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  • Duarte Agostinho Case: A Youth-led Climate Lawsuit

    Duarte Agostinho Case

    Central Idea

    • On September 27, a historic legal battle in the climate action movement commenced at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
    • This courtroom showdown featured 32 European governments, including the UK, Russia, and Turkey, facing off against six young individuals from Portugal, aged 11 to 24.

    Why discuss this?

    • Youth-led climate lawsuits are reshaping climate litigation.
    • These lawsuits assert that uncontrolled carbon emissions infringe on fundamental rights, threaten the well-being of young generations.
    • This highlight the centrality of climate science in combating misinformation and denialism.

    Understanding the Duarte Agostinho Case

    [A] Origins of the Lawsuit:

    • The Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and Others case was initiated in September 2020.
    • It was in response to the devastating wildfires in Portugal’s Leiria region in 2017, resulting in 66 casualties and the loss of 20,000 hectares of forests.
    • This legal action highlights the urgency of adhering to the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.

    [B] Concerns raised

    • The Portuguese youths assert that European nations have failed to meet climate emissions goals, exceeding global carbon budgets compatible with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
    • Scientific evidence will be presented, demonstrating that if current emission trends persist, global temperatures will rise by 3°C during the plaintiffs’ lifetimes.
    • Such actions are alleged to breach fundamental rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to life, freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment, privacy, family life, and freedom from discrimination.

    Lawsuit’s Demands

    • Rapid Emission Reduction: As these 32 countries contributed to climate catastrophes and threatened young people’s futures, the lawsuit contends that these nations must urgently intensify emissions reductions. The recommended measures include curbing fossil fuel production and addressing global supply chain sustainability.
    • Emissions Reduction Targets: The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) suggested that countries should aim for emissions reductions of 75% below 1990 levels, a more ambitious target than the EU’s current 55%. The lawsuit argues that European countries have overstated their carbon budgets, emphasizing the need for greater reductions.

    Climate Crisis Impact on Human Rights

    • UNICEF characterizes the climate crisis as a “child rights crisis” due to unhindered carbon emissions and extreme weather jeopardizing access to education, health, nutrition, and the future.
    • Research links air pollution to adverse birth outcomes and increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
    • Heatwaves exacerbate mental health issues, ultimately affecting academic performance and school attendance.

    Government Responses and Challenges

    • Cause and Effect Denial: Many countries have dismissed any direct relationship between climate change and its impact on human health. Greece, for instance, argued that climate change effects do not directly affect human life or health, despite experiencing massive wildfires.
    • Portrayal as Future Fears: Governments like Portugal and Ireland have downplayed climate change concerns as “future fears,” asserting that there is no immediate risk to lives.
    • Policy Reversals: Some nations, like the U.K., have showcased proactive climate policies, such as a 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, these policies have been reversed, raising concerns about policy consistency and legality.

    Conclusion

    • The Duarte Agostinho case represents a pivotal moment in the climate action movement, with young activists challenging their governments to protect their future against the looming climate crisis.
    • This legal battle underscores the critical intersection of climate change and human rights, shaping a path toward increased accountability and transformative climate governance.

  • Gandhi and Ambedkar Dynamic

    What’s the news?

    • Prominent figures Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s historic collaboration on the Poona Pact, addressing caste and social injustice, remains relevant in contemporary India’s ongoing debates.

    Central idea

    • Gandhi is indispensable. You may love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore him. As world leaders gathered for the G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the timeless importance of Gandhi’s ideals in shaping a harmonious global future. Gandhi’s persona transcended ideologies, making him a creed unto himself.

    Gandhi’s Profound Persona

    • Gandhi’s persona transcended ideologies, becoming a creed in itself. To truly appreciate his legacy, we must approach it with an open mind, free from preconceived biases. His extensive literary contributions, spanning over a hundred volumes, offer insights into his complex worldview and philosophy.

    Gandhi’s Humility and Self-Reflection

    • One admirable aspect of Gandhi was his recognition of his own fallibility.
    • He encouraged readers to choose the interpretation of his writings that resonated with them, demonstrating courage and humility.
    • His continual self-growth was evident, emphasizing his commitment to his principles.

    The Gandhi-Ambedkar Dynamic

    • October holds significance for both Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known for their opposing views on social issues like varna and caste.
    • Despite their differences, they reached a historic agreement known as the Poona Pact, which played a pivotal role in shaping India’s social landscape.

    The Poona Pact: An Agreement for Inclusivity

    • Historic Agreement: The Poona Pact was a significant development in Indian history. It marked an agreement reached between Gandhi and Ambedkar in Pune, India, during a period of intense discussions and debates about political representation for the depressed classes (Dalits), who were formerly known as untouchables.
    • Background: Before the Poona Pact, there was a demand for separate electorates for Dalits, a move advocated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This demand led to divisions and tensions within Indian society.
    • Gandhi’s Fast Unto Death: Mahatma Gandhi, opposed to the idea of separate electorates, embarked on a fast unto death in protest. This fast put immense pressure on the political leaders and created a crisis situation.
    • Outcome: The Poona Pact was the result of negotiations between Gandhi and Ambedkar. It led to the abandonment of the demand for separate electorates for Dalits. Instead, it introduced the concept of reserved seats (quotas) for the depressed classes within the general electorate.
    • Significance: The Poona Pact aimed to secure political representation for Dalits while maintaining the unity of the Hindu community. It was seen as a compromise that prevented further division within Indian society.
    • Legacy: The Poona Pact’s legacy is still felt in modern India. It introduced the system of reserved seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures and other political bodies. This system, known as scheduled castes, continues to ensure political representation for Dalits in India.

    Unity Amidst Differences

    • A Shared Goal:
    • Though Gandhi and Ambedkar held divergent philosophical views on the foundation of caste, they both agreed on the need to eradicate untouchability and uplift the depressed classes.
    • Gandhi advocated for treating untouchables on par with caste Hindus, while Ambedkar sought to eliminate the varna system entirely.
    • Gandhi’s Support for the Varna System: Gandhi, inspired by Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s teachings, supported the Vedic varna system, where an individual’s qualities, actions, and nature determined their varna. He considered it a beneficent law, separate from untouchability.
    • Ambedkar’s Rejection of Varna Dharma: Ambedkar vehemently opposed the Varna system, viewing it as the root of the problem. He challenged the idea that caste and untouchability were distinct issues, arguing that they were inseparable.

    Ongoing Debate

    • The debates surrounding caste, varna, and Sanatan Dharma (the traditional Hindu way of life) are still actively discussed in India.
    • Despite the Poona Pact and other social reforms, India grapples with issues related to caste discrimination and untouchability.
    • The ongoing debate reflects the complexity of India’s social fabric, with differing perspectives on how to address these issues.

    Conclusion

    • Gandhi and Ambedkar, despite their differences, played critical roles in shaping India’s social landscape. Their historic collaboration in the Poona Pact demonstrated a shared commitment to inclusivity and justice. The debates they ignited still resonate in contemporary Indian society, underscoring the enduring relevance of their ideas and ideals.

  • Lesser-Known Facets of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    bhagat singh

    Central Idea

    • Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga (now in Faisalabad, Pakistan), is celebrated as a charismatic revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the cause of Indian independence at the young age of 23.

    Five Lesser-Known Aspects of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    [1] A Family of Progressive Freedom Fighters

    • Anti-Colonial Roots: Bhagat Singh’s father, Kishan, and uncle, Ajit, were actively involved in anti-British activities. Kishan faced imprisonment in 1910 for disseminating seditious literature, while Ajit was deported to Mandalay in 1907 for his inflammatory speeches against the Punjab Colonisation Bill. Both played significant roles in the freedom struggle, influencing Bhagat Singh’s upbringing in an anti-colonial environment.
    • Dissent within the Family: Despite the family’s strong anti-British stance, Bhagat Singh publicly criticized his father for submitting a mercy plea to the Viceroy when he and other revolutionaries faced the gallows, revealing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause.

    [2] A Scholar and Writer

    • Prolific Writer: Bhagat Singh contributed to Urdu and Punjabi newspapers in Amritsar during the 1920s and authored pamphlets and ‘seditious’ literature condemning British colonial rule.
    • Eclectic Reading: His jail notebooks revealed his interests extended beyond politics, encompassing literature from renowned poets and writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth, Wajid Ali Shah, Mirza Ghalib, and Iqbal.

    [3] An Atheist and Marxist with Anarchist Leanings

    • Religious Critique: Bhagat Singh was an avowed atheist who criticized religion in his essay ‘Why I am an Atheist’ (1930), rejecting the concept of one true religion. He viewed religious beliefs as divisive and demoralizing.
    • Inspirations: Bhagat Singh drew inspiration from Marxist thinkers such as Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, and Bakunin. In his final testament, ‘To Young Political Workers’ (1931), he advocated for “social reconstruction on new, i.e., Marxist, basis.” However, he did not fully align with orthodox Marxist views, particularly on authoritarianism.

    [4] Support from Jinnah

    • Jinnah’s Defense: While Mahatma Gandhi refrained from intervening in Bhagat Singh’s trial, MA Jinnah ardently defended him. Jinnah vehemently opposed a proposed Bill that would have allowed trials in absentia, delivering a compelling speech in the Central Assembly in 1929.
    • Successful Opposition: Jinnah’s staunch stance led to the foiling of the attempt to pass the law, but Bhagat Singh’s trial continued under dubious circumstances, resulting in his death sentence in 1930.

    [5] Jawaharlal Nehru’s Support

    • Nehru’s Critique: Jawaharlal Nehru criticized the British legal process and the injustice inflicted on Bhagat Singh. He admired Bhagat Singh’s courage and self-sacrifice.
    • Historic Visit: Nehru, along with other leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, visited Bhagat Singh in prison. Despite their differences in methods, Nehru’s respect for Bhagat Singh remained unwavering.
    • Congress Resolution: After Bhagat Singh’s execution, Nehru moved an official resolution in a Congress session, condemning the execution and demanding commutation, even though the Congress officially rejected violence as a means of achieving independence.

  • A milestone in Hindu marriage reform in India

    What’s the news?

    • In recent years, the Supreme Court has had to remind the Madras High Court of the validity of self-respect marriages, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Self-Respect Movement in the fight for social justice and self-respect.

    Central idea

    • The recent controversy surrounding the validity of self-respect marriages, also known as Suyamariyathai thirumanam, in Tamil Nadu is a poignant reminder of the enduring battle for recognition and acceptance that these unions have faced. Despite being legalized in 1967 self-respect marriages continue to be a subject of contention.

    What is a self-respect marriage?

    • A self-respect marriage, also known as Suyamariyathai thirumanam, is a type of marriage ceremony and union that originated within the Dravidian self-respect movement in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
    • These marriages are characterized by their departure from traditional Hindu marriage rituals and customs. Instead, self-respect marriages are based on principles of social equality, individual freedom, and non-religious ideals.

    What is the self-respect movement?

    • The Self-Respect Movement is a socio-political and cultural movement that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the early 20th century.
    • It was primarily championed by leaders and thinkers associated with the Dravidian ideology, which aimed to promote the rights and interests of the Dravidian people of South India and challenge perceived inequalities and injustices in society.
    • The movement had a significant influence on the politics and social fabric of Tamil Nadu and played a role in shaping the state’s identity.

    The Self-Respect Movement’s Struggle

    • Challenging Caste-Based Discrimination: The Self-Respect Movement fiercely opposed the deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination prevalent in Tamil Nadu. It sought to dismantle the oppressive caste system and challenge the privileges enjoyed by Brahmins in society.
    • Advocating for Social Equality: Central to the movement’s ethos was the promotion of social equality. It encouraged rationalism and atheism as alternatives to religious dogma and superstition, advocating for a scientific worldview.
    • Empowerment of Women: The Self-Respect Movement was at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights. It fought for women’s education, equality, and autonomy within both families and society at large.
    • Promotion of Tamil Language and Culture: The movement emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Tamil language and culture. It resisted the imposition of Sanskrit and Brahminical traditions that threatened Tamil identity and heritage.
    • Formation of Political Parties: The Self-Respect Movement eventually translated its socio-cultural goals into political action. This led to the formation of influential political parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) that championed the cause of social justice and self-respect.

    Legal battles for recognition

    • Early Lack of Recognition: In the early stages of the movement, self-respect marriages lacked legal recognition. They were not supported by existing laws, which favored traditional Hindu marriages.
    • Advocacy during the Hindu Code Bill: Leaders and activists of the Self-Respect Movement actively participated in the Hindu Code Bill drafting process in 1944. They submitted memorandums and evidence to advocate for comprehensive changes to Hindu law, particularly focusing on women’s legal rights and recognition of non-religious marriages.
    • Limited Recognition in the 1955 Act: Despite the movement’s efforts, the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 provided only limited recognition to select reformed marriages. It did not acknowledge self-respect marriages, emphasizing traditional Hindu rites and ceremonies.
    • Proposals for Separate Legislation: The movement proposed the Hindu Non-Conformist Marriage Registration Bill, 1954. However, it was abandoned in favor of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which did not adequately address property rights within civil marriages.
    • Struggles in the Legislative Process: Efforts to pass legislation recognizing self-respect marriages faced opposition, particularly from Congress legislators. The ‘Madras Suyamariyathai Marriage Validation Bill’ introduced in 1959 aimed to legalize self-respect marriages but was defeated.

    The 1967 Amendment

    • Introduction of Section 7 A: Section 7 A was introduced in the Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 1967. This provision was pivotal as it provided legal recognition and legitimacy to non-ritual Hindu marriages.
    • Validation of Non-Ritual Hindu Marriages: The amendment validated and legalized non-ritual Hindu marriages, including self-respect marriages, under Hindu law. This marked a significant departure from the previous lack of recognition.
    • Challenging Brahminic Interpretations: Beyond recognition, the 1967 Amendment challenged Brahminic interpretations of Hindu marriage practices that had marginalized and discredited self-respect marriages and those who chose them.
    • Impact on Legal Status: With the enactment of this amendment, self-respect marriages gained legal standing and legitimacy under Hindu law in Tamil Nadu. This recognition was crucial to protecting the rights of individuals who had entered into such marriages.

    Contemporary Challenges

    • Resistance from Government Bodies: Government bodies, such as the Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment, have at times resisted recognizing the Section 7 Act, leading to disputes and challenges.
    • Judicial Misinterpretations: The judiciary has occasionally misinterpreted or questioned the validity of self-respect marriages, contributing to legal challenges and uncertainty.
    • Recent Supreme Court Reminders: The Supreme Court has had to remind the Madras High Court of the validity of self-respect marriages in recent years, indicating ongoing legal battles.
    • Cumulative Legal Reforms: The cumulative effect of legal reforms in Tamil Nadu has had a far-reaching impact on gender rights within marriages, challenging traditional norms and ideals.

    Conclusion

    • The ongoing struggle for recognition of self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu highlights the resilience of the Dravidian self-respect movement and its commitment to challenging traditional norms. The Madras High Court’s progressive stance on gender rights within marriage underscores the need for continued advocacy and awareness to protect the rights of individuals who choose self-respect marriages.

  • Challenges and Opportunities of India’s Aging Population

    aging population

    Central Idea

    • Projected Demographic Shift: By 2050, the percentage of elderly individuals in India is expected to double, reaching over 20% of the total population, as per the UN Population Fund, India (UNFPA) in its 2023 India Ageing Report.
    • Rapid Expansion: India is experiencing a remarkable decadal growth rate in its elderly population, currently estimated at 41%.
    • Changing Dynamics: This demographic shift raises the possibility that by 2046, the elderly population may surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.

    Economic Disparities among the Elderly

    • Poverty Prevalence: More than 40% of India’s elderly population belongs to the poorest wealth quintile, with nearly 18.7% of them living without any source of income.
    • Quality of Life Impact: Such high levels of poverty can significantly affect their quality of life and their access to healthcare services.

    Understanding the Aging Population

    • Rapid Growth in the 80+ Age Group: The report predicts a staggering 279% growth rate in the population of individuals aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050.
    • Gender Disparities: There is a predominance of widowed and highly dependent elderly women in this age group, a trend observed in several nations.
    • Regional Variations: Life expectancy at 60 and 80 varies across states and union territories, with women generally having higher life expectancies, raising concerns about their social and economic well-being.
    • Regional Disparities: States like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of J&K have women with life expectancies exceeding 20 years at age 60, highlighting the need for tailored support.

    Changing Sex Ratios among the Elderly

    • Steady Increase: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily rising since 1991, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
    • Regional Variations: The northeast and east show an increased sex ratio among the elderly, but it remains below 1,000, indicating a male predominance. In contrast, central India saw a remarkable shift, with women outperforming men in survival after the age of 60.

    Gendered Poverty in Old Age

    • Inherent Gender Bias: Poverty in old age is inherently gendered, with older women more likely to be widowed, living alone, lacking personal income, and relying on family support.
    • Feminization and Ruralization: The major challenges facing India’s aging population include the feminization and ruralization of the elderly. Policies must address these specific needs.

    Inter-State Variations in Elderly Population

    • Diverse Demographic Transition: Significant inter-state variation exists in the levels and growth of the elderly population, reflecting differing stages and rates of demographic transition.
    • Regional Differences: States in the southern and select northern regions have a higher share of the elderly population, a gap expected to widen by 2036. In contrast, states with higher fertility rates, like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will see an increase in the elderly population share but will remain below the national average.
    • Ageing Index: Central and northeastern regions are characterized by a younger demographic as indicated by the aging index.

    Response to Elderly Needs during the Pandemic

    • Inadequate State Aid: The report reviews the government and state authorities’ response to the needs of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that while most received state aid, it was insufficient.
    • Only NGOs to rescue: Accessible public healthcare facilities were lacking, with NGOs and CBOs being the primary sources of help.
    • Call for Preparedness: The report recommends a special focus on older persons in disaster-preparedness plans moving forward.

    Enhancing Data Collection and Support

    • Data Deficiency: The report underscores the lack of credible data on various issues related to the elderly in India and calls for the inclusion of questions concerning older persons in upcoming data collection exercises.
    • Policy Recommendations: Suggestions include increasing awareness about elderly schemes, regulating Old Age Homes, and promoting in-situ aging.
    • Community Engagement: Encouraging the creation of elderly self-help groups and emphasizing multigenerational households as well as short-term care facilities.

    Promising Roadmap and Valuable Resource

    • Government Acknowledgment: Social Justice Dept. termed the report a “valuable roadmap”. It emphasized its importance as a resource for scholars, policymakers, program managers, and all stakeholders involved in elder care.
    • Data Sources: The report draws from various sources, including the 2011 Census, the 2017-18 Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), population projections, and reports from the Government of India and the World Population Projection 2022.

    Way forward

    The report advocates for policies that enhance the well-being of India’s aging population-

    • Foster community support
    • Multigenerational living, and
    • In-situ aging

  • MS Swaminathan: Father of the Green Revolution

    Swaminathan

    What’s the news?

    • Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist widely regarded as the Father of the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98 on September 28. His contributions to agriculture in the 1960s and ’70s transformed India’s farming landscape, ushering in an era of food security.

    Central idea

    • The passing of MS Swaminathan marks the end of an era in Indian agriculture. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and his pioneering efforts in the Green Revolution have left an indomitable legacy. This op-ed is dedicated to the father of the Green Revolution.

    Early life and education

    • Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
    • Initially, I aimed for a career in the civil services and even cleared the civil services examination.
    • He switched to agriculture due to his passion, inspired by the Quit India Movement and the Bengal famine of 1942–43.
    • He enrolled in the Agriculture College in Coimbatore to pursue his interest in agriculture.

    Diverse Roles in Agriculture

    • Swaminathan held various significant positions related to agriculture, both in India and abroad.
    • His roles included Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organization Council (1981–85), President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984–90), and President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989–96.
    • He also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among other positions.

    Swaminathan

    The Green Revolution: A Turning Point

    • Swaminathan’s mission was to transform Indian agriculture.
    • Introduced high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation facilities, and promoted fertilizer use.
    • Wheat production in India surged from 6 million tonnes in 1947 to 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968.
    • The Green Revolution bolstered India’s food security and reduced dependence on imports.

    Swaminathan’s Contributions to the Green Revolution

    • Swaminathan worked on enhancing crop varieties, particularly rice and wheat.
    • He pioneered the development of semi-dwarf wheat varieties to reduce lodging and boost yields.
    • Collaboration with Norman Borlaug resulted in the introduction of dwarfing genes into wheat varieties, leading to the “Wheat Revolution.”
    • Swaminathan recognized the challenges of the Green Revolution, including the displacement of local crop varieties, soil fertility conservation issues, and indiscriminate pesticide use.
    • He also noted the risks of overexploiting groundwater.

    Advocacy for Farmers

    • As the head of the National Commission on Farmers from 2004 to 2006, Swaminathan advocated for the welfare of farmers.
    • He recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce should be at least 50% more than the cost of production, ensuring fair compensation to farmers.

    Awards and recognition

    • Swaminathan was awarded the first World Food Prize Laureate in 1987 for his contributions to India’s wheat and rice production.
    • He received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.

    Conclusion

    • As we remember the Father of the Green Revolution, we must also reflect on the challenges that persist in Indian agriculture and work towards a sustainable and equitable future. Swaminathan’s vision and dedication will continue to inspire generations of agricultural scientists and policymakers in their pursuit of a food-secure India.

  • In news: Dadasaheb Phalke Award

     Central Idea

    • Union Information and Broadcasting Minister announced that veteran actor Waheeda Rehman would be given the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021, honouring her stellar contribution to Indian cinema.

    About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Purpose Highest honor in Indian cinema for outstanding contributions to its growth and development.
    Inception Instituted by the Indian government in 1969.
    Named After Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema.”
    Components ‘Swarna Kamal’ (Golden Lotus), INR 10 lakh cash prize, certificate, silk scroll, and shawl.
    Presentation By the President of India in the presence of key film industry representatives and officials.
    First Recipient Devika Rani Roerich (1969).

    Who was Dadasaheb Phalke?

    • Early Life: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, had a diverse career. He initially studied engineering and sculpture and later developed a fascination for motion pictures after watching the 1906 silent film ‘The Life of Christ.’
    • Varied Pursuits: Before entering the world of cinema, Phalke worked as a photographer, owned a printing press, and even collaborated with the renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.
    • Filmmaking Pioneer: In 1913, Phalke scripted, produced, and directed India’s inaugural feature film, the silent masterpiece ‘Raja Harishchandra.’ This groundbreaking film’s commercial success marked the beginning of Phalke’s prolific career in which he created 95 more films and 26 short films over the next 19 years.
    • Father of Indian Cinema: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke is hailed as the “Father of Indian Cinema” for his pioneering contributions to the country’s film industry.

  • Climate Change and Infectious Diseases

    What’s the news?

    • The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in March, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating global risk posed by infectious diseases.

    Central idea

    • The intricate relationship between climate and disease becomes more evident with each passing year. Recent analysis in Nature Climate Change (2022) warns that humans now face a wider array of infectious agents than ever before. More than half of all known infectious diseases affecting humans worsen due to shifting climate patterns.

    The Impact of Climate Change on Infections

    • Habitat Loss and Human-Animal Interaction:
    • Climate change contributes to habitat loss, pushing disease-carrying animals into closer proximity to human territories.
    • This increased interaction between humans and wildlife raises the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans.
    • For example, the Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala originated from bats and caused fatalities in humans.
    • Broader Spectrum of Infectious Agents: An analysis published in Nature Climate Change in 2022 warns that humans now face a wider range of infectious agents due to climate change. Over half of all known infectious diseases that threaten humans are exacerbated by changing climate patterns.
    • New Transmission Routes: Diseases often find new transmission routes due to climate change. This includes transmission through environmental sources as well as through medical tourism and contaminated food and water from once-reliable sources.
    • Ecosystem Transformation: Climate change is transforming ecosystems by introducing invasive species and extending the range of existing life forms. These changes trigger complex upheavals in ecosystems, making it challenging for ecologists and epidemiologists to predict disease outbreaks.
    • Manifestation of Climatic Shifts: These climatic shifts are manifesting in severe health crises, including a dengue epidemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Kolkata, as well as the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.
    • Human-Induced Health Vulnerability Crisis:
    • Human-induced climate change is described as unleashing an unprecedented health vulnerability crisis.
    • India, in particular, has experienced the ominous impact, with early summers and erratic monsoons leading to water scarcity in regions like the Gangetic Plains and Kerala.

    Current Surveillance, Reporting, and Challenges

    • Improved Reporting Over the Decades:
    • India has made significant progress in reporting disease outbreaks over the past two decades.
    • Initiatives like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) were introduced to enhance disease surveillance.
    • For example, in 2008, IDSP reported 553 outbreaks, and by 2017, this number had increased to 1,714.
    • Transition to the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP):
    • The IDSP was phased out in favor of a newer system called the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) in 2018.
    • IHIP is a web-enabled, near-real-time electronic information system that added 20 additional disease conditions compared to IDSP’s 13.
    • It aimed to provide disaggregated data to its users.
    • Unfulfilled Expectations: Despite the promise of IHIP, the program has not fully met expectations for real-time tracking of emerging disease outbreaks.
    • Inadequate Surveillance for Emerging Diseases: The current design of disease surveillance is deemed inadequate for the emerging disease scenario brought about by climate change.

    The Need for a Unified Approach: One Health

    • Interconnectedness of Health: One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. It emphasizes that these domains are interdependent and that the health of one is intimately linked to the health of the others.
    • Preventing Disease Outbreaks: The One Health approach is pivotal in preventing disease outbreaks, particularly those originating from animals. It acknowledges that diseases like zoonotic infections (those that can be transmitted from animals to humans), neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental contamination are all interconnected.
    • Holistic Approach: One Health takes a holistic approach to health surveillance and prevention. It goes beyond traditional disease control strategies and recognizes the need to address health challenges at their source, including the role of ecosystems.

    Recommendations for India

    • Implement one health program: Foster synergy between the central and state governments and their specialized agencies, including animal husbandry, forest and wildlife, municipal corporations, and public health departments. Develop robust surveillance systems and establish lines of responsibility and collaboration.
    • Coordination and Management: With the influx of funding from sources like the World Bank, enhance the coordination and management of One Health initiatives. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister has played a leading role, but greater collaboration is essential.

    Way forward: Looking Beyond Disease X

    • The Obsession with “Disease X”: While the global focus remains on the mysterious “Disease X,” the ongoing challenges posed by familiar infectious agents like influenza, measles, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and diarrhoea continue to strain public health systems.
    • Climate Change’s Broader Impact: Climate change is not limited to infectious diseases. It exacerbates injuries and fatalities resulting from extreme weather events, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
    • Nipah’s Wake-Up Call: The re-emergence of the Nipah virus in Kerala serves as a stark wake-up call, emphasizing that a mere biomedical response to diseases is inadequate in the face of evolving threats.
    • The Role of Ecosystems: Protecting ecosystems becomes paramount as they play a crucial role in mitigating climate-induced infectious diseases and maintaining overall ecological balance.
    • Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, health departments, environmental bodies, and the public, is essential to effectively address these complex challenges.
    • Proactive Safeguarding: The road ahead demands concerted efforts not only to adapt to climate change but also to proactively safeguard our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants for a resilient and healthier future.

    Conclusion

    • The urgent need for a One Health approach to combat climate-induced infectious diseases is clear. India must prioritize collaboration, surveillance, and ecosystem protection to effectively address this growing threat and secure a healthier future for its population.

  • Southwest Monsoon begins early Withdrawal/Retreat

    monsoon

    Central Idea

    • India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced withdrawal of the monsoon.

    What is Monsoon Withdrawal/Retreat?

    • In India, retreating monsoon is the withdrawal of south-west monsoon winds from North India.
    • The withdrawal is gradual and takes about three months.
    • With the retreat of the monsoons, the clouds disappear and the sky becomes clear. The day temperature starts falling steeply.
    • Monsoon rains weaken all over India except few southeastern states.
    • It is helpful in Rabi crop cultivation.

    Factors affecting the retreat

    Two predominant factors cause the phenomenon:

    (1) Land topography

    • First, the low mountain range in each region runs from north to south, shielding it from west-bound winds that trigger summer monsoon.
    • After summer, the range aids in the ‘orographic lift’ or rising of east-bound air mass from a lower to higher elevation, forming clouds and resulting in rain.

    (2) Atmospheric convection

    • The second factor is atmospheric convection or vertical movement of air.
    • As the earth is heated by the sun, different surfaces absorb different amounts of energy and convection may occur where the surface heats up very rapidly.
    • As the surface warms, it heats the overlying air, which gradually becomes less dense than the surrounding air and begins to rise.
    • This condition is more favorable from September to February because of the role played by sea surface temperature or water temperature.

    Immediate factors influencing withdrawal

    • The withdrawal of the monsoon is based on meteorological conditions such as-
    1. Anti-cyclonic circulation (dry air that is the opposite of a cyclone)
    2. Absence of rain in the past five days and
    3. Dry weather conditions over the region

    When does it occur?

    • The monsoon withdrawal is a long-drawn process and extends into mid-October, though the IMD considers September 30 to be the final day of the season over India.
    • The rain after that is categorised as “post-monsoon” rainfall.

  • How Indians and their Boats fared in the Deep Sea?

    boat

    Central Idea

    • A groundbreaking 21-meter-long ship, constructed using an age-old technique of stitching wooden planks with ropes, cords, coconut fibers, natural resins, and oils, is scheduled to embark ‘Baliyatra’ from Odisha to Bali, Indonesia.
    • The initiative, led by the Govt. of India, aims to rekindle the nation’s rich maritime tradition and heritage.
    • This remarkable journey will be manned by a crew from the Indian Navy.

    Early Evidence of Maritime Trade

    • Ancient Maritime Trade: The presence of maritime trade networks dating back to circa 3300-1300 BCE is supported by evidence from the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and coastal sites along the Arabian Sea. The engineering marvel of the dock at Lothal in Gujarat stands as a testament to the Indus civilization’s profound understanding of tides and winds.
    • Historical Accounts: Ancient texts, including the Vedas (circa 1500-500 BCE), contain vivid accounts of seafaring adventures and the associated risks. Furthermore, the Jataka Tales (circa 300 BCE-400 CE) and Tamil Sangam literature (circa 300 BCE-300 CE) provide explicit references to maritime activities.

    Challenges in Recognizing Maritime Heritage

    • Historiographical Biases: Historians have often marginalized India’s maritime heritage in favor of narratives centered on land-based polities. This bias has led to the neglect of India’s maritime contributions.
    • Emergence of Deep-Sea Voyages: The 1st century BCE witnessed intensified mid-ocean voyages driven by the Roman Empire’s demand for Eastern commodities, which harnessed monsoon winds and marked a significant turning point in maritime activity.

    Ancient Indian Boats and Shipbuilding

    • Limited Knowledge: The field of marine archaeology in India remains at an early stage of development, with primary insights derived from boat-building traditions, artistic depictions, and literary sources.
    • Traditional Boat-Building Techniques: Indian boat construction traditions favor stitching planks of wood together instead of using nails. These traditions encompass coir-stitched, jong (Southeast Asian), and Austronesian methods, each employing various stitching techniques.
    • Wood Selection: Selection of wood types for shipbuilding depended on their suitability for specific ship components. Mangrove wood excelled in creating sturdy dowels, while teak was preferred for planks, keels, stem, and stern posts.

    India’s Role in Maritime Trade

    • Trade Lake of the Indian Ocean: By the Common Era, the Indian Ocean had evolved into a thriving trade network, with India positioned at its heart. This network facilitated trade connections between India and Europe via the Middle East and Africa in the west, as well as Southeast Asia, China, and Malaysia in the east.
    • Evidence of Scale: Estimates indicate the colossal scale of trade, with customs taxes collected from the Red Sea trade route alone contributing significantly to the Roman exchequer.

    Uncovering a Hidden Past

    • Ongoing Exploration: Recent excavations have provided substantial insights into India’s maritime history. Nevertheless, experts acknowledge that numerous discoveries await on this journey of exploration.
    • Need for Investment: Marine archaeology in India requires increased funding and recognition to unlock its full potential and contribute meaningfully to humanity’s understanding of the past.
    • Value of Knowledge: Scientific archaeology’s pursuit of India’s deep maritime past offers the potential for immense benefits to humanity. Engaging with this history challenges conventional narratives and represents a subversive yet essential endeavor.

    Conclusion

    • The forthcoming voyage of the stitched ship symbolizes India’s dedicated efforts to rejuvenate its maritime heritage, shedding light on the forgotten history of Indian seafarers and their remarkable vessels.
    • Through exploration and study, India seeks to restore the rightful place of its maritime legacy in the annals of history.