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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    The road to a healthy democracy

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Role of Patients in Strengthening Indian HealthCare System

    Central Idea:

    Prathap C. Reddy, founder and chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, advocates for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare in this vision. He highlights India’s demographic advantage, technological innovations in preventive healthcare, and the potential for India to lead the world in healthcare delivery and medical value travel.

    Key Highlights:

    • India’s demographic dividend, with a young population, presents a significant opportunity for development.
    • The importance of prioritizing preventive healthcare to address the growing burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
    • Technological advancements, including AI and machine learning, are revolutionizing preventive healthcare by enabling early detection and personalized prevention plans.
    • India’s healthcare sector is undergoing transformation, focusing on patient-centered care, expanded access, and quality improvement.
    • India’s healthcare infrastructure and clinical talent have gained global recognition, making it a preferred destination for medical value travel, particularly in specialized treatments like oncology, cardiology, and robotic surgeries.

    Key Challenges:

    • Addressing the increasing burden of chronic diseases and lifestyle-related health issues.
    • Ensuring equitable access to preventive healthcare tools and services across all segments of the population.
    • Scaling up healthcare infrastructure and workforce to meet the growing demand, especially in rural areas.
    • Overcoming barriers to the adoption of AI-driven healthcare solutions, including data privacy concerns and regulatory challenges.
    • Balancing the need for affordable healthcare with maintaining high-quality standards in a cost-effective manner.

    Key Terms:

    • Demographic dividend
    • Preventive healthcare
    • Chronic diseases
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Medical value travel
    • Patient-centered care
    • Healthcare infrastructure
    • Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

    Key Phrases:

    • “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India)
    • “Health equity for all”
    • “Clinical excellence and prowess”
    • “Patient at the absolute centre”
    • “Medical value travel hub”
    • “AI-driven healthcare solutions”

    Key Quotes:

    • “India’s healthcare sector is at the cusp of transformation, potentially giving rise to a new healthcare model for the world to follow.”
    • “Preventive healthcare has touched new possibilities, empowering individuals to take control of their own health.”
    • “India stands at a pivotal moment in its healthcare journey.”
    • “Every individual and institution in the country should resolve to make India’s progress their priority.”

    Key Statements:

    • India’s demographic dividend offers a unique opportunity for development, but the health of the population is crucial for maximizing this potential.
    • Technological innovations in healthcare, including AI, have the potential to revolutionize preventive care and improve health outcomes.
    • India’s healthcare sector has gained global recognition for its clinical excellence, infrastructure, and affordability, positioning it as a leader in medical value travel.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Success of Apollo Hospitals Group in providing high-quality healthcare services and driving medical tourism in India.
    • Impact of technological interventions in preventive healthcare, such as AI-driven risk prediction and personalized prevention plans.
    • Growth of medical value travel industry in India, attracting patients from around the world for specialized treatments at lower costs.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • India’s population exceeds 1.4 billion, with a median age of 29 years, presenting a significant demographic dividend.
    • India has over 101 million diabetics and 136 million prediabetics, making it the diabetes capital of the world.
    • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in India, and cancer incidence is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040.
    • India’s healthcare costs are approximately one-tenth of the global average, making it an attractive destination for medical value travel.

    Critical Analysis:

    • While the article emphasizes the potential of technological innovations and medical value travel in transforming India’s healthcare sector, it’s essential to ensure that these developments benefit all segments of the population, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
    • The challenge of addressing the growing burden of chronic diseases requires a comprehensive approach, including not only preventive measures but also effective management and treatment strategies.
    • Balancing affordability with quality in healthcare delivery is crucial to maintain India’s competitiveness in medical value travel while ensuring that patients receive optimal care.

    Way Forward:

    • Prioritize investments in preventive healthcare, leveraging technology to empower individuals to manage their health effectively.
    • Expand access to healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas, through innovative delivery models and infrastructure development.
    • Foster collaboration between public and private sectors to drive healthcare innovation and address key challenges in the sector.
    • Focus on capacity building and skill development to ensure a competent healthcare workforce capable of delivering high-quality care across all settings.
    • Advocate for policies that promote affordability, accessibility, and quality in healthcare delivery, ensuring that India’s healthcare system remains inclusive and sustainable.

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Ergosphere: A Unique Feature of Rotating Black Holes

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Ergosphere

    Introduction

    • Rotating black holes, also known as Kerr black holes, possess a fascinating region called the ergosphere, which sets them apart from their non-rotating counterparts.

    Formation of Black Holes

    • Origin: Black holes are born from massive stars that exhaust their nuclear fuel and undergo a supernova explosion. The remaining core collapses under its own gravitational force, forming a black hole.
    • Gravitational Singularity: At the core of a black hole lies a gravitational singularity, a point where the laws of general relativity cease to provide accurate predictions.
    • Event Horizon: Surrounding the singularity is the event horizon, a boundary beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. It acts as a point of no return for anything entering it.

    What is Ergosphere?

    • Ergosphere Description: Beyond the event horizon, rotating black holes feature another unique region known as the ergosphere. This region extends further out from the singularity, creating an additional sphere around the black hole.
    • Name Origins: The term ‘ergosphere’ finds its roots in the Greek word ‘ergon,’ which means ‘work.’ It earned this name due to the intriguing possibility it offers – the extraction of matter and energy from this region.

    Characteristics of the Ergosphere

    • Intriguing Property: Unlike the event horizon, objects can enter the ergosphere and potentially escape from it, provided they move at speeds less than that of light.
    • Acceleration Potential: Some scientists have explored the idea of sending objects into the ergosphere to leverage their unique characteristics. Objects within the ergosphere can gain energy and momentum, effectively “borrowing” some of the black hole’s angular momentum.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Kalaripayattu gains popularity in Haryana

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Kalaripayattu gains popularity in Haryana

    Introduction

    • The introduction of Kalaripayattu, a southern Indian martial arts form, into the Khelo India games in 2021 has led to its growing popularity among boys and girls in Haryana.

    About Kalaripayattu

    • Originates from ancient knowledge of the human body.
    • Originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BC, lasting until the 2nd century AD; currently practiced in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Practiced in a ‘Kalari’, a term in Malayalam indicating a gymnasium or a symbolic battlefield.
    • The term ‘Kalari’ appears in Tamil Sangam literature, denoting both a battlefield and a combat arena.
    • Considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world.
    • Known as the precursor to modern Kung Fu, often referred to as the “Father of Modern Kung Fu.”
    • Integrates Hindu rituals and philosophies, alongside medicinal practices derived from Ayurveda.
    • Incorporates elements from yoga and finger movements from Nata dances.

    Weapons used:

    Weapons are categorized into four groups:

    • Cutting, Slicing, and Piercing: Swords and daggers.
    • Pole Weapons: Spears and axes.
    • Bludgeoning Instruments: Sticks and maces.
    • Projectiles: Arrows, discuses, catapults, boomerangs, and other hand-thrown weapons.

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    GST Appellate Tribunals to be set around July or August

    DOMR | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

    Introduction

    • The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Appellate Tribunals, eagerly anticipated to address taxpayer disputes within the six-and-a-half-year-old indirect tax regime, are set to commence operations around July or August.

    What is GST Appellate Tribunal?

    • The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
    • It will function as an independent body to hear appeals against orders passed by the GST authorities or the Appellate Authority.
    • The tribunal will be composed of a national bench and various regional benches, headed by a chairperson appointed by the central government.
    • The proposed tribunal is expected to help expedite the resolution of disputes related to GST and reduce the burden on the judiciary.

    Under GST, if a person is not satisfied with the decision passed by any lower court, an appeal can be raised to a higher court, the hierarchy for the same is as follows (from low to high):

    1. Adjudicating Authority
    2. Appellate Authority
    3. Appellate Tribunal
    4. High Court
    5. Supreme Court

    Need for such Tribunal

    • Unburden judiciary: GST Appellate Tribunal will help resolve the rising number of disputes under the 68-month-old indirect tax regime that are now clogging High Courts and other judicial fora.
    • Improve efficiency of GST System: Overall, the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system in India.
    • Independent mechanism: The proposed Tribunal will provide an independent and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes related to GST.
    • Avoid tax evasion: It will help to expedite the resolution of disputes, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and promote greater certainty and predictability in the GST system.

    Issues with present litigation

    • Compliance issues: The GST system is relatively new in India, having been implemented in 2017, and there have been several issues with compliance and interpretation of rules and regulations.
    • Complex adjudication hierarchy: The current dispute resolution mechanism involves multiple layers of adjudication, starting with the GST officer and as mentioned above.
    • Time-consuming process: This process can be time-consuming, costly, and burdensome for taxpayers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Significance

    • The creation of these tribunals had been in the pipeline since the implementation of the GST regime on July 1, 2017.
    • The number of pending appeals by taxpayers related to central GST levies had surged to over 14,000 (June 2023).

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Places of Worship Act and Ongoing Disputes: Explained

    ExplainedPrelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Communalism, Secularism, Regionalism

    Introduction

    • The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, has once again come into focus due to ongoing civil suits challenging the religious character of mosques in Varanasi and Mathura.

    Enactment of the Places of Worship Act

    • Background: The Act was enacted in September 1991, during the Babri-Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, to address issues related to the status of places of worship.
    • Objectives: It aimed to freeze the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, and prevent the conversion of places of worship from one denomination to another.

    Key Provisions of the Act

    • Continuity of Religious Character: The Act ensures that the religious character of a place of worship remains unchanged from its status on August 15, 1947.
    • Prohibition on Conversion: It prohibits the conversion of a place of worship of any religious denomination into one of a different denomination.
    • Abatement of Pending Cases: All pending legal proceedings regarding the conversion of a place of worship, initiated before August 15, 1947, would abate upon the Act coming into force, and no new proceedings can be initiated.

    Exceptions to the Rule

    • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites: The Act does not apply to ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
    • Settled Disputes: It does not apply to suits that were already settled or disposed of or to conversions by acquiescence.

    Status of Ongoing Cases on the Gyanvapi Mosque

    • Current Litigation: Ongoing civil suits in Varanasi involve claims by Hindu worshippers asserting their right to worship deities within the Gyanvapi mosque premises.
    • Basis for Suits: The Hindu side claims that an old temple of Lord Vishweshwar existed at the center of the mosque compound, demolished by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669.
    • Court Orders: Court orders have favored the position that these suits are not barred by the Places of Worship Act. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey that reported the existence of a temple before the mosque.

    Implications of the Act in the Mathura Dispute

    • Shahi Idgah Mosque: Civil suits in Mathura pertain to the Shahi Idgah mosque near the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, with claims that it was built over Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
    • Challenging Compromise: The suits challenge a compromise reached in 1968 between Sri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and the Shahi Idgah Trust. The Allahabad High Court has transferred all Mathura dispute suits to itself.
    • Act’s Applicability: Court decisions have held that the Act does not bar these suits. In the Mathura dispute, the Act is not applicable as the compromise decree predates its enactment.

    Conclusion

    • The Places of Worship Act, enacted to freeze the status of places of worship, is facing challenges in ongoing disputes, particularly in Varanasi and Mathura.
    • Courts have ruled that the Act does not prohibit these suits, emphasizing the need for a case-by-case examination to determine religious character.
    • These developments underscore the complexities and legal interpretations surrounding the Act’s application in the context of evolving disputes.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Four issues that CJI highlighted within Legal Profession

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    cji

    Introduction

    • During the Supreme Court’s 75th-year Foundation Day address, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) highlighted four crucial issues within the judiciary that require “difficult conversations.”
    • This article delves into these issues and their historical context.

    Major Issues with Legal Profession

    [1] Problem of “Adjournment Culture”

    • Definition: Adjournment culture refers to the practice of lawyers repeatedly seeking adjournments, delaying scheduled hearings.
    • Effect on Justice: Prolonged adjournments lead to case delays and contribute to the growing backlog of pending cases.
    • Legal Framework: Order XVII of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 sets rules for granting adjournments, limiting them to three times, with sufficient cause shown.
    • Vicious Cycle: Advocates exploit heavy workloads to seek adjournments, perpetuating delays.

    [2] Managing Lengthy Oral Arguments

    • Constitutional Bench Matters: The court directs parties to schedule oral arguments to avoid repetition in important cases.
    • Mixed Success: Past cases, like the Ayodhya title dispute, had lengthy hearings despite scheduling.
    • Recent Improvements: Under CJI UU Lalit, a Constitution Bench case involving EWS reservations achieved efficiency through time scheduling.
    • US Model: The US Supreme Court restricts oral arguments to 30 minutes per side, considered but not adopted in India.

    [3] Alternatives to Extended Court Vacations

    • Flexi-Time: Introducing flexi-time for lawyers and judges is suggested, allowing them to choose working hours within a specified total.
    • Philippines Example: The Philippines implemented flexi-time for court employees based on valid reasons.
    • Historical Suggestions: Past reports and government recommendations aimed to reduce court vacations to tackle case backlog.
    • Supreme Court Rules: In 2014, the court limited summer vacations to seven weeks instead of ten.

    [4] Ensuring Equal Opportunities for First-Generation Lawyers

    • Leveling the Field: The CJI emphasizes providing a level playing field for first-generation lawyers and marginalized segments with the potential to succeed.
    • Progress: Over 50% of junior civil judge exam candidates are women, and 41% of Supreme Court law clerk candidates are women.
    • Inclusivity Efforts: Initiatives by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) aim to support diversity, including giving weightage to first-generation lawyers for Senior Advocate designations.
    • Judicial Recognition: The judiciary acknowledges the growth and contributions of first-generation lawyers, dismissing claims that recognition is solely based on wealth and proximity.

    Conclusion

    • The judiciary faces multifaceted challenges, including adjournment culture, oral argument lengths, court vacations, and ensuring a fair platform for first-generation lawyers.
    • Addressing these issues requires frank discussions, reforms, and continued efforts to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity within the legal profession.

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  • Government Budgets

    Why is Fiscal Consolidation So Important?

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Introduction

    • In her Budget speech, FM revealed the government’s plans to reduce the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25 and below 4.5% by 2025-26, surprising many analysts who expected slightly higher deficit targets.
    • This article explains fiscal deficit, its significance, how the government funds it, and the implications of reducing the deficit.

    What is Fiscal Deficit?

    • Definition: Fiscal deficit represents the gap between a government’s revenue and its expenditure. When expenses exceed revenues, the government must borrow money or sell assets to cover the deficit.
    • Revenue Sources: Taxes are the primary source of government revenue. In 2024-25, tax receipts are expected to be ₹26.02 lakh crore, while total revenue is estimated at ₹30.8 lakh crore. Total government expenditure for the same period is projected at ₹47.66 lakh crore.

    Government Funding of Fiscal Deficit

    • Borrowing: To finance the fiscal deficit, the government borrows money from the bond market, where lenders compete to purchase government-issued bonds.
    • Central Banks: Central banks, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), play a significant role in the credit market by purchasing government bonds in the secondary market, indirectly providing funds to the government.
    • Borrowing Amount: In 2024-25, the Centre aims to borrow ₹14.13 lakh crore from the market, lower than the target for 2023-24.

    Why Does Fiscal Deficit Matter?

    • Inflation: High fiscal deficits can lead to inflation, as the government may resort to printing money to fund the deficit.
    • Market Confidence: Fiscal discipline, reflected in lower deficits, can boost confidence among lenders, potentially improving bond ratings and reducing borrowing costs.
    • Debt Management: A high fiscal deficit can strain the government’s ability to manage public debt. India’s public debt may rise significantly, affecting the country’s fiscal health.
    • International Borrowing: A lower fiscal deficit may make it easier for the government to issue bonds overseas and access cheaper credit.

    Future Prospects

    • Reducing Fiscal Deficit: The government plans to lower the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25. It aims to achieve this primarily through increased tax collections, expecting a rise of 11.5%.
    • Balancing Act: Balancing the budget through tax hikes could dampen economic growth, but achieving the ambitious fiscal deficit target remains uncertain.

    Conclusion

    • Fiscal deficit, the gap between government revenue and expenditure, holds significant implications for inflation, market confidence, debt management, and international borrowing.
    • The government’s plan to reduce the fiscal deficit in the coming years involves a delicate balance of revenue generation and expenditure control.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Stricter Rules for Indian Students Pursuing Higher Education Abroad

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Introduction

    • Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries, notably Canada and the U.K., are facing increased difficulties due to tightening immigration rules.
    • This shift in regulations is affecting various aspects of the admission process and has raised concerns among higher education experts.

    Recent Policy Changes

    [1] Canada’s Revised Requirements:

    • The Canadian government, responding to political tensions with India, revised its requirements in December 2023 to enhance the protection of international students.
    • Notable Changes:
      1. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) amount, necessary for visa applications, increased from 10,000 Canadian dollars (approximately ₹6.15 lakh) to 20,635 Canadian dollars (around ₹12.7 lakh).
      2. Canada has limited the total number of study permits or student visas to be issued to 3.6 lakh, down from nearly four lakh.

    [2] UK’s Restriction on Dependant Family:

    • Starting in 2024, international students in the UK will be prohibited from bringing dependant family members while pursuing their studies.

    [3] Increased GIC Requirements in Other Countries:

    • Countries like Germany and Australia have steadily raised their GIC amounts by around 10% annually, with Germany requiring 11,208 euros (₹10 lakh) for visa applications as of May 2023.

    Impact on Students

    • Financial Challenges: The substantial increase in GIC requirements, such as in Canada, poses financial challenges for Indian students, making it difficult to afford living expenses in expensive countries.
    • Reduced Visa Accessibility: Canada’s reduction in the number of study permits affects Indian students’ access to higher education in the country.
    • Change in Study Choices: The stricter rules have led to changes in study preferences, with some students considering countries like Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Taiwan, and Israel as alternative destinations for their education.

    Mixed Implications

    • Addressing Diploma Mills: Canada’s measures are aimed at curbing the issue of ‘diploma mills,’ improving the quality of education, and discouraging unethical practices by agents.
    • Impact on Bachelor’s Degree Seekers: While master’s program students benefit from eased norms, those pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Canada face uncertainty and delays in their visa applications.

    Conclusion

    • The recent changes in admission rules for Indian students seeking higher education abroad highlight the evolving landscape of international education.
    • These alterations necessitate adaptability among students and have sparked shifts in study preferences towards countries with more accessible pathways

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly Spotted in Himachal Pradesh

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    butterfly

    Introduction

    • In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

    Dusted Apollo

    • Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890.
    • Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
    • Wide Range: The Dusted Apollo’s distribution extends from Ladakh to West Nepal.
    • Altitude Preference: This unique butterfly thrives at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
    • Comparing Species: Dusted Apollo closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but exhibits distinct features.

    Implications for Conservation

    • Rare Find: Dusted Apollo had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before.
    • Additional Discovery: Another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was also photographed at Manimahesh, protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    • Commercial Significance: Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and are targeted by poachers, emphasizing the need for conservation.
    • Endangered Species: Many Apollo butterfly species are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts.
    • Community Awareness: Raising awareness about poaching and the significance of these species is vital for their protection.
    • Conservation Measures: Suggested measures include establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the state to safeguard these fragile creatures.

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  • Jallikattu Debate

    Moh-Juj: Traditional Animal Fights in Assam

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Introduction

    • The Assam government’s bid to revive traditional ‘Moh-Juj’ buffalo and bulbul (songbird) fighting during Magh Bihu has encountered a legal challenge from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the Gauhati High Court.
    • PETA India seeks to ban these activities.

    Buffalo and bulbul fights: Age-Old Tradition

    • Folk Culture: Buffalo and bulbul fights are part of the folk culture during the Assamese winter harvest festival of Magh Bihu.
    • Location: Buffalo fights are prominent in places like Ahatguri in Nagaon district, while bulbul fights are held at the Hayagriv Madhab Mandir in Hajo.
    • Religious Significance: Bulbul fights are tied to religion, involving rituals, lamps, and offerings to Lord Vishnu.
    • Historical Legacy: The practice has roots in the traditions of the Ahom rulers.

    Discontinuation after SC Ruling

    • Supreme Court’s Intervention: The fights were discontinued after the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment banned the use of bulls as performing animals in events like jallikattu.
    • Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Following the SC ruling, the AWBI urged the Assam government to stop animal and bird fights during Bihu celebrations.
    • Resistance: Despite the prohibition, some continued to hold buffalo fights in defiance, leading to legal challenges.

    Revival Efforts after SC Clears Path

    • SC Ruling in 2021: The Supreme Court overturned its 2014 judgment, allowing states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to conduct traditional events involving bulls and animals.
    • Assam Government’s SOPs: The Assam Cabinet approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for buffalo and bulbul fights without deliberate cruelty.
    • Guidelines: SOPs permit fights in traditional locations, set specific dates, forbid harm to animals, and ban the use of intoxicating substances.
    • Revival: Buffalo and bulbul fights were resumed in Magh Bihu, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supporting the revival as part of Assam’s Bihu traditions.

    PETA’s Legal Challenge

    • PETA’s Petitions: PETA India filed petitions in the Gauhati High Court seeking a ban on both activities and an interim stay during the proceedings.
    • Allegations: PETA claimed that buffalo owners instigated fights through slapping, shoving, and using wooden sticks, resulting in injuries. Bulbuls were allegedly captured and forced to fight.
    • Court’s Response: The court heard PETA’s application and noted that organizing buffalo fights beyond January 25 violates government guidelines. It instructed the petitioners to inform the relevant authorities to prevent the event in violation of SOPs.

    Conclusion

    • The legal battle over the revival of traditional animal fights in Assam reflects the clash between cultural traditions, religious significance, and animal welfare concerns.
    • The Gauhati High Court’s decision will shape the future of these practices in the region.

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