PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US Constitution.
Linkage: This question directly addresses India’s secular character. The article explicitly defines Indian secularism not as “mere religious neutrality but the positive assurance that the state will treat all religions equally, protect the rights of minorities, and ensure that no citizen suffers discrimination on the basis of faith”. |
Mentor’s Comment: The words (socialism and secularism) were added during the Emergency through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), but they are not just additions; they are core values that reflect the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the vision of the Constitution’s framers.
Today’s editorial analyses the impact of the removal of socialism and secularism in the Indian Constitution. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent statement by the right-wing leader advocating the removal of “socialism” and “secularism” from the Preamble of the Constitution has triggered widespread concern.
What is the role of socialism and secularism beyond the Preamble?
-
Role of Socialism beyond the Preamble:
-
-
- Embedded in Directive Principles: Articles like 38, 39, 41–43 guide the state to secure economic justice, reduce inequality, and promote welfare measures.
- Reflected in Fundamental Rights: Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 16 (equal opportunity in public employment) embody the socialist commitment to justice and dignity.
- Guides Judicial and Legislative Action: Courts and lawmakers have interpreted and enacted policies (like land reforms, reservation, public healthcare) in line with socialist philosophy to ensure inclusive growth.
-
Role of Secularism beyond the Preamble:
-
- Constitutional Protections for Religious Freedom: Articles 25–28 ensure freedom of religion, worship, and prohibit religious taxes or religious instruction in state-funded institutions.
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: Articles 15 and 29–30 ensure that no citizen is discriminated against based on religion and that minority cultural and educational rights are protected.
- Part of Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court has affirmed that secularism is inherent to the Constitution’s basic structure, safeguarding religious neutrality of the state in governance. Eg: In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), secularism was upheld as part of the basic structure.
Why is removing socialism and secularism seen as a threat to the basic structure?
- Undermines Constitutional Guarantees of Equality and Justice: Secularism ensures the equal treatment of all religions and protects minority rights, while socialism underpins the goal of economic equality and a welfare state. Their removal would weaken the guarantee of justice, liberty, and equality. Eg: Articles 14–16 (Right to Equality) and 25–30 (Freedom of Religion and Minority Rights) draw directly from secular and socialist ideals.
- Contradicts the Foundational Vision of the Constitution: The Objective Resolution, Constituent Assembly Debates, and freedom struggle clearly endorsed secular and socialist principles as integral to India’s identity. Removing them attempts to rewrite history and alter the spirit of the Constitution. Eg: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s final speech in the Constituent Assembly emphasized equality and fraternity—values rooted in socialism and secularism.
How do India’s freedom struggle and debates reflect these constitutional values?
- Freedom Struggle Emphasised Equality and Social Justice (Socialism): Leaders like MK Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar envisioned an India free not only from colonial rule but also from poverty, caste oppression, and economic exploitation. These ideals laid the foundation for a socialist orientation in the Constitution, focusing on welfare, equitable distribution, and dignity for all.
- Constituent Assembly Debates Favoured Religious Pluralism and Inclusion (Secularism): The framers, influenced by India’s diverse social fabric, stressed a neutral state that treats all religions equally. Debates clearly show a consensus that religion should not influence state affairs, leading to the inclusion of secular provisions like Articles 25–28.
How has the Supreme Court upheld secularism under the basic structure doctrine?
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Court held that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution. Though this case didn’t directly address secularism, it laid the foundation for later rulings protecting it as part of the core constitutional philosophy.
- S.R. Bommai Case (1994): The Court explicitly declared that secularism is part of the Constitution’s basic structure. It ruled that a state government can be dismissed if it acts against secular principles, reinforcing that the State must remain neutral and equidistant from all religions.
- Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002): The Court upheld that secularism does not mean hostility to religion, but rather equal respect for all religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava). It reaffirmed that religious pluralism and tolerance are integral to the Indian State’s identity.
|
Way forward:
- Strengthen Constitutional Literacy and Civic Education: Promote widespread awareness about the values of socialism and secularism embedded in the Constitution through school curricula, public campaigns, and community programs. An informed citizenry is essential to defend constitutional principles against any attempts at dilution.
- Judicial and Legislative Vigilance: The judiciary must remain proactive in upholding secularism and social justice as part of the basic structure doctrine. Parliamentarians and civil society must oppose regressive amendments and uphold constitutional morality in lawmaking and governance.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently carrying out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. This has caused political and social concerns because the ECI is focusing only on verifying “ordinary residents” and has given a very short deadline ending on July 31 for this process.
Why is the ECI’s voter roll revision in Bihar being criticised?
- Short timeframe: The ECI allocated just one month, till July 31, for the entire revision process, which is inadequate for comprehensive voter verification in a state like Bihar.
- Strict criteria: The emphasis on “ordinary residents” could ignore the legal protection for temporary absentees as outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Risk of wrongful deletions: Migrant workers might not be present for verification, leading to lakhs of wrongful deletions from electoral rolls.
What hurdles do migrant voters face in verification?
- Inaccessibility During Verification Window: Many migrant voters are unable to be physically present at their home constituencies during the short verification period, making it difficult to confirm their status. Eg: An estimated 20% of Bihar’s electorate is migrant; many may miss the July 31 deadline, risking exclusion.
- Lack of Clarity for Long-Term Migrants: There is ambiguity in addressing voters who have moved long-term but haven’t updated their registration to their new place of work.
How does the law define ‘ordinary residence’ for voters?
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 defines ‘ordinary residence’ as the place where a person normally lives and has the intention to return, even if they are temporarily absent.
Key Legal Provisions:
- Section 19 of the Act: A person shall be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency of their ordinary residence. Temporary absence does not disqualify a person from being considered ordinarily resident.
- Electoral Roll Manual Guidelines: Migrants temporarily away (for work, studies, etc.) are still eligible if they have the ability and intention to return. Removal from the roll requires proof of permanent relocation.
|
What does Bihar’s gender turnout reveal about migration?
- Higher Female Voter Turnout: In the 2024 general election, more women voted than men in absolute numbers in Bihar. This indicates a gender skew in voter participation likely linked to male absenteeism due to migration.
- Male Migrant Absenteeism: Despite having more registered male voters, the male turnout was lower, suggesting many men were away for work and could not vote. It reflects the scale of male labour migration out of Bihar.
Do the same issues occur in other states?
- Jharkhand – Migration-linked Voter Drop: Like Bihar, Jharkhand has seen low male voter turnout due to seasonal and long-term migration for labour work.
- Uttar Pradesh – Exclusion Risk in Urban Centres: In urban areas of Uttar Pradesh, slum and migrant populations often lack proper identity or address documents, making voter verification difficult during intensive revision drives. This causes large-scale exclusions, especially among economically vulnerable groups.
What are the issues related to NRIs at the all-India level?
- Lack of Remote Voting Mechanism: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often face difficulty in exercising their voting rights due to the requirement of physical presence at their home constituency in India. Eg: An NRI working in the UAE must travel to India to vote, leading to low voter turnout among overseas citizens.
- Legal and Procedural Constraints: Though the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010 allowed NRIs to register, postal or online voting is still not widely available.
Eg: The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) has not yet been fully extended to overseas voters, limiting participation.
What are the case studies in the world?
- Mexico – Voting Rights for Migrants Abroad: Mexico allows its citizens living abroad to vote in national elections via postal ballots and electronic voting. This ensures inclusivity for a large number of migrant workers living in the United States and other countries.
- Philippines – Overseas Absentee Voting Act (2003): The Philippines enacted a law enabling overseas Filipinos to vote in presidential, senatorial, and party-list elections. It recognizes the political rights of migrant workers, encouraging participation despite physical absence.
|
How can migrants get better electoral representation? (Way forward)
- Enable Registration at Place of Work: Long-term migrants should be allowed and encouraged to register as voters at their current place of residence. This ensures their political voice aligns with the region where they live and work, making representation more meaningful.
- Extend Verification and Enrollment Timelines: The Election Commission should provide a longer and flexible verification window, especially in high-migration states. This prevents wrongful exclusion and ensures migrants’ voting rights are protected even during temporary absence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.
Linkage: The article focuses on the “Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls” conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, highlighting criticisms due to the enormity of the task, short duration, and strict verification criteria that could result in the “wrongful exclusion of lakhs of voters”
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The U.S. recently carried out unprovoked attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war with Iran. These actions, especially under a renewed Trump administration, have restarted discussions about U.S. imperialism and how it affects the global balance of power.
| Note: Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a powerful country extends its control over weaker territories politically, economically, or militarily, often for strategic or resource-driven gains. |
Is U.S. imperialism a threat to the world?
U.S. imperialism is often viewed as a threat to global stability for the following reasons:
- Violation of International Law: The U.S. has engaged in unilateral military interventions without UN approval, undermining global legal norms. Eg: The 2003 invasion of Iraq was based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction and violated the UN Charter.
- Destabilization of Regions: U.S. actions often leave countries in prolonged conflict, weakening state institutions and increasing terrorism or refugee crises. Eg: U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Libya led to power vacuums and regional instability.
- Erosion of Multilateralism: By acting outside global institutions, the U.S. encourages disregard for international cooperation, weakening collective decision-making. Eg: Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2017) under the Trump administration weakened global climate unity.
Why does the U.S. view China’s rise as a threat?
- Economic Rivalry: China’s rapid growth and its emergence as the world’s second-largest economy ($20 trillion GDP) challenge U.S. dominance in trade, infrastructure (e.g. Belt and Road Initiative), and manufacturing.
- Technological Competition: China’s progress in semiconductors, AI, and green technologies (e.g. leading in renewables and EVs) threatens U.S. supremacy in global innovation and strategic industries.
- Geopolitical Influence: China’s expanding presence in global institutions and alliances like BRICS and SCO counters U.S.-led systems. Its assertiveness in the South China Sea and strategic investments in Africa and Latin America reflect an alternative world order.
What challenges does bipolarity pose for rising powers like India?
- Reduced Strategic Autonomy: In a U.S.-China bipolar world, India may face pressure to align with one power bloc, limiting its independent foreign policy. Eg: India’s participation in Quad may strain ties with China-dominated SCO and BRICS.
- Limited Global Influence: Bipolarity can marginalize middle powers in global decision-making, making consensus harder. Eg: India’s efforts in climate negotiations may be overshadowed by U.S.-China disagreements.
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: Tensions between major powers can destabilize regional security, impacting India directly. Eg: Escalation in the Indo-Pacific due to U.S.-China rivalry increases India’s strategic risks.
Why is the Global South crucial amid failing multilateralism?
- Collective Voice Against Hegemony: As traditional multilateral institutions like the UN or WTO lose credibility, the Global South offers a platform for developing nations to assert their interests. Eg: BRICS expansion allows emerging economies to challenge Western dominance in global financial systems.
- Alternative Frameworks for Cooperation: The Global South promotes minilateralism and regional alliances to address shared challenges like debt, climate change, and trade inequities. Eg: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) reflects South-South cooperation in climate governance.
- Safeguarding Sovereignty and Development Needs: It helps countries resist coercive trade or security alignments and focus on inclusive development models. Eg: G77 bloc resists WTO reforms that could harm public procurement protections vital to developing economies.
How can India balance strategic ties and Global South leadership? (Way forward)
- Pursue Strategic Autonomy: India must maintain an independent foreign policy despite partnerships like Quad. Eg: It joined the BRICS Bank while deepening ties with the U.S., showcasing multi-alignment.
- Take Principled Stands in Global Forums: India should speak out against violations of international law even by allies. Eg: India’s silence on U.S. strikes in Iran undermines its credibility as a Global South leader.
- Champion Collective South-South Agendas: India can lead in climate justice, debt relief, and trade equity for developing countries. Eg: Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Voice of Global South Summit.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Linkage: The expansion of NATO and strengthening of the US-Europe strategic partnership represent key elements of U.S.-led alliances and its approach to global security. This directly relates to the U.S. acting as the “world’s sole superpower” engaged in “aggressive military behaviour” and violating the international order.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Jharkhand on observed ‘Hul’ Diwas to commemorate the rebellion’s 170th anniversary of Santhal Revolt which was held on June 30, 1855.
About the Santhal Revolt:
- Overview: The Santhal Hul (Revolt) began on June 30, 1855, in present-day Jharkhand, and is observed annually as Hul Diwas.
- The ‘Hul’: It means revolution, symbolising one of India’s earliest organized uprisings against British colonialism, even before the 1857 Revolt.
- Leaders Associated: It was led by Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav Murmu, and sisters Phulo and Jhano, and gathered support from 32 different tribal and non-tribal communities.
- Nature of the Revolt: The Santhal Hul was marked by tribal unity, guerrilla warfare, and was primarily an agrarian uprising, not driven by religion or elite politics.
-
- Exploitation by Landlords: It opposed the British East India Company, the Zamindari system, and moneylenders who exploited tribal communities.
- Damin-i-Koh Policy: In 1832, the British created Damin-i-Koh in the Rajmahal Hills to resettle Santhals from Bengal and Jharkhand to clear forests and take up agriculture.
- Alienation: Santhals were subjected to land alienation, forced labor (like kamioti and harwahi), usurious debt traps, and Zamindari-court-police nexus oppression.
- Suppression measures: The British imposed Martial Law on November 10, 1855, and crushed the uprising by January 3, 1856, using modern firearms and war elephants; Sidho and Kanho were killed in action.
- Continued resistance: Even after its suppression, tribal uprisings continued during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in areas like Hazaribagh and Manbhum (now Dhanbad and Purulia).
Key Outcomes of the Revolt:
- Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): This law banned land transfers to non-Adivasis, allowed inheritance under tribal customs, and protected Santhal self-governance.
- Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Inspired by later tribal movements, it restricted sale of tribal and Dalit land, and required Collector’s approval for land transfer within caste and locality.
- Impact on Tribal Identity: The revolt helped shape tribal consciousness, legal land safeguards, and anti-colonial resistance legacies.
- Modern Legacy: The Santhals are now India’s third-largest tribal group, living in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, and they use the ‘Ol Chiki’ script to preserve the Santhali language.
[UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
- The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
- It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
In a major step toward digital adoption reform, Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has confirmed that digitally certified adoption orders sent by e-mail are now legally valid under current rules.
Child Adoption in India: Legal Framework and Process
- Adoption in India is governed by multiple laws, depending on the religion and category of the child:
-
- Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956: Applies to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Applies to all religions and governs adoption of orphans, abandoned, and surrendered children.
- Guardians and Wards Act, 1890: Applies to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis (allows guardianship, not full adoption).
-
- Children declared legally free by a Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Children of relatives (uncle, aunt, or grandparent).
- Stepchildren surrendered by biological parents.
-
- Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and certain foreign nationals (under strict guidelines).
- Must be mentally, physically, and financially stable with no life-threatening conditions.
- Married couples: Stable relationship of at least two years; combined age ≤ 110 years.
- Single women can adopt any child; single men cannot adopt girls.
- Minimum age gap of 25 years between the adoptive parent and the child.
- Couples with three or more children are generally not eligible unless adopting children with special needs.
-
- Online registration on CARA’s CARINGS portal; Submission of documents and Home Study Report.
- Counseling sessions by licensed agencies.
- Matching of child and parents; Acceptance and foster care phase.
- Legal adoption order issued by the District Magistrate (post-2021 amendment).
- Two-year follow-up by the adoption agency.
Role of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA):
- CARA is India’s statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and functions as the central regulatory authority for all adoptions:
- Established in 1990, CARA became a statutory body in 2015 under Section 68 of the JJ Act.
- It is the only legally empowered authority for in-country and inter-country adoption of Indian children.
- India’s Hague Convention central authority, responsible for overseeing foreign adoptions (India ratified the convention in 2003).
Key Functions of CARA:
CARA plays a pivotal role in the adoption ecosystem through the following functions:
- Regulation and Oversight
- Monitors all adoptions—domestic and inter-country—through licensed agencies.
- Ensures adoptions are in compliance with laws and child rights standards.
- Platform and Technology: It operates the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) for:
- Registration of prospective adoptive parents.
- Tracking adoption progress.
- Referrals and matching children with parents.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: It coordinates with:
- State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs)
- District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
- Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
- Authorized Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs)
- Legal and Policy Role
- Issues No Objection Certificates (NOC) and Conformity Certificates for inter-country adoptions.
- Drafts and revises Adoption Regulations (latest version: 2022).
- Issues clarifications and advisories, e.g., recognition of digitally certified adoption orders.
- Promotion of In-country Adoptions
- Encourages domestic adoption over inter-country adoption, especially for orphans and abandoned children.
- Launches awareness campaigns to reduce illegal adoptions and child trafficking.
- Post-Adoption Monitoring
- Ensures the well-being of adopted children through follow-up reports for two years.
- Promotes integration of children into adoptive families through counseling and support.
- Policy Innovation and Reforms
- Oversees foster-to-adoption transitions (notably in Jammu & Kashmir).
- Expanding agency networks—245 new agencies added (2024–25).
- New modules for step-parent and relative adoptions.
| [UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Researchers in Assam have discovered a new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, locally called thoikora, adding to the Garcinia genus in a notable botanical find.
About Garcinia kusumae:
- Species Identity: Garcinia kusumae is a newly discovered evergreen tree species that is endemic to Assam, India.
- Genus and Local Name: It belongs to the Garcinia genus, locally called thoikora in Assamese.
- Discovery: It was discovered in 2024 by Jatindra Sarma, during a field survey in Bamunbari, Baksa district.
- Botanical Traits: It is dioecious, grows up to 18 metres, flowers between February and April, and fruits between May and June.
- Distinct Features: It differs from similar species by having up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens, and blackish resinous berries.
- Ethnobotanical Uses: Its fruit is used in sherbet, fish curries, and for diabetes and dysentery remedies; the seed aril is eaten raw with condiments.
What is the Garcinia Genus?
- Taxonomy: Garcinia is the largest genus in the Clusiaceae family, comprising trees and shrubs.
- Geographical Spread: It is found in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, especially in rainforests.
- Notable Characteristics: The genus is known for floral diversity, medicinal value, and culinary applications.
- Presence in India: India hosts 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia, with Assam having 12 species and 3 varieties.
- Famous Species: Commonly known species include Garcinia indica (kokum), Garcinia cowa, and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen).
- Utility and Significance: It is important for ethnobotanical uses, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient forestry.
- Traditional Practices: Several species are used in traditional food, medicine, and rituals.
| [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.
In which part of India has it been discovered?
Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
IISc Bengaluru has launched BHARAT (Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions), a pioneering study exploring the biology, lifestyle, and environment behind Aging.
About the BHARAT Project:
- Scientific Launch: It is a nationwide research initiative by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
- Primary Goal: It aims to build India’s first scientific baseline on how Indians age—biologically, environmentally, and socially.
- Project Leadership: The project is led by Professor DK Saini from IISc’s Department of Development Biology and Genetics.
- Addressing Global Gaps: It fills a major research void by offering Indian-specific data, unlike most global ageing studies based on Western populations.
- Redefining Normal: It will challenge international health standards (e.g., for cholesterol, vitamin D) that may misclassify Indian health parameters.
- Biological Age Focus: Instead of using chronological age, the project will study biomarkers of biological ageing for early disease risk detection.
Key Features of the Project:
- India-Centric Baseline: The database will offer reference biomarker cut-offs tailored to Indian genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
- Wide Biomarker Range: It will include genomic, metabolic, and environmental indicators to detect organ ageing and resilience early.
- AI-Driven Analysis: Machine learning tools will be used to find ageing patterns, simulate health interventions, and forecast risks.
- Holistic Ageing Model: The study will include nutrition, pollution, infections, and social factors that influence how Indians age.
- Equity for Global South: It corrects global biases that misdiagnose Indians as deficient by using locally validated health data.
- Healthspan Focus: The emphasis is on quality of life—living healthier for longer—rather than just extending life years.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa
Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?
Options: (a) 1,2 and 4 * (b) 1,3 and 5 (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 5 only |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are infiltrating the human body, affecting everything from reproduction to cancer risk, metabolism, and child development.
About Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals:
- What They Are: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals interfere with the body’s hormone system, affecting growth, reproduction, mood, and metabolism.
- How They Work: They mimic or block natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol, leading to disrupted hormonal signals.
- Why They’re Dangerous: Even low-level exposure during pregnancy or puberty can cause lasting harm.
- How We’re Exposed: Through eating contaminated food, inhaling polluted air, or skin contact with certain plastics or cosmetics.
- Where They’re Found: In plastic bottles (Bisphenol A), toys and cosmetics (phthalates like Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), food wrappers (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), and pesticides (dioxins, Polychlorinated Biphenyls).
- Hidden Harm: They act silently, with long-term effects such as fertility loss, hormonal disruption, or cancer.
Impact on Human Health:
- Reproductive Harm: Reduced sperm quality disrupted menstrual cycles, and increased miscarriage risk. Found in semen, placenta, and breast milk.
- Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals like Bisphenol A trigger early puberty, thyroid issues, and hormonal imbalances.
- Cancer Risk: Linked to cancers of the breast, uterus, testicles, and prostate. Several are labeled probable carcinogens by global health agencies.
- Metabolic Effects: Interfere with insulin, promote obesity and type 2 diabetes. PFAS chemicals are linked to liver and heart disease.
- Brain and Behavior: Associated with ADHD, learning issues, and lower IQ in children, especially when exposure happens early in life.
- Across Generations: May cause gene expression changes that affect health in future generations—even without direct exposure.
| [UPSC 2020] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
Options: (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems * (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields. (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now