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  • 2024 Padma Awards Announced

    padma

    Central Idea

    • Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam will be conferred with Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Central government announced on the eve of Republic Day.
    • Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, will be conferred with the award posthumously.

    About Padma Award

    • The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve, following the Bharat Ratna.
    • These awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements across various fields and disciplines, particularly those involving public service.
    • The Government of India introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954.
    • Initially, the Padma Vibhushan had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg, which were renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, respectively.

    Award Categories

    There are three categories of Padma Awards:

    1. Padma Vibhushan: This is awarded for ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
    2. Padma Bhushan: This is for ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
    3. Padma Shri: This is given for ‘distinguished service.’

    Eligibility Criteria

    • The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
    • Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
    • The awards are usually not given posthumously, but exceptions can be made in extraordinary cases.
    • A recipient can be considered for a higher category of Padma award only if at least five years have passed since their previous Padma honor. However, exceptions can be made for exceptionally deserving cases.

    Nomination Process

    • Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister.
    • The Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4-6 distinguished members.
    • The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.

    Limitations

    • The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the awardees’ names.
    • The number of awards given annually (excluding posthumous awards and those to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs) is capped at 120.

  • Artistic Richness of the Indian Constitution: A Visual Journey

    Constitution

    Introduction

    • The Indian Constitution, renowned as the world’s lengthiest written Constitution, is not just a legal document but a treasure trove of artistic richness.
    • It features intricate hand-painted images and elaborate borders across all its 22 parts, making it the most visually appealing Constitution globally.

    Narrative Scheme of Paintings

    • Historical Representation: The paintings within the Constitution depict various periods in Indian history, from the Indus Valley civilization to the freedom struggle. Additionally, scenes from the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata are featured.
    • Geographical Diversity: These illustrations also capture India’s diverse geography, from the desert with marching camels to the grandeur of the Himalayas.

    The Appointment of Artists

    • Selection of Nandalal Bose: Nandalal Bose, a renowned artist and close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, was entrusted with the task of illustrating the Constitution in October 1949, just before the final session of the Constituent Assembly.
    • Collaborative Effort: Bose collaborated with family members, students, and fellow artists, including Kripal Singh Shekhawat, A Perumal, and Direndrakrishna Deb Burman.
    • Calligraphy: While the Constitution itself was handwritten by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada in a flowing italic style, the Hindi version’s calligraphy was masterfully crafted by Vasant Krishan Vaidya.

    Notable Artistic Contributions

    • Preamble and National Emblem: The Preamble page features intricate patterns sketched by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and bears his signature, while Dinanath Bhargava sketched the National Emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
    • Payment for Artists: Records suggest that the artists who painted the historical scenes were paid Rs 25 for each page.

    Ideation of Artwork

    • No Direct Correlation: Nandalal Bose’s artwork in the Constitution does not have a direct correlation with the text, as he did not illustrate the content of the Constitution itself. Instead, he crafted a visual narrative of India’s history as he envisioned it.
    • Changes and Adjustments: A preliminary plan was drawn up for the artwork, which underwent changes with additions and deletions. For instance, a scene featuring ‘portraits of Akbar and Shahjahan with Mughal architecture’ was replaced with an image of Akbar.

    Borrowing from History and Religion

    • Diverse Representations: The artwork includes depictions of the Bull Seal from the Indus Valley region, scenes from the lives of hermits and ascetics, Buddha in meditation, Mahavir, sculptures from Mahabalipuram, and the descent of the Ganga to Earth.
    • Incorporating Epics: Scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are featured in the artwork, symbolizing India’s rich mythological heritage.
    • Homage to Tagore: Three landscapes within the Constitution pay tribute to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and his composition of the National Anthem, celebrating India’s diverse geographical landscapes.

    Celebrating Monarchs and Freedom Fighters

    • Emperor Ashoka: Part VII features Emperor Ashoka seated on an elephant, propagating Buddhism.
    • King Vikramaditya and Tipu Sultan: Part IX showcases a scene from King Vikramaditya’s court, while Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi shares the page with Tipu Sultan in Part XVI.
    • Gandhi and Freedom Fighters: Mahatma Gandhi appears twice, leading the Dandi March and visiting Noakhali in Bangladesh. Subhas Chandra Bose is depicted saluting the flag with members of the Azad Hind Fauj.

  • Delhi HC upholds Ban on Sapinda Marriages: Legal Insights

    Introduction

    • The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits sapinda marriages among Hindus unless custom permits.
    • The court’s decision affirms the legal restrictions on such marriages and emphasizes the importance of regulating marital choices.

    For Aspirants with Sociology Optional, this article is of immense importance under: “Systems of Kinship- Family, household, marriage” in both Paper I and Paper II.

    Understanding Sapinda Marriages

    • Definition: Sapinda marriages involve individuals closely related within specified degrees, as per Section 3(f)(ii) of the HMA.
    • Prohibition: The HMA prohibits sapinda marriages within a certain range of lineal ascent, ensuring that marriages do not occur between individuals with a common lineal ascendant within the defined limits.

    Legal Framework

    • Void Marriages: Sapinda marriages that violate Section 5(v) and lack an established custom permitting them are declared void, meaning they are considered invalid from the outset.
    • Customary Exception: The sole exception to this prohibition arises when both parties’ customs permit sapinda marriages, as defined in Section 3(a) of the HMA.
    • Custom Criteria: To qualify as a custom, it must be continuously observed, uniform, reasonable, and not opposed to public policy, gaining legitimacy among Hindus in a particular area or community.

    Grounds for Challenging the Law

    • Constitutional Challenge: The petitioner contended that Section 5(v) violated the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution by requiring proof of custom for sapinda marriages.
    • Lack of Proof: The woman argued that sapinda marriages exist even without documented custom, and the consent of both families validated the marriage.

    High Court’s Decision

    • No Established Custom: The Delhi HC found no stringent proof of an established custom supporting sapinda marriages, which is crucial under the law.
    • Regulation of Marriages: The court upheld the idea that the choice of a marriage partner can be subject to regulation.
    • No Violation of Equality: The petitioner failed to provide compelling legal grounds to challenge the prohibition against sapinda marriages on grounds of violating the right to equality.

    International Perspectives

    • European Laws: In several European countries, laws related to incestuous relationships are less stringent compared to India, allowing marriages between consenting adults.
    • Examples: France, Belgium, Portugal, and Italy have different laws regarding incestuous relationships and marriages.
    • US Laws: In the United States, incestuous marriages are banned in all 50 states, but some states allow incestuous relationships between consenting adults.

    Conclusion

    • The Delhi HC decision reaffirms the legal framework regulating sapinda marriages in India and emphasizes the importance of established customs in permitting such unions.
    • It also highlights the differing legal approaches to incestuous relationships and marriages in various countries.

  • Historical Insights: Gyanvapi Structure Controversy

    Gyanvapi

    Introduction

    • The Gyanvapi Structure sin Varanasi has been the center of a longstanding controversy regarding its historical origin and the existence of a Hindu temple preceding its construction.
    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently concluded that a Hindu temple indeed existed at the site before the mosque’s construction, relying on scientific studies, textual evidence, and historical accounts.

    Gyanvapi: Historical Background

    • Temple’s Existence: The ASI’s findings suggest that a substantial Hindu temple once stood adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is believed to have been demolished during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
    • Persian Chronicles: The primary source for this claim is Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a Persian chronicle written shortly after Aurangzeb died in 1707. It mentions Aurangzeb’s orders to destroy temples and schools of the “infidels.”
    • Aurangzeb’s Policy: Historians interpret this as part of Aurangzeb’s broader policy against Hinduism, marked by the destruction of temples and discriminatory measures, such as customs duties.

    Historical Interpretations

    • Selective Targeting: Some historians argue that the 1669 decree was not a blanket order to destroy all temples but targeted institutions where certain teachings took place, especially in Benares (now Varanasi).
    • Conflict with Shivaji: It is suggested that Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the Kashi temple as retribution following Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from Mughal custody.
    • Religious Cloth: The Gyanvapi Mosque incorporates a part of the ruined temple’s wall, possibly serving as a religious statement of the consequences of opposing Mughal authority.

    Expert Opinions and Legal Implications

    • ASI Report: The ASI’s extensive report provides expert evidence but can be contested in court during the ongoing legal battle.
    • Witnesses and Cross-Examination: The civil suit involves witnesses from various fields, including historians, archaeologists, and religious experts, who will be cross-examined.
    • Court Determination: The courts will decide whether the ASI report can be conclusively relied upon and assess the significance of the existence of a Hindu temple in determining the mosque’s religious character.

    Legal and Constitutional Aspects

    • Maintainability Issue: The preliminary issue of whether the suit can be filed depends on the fate of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as of August 15, 1947.
    • Relevance of ASI Report: The relevance of the ASI report could change significantly if the 1991 law is altered or struck down. Currently, the law is considered a fundamental feature of the Constitution, safeguarding secularism.
    • Secularism and Non-Retrogression: The Places of Worship Act is seen as essential in upholding the principles of secularism and non-retrogression, core elements of India’s Constitution.

    Conclusion

    • The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque underscores the complexities of historical interpretation and legal implications.
    • The ASI’s findings, while significant, are part of an ongoing legal process, and the final determination will have far-reaching consequences on the historical narrative and religious character of the site.

  • With Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur, the BJP is co-opting social justice agenda

    Our Father Karpoori Thakur - Rediff.com

    Central Idea:

    The article examines the political significance of the Bharat Ratna awarded to the late Karpoori Thakur, a legendary backward-caste leader, and its implications in the context of the BJP’s Hindutva agenda and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The author questions whether the Hindutva agenda can successfully co-opt the social justice agenda, particularly by winning the support of lower-caste Hindus. The juxtaposition of events like the temple inauguration at Ayodhya and the Bharat Ratna announcement raises the critical question of whether a homogenized Hindu identity can overcome the deep-rooted hierarchical divisions within Hindu society.

    Key Highlights:

    • The timing of the Bharat Ratna announcement for Karpoori Thakur, a backward-caste leader, and the Ayodhya temple inauguration raises questions about the BJP’s strategy leading up to the Lok Sabha elections.
    • The article explores the challenge of reconciling the Hindutva agenda with the social justice agenda, particularly in gaining support from lower-caste Hindus.
    • The BJP’s dependence on state power for the success of the Hindutva agenda is discussed, emphasizing the significance of electoral majorities in achieving political goals.
    • The author highlights the complexities of caste dynamics, including internal distinctions, rivalries, and the need for credible rhetoric of implicit equality in electoral politics.

    Key Challenges:

    • The challenge of reconciling the Hindutva agenda with the hierarchical divisions and inequalities within the Hindu caste system.
    • The difficulty in securing electoral majorities without support from lower-caste Hindus.
    • The tension between electoral politics requiring equality rhetoric and the caste system perpetuating explicit inequalities.

    Key Terms:

    • Hindutva
    • Lok Sabha elections
    • Bharat Ratna
    • Ayodhya
    • Caste dynamics
    • Electoral majorities

    Key Phrases:

    • “Homogenized Hindu identity”
    • “Hierarchical divisions within Hindu society”
    • “Caste dynamics in electoral politics”
    • “Credible rhetoric of implicit equality”

    Key Quotes:

    • “Will the almost-successful Hindutva agenda seal its victory by co-opting and engulfing the social justice agenda?”
    • “The juxtaposition of these two events invites attention to the central question facing our polity today.”
    • “The only tried and trusted constituency for Hindutva are the Hindu ‘upper’ castes.”

    Key Statements:

    • “Elections remain the only durable and legitimate route to state power.”
    • “The Bharat Ratna to Thakur is a shrewd move because it is costless and yet offers multiple gains.”
    • “The BJP is trying to recruit other castes or caste-clusters to an essentially upper-caste political programme.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Reference to the Bharat Ratna announcement for Karpoori Thakur and the Ayodhya temple inauguration.
    • Comparison of Thakur’s political agenda in the 1970s with the BJP’s current agenda.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article critically analyzes the BJP’s strategy, questioning its alignment with Thakur’s legacy and highlighting the disparities between Thakur’s popular-leftist caste agenda and the BJP’s rightist communal agenda.
    • The complexities of caste dynamics and electoral alliances are discussed, emphasizing the challenges in gaining support from different caste segments.
    • The contrast between Thakur’s policies, such as the sub-division of the backward caste quota, and the BJP’s current approach is examined.

    Way Forward:

    • The article suggests that the BJP’s attempts to co-opt lower-caste Hindus need to align with a genuine social justice agenda, acknowledging the complexities of caste dynamics.
    • There is an implicit call for a balanced approach that addresses the historical inequalities within the Hindu caste system while navigating the intricacies of electoral politics.

    This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the complex intersection of Hindutva, social justice, and electoral dynamics, emphasizing the need for a nuanced and inclusive approach in Indian politics.

  • Reclaiming the Republic, and the Constitution

    In India: secularism or multiculturalism? | openDemocracy

    Central Idea:

    The article emphasizes the threat to India’s secular fabric and cultural diversity posed by the current political agenda, particularly the push towards a theocratic state under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It underscores the importance of reasserting the constitutional principles of a pluralistic and tolerant India, in contrast to the growing dominance of a unidimensional cultural and religious identity.

    Key Highlights:

    • The “Objective resolution” of the Indian Constitution adopted in 1947 forms the basis of the Preamble, but recent state-sponsored events challenge the constitutional commitment to secularism.
    • The BJP’s agenda is criticized for promoting a theocratic state and diminishing India’s rich cultural diversity by imposing a singular identity.
    • The article laments the erosion of the concept of “unity in diversity,” replacing it with a vision of one nation, one market, one language, and one official religion.
    • The Constitution’s recognition of and respect for diversities and differences, both politically and culturally, is highlighted as the foundation of India’s progress.

    Key Challenges:

    • The political effort to centralize and homogenize cultural and religious practices, particularly in favor of Hindutva, poses a challenge to India’s historical pluralism.
    • The erosion of tolerance and the imposition of a singular identity may lead to suspicion and animosity among different religious and cultural groups.
    • The celebration of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ contradicts the constitutional principles of a secular state, potentially endangering India’s hard-fought independence.

    Key Terms:

    • Hindutva: The political ideology that seeks to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life.
    • Theocratic: Relating to a system of government in which religious leaders control the state.
    • Pluralism: The coexistence of diverse cultural, religious, or ethnic groups within a society.
    • Constitution: The fundamental legal document outlining the structure and principles of a government.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Flattening of multidimensions”: Describes the attempt to impose a unidimensional cultural and religious identity, eroding India’s diverse cultural landscape.
    • “Unity in diversity”: Formerly celebrated, this concept is criticized for being replaced by a vision of singular identity.
    • “One nation, one market, one colour, one language, one election”: Illustrates the push towards homogenization in various aspects of Indian society.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country?”
    • “Our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever.”
    • “When power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days.”

    Key Statements:

    • The Indian Constitution recognizes and incorporates space for diversities and differences in both politics and culture.
    • The celebration of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is in direct contradiction to the Indian Constitution.
    • The Constitution is seen as a guarantee of the right to live with liberty, equality, and justice.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The consecration of the temple in Ayodhya and the state-sponsored events on January 22, 2024, are cited as instances where the secular principles of the Constitution were violated.
    • Mention of diverse celebrations of Dusshera, representing different cultural practices across India.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • The Indian Constitution was adopted 75 years ago, emphasizing tolerance and solidarity as foundational principles.
    • The celebration of the 75th year of the Republic coincides with concerns about the erosion of secular principles.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article critically examines the current political agenda’s impact on India’s cultural diversity and constitutional values. It highlights the dangers of sidelining pluralism and secularism in favor of a singular identity, emphasizing the need for citizens to assert the constitutional republic over a ‘Hindu Rashtra.’

    Way Forward:

    • The article calls for a reassertion of the constitutional principles of a pluralistic and tolerant India.
    • Citizens are urged to make choices that align with the values of the Constitution, ensuring a diverse and inclusive nation.
    • A collective duty is emphasized in retaining the values that have shaped India’s social democracy for 75 years.

    In summary, the article advocates for a return to the constitutional principles that have guided India for 75 years, safeguarding the nation’s pluralism and diversity against the current trend towards a unidimensional cultural and religious identity

  • Socialist icon Karpoori Thakur awarded Bharat Ratna

    Karpoori Thakur

    Introduction

    • On January 23, the Indian government made a significant announcement, posthumously awarding the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to Karpoori Thakur, the former chief minister of Bihar.
    • Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jannayak’ or the leader of the people, leaves behind a legacy of enduring policy decisions that continue to shape Bihar and the nation.

    Karpoori Thakur: Life and Career

    • A Leader of Contrasts: Thakur, born on January 24, 1924, in Bihar, emerged as the foremost backward caste leader in the state, despite hailing from the minority nai (barber) caste.
    • Political Activism: He actively participated in the freedom struggle, enduring imprisonment for his convictions.
    • Decades of Public Service: Thakur served as an MLA from 1952 until his passing in 1988, except for a brief period when he became an MP in 1977.
    • Respected Clean Image: Despite holding public office for three decades, Thakur maintained a clean image and refrained from personal enrichment through government resources.

    Landmark Policy Decisions

    • Education Reform: Removed English as a compulsory subject for matriculation examinations, aiming to make education more accessible.
    • Prohibition of Alcohol: Enforced a ban on alcohol consumption to address societal issues stemming from alcohol abuse.
    • Job Opportunities for Engineers: Introduced preferential treatment for unemployed engineers in government contracts, leading to employment for approximately 8,000 engineers.
    • Layered Reservation System: Implemented the ‘Karpoori Thakur Formula’ in June 1970, providing 26% reservation, including 12% for OBCs, 8% for economically backward OBCs, 3% for women, and 3% for economically disadvantaged individuals from upper castes.

    Challenges and Consequences

    • Immediate Opposition: Thakur’s reservation policy faced significant opposition, especially from upper castes, and his government fell due to its implementation.
    • Polarization and Derogatory Remarks: His caste background led to derogatory slogans and polarization in society, despite his clean governance record.
    • Political Fallout: Thakur’s decision to prioritize the reservation policy was perceived by some as hasty, unlike leaders who consolidated their positions before introducing similar policies.

    Karpoori Thakur’s Enduring Legacy

    • Mandal-Kamandal Politics: Thakur’s legacy remains influential in the ongoing Mandal-Kamandal political landscape.
    • Recognition by Leaders: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, himself from a numerically small EBC community, has closely associated himself with Thakur’s legacy.
    • Political Continuation: Thakur’s policies continue to shape the agendas of political parties in Bihar, highlighting the lasting impact of his commitment to social justice.

  • Batadrava Than: Understanding the Significance and Controversies

    Batadrava Than

    Introduction

    • A politician was recently denied entry to Assam’s Batadrava Than for his political campaigning.

    About Batadrava Than

    • Location: Situated in Nagaon district, Batadrava Than, also known as Bordowa Than, holds deep significance for Assamese Vaishnavites.
    • Birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva: It stands at the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568), a revered Vaishnavite reformer-saint.
    • Founder of Kirtan Ghar: Sankardeva established the first-ever Kirtan Ghar at Bordowa in 1494 AD, where he practiced and preached the neo Vaishnavite faith.

    Sankardeva’s Philosophy

    • Ek Saran Naam Dharma: Sankardeva’s philosophy centered on worship through bhakti (devotion) to Lord Krishna, emphasizing the singing and congregational listening of His name and deeds.
    • Society Based on Equality: He advocated for a society free from caste distinctions, orthodox Brahmanical rituals, and sacrifices, promoting equality and fraternity.
    • Devotion over Idol Worship: Sankardeva’s teachings favored prayer and chanting (naam) over idol worship.
    • Four Components of Dharma: His dharma was founded on four components: deva (god), naam (prayers), bhakats (devotees), and guru (teacher).

    Legacy of Sankardeva’s Movement

    • Monastic Institutions: Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement led to the establishment of monastic institutions known as Thans/Sattras across Assam.
    • Religious, Social, and Cultural Reforms: These Thans/Sattras became centers for religious, social, and cultural reforms in the 16th century.
    • “Worship Through Art” Approach: Today, the Sattras propagate Sankardeva’s unique approach of “worship through art” with music (borgeet), dance (xattriya), and theater (bhauna).
    • Nucleus of Naamghar: Each Sattra has a naamghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is led by an influential “Sattradhikar.”

    Political Significance and Controversies

    • Assamese Identity: Thans/Sattras are integral to Assamese identity, and Batadrava Than is frequently visited by politicians.
    • Electoral Issue: The government has highlighted “land grabbing around Sattras by illegal settlers” as an electoral issue.
    • Proposed Land Law: The CM has announced plans for a law preventing “non-indigenous people” from buying land within an eight-kilometer radius of Batadrava Than.
    • Beautification Project: Home Minister Amit Shah launched a Rs 188 crore beautification project at Batadrava Than in 2021.

    Also read:

    Assam’s Sattras and their Political Significance

  • 1.5 degree Celsius Threshold: Is Climate Change real?

    climate change

    Introduction

    • The year 2023 witnessed alarming signs of climate change, from record-breaking summer temperatures to shrinking Antarctic sea ice and extreme weather events across the globe.
    • Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, there remains confusion and misinformation on this critical issue.

    Is the Earth Becoming Warmer?

    • Temperature Measurement: Temperature measurements since the late 1880s show global warming trends. Satellite data confirms an increase of at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880.
    • Indirect Verification: Analyzing natural indicators like tree rings and ice cores. Observing effects such as warming oceans, shrinking ice cover, and rising sea levels. Multiple monitoring systems enhance confidence in global-scale warming.
    • Acceleration of Warming: Recent decades witness unprecedented rapid warming. The majority of warming observed since 1975. 2022 marked the 46th consecutive year of temperatures above the 20th-century average.

    Role of Human Activities

    • Natural Factors: Throughout Earth’s history, natural factors like solar variations and volcanic activity influenced climate.
    • Current Acceleration: However, natural factors exert too little influence and operate too slowly to account for recent rapid warming, as acknowledged by NASA.
    • Greenhouse Gases: The primary driver of global warming is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor.
    • Human Influence: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have released substantial greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
    • Unprecedented Change: Changes that would typically occur over hundreds of thousands of years are now happening within decades.

    Overwhelming Evidence

    • Scientific Consensus: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that “human influence on the climate system is clear and growing.”
    • Unprecedented Warmth: 2022 marked the 46th consecutive year with global temperatures exceeding the 20th-century average, with the last nine years ranking among the warmest.

    1.5 Degree Celsius Threshold

    • Paris Agreement: 195 countries pledge to limit warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius” and aim to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
    • Baseline Year: Pre-industrial levels based on measurements from 1850 to 1900, providing a reliable historical reference.
    • Reason for 1.5 Degrees: Scientific consensus: 1.5 degrees is a defense line against severe climate impacts. It avoids extreme and irreversible consequences associated with 2 degrees warming.
    • Continuous Improvement: Lowering the target reduces climate risks further. Science supports aiming for the lowest possible temperature increase.

    Consequences of Breaching the Threshold

    • Increased Extreme Weather: More frequent and intense heavy precipitation. Elevated drought intensity and frequency in some regions.
    • Warmer Oceans: Higher number of strong hurricanes with rapid strengthening.
    • Intensified Wildfires: Longer-lasting and more intense wildfires.
    • Rapid Sea Ice Melt: Accelerated sea-level rise.
    • Emerging Consequences: Many of these impacts are already underway. Breaching the threshold exacerbates these effects.

    How Close Are We to Breaching the Threshold?

    • WMO Warning: World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns of a 66% chance of crossing the 1.5-degree limit between 2023 and 2027.
    • Hottest Year: 2023 declared the hottest year on record, 1.48 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels.
    • Daily Fluctuations: Daily temperatures occasionally exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, but long-term trends are the focus.

    Conclusion

    • The evidence of climate change and global warming is undeniable.
    • Human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases, are driving these changes at an unprecedented rate.
    • Understanding the science behind climate change is crucial in addressing this real global crisis.

  • Madhika: A Perishing Language with just 2 Speakers

    Introduction

    • In the remote colony of Kookanam, Kerala, the Chakaliya community faces a sobering reality—their unique language, Madhika, teeters on the brink of extinction.
    • With no script to preserve it, Madhika is struggling for survival, and the last two speakers.

    About Madhika Language

    • A Linguistic Blend: Madhika may sound reminiscent of Kannada, but its influences run deeper, encompassing Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
    • Endangered Heritage: The younger generation, drawn to mainstream languages like Malayalam, shows little interest in preserving Madhika, leading to its decline.

    Chakaliya Community’s History

    • Nomadic Origins: The Chakaliya community was once nomadic and worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma.
    • Migration to Kerala: Centuries ago, they migrated from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar in Kerala.
    • Change in Status: Initially recognized as Scheduled Tribe, they were later included in the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
    • Historical References: References to the Chakaliya community can be found in the book “Caste and Tribes of Southern India.”

    Social Stigma and Its Impact

    • Untouchability and Dehumanization: The Chakaliya community faced social stigma, including untouchability and exclusion from important feasts and ceremonies.
    • Modern Disassociation: Many young and educated members of the community seek to disassociate themselves from the past, preferring to speak Malayalam over Madhika.

    Also read about:

    [pib] Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL)