CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• A significant outbreak of Leptospirosis has emerged as a critical public health issue throughout Kerala.
• About Leptospirosis:
  • Leptospirosis, often referred to as "rat fever," is an uncommon bacterial infection that impacts both humans and animals. The illness is caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, commonly known as Leptospira. This disease is typically found in tropical regions and areas with frequent rainfall.
• Transmission:
  • The disease can be carried by a variety of animals, both wild and domestic, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs. Infected animals excrete the bacteria through their urine, which can contaminate the environment for extended periods, sometimes lasting several months or even years. The bacteria are capable of surviving in contaminated water or soil for weeks to months. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.
• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms usually appear 2 to 30 days after exposure to the bacteria. Leptospirosis often presents in two stages. In the initial stage, symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. Individuals might experience an initial improvement but then become ill again. In some cases, the second stage can be more severe, leading to kidney or liver failure, or inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
• Treatment:
  • Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline.

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• The government has recently enhanced the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme to make it more appealing, aligning with its goal to bolster agricultural infrastructure across the country.
• About the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:
  • Launched in 2020, the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing medium- to long-term debt financing for investment in post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. The scheme offers interest subvention and financial support and is set to run from FY2020 to FY2032 (a 10-year period).
• Eligibility:
  • Eligible entities include:
    • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
    • Marketing Cooperative Societies
    • Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
    • Individual Farmers
    • Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
    • Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
    • Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
    • Agri-entrepreneurs and Startups
    • Public-Private Partnership Projects sponsored by Central/State agencies or Local Bodies
• Exclusions:
  • Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are not directly eligible but their projects under PPP can be.
  • Scheduled commercial banks, scheduled cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) can participate in providing this financing.
  • NABARD may offer need-based refinance support to all eligible lending entities, including cooperative banks and RRBs.
• Features:
  • Loans up to ₹2 crores under this scheme receive a 3% annual interest subvention, available for up to 7 years.
  • Applicants can apply for up to 25 projects in different locations, with each project eligible for a loan up to ₹2 crores. This limit applies to private sector entities like farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and startups, but not to state agencies, cooperatives, federations of cooperatives, FPOs, federations of FPOs, SHGs, and federations of SHGs.
  • Multiple projects in a single location are also eligible, with a total cap of ₹2 crores.
  • Borrowers must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost, regardless of available capital subsidies.
  • The repayment moratorium can range from 6 months to 2 years.
  • At least 24% of the total grants-in-aid should be allocated to SC/ST entrepreneurs (16% for SC and 8% for ST).
  • Lending institutions are encouraged to prioritize loans for women and other disadvantaged groups.
  • Credit guarantee coverage is available under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for loans up to ₹2 crores, with the government covering the fee.
  • For FPOs, credit guarantee can also be accessed through the facility established under the FPO promotion scheme of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DACFW).

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• The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) recently commemorated its 54th Foundation Day at its headquarters in New Delhi.
• About the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D):
  • Founded in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, BPR&D succeeded the Police Research and Advisory Council. Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
• Mandate and Responsibilities:
  • Objective: BPR&D was established to address the needs and challenges faced by the police force in India.
  • Research and Recommendations: The Bureau conducts research projects and studies to provide solutions and strategies for overcoming police-related issues and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Technology Integration: It stays updated with advancements in science and technology both domestically and internationally, promoting the adoption of suitable technologies in policing.
• Over the years, BPR&D's role has expanded to include:
  • Training Oversight: Monitoring and improving the quality of training for State and Central Police Organizations, and supporting State Police Forces and Correctional Administration in modernization efforts.
  • Standards Development: Assisting the Ministry of Home Affairs and Central Police Forces in establishing standards and quality requirements for various types of equipment and infrastructure.
  • National Police Mission: Coordinating and managing the National Police Mission.
  • Initially, the Bureau was organized into two divisions: Research, Statistics & Publication and Development. Following the Gore Committee's recommendations, a Training Division was added in 1973.
  • BPR&D operates five Central Detective Training Institutes located in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ghaziabad, and Jaipur, which are dedicated to training police officers and other relevant stakeholders.

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• The Ministry of Defence has recently placed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from Sig Sauer of the U.S., with deliveries scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
• About the SIG 716 Rifle:
  • The SIG 716 is an American-manufactured automatic assault rifle produced by Sig Sauer, a leading U.S. firearms manufacturer. The Indian Army has extensively adopted the SIG 716, particularly for use by troops in mountainous and high-security border regions.
• Features:
  • Dimensions: The rifle measures 34.39 inches in total length and has a barrel length of 15.98 inches.
  • Weight: It weighs 3.58 kg.
  • Performance: Designed for high recoil and greater caliber, the SIG 716 is engineered to effectively engage targets up to 600 meters away.
  • Caliber: The rifle uses a powerful 7.62x51mm caliber, providing a longer range and greater lethality compared to the current INSAS and AK-47 rifles in service with the Indian armed forces.
  • Reliability: Its gas piston system enhances operational reliability and reduces maintenance requirements.
  • Modularity: The SIG 716 is highly versatile due to its modular design, which allows for easy customization with various accessories via its Picatinny rail system, making it adaptable for different roles and specialized tactical operations.