Taiwanese authorities recently stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to put pressure on Taiwan.
China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan
China has been steadily increasing its military activities around Taiwan, both by air and sea:
Air incursions into the Taiwan Strait have increased significantly, from 36 incursions in January to 193 in September.
Chinese ships operating around Taiwan has also risen, from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.
These maneuvers seem designed to wear down Taiwan’s navy and air force, creating constant pressure.
What is the Anaconda Strategy?
The ‘anaconda strategy’ involves a combination of military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
The goal is to weaken Taiwan’s defenses and force the island into submission without the need for a full-scale invasion.
China’s approach is one of relentless pressure.
It is trying to tire out Taiwan and force it into making mistakes, which could then be used as a pretext to launch a blockade.
Its ultimate goal appears to be to make Taiwan vulnerable without resorting to direct military conflict, keeping Taiwan’s forces on the defensive.
Other Unconventional Strategies used by China:
Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: A confrontational and assertive style of diplomacy used by Chinese officials, characterized by aggressive rhetoric and nationalistic stances, often aimed at defending China’s interests and countering foreign criticism.
Gray-Zone Tactics: A set of covert strategies that fall between war and peace, including actions like cyberattacks, propaganda, and incremental territorial gains, aimed at advancing a nation’s goals without triggering a full-scale military conflict.
Salami Slicing: A strategy where small, incremental actions are taken over time to achieve a larger goal without triggering a strong reaction. It is often used to gain control or advantage bit by bit, avoiding immediate confrontation.
PYQ:
[2021] The US is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.
[2017] “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
For many years, International NGOs (INGOs) have promoted donor-driven agendas that have frequently caused harm to local communities.
Case Study: Africa and Bolivia
Tanzania and Kenya (Africa): In these regions, INGO-led conservation efforts, often backed by Western donors, displaced indigenous Maasai communities from their ancestral lands. These interventions were justified as conservation projects but disregarded local rights and livelihoods, leading to social and economic harm for the Maasai.
Bolivia (Cochabamba): Water privatization, supported by INGOs and international donors, restricted access to basic water resources, sparking widespread public outcry.
The privatization, part of broader neoliberal reforms, was later reversed due to local resistance, revealing the negative effects of donor-driven agendas on essential public services.
What are the Historical roots of Gender Imbalance?
Colonial Policies: British colonial land reforms in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially among land-owning castes, exacerbated female infanticide due to several socio-economic factors linked to inheritance, property rights, and the structure of agrarian society.
Post-Independence Malthusian Fears: Following independence, fears of overpopulation dominated Western perceptions of India, and INGOs, influenced by these Malthusian concerns, promoted population control measures.
Note: Malthusian concerns originate from the ideas of Thomas Malthus, an 18th-century British scholar. In his 1798 work, An Essay on the Principle of Population, Malthus argued that population growth would outpace food production, leading to widespread famine, disease, and societal collapse.
Role of INGOs in Worsening Gender Imbalance in India
Population Control Focus: INGOs such as the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Population Council were instrumental in introducing sex-determination technologies, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s, by directing significant funds towards these efforts while sidelining other public health needs.
Influence in Institutions: INGOs embedded themselves in key Indian institutions such as AIIMS and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), shaping the direction of research and policy towards population management.
For example, Sheldon Segal of the Population Council worked closely with the Indian Health Ministry to prioritize family planning over other pressing health concerns like tuberculosis and malaria.
Promotion of Sex Selection: Doctors, influenced by the donor-driven agendas of INGOs, began promoting sex-determination technologies like amniocentesis under the pretext of reducing “unnecessary fecundity.”
Impact of Sex Determination Technology
Introduction and Spread: Sex determination technologies, such as amniocentesis and ultrasound, Initially intended for detecting fetal abnormalities, they were quickly co-opted for sex selection, leading to a significant increase in female foeticide.
Census data reveals a steady decrease from 943 girls per 1,000 boys in 1951 to 927 girls per 1,000 boys by 1991. The sharpest fall occurred between 1971 and 1991, coinciding with the spread of these technologies.
Regional Variations: States with easier access to sex-determination tests, such as Punjab and Haryana, experienced the steepest declines in their child sex ratios.
By 2001, Punjab’s ratio had dropped to 876 girls per 1,000 boys, while Haryana’s fell to 861.
Missing Girls: A 2006 study published in The Lancet estimated that sex-determination technologies contributed to the loss of 10 million female births in India between 1980 and 2010, with approximately 500,000 female foetuses aborted annually during this period.
Way forward:
Strengthen Legal Enforcement and Awareness: Enforce stricter penalties for illegal sex determination practices and raise public awareness to shift societal norms that value male children over female children, promoting gender equality at all levels.
Focus on Holistic Public Health and Gender Policies: Redirect INGO and government efforts toward comprehensive health programs, prioritizing women’s health, education, and economic empowerment, rather than solely focusing on population control.
Data indicates that Central Europe and the wealthiest nations in Asia are approaching the cancer rates from workplace exposure to carcinogens seen in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Carcinogens are associated with Occupational Cancer:
Asbestos: A major contributor to lung cancer and mesothelioma, responsible for the highest number of deaths is related to occupational exposure.
Benzene: Associated with leukemia and bladder cancer; prevalent in chemical industries.
Silica: Linked to lung cancer; significant exposure occurs in construction and mining.
Diesel Engine Exhaust: Contributes to lung cancer and other respiratory issues.
Secondhand Smoke: Increases risk of lung cancer among workers in smoke-exposed environments.
Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium: Various cancers are associated with these substances, including kidney and lung cancers.
Data Trends on Cancer from Workplace Exposure:
Western Europe and Australasia historically had the highest rates of death from cancers attributed to workplace carcinogens. These regions have maintained the highest mortality rates for over three decades.
Southeast Asia countries like Singapore, Japan, Brunei, and South Korea have seen their cancer death rates from occupational exposure triple since 1990. This increase correlates with their growing manufacturing sectors.
In Central Europe and East Asia, death rates have doubled in Central Europe and increased by 2.5 times in East Asia since 1990. The rise is attributed to a large manufacturing economy that often lacks stringent safety regulations.
International guidelines:
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO emphasizes the need for primary prevention by avoiding exposure to carcinogens. They recommend specific interventions, such as banning asbestos and introducing benzene-free alternatives. WHO also advocates for comprehensive national cancer control programs that include occupational health standards.
International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO has established conventions and recommendations aimed at preventing occupational hazards caused by carcinogenic substances. These include:
Replacement of carcinogenic substances with less dangerous alternatives.
Establishing lists of prohibited or controlled carcinogens.
Implementing medical surveillance and exposure monitoring
Way forward:
Strengthen Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and enforce stricter occupational health and safety regulations, including banning or limiting the use of known carcinogens, such as asbestos and benzene, and promoting safer alternatives in industries.
Enhance Awareness and Training: Develop comprehensive training programs for workers and employers on the risks of carcinogens, safe handling practices, and the importance of regular health monitoring to prevent occupational cancers.
A new study reveals that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous region extending towards South America, has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
What has the study found?
Vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula increased 14-fold between 1986 and 2021, expanding from less than 1 sq km to nearly 12 sq km.
Mosses and lichens dominate this vegetation, with greening accelerating by 30% between 2016 and 2021.
The changes are linked to anthropogenic climate change and observed through satellite data.
How quickly is Antarctica warming?
Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average, at 0.22-0.32°C per decade (compared to 0.14-0.18°C globally).
The AntarcticPeninsula is warming five times faster than the global average and is now almost 3°C warmer than in 1950.
Record-breaking heatwaves have occurred, with temperatures rising up to 28°C above normal in July 2023 and 39°C above normal in March 2022.
Why should we worry about increased vegetation in Antarctica?
Invasive Species: Warming temperatures and increased vegetation disrupt the ecological balance, allowing non-native species to outcompete native flora like mosses and lichens, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered habitats.
Albedo Effect: Increased plant cover lowers the albedo effect, resulting in greater solar energy absorption and further warming, creating a feedback loop that promotes additional vegetation growth.
Soil Formation: Plant life accelerates soil development by adding organic matter, enhancing nutrient cycling, and creating a more hospitable environment for non-native species, thereby increasing the risk of invasives.
Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise: Higher temperatures from warming and the albedo effect lead to increased ice melt, contributing to global sea-level rise, which threatens coastal ecosystems and human settlements with flooding and erosion.
Way forward:
Strengthen climate action: Accelerate global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices to mitigate further warming in Antarctica.
Monitor ecosystems: Establish stricter biosecurity measures and enhanced monitoring to prevent invasive species from spreading and disrupting Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.
Promote global cooperation: Increase international collaboration on Antarctic research, focusing on climate change impacts, ecosystem protection, and adaptation strategies to minimize global sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Q) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has heen a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Mentor’s Comment: The first assembly election of Jammu and Kashmir (2024), after the revocation of Article 370, represents a pivotal moment in the region’s political landscape. Today’s editorial emphasizes the necessity for the central government to acknowledge and respect the present electoral mandate. With the INDIA bloc gaining control, it is a must for the Centre to facilitate the newly elected government in fulfilling its promises, particularly regarding statehood restoration and local governance.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections marked a significant political event, being the first assembly elections in over a decade and the first since the revocation of the region’s special status under Article 370.
Major observations during the 2024 Assembly Election:
The Election was conducted in three phases and was crucial for restoring democratic processes in a region historically troubled by conflict and political instability.
Restoration of Self-Rule: The elections represent a crucial step towards restoring some degree of self-rule in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
It signaled a shift in voter sentiment towards mainstream political parties that advocate for local governance and autonomy.
This outcome could potentially lead to a more representative government that addresses local issues effectively.
Voter Participation and Sentiment: The elections witnessed a robust voter turnout of 63.9%, surpassing previous electoral participation, indicating a renewed faith in democratic processes among the electorate.
This increased engagement suggests that many citizens are seeking to voice their concerns through legitimate political channels rather than through separatist movements or violence
Overview of Article 370:
• Autonomous Status: Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, a separate flag, and significant autonomy in internal matters. It limited the Indian Parliament’s power to legislate for the state, requiring state government concurrence for laws beyond defense, foreign affairs, and communications. • Temporary Provision: Drafted in Part XXI of the Constitution, it was intended as a temporary measure until J&K formulated its constitution. The article was meant to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a say in their governance. • Instrument of Accession: The article was rooted in the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, which allowed J&K to join India while retaining certain powers.
What are the challenges expected for the newly formed government?
Political Landscape Dynamics: The JKNC’s victory is seen as a rejection of the BJP’s policies and a call for greater local representation. This shift may also influence future electoral strategies and alliances within the region.
Central Control: The newly elected assembly will still operate under the oversight of a federally appointed lieutenant governor, limiting its autonomy. Major decisions will require central approval, which could stifle local governance initiatives.
Restoration of Article 370: While the regional party JKNC has promised to work towards restoring Article 370, the likelihood of this occurring is uncertain given the central government’s stance.
The central government maintains that this constitutional change is irreversible, complicating any efforts to regain previous autonomy.
Key Recommendations for Governance:
Accelerate Statehood Restoration: The central government should prioritize restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to foster political stability.
Support Local Governance Initiatives: Empowering local leaders and institutions will enhance democratic engagement and address citizens’ concerns more effectively.
Foster Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging with diverse political factions, including those previously marginalized, can help build a more cohesive political framework.
Conclusion: Respecting the electoral mandate is essential not only for upholding democratic values but also for ensuring that citizens feel represented and heard. As new leadership emerges, both local and central governments must work collaboratively towards restoring peace, stability, and governance that reflects the aspirations of all people in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 2024 Nobel Prize has been awarded to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”
Who is Han Kang?
Han Kang is a South Korean writer born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea.
She is known for her poetic and experimental writing style that confronts themes of historical trauma, violence, grief, and the fragility of human life.
After starting her literary career with poetry, she became widely recognized for her novels that address complex human emotions and the consequences of social and political structures.
Her Literary Works:
The Vegetarian (2007): This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, revolves around a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces extreme reactions from her family. The story explores themes of control, independence, and violence. It was her breakthrough novel, translated into English in 2015.
Human Acts (2016): Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this novel tells the story of the massacre of protesting students by the South Korean military. Han Kang gives voice to the victims of history with a style that is both experimental and visionary.
The White Book (2017): An elegy dedicated to a sibling who passed away shortly after birth. The novel is a meditation on grief, narrated through white objects, symbolizing loss and memory.
Greek Lessons (2023): This novel, first published in Korean in 2011, tells the story of a woman who loses her ability to speak and her teacher, who is losing his sight. The novel explores loss, intimacy, and the connection between language and identity.
We Do Not Part (2025, forthcoming): This upcoming novel focuses on two women confronting a hidden massacre in Korean history from the 1940s. It explores how trauma can be transformed into art.
Citation for Nobel Prize 2024
The Swedish Academy’s official bio-bibliography highlights her ability to create universal narratives using a poetic and radical imagination.
Han Kang is praised for addressing patriarchy, violence, and historical injustices, while also examining the connections between body and soul and the living and the dead.
The academy notes that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose, showing how literature can speak the truth through her powerful and experimental style.
Recent Nobel Prizes in Literature:
2023: Jon Fosse (Norway) for his innovative minimalistic plays and prose, focusing on the human condition.
2022: Annie Ernaux (France) for her courageous exploration of personal and collective memory.
2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) for his compassionate depictions of colonialism and migration.
2020: Louise Gluck (USA) for her deeply personal poetry that resonates universally.
Rabindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel Prize in 1913 for “Gitanjali,” becoming the first non-European laureate in Literature, recognized for his sensitive and spiritual poetry.
The 29th COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin on November 11, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
As global leaders gather near the Caspian Sea, the surrounding region of the South Caucasus faces significant climate challenges.
Key Areas at Risk:
(1) Regional/transboundary areas:
Northern Armenia and southern Georgia
North-west Azerbaijan and north-east Georgia (Alazani/Ganykh river basin)
(2) Within countries:
Yerevan and Ararat Valley (Armenia)
Lake Sevan (Armenia)
Kura-Ara(k)s lowlands (Azerbaijan)
Baku and Absheron peninsula (Azerbaijan)
Adjara and the Black Sea coast (Georgia)
Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions (Georgia)
AboutSouth Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):
Details
Location
South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordered by Russia (north), Turkey and Iran (south), between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
Countries
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; includes disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
Mountains
Lesser Caucasus Mountains (up to 3,000m); includes the Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
Seas
Between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea; Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) extends into Caspian Sea, rich in oil.
Rivers and Lakes
Major rivers: KuraRiver (Georgia & Azerbaijan) and Aras River (Armenia & Azerbaijan). Key lake: Lake Sevan (Armenia).
Climate
Continental climate: hot summers and cold winters;
Subtropical climate along Georgia’s Black Sea coast;
Semi-arid to desert climate near Caspian Sea, especially Azerbaijan.
Natural Resources
Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Azerbaijan; critical hub for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Geopolitical Importance
Strategic transit route for energy resources to Europe; region of geopolitical tensions due to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia).
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, USA which caused heavy rain, flooding and strong winds resulting in significant damage and loss of lives.
Hurricane Milton: Origin and Causes
Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm that made landfall in Florida near Siesta Key, causing widespread damage.
It was a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 285 km/h, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
It originated in the Gulf of Mexico, an area connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why it was an unusual storm?
Milton went from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
Usually, hurricanes intensify at a slower pace, but Milton’s wind speeds increased by 145 km/hin one day, which is very rare.
Sea-surface temperatures of 31°C were much higher than the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
This excess heat allowed Milton to intensify quickly.
Most hurricanes follow a westward path, but Milton moved eastward and made landfall on the western coast of Florida.
According to scientists, very few hurricanes have taken this path before.
Wind shear is a change in wind speed and direction that can weaken hurricanes.
In Milton’s case, there was almost no wind shear, allowing the storm to grow stronger without interference.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC CSE 2013) Q) Explain the formation of thousands of islands in the Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss (UPSC CSE 2015) Q) Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands and is located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The French were the first to colonize Mauritius along with the Chagos Islands in 1715. In the late 18th century, the French brought in slave labor from Africa and India to work in newly established coconut plantations. However, the UK took control of the region in 1814 after the fall of France’s Napoleon Bonaparte.
Today’s editorial by Mohamed Nasheed emphasizes the importance of the United Kingdom’s approach to its colonial legacy in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning the Chagos Archipelago. It highlights the need for sustainable marine conservation and collaborative governance as Britain prepares to relinquish control over these islands.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On October 9, 2024, the UK agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining sovereign rights over Diego Garcia for military purposes. The deal is historic as it recognizes Mauritius’s claims over the archipelago, which has been contested since the 1980s.
Historical background of Chagos Archipelago:
Historically, these islands were part of the Maldives until their detachment by the UK in 1965 to establish the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
This move was made to facilitate a military base for the United States on Diego Garcia, leading to the expulsion of the indigenous Chagossians.
The ICJ had previously ruled in 2019 that the UK’s detachment of Chagos from Mauritius was illegal and called for an end to British colonial administration in the area.
This ruling added pressure on the UK to negotiate a resolution with Mauritius
Key highlights of the agreement:
Resettlement of Chagossians: Mauritius can now resettle people on the Chagos Archipelago, except Diego Garcia, where Britain evicted 2,000 islanders for a US naval base. The deal grants Mauritius full sovereignty over the archipelago except Diego Garcia island.
Establishment of the Trust Fund: The UK has also promised to create a new trust fund for the benefit of the people of Chagos.
Other major Initiatives taken and Collaborations needed:
Sovereignty and Decolonization: The sovereignty of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue, with historical ties to both Mauritius and the Maldives.
The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing military rights over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
Marine Conservation Efforts: Britain’s decision to place the entire Chagos Archipelago under protected status, emphasizing its significance for marine conservation is commendable.
The Maldives employs sustainable fishing techniques that minimize bycatch, contrasting with industrial fishing practices that threaten fish stocks.
Collaborative Future: As part of the decolonization process, it is crucial for island nations in the Indian Ocean—Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka—to collaborate on maintaining the protected status of Chagos.
Britain needs to learn from its past mistakes in decolonization, particularly regarding India’s Partition in 1947, which had severe human costs.
How did the historical conflicts between the UK and France influence the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands?
The Chagos Islands were initially part of French colonial territory, known as Isle de France, where they established coconut plantations using enslaved African labor in the 18th century.
Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Treaty of Paris ceded Mauritius and its dependencies, including the Chagos Islands, to Britain. This marked the beginning of British administration over these territories.
In 1965, during preparations for Mauritian independence, the UK separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This move was motivated by strategic interests, particularly to establish a military base on Diego Garcia.
The UK forcibly removed the indigenous Chagossians to facilitate military operations, which has been condemned as a violation of human rights.
Despite the ICJ decision, pressure, and legal challenges, the UK maintained its claims over the islands due to their strategic military importance, particularly Diego Garcia.
Conclusion: A respectful and collaborative exit strategy is needed for the UK from its Indian Ocean territories. It advocates for joint efforts among regional nations to ensure that marine conservation is prioritized while addressing historical grievances related to colonialism.
After decades of steady increases in human life expectancy due to advancements in medicine and technology, recent trends suggest that these gains are starting to slow down, according to a new study.
The Key Findings of the Study:
Slowing of Life Expectancy Gains: After decades of rising life expectancy due to medical and technological advancements, the pace of these increases has slowed significantly. The study suggests that human life expectancy has nearly plateaued, with dramatic extensions unlikely without breakthroughs in anti-aging medicine.
Regional Analysis: The study analyzed life expectancy data between 1990 and 2019 from regions with the longest life spans, such as Australia, Japan, and Sweden.
Even in these regions, life expectancy increased by only 6.5 years on average over the 29-year period.
Challenges of Radical Life Extension: Researchers found that while people live longer due to improvements in healthcare, the human body’s aging process—marked by the declining function of internal organs—limits life span. Even if diseases like cancer and heart disease are eliminated, aging itself remains a barrier.
Low Probability of Reaching 100: The study estimates that girls born in the longest-living regions have only a 5.3% chance of reaching 100 years, while boys have a 1.8% chance. Thus, despite medical advancements, reaching 100 years remains rare without interventions to slow aging.
Aging as the Primary Barrier: Researchers argue that extending average life expectancy dramatically will require breakthroughs that slow the aging process rather than just better treatments for common diseases.
Some experimental drugs, like metformin, have shown potential in animal studies, but human trials are needed.
India’s Present Status:
Lower Life Expectancy: As of 2024, India’s average life expectancy is around 70 years, In contrast, countries like Japan and Switzerland boast life expectancies exceeding 83 years.
Healthcare Advancements: While India has made significant progress in combating infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health, chronic illnesses and lifestyle diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes) are emerging as leading causes of death.
What Needs to Be Done: (Way forward)
Focus on Anti-Aging Research: India must invest in research on aging and regenerative medicine, exploring ways to slow down the aging process rather than just treating diseases.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Expanding access to quality healthcare and preventive medicine to manage age-related diseases can enhance the quality of life in later years, even if life expectancy does not rise dramatically.
Policy Support for Longevity Research: There is a need for policies supporting medical research into life-extension technologies, including drug trials and clinical studies focused on aging.
Public Health Interventions: Improved public health measures targeting lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes) and better management of age-related conditions can enhance life span and overall well-being.
Mains PYQ:
Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)
