Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection

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A study has found that high-income and upper-middle-income countries sustained the highest economic burden from herpes infections in 2016.

About Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a group of viral infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). The virus resides within nerve cells and alternates between inactive and active states.

Transmission

Herpes is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms

• Painful sores or blisters on lips, mouth, genitals, and anus.

Types of HSV

• Type 1 (HSV-1):
  • Primarily spreads through oral contact.
  • Causes oral herpes (cold sores) and can also cause genital herpes.
  • Most adults are infected with HSV-1.
• Type 2 (HSV-2):
  • Spreads through sexual contact.
  • Causes genital herpes.
  • Symptoms range from none to mild, with possible recurring painful blisters or ulcers.

Treatment

There is no permanent cure for herpes, but medications can suppress symptoms and reduce the spread of the infection to others.

Prevention

• HSV-2 (Genital Herpes):
  • Promotion of safe sexual practices can prevent transmission.
• HSV-1 (Oral and Genital Herpes):
  • Education on the risks associated with oral-genital contact is essential.

Prevalence

• Global:
  • In 2016, 67% of the global population under 50 had HSV-1 infection (oral or genital), usually acquired during childhood.
  • HSV-2 affects an estimated 13% of people aged 15–49 years worldwide, infecting women almost twice as often as men due to more efficient sexual transmission from men to women.
• India:
  • The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) reported a herpes prevalence of 3 to 10%, higher in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Financial Devolution to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

Why in News?

Despite efforts since the 11th Finance Commission, financial devolution to cities remains insufficient. Municipalities face poor fiscal health, and rapid urbanisation without adequate fiscal measures hampers development.

Current State of Financial Devolution

• Allocation to ULBs: India allocates only 0.5% of its GDP to ULBs, whereas countries like South Africa, Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil allocate between 1.6% to 5.1%.
• Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs):
  • Account for about 40% of ULBs’ revenue in India.
  • Characterized by unpredictability and lack of earmarking for vulnerable groups and horizontal equity.
• Impact of GST: The introduction of GST reduced the tax revenue (excluding property tax) of ULBs from 23% in 2012-13 to around 9% in 2017-18.
• State Transfers to ULBs: State Finance Commissions recommended only about 7% of States’ own revenue for ULBs in 2018-19.
• 74th Constitutional Amendment: Intended to financially strengthen ULBs, but progress has been inadequate over three decades.
• Parallel Agencies: The 13th Finance Commission noted that parallel agencies financially and operationally diminish local governments.

Challenges Posed by Absence of 2021 Census Data

• Accurate Population Figures: Essential for determining fund distribution and ensuring equitable resource allocation based on demographic needs.
• Financial Devolution Strategies: Census insights inform strategies by highlighting urban growth trends and demographic shifts.
• Migration Impact: Accurate census data is crucial for capturing significant migration to tier 2 and tier 3 cities, impacting their service structure and needs.
• Service Needs: Lack of 2021 census data hampers understanding of demographic changes essential for evidence-based fiscal devolution.

Measures to Strengthen ULBs

• Support from Governments: Local governments need funding, personnel, and technical assistance from Union and State governments.
• Increase IGTs: Enhancing the percentage of GDP allocated to ULBs is crucial for their financial stability.
• Addressing Parallel Programs: Programs like the MP and MLA Local Area Development Schemes should be addressed to prevent distortion of the federal structure by creating parallel agencies.

16th Finance Commission

• Establishment: The Government of India has established the 16th Finance Commission under Article 280(1) of the Constitution, with Dr. Arvind Panagariya appointed as Chairman.
• Article 280: Mandates the establishment of a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the central and state governments.

Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission

• Distribution of Taxes: Recommending the distribution of taxes between the Union and States and allocating State shares.
• Grants-in-Aid: Principles governing grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India to States and grants under Article 275 for specific purposes.
• Supporting Local Bodies: Measures to boost State Consolidated Funds for supporting Panchayats and Municipalities based on State Finance Commission recommendations.
• Disaster Management: Reviewing current financing structures related to disaster management under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 and proposing improvements or changes.

Conclusion

The financial health of Urban Local Bodies in India remains weak due to insufficient financial devolution and unpredictable intergovernmental transfers. The introduction of GST has further reduced their revenue base. Accurate census data is crucial for evidence-based fiscal devolution. Enhancing support from Union and State governments, increasing IGTs, and addressing parallel programs are essential steps to strengthen ULBs. The 16th Finance Commission's role will be pivotal in recommending measures to improve the financial stability of local governments.

India to Host 46th UNESCO Heritage Panel Session

Why in News?

• India will host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 21-31.

Where it is Hosted?

• The event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• It is organized by the Archaeological Survey of India and is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• UNESCO has released a provisional agenda and timetable for the meeting.

What is UNESCO World Heritage Committee?

• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee consists of representatives from 21 State Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) elected by the General Assembly.
• The committee oversees the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, allocates funds from the World Heritage Fund, and decides on the inclusion of properties on the World Heritage List.
• The session will be attended by over 2,500 delegates, including advisory bodies, senior diplomats, heritage experts, scholars, and researchers from 195 countries.

What is UNESCO and When was it Established?

• UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
• Establishment: Founded on November 16, 1945.
• Purpose: UNESCO aims to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, and culture.
• Functions: The organization works to preserve cultural heritage, promote education for all, foster scientific progress, and protect freedom of expression.