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GS Paper: GS1

  • 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.

  • Places in news: Gurez Valley

    gurez valley

    Central Idea

    • The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war.
    • The newly established 130-kilometer road has been opened to tourists, and one of its highest passes, Kaobal Gali, situated at an elevation of 4,166.9 meters in Gurez, serves as the vital link connecting these two valleys.

    About Gurez Valley

    • Found in the Kashmir valley, Gurez is positioned near the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Astore and Neelum districts.
    • The local inhabitants are primarily ethnic Dards/Shins who speak the Shina language and share similar dress and cultural traditions with their counterparts in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
    • The Buduaab village within Gurez valley is known for its Zumba yak, a smaller breed compared to other yaks.
    • Gurez valley played a significant role in the Kargil war.
    • It is closely situated to the Line of Control (LoC), with the Kishanganga river delineating the border in multiple areas.
    • Unique to the Gurez valley is the presence of villages constructed entirely of log houses, devoid of modern urban construction materials.
    • The region boasts diverse fauna and wildlife, including species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, musk deer, and marmots.
    • With approximately 38,000 inhabitants, the Gurez valley has already welcomed an impressive 50,000 tourists this year.

    Back2Basisc: Mushkoh Valley

    • Located in Dras, Ladakh, the Mushkoh valley is also renowned as the “valley of wild tulips.”
    • The valley gained notoriety due to the fierce battle at Tiger Hill during a conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.
    • Mushkoh valley’s meadows are adorned with vibrant wild tulip flowers, and it is home to the endangered Himalayan yew.

  • Documented Tripitaka: Tracing Buddhism’s Sri Lanka Connection

    tripitaka

    Central Idea

    • A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka.
    • Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route.

    Why such move?

    • The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally transmitted orally.
    • However, it was under the auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, a contemporary of King Asoka, that these teachings were written on palm leaves in Sri Lanka.
    • This event marked the advent of Buddhist literature in India.

    About Tripitaka

    • The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
    • It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

    History and significance

    • The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
    • It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

    Composition of the Tripitaka:

    (1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):

    • Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
    • Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
    • Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
    • Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

    (2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):

    • Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Buddha and his close disciples.
    • Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
    • Consists of individual Suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
    • Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

    (3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):

    • Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
    • Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
    • Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
    • Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
    • Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

    Features and Characteristics

    • Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
    • Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
    • Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
    • Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.

  • How Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the worship of Lord Ganesh a grand community festival

    Tilak

    What’s the news?

    • The ten-day Ganesh festival, commencing on September 19, is celebrated nationwide with mass participation, a transformation attributed to Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 19th-century efforts, now symbolizing India’s unity and resilience.

    Central idea

    • The ten-day Ganesh festival is a spectacle of devotion and festivity celebrated with enthusiasm across India, particularly in the western regions. This grand public event, characterized by mass participation, owes its transformation from a one-day private affair to a colossal celebration to the visionary nationalist leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, fondly known as Lokmanya or the Leader of the People.

    Tilak’s Nationalistic Ideals

    • Advocated Swaraj (self-rule) with unwavering commitment: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a visionary leader who firmly believed in India’s right to self-rule. At a time when many nationalist leaders were seeking concessions from the British, Tilak boldly asserted that India should have full self-governance, known as Swaraj, as its birthright.
    • Fearlessly criticized British exploitation in India: Tilak was an outspoken critic of British colonial rule in India. He fearlessly highlighted the exploitation, economic hardships, and cultural subjugation faced by Indians under British rule.
    • Promoted modern civil and political rights: Tilak advocated for the modernization of India’s political and civil rights. He argued for greater political participation and civil liberties for Indians, emphasizing the need for Indians to have the same rights as citizens of other nations.
    • Gained popularity through fiery rhetoric and direct language: Tilak’s communication style was marked by fiery rhetoric and direct language. He used newspapers and public speeches to communicate his ideas to a wide audience.

    Tilak’s Leadership and Vision

    • Emerged as a prominent mass leader in India’s anti-colonial movement: Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s leadership during the late 19th and early 20th centuries made him one of the most prominent figures in India’s anti-colonial struggle.
    • Iconic declaration: Tilak’s famous declaration, Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it, encapsulated his determination and became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement.
    • Effectively mobilized people against British rule: Tilak’s leadership was instrumental in mobilizing people against British colonial rule. He organized protests, public meetings, and social and cultural events that galvanized support for the nationalist cause.
    • Utilized Hindu imagery and symbolism in political campaigns: Tilak recognized the power of symbolism in political mobilization. He used Hindu imagery and symbolism to appeal to the cultural and religious sentiments of the majority of Indians.

    Tilak

    The Transformation of the Ganesh Festival

    • Shifted the Ganesh festival from a one-day private event: Before Tilak’s intervention, the Ganesh festival was a one-day private affair largely observed by Brahmins and upper castes. However, in 1893, Tilak initiated a transformative change by expanding the festival into a ten-day community celebration.
    • Introduced community Ganpati worship in 1893: Tilak introduced the concept of community Ganpati worship during the Ganesh festival, allowing people from all social strata to participate in the festivities.
    • Incorporated patriotic songs and propagated nationalist ideas: Under Tilak’s guidance, the Ganesh festival became a platform for singing patriotic songs and propagating nationalist ideas.
    • Formation of Ganesh festival societies and increased youth participation: Tilak’s efforts led to the establishment of Ganesh festival societies across Maharashtra, encouraging youth participation and instilling a sense of pride, valor, and patriotism among the youth.

    Shivaji Festival and Boycott Campaign

    • Initiated the Shivaji festival in 1896 to inspire nationalism: In addition to the Ganesh festival, Tilak introduced the Shivaji festival in 1896 to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha king Shivaji and inspire nationalist sentiments among young Maharashtrians.
    • Celebrated the legacy of Maratha King Shivaji: The Shivaji festival paid tribute to Shivaji’s role in resisting foreign rule and promoting Swaraj, instilling pride in Maharashtrians.
    • Organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth: In 1896, Tilak organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth in response to the imposition of an excise duty on cotton by the British colonial administration.
    • Efforts galvanized support for the nationalist cause: Both the Shivaji festival and the boycott campaign were instrumental in galvanizing support for the nationalist cause.

    Controversies and Criticisms

    • Accused of introducing a communal aspect to the freedom struggle: Tilak faced criticism for allegedly introducing communal elements into the freedom struggle, particularly during the communal clashes of 1893.
    • Maintained a conservative stance on women’s emancipation and caste reforms: Tilak’s conservative positions on women’s rights and caste reforms were points of contention.
    • Criticize the British for favoring Muslims due to fears of a Hindu majority: During the communal clashes of 1893, Tilak accused the British of being partisan towards Muslims out of fear of a growing Hindu majority.
    • Left a complex legacy with an enduring impact on India’s nationalist movement: Despite the controversies and criticisms, Bal Gangadhar Tilak left a complex but indelible legacy in India’s struggle for independence, shaping the course of the nationalist movement.

    Conclusion

    • Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s vision and leadership and his efforts to unite and instill nationalist fervor through this festival continue to shape the way it is celebrated today. Ganesh Chaturthi stands as a symbol of India’s unity and resilience in the face of colonial rule, thanks to the foresight of Lokmanya’ Tilak.

  • Why Gandhi opposed Caste-based Separate Electorates?

    gandhi fast

    Central Idea

    • Mahatma Gandhi used fasting as a potent tool to press for change during India’s struggle for independence.
    • He employed it both as a form of personal penance and as a means to pressure the British authorities to meet his demands.

    The Gandhi-Ambedkar Debate

    • The 1932 Turning Point: In September 1932, within the walls of the Yerawada Central Jail in Pune, Gandhi initiated a hunger strike against the idea of separate electorates for the harijans (lower castes). This action brought him into a fierce debate with another prominent leader, B.R. Ambedkar.
    • The Debate’s Legacy: The “Gandhi-Ambedkar debate” revolved around their differing views on caste and ultimately influenced the reservation system that India has today.

    Gandhi’s Changing Views on Caste

    • Early Beliefs: In his early years, Gandhi held orthodox views on caste, supporting prohibitions on inter-dining and inter-marriage. He considered caste a crucial part of Hinduism.
    • Evolution of Beliefs: As Gandhi became a central figure in India’s freedom movement, his views evolved. Partially influenced by the emerging Dalit movement, he advocated unity and opposed untouchability, referring to untouchables as “harijans” or children of God.
    • Important Quote: Gandhi wrote in 1936, “I do know that it [untouchability] is harmful both to spiritual and national good.”

    Ambedkar’s Radical Views on Caste

    • Ambedkar’s Perspective: B.R. Ambedkar’s stance was more radical than Gandhi’s. He believed that mere reform wouldn’t undo centuries of discrimination. He argued that change would only come when the oppressed themselves rejected their condition, including the divine authority of the shastras (holy scriptures) that upheld caste.
    • Political Empowerment: Ambedkar emphasized that political power was essential for lower castes to address their grievances and proposed separate electorates as a form of affirmative action.
    • Separate Electorates Explained: Ambedkar’s proposal involved separate electorates for lower castes, allowing them to vote for candidates from their own community as well as in the general electorate. He believed this would empower lower castes.

    Gandhi’s Opposition to Separate Electorates

    • Gandhi’s Perspective: Gandhi opposed separate electorates, arguing that they did too little for lower castes. He believed that lower castes should aspire to lead, not settle for a small share of seats.
    • Concerns: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would divide Hindu society further and play into the hands of British colonial rulers who exploited internal divisions.
    • Challenging Times: The rising tensions between Hindus and Muslims at the time also fueled Gandhi’s concerns. Separate electorates for lower castes alongside those for Muslims would weaken the unity of the Hindu community.

    The Yerawada Fast and the Poona Pact

    • Gandhi’s Hunger Strike: In September 1932, Gandhi embarked on a hunger strike in Yerawada Jail against separate electorates for castes. He called it a “God-given opportunity” to sacrifice his life for the downtrodden.
    • Ambedkar’s Dilemma: Ambedkar faced a challenging decision. Giving in to Gandhi’s demands was difficult, as it conflicted with his own ideas. However, Gandhi’s immense popularity and the potential for violence against Dalits pressured him.
    • The Poona Pact: Eventually, under duress, Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact, securing reservations for lower castes while putting the idea of separate electorates to rest.

    Legacy of the Fast

    • Mixed Perspectives: Gandhi’s fast is seen by some as preventing British “divide and rule” tactics. Others view it as coercion, as Ambedkar had little choice but to concede. Ambedkar questioned why Gandhi didn’t fast against untouchability itself.
    • Unresolved Tensions: The debate’s legacy endures. While the Poona Pact addressed immediate concerns, it left lingering issues of political representation and social transformation within India’s caste system.
    • Ambedkar’s View: Ambedkar later wrote, “The Joint Electorate is… a ‘Rotten Borough’ in which the Hindus get the right to nominate an untouchable to set nominally as a representative of the untouchables but really as a tool of the Hindus.”

  • 108-Foot Adi Shankaracharya Statue in Omkareshwar, MP

    Adi Shankaracharya

    Central Idea

    • A monumental 108-foot-tall statue of Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya, known as ‘Ekatmata Ki Pratima’ (Statue of Oneness), was recently unveiled in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • This project is part of the government’s efforts to develop Omkareshwar as a prominent religious and tourism destination.

    Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview

    • Adi Shankaracharya was a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, often referred to as Sankara (Jagatguru). He was a staunch advocate of ancient Hinduism.
    • His birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is poised to be declared a national monument.
    • He received guidance from his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, under whom he diligently studied texts like ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
    • Shankara propagated the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ earning him the title ‘Shankaracharya’ among his disciples.

    His Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta

    • Non-Dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ espouses non-dualism.
    • Ultimate Reality: It asserts that the world exists due to the creative energy (Maya) of Brahman, the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
    • Identity of Self: In Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both identical in truth – both are Brahman. However, the individual self appears different, akin to space inside a container seeming distinct from space as a whole.
    • Overcoming Error: Mistakes and ignorance lead to a plurality (Avidya), but understanding Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.

    Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya

    Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played pivotal roles in propagating his teachings:

    1. Padmapada: Known for his deep devotion and poetry.
    2. Totakacharya: Devoted to Shankaracharya’s mission and revered for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
    3. Hasta Malaka: A child prodigy who astounded Shankaracharya with his understanding of Advaita philosophy.
    4. Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to Shankaracharya.

    Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya

    • Shankaracharya introduced the ‘Shanmata’ system, which emphasized worship of the five principal deities and restored the Dashanami structure.
    • He composed numerous devotional and meditative hymns and authored key texts on Advaita Vedanta, including commentaries on major scriptures.
    • Adi Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism at a time when it faced challenges from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting unity and re-establishing traditions.
    • He established four monastic institutions (Mathas) in different corners of India, unifying the nation and codifying leadership roles:
    1. Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Chikmaglur in Karnataka
    2. Jyotir Matha in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand
    3. Kalika Matha in Dwarka in Gujarat
    4. Govardhana Matha in Puri in Odisha

  • Humans breach most of the planetary boundaries: What does it mean — and why it is significant

    planetary

    What’s the news?

    • The Earth, our only home, is facing a severe health crisis due to the unchecked activities of human beings. A recent study reveals that we have breached six out of nine planetary boundaries.

    Central idea

    • Human activities have pushed Earth’s blood pressure dangerously high, imperiling the planet’s well-being. A recent study titled Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries, conducted by a global team of 29 scientists from eight countries and published in Science Advances, reveals that we have transgressed six out of nine planetary boundaries, akin to the vital parameters of Earth’s health.

    What are the planetary boundaries?

    • The planetary boundaries are a framework developed in 2009 that defines the limits of humanity’s impact on Earth’s essential processes and systems.
    • These boundaries serve as guardrails to ensure that human activities do not push the planet beyond a point where it can no longer maintain the conditions necessary to support modern civilizations.
    • These boundaries help identify the environmental limits within which human societies can thrive without causing irreversible damage to the Earth’s ecosystems.

    Nine planetary boundaries and their associated control variables

    • Biosphere Integrity: This boundary relates to the health of ecosystems and the rate of species extinction.
    • Climate Change: It involves the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and the change in radiative forcing, which measures the balance of energy from sunlight compared to thermal energy lost by the Earth.
    • Novel Entities: This boundary focuses on human-made substances not naturally found in the environment, such as synthetic chemicals, plastics, and genetically modified organisms.
    • Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: This boundary concerns the release of human-made chemicals that harm the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
    • Freshwater Change: It examines human-induced impacts on both blue (in lakes and rivers) and green (available in soil for plants) water resources.
    • Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: This boundary tracks various particles from human-made emissions that affect cloud formation and atmospheric circulation.
    • Ocean Acidification: It addresses the long-term reduction in ocean pH due to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 by seawater.
    • Land System Change: This boundary evaluates changes in land use, especially the conversion of natural landscapes to agriculture or urban areas.
    • Biogeochemical Flow: It focuses on alterations in the natural flows and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, essential for plant growth.

    Findings of the study regarding the state of planetary boundaries

    • Breached Planetary Boundaries: Out of the nine planetary boundaries identified, six have been breached by human activities. These boundaries include climate change, biosphere integrity, freshwater change, land system change, biogeochemical flows, and novel entities.
    • Remaining Within Constraints: Two planetary boundaries, namely atmospheric aerosol loading and ozone depletion, are reported to remain within acceptable constraints. However, the boundary related to ocean acidification is noted as being close to being breached.
    • Concerns about Nitrogen and Phosphorus: The study emphasizes the issue of an overflow of nitrogen and phosphorus, which falls under the biogeochemical flow boundary. While these elements are essential for life, their excessive use as crop fertilizers is causing problems such as algal blooms and ocean dead zones, where oxygen levels in the water decrease significantly, posing a threat to marine ecosystems.
    • Historical Violations: The biosphere integrity boundary was reportedly violated in the 19th century due to rapid land use changes that significantly impacted various species. Similarly, the freshwater boundary was breached in the 20th century, specifically between 1905 and 1929.
    • Rising Levels of Novel Entities: The study raises concerns about the increasing levels of novel entities in the environment. These include synthetic chemicals like pesticides and plastics that have been released into the environment without adequate safety testing. The presence of these novel entities is seen as destabilizing and harmful to the Earth’s systems.
    • Land System Change: The article highlights that land-use conversion and fires are contributing to rapid changes in forested areas. Notably, deforestation in the Amazon tropical forest has increased to the point of transgressing the planetary boundary.
    • Climate Change: The analysis of climate change indicates that both atmospheric CO2 concentration and radiative forcing are steadily increasing. For instance, the concentration of CO2 currently stands at 417 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than the pre-Industrial Revolution level of 280 ppm. The safe boundary limit for CO2 concentration is noted as 350 ppm, which was breached in the 1980s.

    Can Earth’s health still recover?

    • Unlike tipping points, which can lead to large and often irreversible changes in the climate system, planetary boundaries are described as being more flexible.
    • This means that breaches of these boundaries do not necessarily result in irreversible damage, and corrective actions can bring the Earth back within a safe operating space.
    • For example, the stratospheric ozone depletion boundary is improving. This improvement is attributed to the combined international efforts initiated by the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The successful coordination to address ozone depletion serves as a positive precedent for addressing other breached boundaries.

    Two Important Actions for Recovery

    • Ending Fossil Fuel Burning: Curtailing or ending the burning of fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change, is seen as essential. This action would help address the breach of the climate change boundary.
    • Ending Destructive Farming: Implementing sustainable farming practices and reducing the negative impacts of land-use changes, including deforestation, can help restore ecosystems and address breaches related to land system change and biosphere integrity.

    Conclusion

    • We are at a critical juncture where concerted global efforts can still heal our planet. We must prioritize sustainability, conservation, and responsible resource management to ensure that future generations inherit a habitable Earth. The time to act is now, for Earth’s blood pressure has risen dangerously high, and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.

    Also read:

    Sustainable agriculture, climate change and nutrition: a complex challenge

  • [pib] Nuakhai Festival

    Nuakhai

    Central Idea

    • The Prime Minister has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai.

    About Nuakhai

    • Nuakhai, also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat, is alternatively referred to as Navakhai Parv in Chhattisgarh.
    • Nuakhai is predominantly an agricultural festival celebrated by tribal communities and Hindus residing in Western Odisha.
    • It is also observed in the adjacent regions of Simdega in Jharkhand, where the cultural influence of Western Odisha is prominent.
    • Nuakhai is observed to mark the arrival of the new rice harvest.
    • The term “nua” signifies new, and “khai” represents food, symbolizing the farmers’ possession of the freshly harvested rice.
    • This festival falls on the panchami tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August- September).
    • It occurs the day following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

    Historical Roots

    • Nuakhai traces its origins back to ancient times, with its roots in the Pralambana Yajna, which involves harvesting the first crop and making a reverential offering to the mother goddess.
    • In its present form, the festival is linked to the time of the first Chauhan King Ramai Deva of Patnagarh in western Odisha.

    Course of Celebrations

    • Nuakhai festivities encompass a series of nine rituals commencing with Behrana and culminating in Juhar Bhet.
    1. Beheren: This marks the announcement of the scheduled meeting date.
    2. Nuakhai: The highlight of the celebration involves partaking in the freshly harvested crop after offering it to the deity, accompanied by lively dancing and singing.
    3. Juhar bhet: It involves seeking blessings from elders and exchanging gifts with them as a gesture of respect and affection.