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  • [9th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A moment for just transition litigation to take wing

    [9th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A moment for just transition litigation to take wing

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:

    Q1 “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (UPSC IAS/2018) 

    Q2 Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014) 

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: What is just a transition concept?;

    Mains: Advantages of a just transition framing;

    Mentor comments:  In April 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment in the case of “M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India.” The two-judge bench, comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta, ruled on the matter concerning the rights of wildlife and environmental protection. The court emphasized the importance of safeguarding natural habitats while balancing developmental needs, thereby reinforcing the legal framework aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecological integrity in India. This ruling reflects the judiciary’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainable development practices.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    • In April 2024, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of “M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India”, acknowledged a human right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change. 
    • This landmark decision has generated considerable discussion, with varying opinions. For some, it represents a significant advancement in climate action, while others contend that it inadequately safeguards endangered biodiversity.

    Key points as per judgement: 

    • Recognition of Human Rights Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court’s judgement recognized a human right against the adverse impacts of climate change, marking a significant step in the realm of environmental jurisprudence in India.
    • Concept of Just Transition: The judgement emphasized the importance of framing climate action through the lens of “just transition.”  
    • Inclusion of the Non-Human Environment: A significant aspect of the judgement was the consideration of introducing the non-human environment, such as biodiversity and ecosystems, as a subject within the concept of just transition.  
    • Mixed Reactions: The decision has sparked diverse opinions. While it is seen as a victory for climate action, some critics argue that it has not sufficiently protected endangered biodiversity, especially species like the Great Indian Bustard.

    What is just a transition concept? 

    • The concept of just transition refers to a framework aimed at ensuring that the shift from a high-carbon economy to a low-carbon economy is equitable and inclusive, addressing the social, economic, and environmental impacts of this transition.

    Advantages of a just transition framing

    • Equitable Climate Action: Framing the case within a just transition context allows the court to promote equitable and inclusive climate action. It shifts the narrative from viewing decarbonisation and biodiversity protection as adversarial to recognising their interdependence.
      • This approach can prevent the marginalisation of biodiversity interests, ensuring that the burdens of climate action are shared fairly among all stakeholders, including affected communities and ecosystems.
    • Expansion of Just Transition Concept: The case provides a unique opportunity to broaden the just transition framework by incorporating the non-human environment, specifically the Great Indian Bustard, as an affected entity.
      • This inclusion can help develop jurisprudence that recognizes the rights of nature and expands the understanding of just transition beyond human communities, aligning with emerging eco-centric legal principles.
    • Catalyst for Research and Awareness: Introducing the just transition concept in this case can stimulate much-needed research on just transition litigation in India, an area that remains underexplored.
      • By mapping existing cases and integrating them into the broader discourse on just transitions, the court can contribute to filling gaps in knowledge and understanding of how climate justice can be effectively achieved in the context of renewable energy projects.

    Way forward: 

    • Developing a Comprehensive Legal Framework for Just Transition: The Supreme Court should advocate for the creation of a robust legal framework that explicitly incorporates the principles of just transition. This framework should provide clear guidelines for ensuring that climate action, particularly decarbonisation efforts, is inclusive and fair to all stakeholders, including vulnerable communities and ecosystems.  
    • Establishing a Multidisciplinary Task Force for Monitoring and Implementation: The Court could recommend the formation of a multidisciplinary task force comprising experts in environmental law, social justice, economics, and biodiversity conservation.  

  • Trichophyton indotineae: A drug resistant fungal infections   

    Why in the News?

    The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.

    What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?

    • Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
    • First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
    • It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.

    Factors causing its spread 

    • Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
    • Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
    • Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
    • The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.

    Treatments available

    • Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
    • Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

    (a) algae and bacteria

    (b) algae and fungi

    (c) bacteria and fungi

    (d) fungi and mosses

  • Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024)

    Why in the News?

    Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.

    Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?

    • Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
    • He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
    • In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.

    Key Contributions: 

    Category Details
    Political Reforms
    • Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
    Social-Cultural Reforms
    • Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
    • Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
    • Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
    • Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
    Economic Reforms
    • Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
    • Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?

    (a) Empirical liberalism

    (b) Existentialism

    (c) Darwin’s theory of evolution

    (d) Dialectical materialism

  • [pib] Project PARI  

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Culture recently launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) coincided with the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, held in New Delhi.

    About Project PARI

    Details
    Launched by Ministry of Culture
    Nodal Agency Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
    Objective Enhance New Delhi’s cultural and aesthetic outlook
    Key Themes Nature tributes, Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, Toys of India, Hospitality, Ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (Divine Tree).
    Artist Participation Over 200 visual artists; significant participation from women artists
    Artforms included Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the:

    (a) Bundi school

    (b) Jaipur school

    (c) Kangra school

    (d) Kishangarh school

  • Country’s third largest tiger reserve to come up in Chhattisgarh

    Why in the News?

    Facing a significant decline in its tiger population in recent years, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday approved a long-awaited proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, which will be the third largest in the country.

    Process of Notification of Tiger Reserves

    • Proposal and Evaluation: The state government initiates the process by proposing an area to be designated as a tiger reserve. This proposal is then evaluated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Cabinet Approval: After NTCA’s recommendations, the state cabinet must approve the notification of the tiger reserve.
    • Integration of Areas: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
    • Note: Once a tiger reserve is notified, it cannot be easily denotified. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for denotification only under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.

    About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

    • It is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, following Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar.
    • The reserve spans four districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
    • It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers, thereby promoting eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
    • It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers by Providing additional budgetary resources from the National Project Tiger Authority for its operations.
    • It would promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.

    Tiger Reserves in India 

    • As of June 2024, India has 55 tiger reserves. This number has increased from 9 reserves in 1973 when Project Tiger was initiated. India is home to around 75% of the global tiger population.
    • The latest addition to the list is the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, which is the 55th reserve established in the country.
    • These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which is a keystone species in India’s ecosystems, and they collectively support around 80% of the world’s tiger population.
    • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).

    The initiative was taken by the Government: 

    • Strengthening Legal Framework: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework for tiger conservation, establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and critical tiger habitats. The 2006 amendment led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Anti-Poaching Measures: Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been deployed in tiger reserves to combat poaching. Modern surveillance technologies like camera traps and drones are used to monitor tiger populations and deter poaching activities.
    • To avoid human-tiger conflict: As of 2023, 12,327 families from 173 villages have been successfully relocated from tiger reserves to reduce human-tiger conflict.

    Way forward: 

    • Undertake habitat restoration measures in the tiger reserves, including prey base management and removal of invasive species, to improve the quality of tiger habitats.
    • Deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the newly notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to curb poaching.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?  (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Vinesh Phogat’s Olympics disqualification     

    Why in the News?

    Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.

    What is Weight Cutting?

    • Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
    • Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.

    Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?

    • Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
    • By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.

    Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?

    • The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
    • There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
    • Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
    • Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
    • Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Why Himalayan towns need a different kind of development    

    Why in the News?

    The Teesta dam breach and Himachal floods highlight the urgent need to evaluate development projects based on their environmental impact, especially in fragile mountain regions.

    What are the underlying issues in the cities of IHR? 

    1. Inadequate Planning Models: Planning institutions in the IHR often use models from the plains, which are ill-suited to the region’s unique conditions, leading to ineffective implementation and failures.
    2. Human Resource Deficit: City governments in the IHR face a severe shortage of human resources, with staffing levels falling short by nearly 75%, hampering effective urban management.
    3. Uncontrolled Urban Expansion: Cities are expanding into village peripheries, encroaching on common lands and natural resources, as seen in Srinagar, where built-up areas increased by 75.58% from 2000 to 2020, while water bodies shrank by 25%.
    4. Environmental Strain: Urbanization, high-intensity tourism, and unsustainable infrastructure development are exacerbating environmental pressures in the IHR, further worsened by changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures.
    5. Financial Constraints: The IHR cities lack the capacity to generate capital for infrastructure needs, highlighting the need for the Finance Commission to address urban financing in this region, given the high costs and absence of industrial corridors.

    What can be done?

    1. Every town needs to be mapped, with layers identifying vulnerabilities from geological and hydrological perspectives. The planning process should involve locals and follow a bottom-up approach.
    2. Consultant-driven urban planning processes should be shelved for Himalayan towns, with the urban design based on climate resilience.
    3. Current intergovernmental transfers from the centre to urban local bodies constitute a mere 0.5% of GDP. This should be increased to at least 1% of GDP.
    4. Himalayan towns must engage in wider conversations about sustainability, with the focus on urban futures being through robust, eco-centric planning processes involving public participation.

    Case Study 

    Nainital: Integrated Development Plan

    1. Nainital district in Uttarakhand implemented an Integrated Development Plan that aimed to balance urban growth with environmental conservation.
    2. The plan involved mapping vulnerable areas, restricting construction in ecologically sensitive zones, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
    3. Community participation and awareness programs were also part of the initiative to ensure long-term sustainability.

    Dharamshala: Green Building Norms

    1. The Dharamshala Municipal Corporation in Himachal Pradesh has adopted green building norms for new constructions, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
    2. The city has also invested in public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce vehicular emissions and promote sustainable mobility

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?  (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • [8th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  The leader who lost touch with Bangladesh

    [8th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  The leader who lost touch with Bangladesh

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (UPSC IAS/2013)

    Q. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. (UPSC IAS/2013)

    Mentors’ comment: The political crisis in Bangladesh escalated dramatically following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid widespread protests against a controversial government job quota system. The unrest has led to significant violence, particularly against Hindu minorities, with reports of targeted attacks and rising casualties. The military has since established an interim government, raising concerns over regional stability and India’s strategic interests. The crisis threatens to disrupt bilateral trade, which reached $13 billion in FY 2023-24, and could impact ongoing infrastructure projects vital for connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the news?

    Bangladesh is engulfed in chaos following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s abrupt resignation amid escalating student protests over job quotas.

    Why Hasina’s fall was not a surprise?

    • Long-standing Discontent: Widespread protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government had been brewing over issues like a controversial quota system for government jobs, indicating significant public discontent.
    • Authoritarian Drift: Hasina’s government has been accused of suppressing opposition and civil society through measures like the Digital Security Act, which has been used to arrest critics and journalists.
    • Historical Context: Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has experienced several military coups, political assassinations, and periods of military rule, including the killing of Hasina’s father, Mujibur Rahman, in 1975.

    Impact on India-Bangladesh relations: 

    • Loss of a Trusted Ally
      • Hasina’s leadership enabled India to work closely with Bangladesh on security matters, countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties. Her resignation jeopardises India-Bangladesh’s relationship as political dynamics shift in Bangladesh.
    • Disruption of Trade and Economic Ties
      • India-Bangladesh bilateral trade reached $13 billion in FY 2023-24, making Bangladesh India’s largest trade partner in South Asia. Hasina’s exit could disrupt these gains, affecting the movement of goods and people.
      • Discussions for a potential India-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) initiated in October 2023 aimed to boost trade. However, the future of these talks remains uncertain with the interim government in place.
      • India had a $9.2 billion trade surplus with Bangladesh in FY24. The ongoing unrest has already caused issues like internet disruptions affecting banking and issuing letters of credit, concerning exporters.
    • Uncertainty over Infrastructure Projects
      • India has extended $8 billion in credit since 2016 for developing Bangladesh’s road, rail, shipping and port infrastructure. Projects like the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, inaugurated in 2023, could face disruption.
      • A breakdown in ties could restrict India’s access to the Northeast, currently connected through narrow land corridors. 
      • Existing bus routes and port usage agreements also face potential risks.

    Way forward: 

    • Engagement with All Political Factions: India must proactively engage with a broader spectrum of Bangladeshi political parties, including the opposition parties like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). 
    • Strengthening Economic Ties and Infrastructure Projects: India should prioritize the continuity of trade and infrastructure projects established under Hasina’s government. This includes reaffirming commitments to the $8 billion credit extended for infrastructure development and ensuring that transit arrangements remain intact.  
  • [Ranker Webinar For UPSC 2026] By AIR -2, Animesh Pradhan On Qualifying UPSC In First Attempt || Join on 09th August 2024 At 7 PM.

    [Ranker Webinar For UPSC 2026] By AIR -2, Animesh Pradhan On Qualifying UPSC In First Attempt || Join on 09th August 2024 At 7 PM.

    Register Now!

    You don’t need more beginner level advice. What you need is a High Momentum plan and Support System.

    Animesh Pradhan, AIR -2, 1st Attempt, UAP’23 Mentorship Student
    UPSC, IAS, AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan, Civilsdaily

    Register for the UPSC Masterclass by AIR -2 on 09th August 2024 at 7:00 to get yearlong mentorship & study plan for UPSC-CSE

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    Read about AIR-2′ Animesh Pradhan’s UPSC Mentorship Journey

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    2. Absolute non-negotiables for every beginner – If you miss mastering these, forget your rank, you will risk even your mental health – so get them right
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  • Court shifts the tide on stray dog policy  

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court ended the 15-year-old (Animal Welfare Board of India & Anr Versus People for Elimination of Stray Troubles & Ors) AWBI vs. PEST case on July 12, after the final hearing on May 9, sparking mixed reactions.

    The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules are:

    • The PCA Act, 1960 was enacted by the Parliament of India to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
      • The PCA Act, 1960 and ABC Rules, 2001 prohibit the killing of stray dogs and mandate sterilization as the only scientific and humane method of controlling stray dog populations.
      • The new ABC Rules, 2023 notified under the PCA Act, 1960 also prohibit wanton killing of stray dogs by municipalities and require them to follow sterilization.
    • The Act defines “animal” as any living creature other than a human being. It establishes the Animal Welfare Board of India to promote animal welfare.
    • Chapter III of the Act lists different forms of cruelty to animals that are banned, including those related to work animals, captivity, ownership, abuse, mutilation or killing.
    • Chapter IV deals with experiments on animals. While it does not make experiments unlawful for the advancement of knowledge, it allows the Board to advise the government to create a committee to control and supervise such experiments.
    • Chapter V outlines restrictions, procedures and offences related to performing animals. The Central Government can prohibit any animal from exhibition or training through notification.

    Note: In 2022, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying submitted a draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill 2022 for public comment. The draft includes 61 amendments to further clarify the law and make punishments more stringent.

    The Supreme Court stated that the Central law (PCA Act 1960 and ABC Rules, 2023) which prohibits killing of stray dogs by local authorities remains the governing law of the land.

    What the Supreme Court said on the ‘Duty of every Citizen’:

    • The Supreme Court capped off the judgment with the lines: “Compassion to all living beings, is the enshrined Constitutional value and mandate, and cast obligation on the authorities to maintain.”
      • This refers to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India which states: “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.”
    • The court emphasized that Citizens should avoid unscientific and cruel methods like killing stray dogs and instead choose the scientific and humane method of sterilization.

    Issues due to stray dogs in India: 

    • Population: India has an estimated 60 million stray dogs, making it the country with the highest number of stray dogs globally.
    • Rabies Incidence: India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths and 65% of rabies deaths in the South-East Asia region.
      • Between 2012 and 2022, the National Rabies Control Program reported 6,644 clinically suspected cases of rabies in humans.
    • Dog Bite Cases: Reports indicate that major cities have seen alarming numbers of dog bite incidents. For example, Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital recorded nearly 48,000 dog bite cases in just six months. In Kerala alone, there were over 1.9 lakh dog bite cases last year, with 21 deaths attributed to rabies.

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Public Awareness and Education: Need to implement nationwide campaigns to educate the public on responsible pet ownership, the importance of sterilization, and the humane treatment of stray dogs.
    • Strengthening Enforcement of Existing Laws: Need to ensure that municipalities and local authorities are adequately trained and funded to implement the ABC Rules effectively.

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