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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Progress track: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

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

    Central Idea

    • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aims to clean the Ganga River by treating sewage generated in five major states through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sewerage networks.
    • Over seven years, NMCG has achieved 20% sewage treatment capacity, with a target of 60% by December 2026.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

    Objective Restore and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, ensuring their ecological and geological health
    Formation Year 2014
    Nodal Agency Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
    Coverage Encompasses Ganga and its major tributaries
    Key Areas Pollution control, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness
    Projects Ghat and crematoria development, sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, and more
    Holistic Approach Integrates various government initiatives, stakeholders, and public participation
    Collaborations Partnerships with state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private sector
    Legal Measures National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) established for river protection
    Significance Addresses ecological, social, and cultural aspects while ensuring sustainable water quality

    Current and Future Sewage Treatment Capacity

    • As of now, NMCG treats about 20% of sewage generated in the Ganga river basin.
    • The treatment capacity is projected to reach 33% by 2024 and 60% by December 2026.
    • Sewage generation is estimated at 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

    Role of NMCG

    • NMCG aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga River.
    • The 11,765 MLD projection includes sewage generated within the states but not necessarily flowing into the river.
    • NMCG’s plan includes setting up 7,000 MLD sewage treatment capacity by 2026.

    Projects and Progress

    • STPs and sewerage networks constitute about 80% of the NMCG project.
    • By July 2023, functional STPs treat 2,665 MLD, with 1,455 MLD added in the last financial year.
    • Delayed projects resulted from land acquisition issues and revisions in Detailed Project Reports.

    State-wise Distribution

    • Most STPs are in Uttarakhand (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (35) and West Bengal (11).
    • Despite NMCG’s ₹20,000 crore budget, in-principle approval has been given for projects worth ₹37,396 crore, with ₹14,745 crore released for infrastructure work by June 2023.

    Conclusion

    • NMCG’s progress signifies a positive trajectory in Ganga River restoration, reflected in improved water quality and enhanced aquatic life.
    • The mission’s efforts continue to tackle sewage treatment challenges and promote cleaner water resources.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India – EU

    India-Greece Relations: Bridging Cultures and Commerce

    | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    greece

    Central Idea

    • PM Modi recently visited Greece to elevate bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.
    • No Indian PM has visited Greece since 1983.
    • Greece awarded the Indian PM with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour” (its second highest civilian award).

    India and Greece Ties: A Historic Backgrounder

    • India’s engagement with Greece spans over 2500 years, marked by trade, literature, and art interactions.
    • Trade links and cultural exchanges existed between Mauryan Kings and Greece, evidenced by coinage and writings.
    • Alexander the Great’s invasion in 326 BC led to interactions with Indian rulers, including battles with Raja Porus and Ambhi.
    • Chanakya’s writings mention Megasthenes, an ambassador, in Chandragupta’s court.
    • The fusion of Greek and Indian influences is visible in Gandhara Art.

    Establishment of Modern Diplomatic Ties

    • Diplomatic relations established in 1950.
    • Embassies set up in Athens and Delhi, reflecting mutual cooperation.
    • Greece respected India’s decisions on various internal matters and the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).
    • Collaboration on nuclear issues and international platforms showcased strong ties.
    • Greece’s support for India on geopolitical and global matters.

    Key Areas of Collaboration

    (1) Defence and Security

    • Enhancing collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defence industry.
    • Establishment of an India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs) for comprehensive discussions.

    (2) Maritime Security and International Law

    • A shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific.
    • Pledged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.

    (3) Culture and Tourism

    • Commitment to promoting art exchanges and cooperation.
    • Joint efforts to preserve and safeguard ancient sites are bolstered through collaboration within UNESCO.

    (4) Trade and Investment

    • The ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
    • Exploration of opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.

    (5) Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)

    • Recognition of the mutual benefits of an early finalization of the MMPA.
    • Aims to facilitate the free movement of the workforce between the two nations.

    Recent Visit: An In-depth Analysis

    • PM Modi’s visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
    • Collaborative efforts focused on military cooperation, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.
    • National Security Advisor-level dialogue was held to facilitate comprehensive discussions on mutual concerns.
    • Both nations committed to maritime security, promoting free and open seas in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
    • Adherence to UNCLOS, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and navigation freedom are emphasized.
    • Strengthening cooperation across defence, science, culture, tourism, and agriculture sectors.
    • Greek membership in the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

    Future Outlook

    • Both leaders stressed cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
    • PM Modi invited PM Mitsotakis to India, highlighting further deepening of relations.
    • India-Greece ties play a significant role in the broader India-Europe commercial corridor plans.
    • Shared vision for progress and commitment to diplomatic resolutions.
    • Strengthening civilizational bonds through cultural interactions.

    Conclusion

    • The historical and modern India-Greece relations exhibit a strong foundation and evolving collaboration.
    • Recent joint efforts underscore a robust partnership across various domains and a positive outlook for the future.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Mercy Petitions in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

    | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Central Idea

    • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 seeks to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and introduces significant changes to the mercy petition process for death sentence cases.
    • These changes impact core aspects like justiciability, time limits, and the execution process.

    Background on Mercy Petitions

    • The Constitution granted the President (Article 72) and Governor (Article 161) the power to grant pardons or commute sentences.
    • In the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maru Ram vs. Union of India (1981), it was established that the President must act based on the Council of Ministers’ advice in mercy petitions.

    New Mercy Petition Provision in BNSS

    • Under BNSS Section 473(1), convicts can file mercy petitions within 30 days after specific events.
    • Convicts can petition the President or Governor based on dismissal of appeals or confirmation of sentences.
    • For cases with multiple convicts, they all must file petitions within 60 days.

    Centre’s Role in Mercy Petitions

    • The Centre seeks the state government’s comments, reviews the case, and makes recommendations to the President within 60 days.
    • No time limit is specified for the President’s decision.

    Exclusion of Appeals against President’s Decision

    • BNSS Section 473(7) states that the President’s decisions on mercy petitions are final.
    • Courts cannot question or review the grounds for President’s pardons or commutations.
    • Unlike the Shatrughan Chauhan vs. Union of India (2014) ruling that mandated a 14-day gap between the rejection of mercy petitions and execution, BNSS doesn’t mention such a provision.

    Delay in Mercy Petition Disposal

    • The Shatrughan Chauhan case highlighted the need to avoid undue delay in mercy petition disposal.
    • BNSS lacks a time limit for the President to decide mercy pleas.

    Conclusion

    • The proposed BNSS’s alterations to mercy petitions raise concerns about transparency, judicial review, and the protection of prisoners’ rights.
    • Balancing constitutional powers with timely justice remains a challenge in these proposed changes.

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    In news: Mitakshara Law of Succession

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

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court clarified that children born from void or voidable marriages can inherit the parent’s share in a joint Hindu family property governed by Mitakshara law.
    • However, the inheritance rights are limited to the parent’s share and do not extend to other family members’ properties.

    Mitakshara School of Law

    History Originated in ancient India; attributed to Vijnaneshvara, a 12th-century scholar
    Focus Interpretation of Yajnavalkya Smriti in matters of family, property, and inheritance law
    Ancestral Property Emphasis on joint family property and ancestral property rights
    Inheritance Defines rules for succession and inheritance within Hindu families
    Variations Different regional interpretations, including the “Dayabhaga” School
    Regional Influence Widespread influence on Hindu legal practices, especially in property law
    Development Evolved over time and influenced by legal reforms and societal changes
    Modern Context Coexists with contemporary legal frameworks and personal laws
    Significance Played a significant role in shaping Hindu family and property law

    Nature of Marriages and Law

    • A voidable marriage is made invalid by the husband or wife through a decree.
    • A void marriage is invalid from the beginning.
    • Mitakshara Law of Succession applies to Hindu Undivided Families across India, except West Bengal and Assam.

    Ruling Details

    • The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, clarified that the child from a void or voidable marriage cannot claim rights to other family members’ properties.
    • The child’s inheritance rights pertain only to the parent’s share in the ancestral property.
    • A “notional partition” is conducted to ascertain the parent’s share immediately before their death.

    Inheritance Calculation

    • The law assumes a partition of the ancestral property between the deceased parent and other family members before the parent’s death.
    • The child’s inheritance is based on the share the parent would have received through this notional partition.

    Legal Basis

    • Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act grants legitimacy to children born from void or voidable marriages.
    • The court held that these children have the right to their parents’ property.
    • The intent of granting legitimacy to such children in the Hindu Marriage Act is reflected in the Hindu Succession Act.

    Impact of Amendment

    • The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, allows a deceased person’s share in a joint Hindu family property to devolve to heirs by testamentary or intestate succession.
    • Before the amendment, devolution occurred only through survivorship.
    • Equal rights of succession are now granted to women as well as men.

    Background and Precedents

    • The case was centered on Section 16(3) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
    • In 2011, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court championed the rights of children born from illegitimate marriages to inherit their parents’ properties.
    • The Division Bench emphasized that these children deserve the same rights as those born from valid marriages.

    Conclusion

    • The concept of legitimacy evolves with changing social norms.
    • The court observed that what was considered illegitimate in the past may be legitimate today.
    • Children born from void or voidable marriages should not be denied inheritance rights based on evolving social consensus.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    Tibetan Democracy Day: A Legacy of Struggle and Resilience

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    tibet

    Central Idea

    • Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2 marks the founding of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
    • It signifies the establishment of Tibetan democracy after forced displacement.

    Tibetan Govt in Exile: Historical Genesis

    • In 1960, a year after Tibetans were displaced, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile were sworn in.
    • His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s influence led to the enactment of the Tibetan constitution in 1963, emphasizing democracy.

    Role of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)

    • The CTA, based in Dharamshala, manages over 100,000 Tibetan refugees globally.
    • It is the heart of Tibetan self-governance and resilience.
    • CTA’s Evolution:
    1. The first women representatives were elected in 1963 under the Tibetan constitution.
    2. In 1975, the CTA declared September 2 as the founding day of Tibetan democracy.
    3. The Charter of the Tibetans in exile was adopted in 1991, followed by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission in 1992.

    CTA’s Functioning

    • The CTA, led by the President (Sikyong), operates through departments: Religion and Culture, Home, Finance, Education, Security, Information and International Relations, and Health.
    • The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has 45 members representing various aspects of the Tibetan community.

    Leadership Transition

    • The Dalai Lama’s shift to semi-retirement led to direct elections of the executive head, Kalön Tripa.
    • In 2011, His Holiness delegated political authority to Sikyong, the President of the CTA.

    Bodh Gaya’s Role

    • In 1960, the first elected Tibetan representatives took their oaths in Bodh Gaya, marking the inception of the democratic system.
    • Bodh Gaya played a pivotal role in the early days of Tibetan democracy.

    India’s perception of Tibet

    • India respects the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader but does not officially recognize the CTA as a government.
    • It balances diplomatic considerations while supporting Tibetan refugees.

    Global Recognition

    • The US stands as a vocal supporter, with bipartisan backing and specialized coordinators for Tibet.
    • While global recognition is limited, Tibetans value India’s consistent support.

    Back2Basics: Tibetan Buddhism

    Description
    Origin and Development Form of Vajrayana Buddhism; emerged in Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions
    Tantric Practices Emphasizes rapid spiritual awakening through rituals, visualizations, and energy transformation
    Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) is spiritual leader; Panchen Lama is also significant
    Monastic Traditions Strong monastic presence; monks and nuns preserve teachings and meditate
    Deity Pantheon Diverse deities representing enlightenment qualities; depicted in mandalas and thangkas
    Prayer Flags and Wheels Flags convey prayers; wheels accumulate merit and blessings
    Reincarnation and Tulku System Belief in reincarnation; system to identify tulkus (reincarnated lamas)

     

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Armenia and Azerbaijan Conflict

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Central Idea

    • Three Armenian soldiers have been killed in firing from Azerbaijan as tensions between the two countries persist.

    Consider this PYQ:

    Q.The area is known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to: (CSP 2015)

    a) Central Asia
    b) Middle East
    c) South-East Asia
    d) Central Africa

    Post your answers here.

    What is the dispute?

    • Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilized their male populations.
    • Armenia said Azerbaijan had carried out an air and artillery attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Epicentre: The Nagorno-Karabakh region

    • Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
    • A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 after thousands of people were killed and many more displaced.
    • Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

    Economics behind the clashes

    • The clashes prompted a flurry of diplomacy to prevent a new flare-up of a decades-old conflict between majority Christian Armenia and mainly Muslim Azerbaijan.
    • Pipelines shipping Caspian oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan to the world pass close to Nagorno-Karabakh.
    • The clashes have raised concerns about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.

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  • Aadhaar Card Issues

    Exploring Haryana’s Parivar Pehchan Patra Scheme

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    parivar pehchan patra

    Central Idea

    • The Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), introduced in 2020 and rolled out in September 2021 in Haryana, has evoked both attention and criticism.

    Parivar Pehchan Patra

    • The PPP assigns a unique 8-digit identity number to each family unit residing in Haryana.
    • Enrolment in the PPP is obligatory for accessing government services and social security schemes.
    • Families can register through Common Service Centers, SARAL Kendras, or registered PPP operators, with verified data collected based on self-declarations and strict procedures.

    Key Functions and Linkages

    • The PPP streamlines access to various public welfare programs, including subsidized rations, Old Age Samman Allowance, Divyang Pension, educational admissions, government exams, and more.
    • It gathers extensive data, encompassing family members’ details, Aadhaar numbers, demographics, educational and occupational information, immovable property ownership, and social status.

    Comparing PPP with Aadhaar

    • The scheme’s proponents note that PPP leverages Aadhaar’s digital framework but offers a more intricate delivery.
    • While Aadhaar focuses on unique identity information, PPP encompasses socio-economic data, validated through specific procedures.

    Opposition’s Concerns and Criticisms

    • A former CM highlighted data collection errors leading to people being denied subsidies and benefits.
    • A legislator raised multiple objections, alleging misuse of data for voter profiling, and criticized the depth of personal information required.
    • Concerns were raised about the need for Aadhaar details, caste, PAN card, bank account, and property information. It was asserted that social security doesn’t necessitate caste identification.
    • The criticism extended to the potential exploitation of caste-based and socio-economic data for electoral advantages.

    Conclusion

    • The Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme in Haryana aims to streamline government services and welfare delivery.
    • While the initiative offers benefits, concerns about data accuracy, privacy, and potential political manipulation necessitate careful scrutiny and public discourse.

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  • e-Commerce: The New Boom

    Deloitte heaps praises on India’s ONDC

    | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Central Idea

    • The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is poised to revolutionize India’s digital commerce sector, which is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030.
    • Deloitte India recently released a whitepaper that outlines the potential of ONDC and its alignment with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

    ONDC Framework: Enabling Seamless Commerce

    • The ONDC framework leverages India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to facilitate seamless commerce interactions.
    • ONDC aims to promote open networks developed through open-source methodologies.
    • The project seeks to combat digital monopolies by creating a platform for all online retailers, based on standardized open specifications and network protocols.

    Understanding Open-Source

    • Open-source projects allow for the free use, study, modification, and distribution of the project for any purpose.
    • ONDC’s open-source approach could potentially impact operational aspects like seller onboarding, vendor discovery, price discovery, and product cataloguing.

    Significance of Open-Sourcing

    • Open-sourcing a process involves making its code or steps freely available for use, redistribution, and modification.
    • Implementing ONDC’s open-source processes could level the playing field for smaller online retailers and new entrants.

    ONDC’s Objectives: Countering Digital Monopolies

    • ONDC aims to digitize value chains, standardize operations, and enhance efficiency, benefiting stakeholders and consumers.
    • Digital monopolies, dominated by e-commerce giants, are being challenged by ONDC, aligned with India’s draft e-commerce policy.

    ONDC Processes and Government’s Move

    • ONDC streamlines processes like seller onboarding, vendor and price discovery, and product cataloguing.
    • The Indian government’s move is spurred by the need to reduce foreign companies’ control over the domestic e-commerce ecosystem.

    Evolution and Challenges of Digital Commerce

    • The whitepaper charts the evolution of digital commerce in India, highlighting the hurdles faced in its early stages.
    • Challenges like resistance from major e-commerce players and MSME compliance burdens must be addressed.
    • Challenges included concerns about security, trust, and the perceived value of digital transactions.
    • ONDC’s framework addresses these challenges, offering agility, security, and profitability simultaneously.

    ONDC’s Impact across Industries

    • Deloitte India emphasized ONDC’s potential to empower various industries.
    • ONDC’s vision aligns with India’s growth trajectory, shifting power towards consumers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
    • The framework’s unique proposition bridges gaps in value chains, fosters innovation, and streamlines interactions.

    Agriculture and ONDC

    • ONDC has transformative implications for the agriculture sector.
    • It provides farmers direct access to buyers, eliminating intermediaries.
    • Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) can establish direct connections with potential clients, enhancing value chain optimization.
    • This integration benefits various stakeholders, including mandis, corporations, traders, hospitality establishments, and farm-to-table start-ups.

    Unlocking Commerce Potential

    • While India’s digital commerce sector is projected to touch $350 billion by 2030, e-commerce currently constitutes only about 4.3% of retail commerce.
    • ONDC’s innovative approach is poised to drive higher participation in digital commerce, optimizing value chains, and accelerating sector growth.

    Conclusion

    • The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is set to redefine India’s digital commerce landscape.
    • The framework’s alignment with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its potential to foster seamless interactions across industries hold great promise.
    • ONDC’s agility, security, and profitability features make it a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.

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  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    India as Aviation Transit Hub

    | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    transit hub

    Central Idea

    • In the world of aviation, a transit hub serves as a crucial intermediary point for travelers making their way from one foreign country to another.
    • It’s like a well-orchestrated stopover where passengers switch from one aircraft to another, aiming for a seamless journey.

    What is a Transit Hub in Aviation?

    • A transit hub is like a bridge in the sky, connecting travellers from one foreign destination to another with minimal fuss.
    • It should offer a smooth experience for passengers moving from Country A to Country C via Country B.
    • Such hubs usually rely on a major airline with an extensive network to provide one-stop flights, ideally with no more than a 2 to 3-hour wait between flights.
    • Picture it as a hub-and-spoke model, where flights come together at the hub and then branch out to various destinations, making travel affordable and efficient.

    Can India Become a Transit Hub?

    • In 2018-19, Indian airlines managed 40.2% of air passenger traffic to and from India.
    • This number has grown to 44% in 2022-23, while overseas airlines’ share has shrunk to 56%.
    • India now boasts low-cost carriers for short and medium-haul international flights, including newcomers like Akasa.
    • These trends signal India’s potential to become an economical transit hub, offering essential services to start.

    Which Airlines could make it happen?

    • Air India group and IndiGo are potential game-changers in turning India into a transit hub.
    • Together, they have nearly 1,500 aircraft on order, with most being narrow-body planes capable of covering 5 to 8 hours of travel, including European destinations.

    Any other player for transit hubs?

    • The plan begins with New Delhi, where a collaborative effort between the government, Delhi airport, and airlines seeks to optimize the hub experience.
    • Transit hubs are also in the works for Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, depending on flight origins.
    • Mumbai could be an attractive stop for African travellers, while Delhi might serve Central Europe and West Asia.

    Is there any Policy Support?

    • The Ministry of Civil Aviation endorses the idea, urging airlines to offer more non-stop international routes.
    • Airports and airlines are working to create larger spaces within airports for transit passengers.
    • Initiatives might include dedicated terminals for international flights or large carriers to streamline travel.

    Conclusion

    • India’s aviation landscape is evolving, with a rising share of passenger traffic attributed to domestic airlines and the emergence of low-cost international carriers.
    • The potential for India to become a transit hub is grounded in these shifting dynamics.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award to Indian Oncologist

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Ramon Magsaysay

    Central Idea

    • Dr. R. Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist and Director of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Assam, has been named one of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.
    • His pioneering efforts have revolutionized cancer treatment in Assam by prioritizing people-centric and pro-poor healthcare solutions.

    Dr. Kannan’s Inspiring Work

    • Under Dr. Kannan’s guidance, CCHRC evolved from having limited facilities to encompassing 28 departments, including oncology, pathology, radiology, microbiology, epidemiology, and palliative care.
    • The hospital introduced pro-poor measures such as free treatment, lodging, meals, ad hoc employment for caregivers, and a homecare program to address patients’ challenges in continuing treatment due to poverty and distance.
    • The hospital team extended their support by providing training to family members in pain management and palliative care, and distributing free medicines.
    • As a result, the compliance rate for cancer treatment increased remarkably, from 28% to 70%.

    About Ramon Magsaysay Award

    • The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1958, stands as a significant accolade, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
    • This prestigious award honors individuals and organizations in Asia for their exceptional contributions to society across various domains.

    Who was Ramon Magsaysay?

    • Ramon Magsaysay was the Philippines’ president from 1953 until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1957.
    • He gained prominence during World War II when Japanese forces occupied the Philippines, then a US colony.
    • In December 1953, he was elected president from the Nationalist Party, the country’s oldest political party.
    • Post-war chaos gripped the Philippines in 1946, accompanied by a widening gap between the rich and poor, exacerbated by the expansion of capitalism.
    • Amidst suspicions of communist affiliations and demands for peasant rights, leaders were targeted by the government, aligned with the USA.
    • Magsaysay’s administrative and military strategies played a pivotal role in countering the perceived threat of communism.

    Indian Awardees: A Legacy of Excellence

    Eminent Indians have been recognized through the Ramon Magsaysay Award:

    1. Vinoba Bhave (1958)
    2. Mother Teresa (1962)
    3. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1966)
    4. Satyajit Ray (1967)
    5. Mahasweta Devi (1997)
    6. Arvind Kejriwal (2006)
    7. Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015)
    8. Bezwada Wilson, human rights activist (2016)
    9. Ravish Kumar, journalist (2019)

    Significance of the Award

    • The Ramon Magsaysay Award symbolizes a deep commitment to altruism and service, acknowledging outstanding contributions that make a positive impact on society.
    • It is a reminder that individuals and organizations can effect transformative change through their selfless efforts.

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