressive, degenerative, and often life-threatening nature of rare diseases significantly affects patients' quality of life.
•    Lack of Effective Cures:
o    The absence of effective cures exacerbates the pain and suffering endured by patients and their families.
Challenges Faced by Individuals with Rare Diseases
•    Delayed Diagnosis:
o    Due to a lack of scientific knowledge and quality information, there is often a significant delay in diagnosis.
•    Inequities in Treatment:
o    Inequalities in access to treatment and care lead to social and financial burdens.
•    Misdiagnosis:
o    Common symptoms can mask underlying rare diseases, leading to initial misdiagnosis.
•    Diagnosis Time:
o    According to EURORDIS, it takes an average of 5 years for rare disease patients to receive a diagnosis.
o    70% of people with rare diseases wait more than 1 year for a confirmed diagnosis after seeking medical attention.
•    Physician Awareness:
o    Physicians' lack of awareness and training in interpreting rare disease signs and symptoms contributes to diagnostic challenges.
???????? Rare Diseases in India

Impact
•    Global Share:
o    India represents one-third of global rare disease cases, encompassing over 450 identified diseases.
•    Prevalence:
o    Over 8 to 10 crore Indians are estimated to suffer from rare diseases, with 75%
being children.
•    Challenges:
o    Despite significant prevalence, rare diseases remain largely overlooked in India, with limited awareness, diagnosis, and drug development.
Challenges in Policy and Implementation
•    Policy Evolution:
o    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated a national policy for rare diseases in 2017 but withdrew it in 2018 due to implementation challenges.
o    The revised National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) was announced in 2021, but challenges persist, including the absence of a clear definition for rare diseases.
Treatment Accessibility and Funding
•    Limited Treatment Availability:
o    Less than 50% of identified rare diseases in India are treatable, with approved treatments available for only about 20 diseases.
•    Centres of Excellence (CoEs):
o    Access to approved treatments is limited to 12 CoEs, which are unevenly distributed and often lack coordination.
•    Financial Assistance:
o    NPRD guidelines provide financial assistance of up to Rs. 50 lakhs per patient, but this is often insufficient for lifelong management of chronic rare diseases.
Challenges in Fund Utilization
•    Budget Allocations:

o    Budget allocations for rare diseases have increased but remain low, with Rs. 93 crore allocated for 2023-2024.
•    Underutilization of Funds:
o    51.3% of allocated funds remain unutilized, despite urgent patient needs.
•    Disparities in Fund Utilization:
o    Some CoEs exhaust their budgets quickly, while others struggle with underutilization, leading to unequal access to treatment.
•    Patient Burden:
o    The financial burden often falls on patients and their families, with governmental support falling short.
National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021
•    Objective:
o    NPRD, 2021 aims to reduce the prevalence and incidence of rare diseases.
•    Disease Categories:
o    Group 1: Disorders amenable to one-time curative treatment.
o    Group 2: Diseases requiring long-term/lifelong treatment with relatively lower treatment costs.
o    Group 3: Diseases with definitive treatment available, but challenges exist in patient selection and high treatment costs.
•    Financial Support:
o    Provision for financial support of up to Rs. 50 lakhs for treatment in any of the CoEs mentioned in NPRD-2021, outside the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi (RAN).
o    RAN offers a maximum financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh for patients suffering from specified rare diseases.
Rare Disease Day
•    Advocacy and Awareness:
o    Rare Disease Day is a globally coordinated movement dedicated to advocating for equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for individuals with rare diseases.
•    2024 Theme:

o    The theme for Rare Disease Day 2024 is "Share Your Colours," emphasizing collaboration and support.
•    Observation:
o    Established in 2008 and observed annually on 28th February (or 29th in leap years), Rare Disease Day is coordinated by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and over 65 national alliance patient organization partners.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Rare Diseases, consider the following statements:
1.    The World Health Organization defines rare diseases as those with a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population.
2.    In India, the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 categorizes rare diseases into three groups based on treatment requirements.
3.    Rare Disease Day is observed annually on 28th February and is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases in India. How does the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 address these challenges, and what further steps can be taken to improve treatment accessibility and funding?

6.    Chandipura Virus
What is the Chandipura Virus?
•    Discovery and Naming:
o    The Chandipura virus is named after the town in Maharashtra where it was first discovered and isolated.

o    It is known to cause brain inflammation, rapidly progressing from an
influenza-like disease to coma and death.
•    Affected Population:
o    The Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) mainly affects children under 14 years of age.
◻ Causes
•    Transmission:
o    The virus primarily spreads through the bite of sand flies, and sometimes through mosquitoes.
•    Impact on Neurons:
o    Animal experiments indicate that the virus damages neurons and induces
neurodegeneration.
•    Vector and Breeding:
o    Sand flies, often found in mud and sand house cracks, breed during the monsoon and pre-monsoon months, which is when cases are typically recorded.
o    The female phlebotomine sandfly is identified as the probable virus vector.
o    The virus has been found in sandflies in Senegal, Nigeria, and India.
•    Notable Outbreak:
o    In 2003, an outbreak in southern India led to an epidemic where 329 children
developed acute encephalitis, and 183 of them died.
Symptoms
•    Common Symptoms:
o    Sudden high fever, followed by headache, seizures, and vomiting, often leading to unconsciousness.
•    Diagnosis:
o    Physicians typically prescribe a blood test based on the observed symptoms.
Therapy
•    Lack of Specific Treatment:
o    There is no specific drug for the treatment of Chandipura virus.
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•    Supportive Care:
o    With early diagnosis, hospitalization and symptomatic care may help save lives.
◻ Prevention
•    Preventive Measures:
o    The best approach to suppressing CHPV infection is prevention.
•    Key Practices:
o    According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), maintaining good nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and awareness in rural areas is crucial for containing disease-transmitting vectors.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Chandipura Virus, consider the following statements:
1.    Chandipura Virus primarily affects adults over 50 years of age.
2.    The virus spreads mainly through the bite of sand flies.
3.    There is a specific antiviral drug available for treating Chandipura Virus infections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 and 3 only
Answer: B) 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the public health challenges posed by the Chandipura Virus in India. What measures can be taken to prevent and manage outbreaks, particularly in rural areas?

7.    Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
About
•    Nature of Disease:

o    Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that can cause inflammation in the brain.
•    Causative Agent:
o    It is caused by a flavivirus belonging to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses.
o    The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is also a major cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in India.
Transmission
•    Mosquito Vector:
o    The disease is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species.
•    Breeding Habits:
o    These mosquitoes primarily breed in rice fields and large water bodies rich in
aquatic vegetation.
Treatment
•    No Specific Antiviral Treatment:
o    There is no antiviral treatment specifically for JE.
•    Supportive Care:
o    Treatment is supportive, aiming to relieve symptoms and stabilize the patient.
◻ Prevention
•    Vaccination:
o    Safe and effective JE vaccines are available to prevent the disease.
o    JE vaccination is included under the Universal Immunisation Program of the Government of India.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Japanese Encephalitis (JE), consider the following statements:
1.    Japanese Encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus similar to the one that causes dengue.
2.    The primary vector for JE transmission is the Aedes mosquito.
3.    JE vaccination is included in India's Universal Immunisation Program.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the public health challenges posed by Japanese Encephalitis in India. What strategies can be employed to prevent and control outbreaks, particularly in rural and agricultural regions?