Today's Brief 4/07/2024

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1. Franz Kafka (1883–1924) was a German-speaking Bohemian writer known for his complex and surreal works that often explore themes of alienation, existential anxiety, and the absurdity of modern life. Born in Prague, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Kafka worked as a legal clerk while writing in his spare time. Some of his most famous works include: Kafka's style is marked by a sense of the bizarre and the nightmarish, often blending the mundane with the surreal. His works have had a profound impact on literature and philosophy, influencing existentialism, modernism, and postmodernism. Despite his relatively small body of work, Kafka is considered one of the most significant writers of the 20th century.

2. "The Metamorphosis" (1915): A novella about a man named Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition.

3. "The Trial" (1925, posthumous): A novel about Josef K., a man arrested and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority without being informed of the nature of his crime. The book delves into the absurdities of bureaucracy and the sense of helplessness and paranoia.

4. "The Castle" (1926, posthumous): This novel follows a land surveyor known only as K. who struggles to gain access to mysterious authorities in a castle that governs the village where he seeks to work. The story explores themes of bureaucracy, isolation, and the quest for meaning.

5. "In the Penal Colony" (1919): A short story set in a penal colony, where a traveler witnesses the execution of a prisoner using a brutal and elaborate machine. The story addresses issues of justice, punishment, and human suffering.

2.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) During the period of World War II, a Special Police Establishment (SPE) was constituted in 1941 in the Department of War of the British India to enquire into allegations of bribery and corruption in the war related procurements.

Later on it was formalized as an agency of the Government of India to investigate into allegations of corruption in various wings of the Government of India by enacting the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 .

In 1963, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was established by the Government of India with a view to investigate serious crimes related to Defence of India, corruption in high places, serious fraud, cheating and embezzlement and social crime, particularly of hoarding, black-marketing and profiteering in essential commodities, having all-India and inter-state ramifications.

CBI derives its legal powers to investigate crime from the DSPE Act, 1946.

Motto: Industry, Impartiality, Integrity

Stage 1: The Precursor (1941)

• During World War II, the British Government of India established the Special Police Establishment (SPE) in 1941.

• The SPE's main purpose was to investigate bribery and corruption in wartime procurement for the Department of War and Supply.

Stage 2: The Formation of CBI (1963)

• Post-independence, the need for a robust central investigation agency remained.

• The Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962-1964) recommended the official formation of a central agency.

• In 1963, based on the Committee's recommendations, the Government of India established the CBI through a resolution passed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• It's important to note that the CBI derives its power from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, which empowered the SPE.

So, while the roots of the CBI go back to 1941, the official formation as an independent agency occurred in 1963.

What can CBI investigate:

CBI has grown into a multidisciplinary investigation agency over a period of time. Today it has the following three divisions for investigation of crime:-

(i) Anti-Corruption Division - for investigation of cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 & the Prevention of Corruption(Amendment) Act, 2018 against Public officials and the employees of Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations or Bodies owned or controlled by the Government of India - it is the largest division having presence almost in all the States of India.

(ii) Economic Offences Division - for investigation of major financial scams and serious economic frauds, including crimes relating to Fake Indian Currency Notes, Bank Frauds and Cyber Crime.

(iii) Special Crimes Division - for investigation of serious, sensational and organized crime under the Indian Penal Code and other laws on the requests of State Governments or on the orders of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The laws under which CBI can investigate Crime are notified by the Central Government under section 3 of the DSPE Act.

3.Zika virus: is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey followed by evidence of infection and disease in humans in other African countries in the 1950s.

From the 1960s to 1980s, sporadic human infections were detected across Africa and Asia. However, since 2007 outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

In outbreaks over the last decade Zika virus infection was found to be associated with increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

When Zika virus emerged in the Americas, with a large epidemic in Brazil in 2015, an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly (smaller than normal head size) was first described; there were similar findings in French Polynesia upon retrospective review.

From February to November 2016, WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus, and the causal link between Zika virus and congenital malformations was soon confirmed (1,2). Outbreaks of Zika virus disease were identified throughout most of the Americas and in other regions with established Aedes aegypti mosquitos. Infections were detected in travellers from active transmission areas and sexual transmission was confirmed as an alternate route of Zika virus infection.

Cases of Zika virus disease globally declined from 2017 onwards; however, Zika virus transmission persists at low levels in several countries in the Americas and in other endemic regions. In addition, the first local mosquito-transmitted

Zika virus disease cases were reported in Europe in 2019 and Zika virus outbreak activity was detected in India in 2021. To date, a total of 89 countries and territories have reported evidence of mosquito transmitted Zika virus infection; however, surveillance remains limited globally. 

Complications of Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly and other congenital malformations in infants, such as limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome. It is estimated that 5–15% of infants born to infected mothers show evidence of Zika-related complications, which can occur regardless of whether the infection was symptomatic.

Additional complications from Zika infection in pregnancy include fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

In adults and older children, Zika virus infection can cause neurological issues such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis. Ongoing research aims to understand the risks and effects of Zika infection on pregnancy outcomes, develop prevention and control strategies, and explore its impact on other neurological disorders.

4.Gig Workers:

Notice period, ratings transparency: How Karnataka is trying to protect rights of gig workers: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/gig-workers-rights-karnataka-notice-period-rating-9425781/

Gig workers are individuals engaged in temporary, flexible jobs, often through digital platforms that connect them with clients. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers typically operate as independent contractors, offering services ranging from ride-sharing and food delivery to freelance writing and graphic design.

This work arrangement provides flexibility and autonomy but often lacks benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and job security. As the gig economy grows, discussions about the rights, protections, and fair treatment of gig workers continue to evolve.

Global Scenarios:

Gig economy reform comes from a variety of fronts, with both individual reformers and organizations pushing for changes. Here's a breakdown of some key players:

Worker advocacy groups:

• These groups fight for better working conditions, benefits, and protections for gig workers. Examples include:
  

• Freelancers Union (US): Advocates for fair pay, benefits, and protections for independent workers.

• The App Drivers & Couriers Union (UK): Fights for better wages, working conditions, and rights for app-based delivery drivers.

Labor unions:

• Traditional unions are increasingly looking to expand their reach to include gig workers. Examples include:

• UNI Global Union (international): Represents service sector workers, including some gig workers.

• International Brotherhood of Teamsters (US & Canada):  Has begun organizing rideshare drivers.

Policymakers:

• Governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate the gig economy and ensure fair treatment for workers. Examples include:

• The European Commission:  Has proposed new rules to ensure minimum rights for platform workers.

• The Indian government:  Introduced new schemes to provide social security benefits to gig workers in some states.

Academics and researchers:

• They are studying the impact of the gig economy and proposing reforms based on their findings.

• Research institutions and universities often play a role in informing policy decisions.

Independent reformers:

• These include journalists, lawyers, and other individuals who are pushing for change through various means, such as raising awareness and lobbying for reforms.

5.Internal Security : India faces a complex web of internal security challenges.

Traditional Threats:

• Insurgencies: Restive regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast have ongoing insurgencies seeking autonomy or secession.

• Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism): Maoist rebels continue to operate in central India, posing a threat to rural areas and infrastructure.

• Religious and Caste Violence: Tensions between religious and caste groups can erupt into violence, disrupting social order.

Other Challenges:

• Border Security:  India shares long borders with several countries, making it vulnerable to infiltration and cross-border terrorism.

• Internal Displacement:  Conflicts and natural disasters can lead to internal displacement, straining resources and creating social tensions.

Factors Affecting Internal Security:

• Socioeconomic Disparity:  Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities can fuel discontent and extremism.

• Weak Governance:  Lack of effective governance in some regions can create a breeding ground for criminal activity and insurgency.

• External Influences:  Foreign powers and militant groups can exploit internal divisions to destabilize India.

Addressing the Challenges:

• Improved Intelligence Gathering and Sharing: Enhanced coordination between different security agencies is crucial.

• Socioeconomic Development:  Addressing poverty and social inequalities can reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.

• Police Modernization:  Equipping police forces with better training and technology is essential.

• Community Policing:  Building trust and cooperation between the police and the public can help prevent violence.

• Countering Radicalization: Effectively countering online propaganda and promoting tolerance is important.

• Reforms in CAPF

• Revamp IB and CBI

The Indian government is taking steps to address these challenges, but internal security remains a complex and evolving issue.

Current Affairs Hindi: https://www.smritiias.in/post/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A3-4-07-2024

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Refrence:

The Indian Express

The Hindu

PIB

WHO

UN