Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Union Information and Broadcasting Minister announced that veteran actor Waheeda Rehman would be given the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021, honouring her stellar contribution to Indian cinema.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
| Purpose |
Highest honor in Indian cinema for outstanding contributions to its growth and development. |
| Inception |
Instituted by the Indian government in 1969. |
| Named After |
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema.” |
| Components |
‘Swarna Kamal’ (Golden Lotus), INR 10 lakh cash prize, certificate, silk scroll, and shawl. |
| Presentation |
By the President of India in the presence of key film industry representatives and officials. |
| First Recipient |
Devika Rani Roerich (1969). |
Who was Dadasaheb Phalke?
- Early Life: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, had a diverse career. He initially studied engineering and sculpture and later developed a fascination for motion pictures after watching the 1906 silent film ‘The Life of Christ.’
- Varied Pursuits: Before entering the world of cinema, Phalke worked as a photographer, owned a printing press, and even collaborated with the renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.
- Filmmaking Pioneer: In 1913, Phalke scripted, produced, and directed India’s inaugural feature film, the silent masterpiece ‘Raja Harishchandra.’ This groundbreaking film’s commercial success marked the beginning of Phalke’s prolific career in which he created 95 more films and 26 short films over the next 19 years.
- Father of Indian Cinema: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke is hailed as the “Father of Indian Cinema” for his pioneering contributions to the country’s film industry.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Balsams
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The genus Impatiens, locally known as Kasithumba and Onappovu, is currently enchanting tourists with its vibrant pink blooms in Munnar.
What are Balsams?
- Distinctive Feature: Balsams are commonly referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to the unique behavior of their mature seeds bursting open upon touch and distributing seeds.
- Sign of Active Micro-Climate: Botanists suggest that the extensive flowering of balsams in Munnar indicates the continued activity of the microclimate in this hill station.
- Indian Balsam Species: India hosts a total of 220 balsam species, with a significant presence of 135 species in the southern Western Ghats.
- Balsam Paradise: Idukki, particularly the high ranges around Anamudi, is renowned for its rich diversity of wild balsams. Scientists often term the district as a ‘balsam paradise.’
Conservation Efforts
- Balsams in Munnar: Munnar boasts 46 balsam species, extending from Munnar to Chinnar and Bison Valley.
- Protection in National Park: The Eravikulam National Park alone is home to over 40 wild balsam species, with the Forest Department ensuring their protection.
- Unparalleled Diversity: Prasad G, working plan officer, highlights that Munnar’s altitude has unveiled 46 balsam species, a level of diversity unmatched elsewhere in the world.
- Indicator Species: Balsams play a crucial role as indicator species for climate change. Any alterations in the climate of a region are often reflected in the population of these plants.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RoDTEP Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In light of a continuous seven-month decline in goods exports until August, the government has taken action to bolster outbound shipments.
- The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme’s applicability has been extended for nine more months, now in effect until June 30, 2024.
About RoDTEP Scheme
| Objective |
To refund central, state, and local duties or taxes on exported products.
The rebate does not apply to duties and taxes that have already been exempted, remitted, or credited. |
| Launch Date |
Introduced in January 2021.
Replacement for the Merchandise Export Scheme, which was deemed non-compliant with WTO Rules. |
| Rates of Tax Refund |
Tax refund rates under RoDTEP vary from 0.5% to 4.3% across different sectors. |
| Claim Process |
Exporters can claim the rebate as a percentage of the Freight On Board (FOB) value of their exports. |
| Issuance of Rebates |
Rebates are issued in the form of transferable duty credits or electronic scrips (e-scrips). |
| Significance of the Scheme |
Enhances the competitiveness of Indian products in global markets by refunding various taxes.
Expected to have a substantial impact on India’s trade volumes, export figures, and competitiveness.
Enables Indian exporters to meet international export standards and access GST refunds efficiently. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Angel Tax
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The government has introduced revisions to the angel tax provisions that were initially implemented in this year’s Budget, primarily targeting investments by non-resident investors into startups at a premium over their fair market value.
Key changes introduced
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued a notification, amending Rule 11UA under the Income Tax Act, incorporating changes to the draft norms released earlier.
- Five distinct valuation methods for shares have been introduced, accompanied by a 10% tolerance allowance for deviations from accepted share valuations.
- These changes aim to provide some relief to prospective foreign investors interested in Indian startups.
Angel Investment
- An angel investor is an individual who provides financial backing to early-stage startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for equity in the company.
- Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their own personal funds, rather than investing on behalf of a firm or institution.
- Features of Angel Investing:
- Early-stage funding
- Equity investment
- High-risk, high-reward
- Active involvement
- Personal investment
- Flexible terms
- Shorter investment horizon
|
What is Angel Tax?
- Referred to as Angel Tax, this rule is described in Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Essentially it’s a tax on capital receipts, unique to India in the global context.
- This clause was inserted into the act in 2012 to prevent laundering of black money, round-tripping via investments with a large premium into unlisted companies.
- The tax covers investment in any private business entity, but only in 2016 was it applied to startups.
Why was angel tax introduced?
- The complicated nature of VC fundraising with offshore entities, multiple limited partners and blind pools is contentious.
- There has been some element of money laundering or round-tripping under guise.
Details of its levy
- The Angel Tax is being levied on startups at 9% on net investments in excess of the fair market value.
- For angel investors, the amount of investment that exceeds the fair market value can be claimed for a 100% tax exemption.
- However, the investor must have a net worth of ₹2 crores or an income of more than ₹25 Lakh in the past 3 fiscal years.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Security Initiative (GSI)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
About Global Security Initiative (GSI)
- The GSI aims to contribute to global peace and stability by promoting fairness and justice among nations.
- It was launched in April 2022.
- Six key principles:
- Commitment to Comprehensive Security: Emphasizing cooperation for maintaining world peace and security.
- Respect for Sovereignty: Upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for diverse development paths.
- UN Charter Principles: Abiding by the UN Charter’s principles, rejecting Cold War thinking, unilateralism, group politics, and bloc confrontations.
- Indivisible Security: Addressing the legitimate security concerns of all nations, promoting balanced and sustainable security, and opposing self-security at the expense of others.
- Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Advocating dialogue and consultation for resolving international disputes, rejecting double standards, unilateral sanctions, and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- Multifaceted Security: Maintaining security in traditional and non-traditional domains, collaborating on regional conflicts, and addressing global challenges like terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and biosecurity.
- Other Policy Initiatives: President Xi’s new initiatives—GDI, GSI, and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI)—have become cornerstones of China’s foreign policy during his third term.
Nepal’s Stance on Chinese Initiatives
- Supporting Global Development Initiative: Nepal expressed support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and considered joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The joint statement reaffirmed cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the need to finalize a delayed BRI implementation plan swiftly.
Key collaborated projects
- Flagship Cross-Border Railway: Nepal and China are engaged in extensive connectivity projects, including the flagship cross-border railway from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
- Broad Connectivity Goals: Both countries aim to strengthen connectivity across various sectors like ports, roads, railways, airways, and grids. They are working on the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network.
- Border Port Openings: Nepal and China welcomed the opening of ports like Lizi-Nechung and the reopening of Zhangmu-Khasa for passenger services. They plan to open other border ports like Chentang-Kimathanka and Riwu-Olangchungola soon.
- Infrastructure Support: China pledged support for projects like the Araniko Highway maintenance, Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway repair, and a 220 KV Cross-Border Power Transmission line. Progress on the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway was noted, with further cooperation and training initiatives planned.
Balancing Act by Kathmandu
- Strategic Balancing: Nepal maintains a careful balance by cooperating on development projects with China while exercising caution on security matters.
- Commitment on Tibet: Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to China on Tibet, pledging not to allow separatist activities against China on Nepali soil.
- Support for Sovereignty: China expressed firm support for Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Conclusion
- Nepal’s diplomatic balancing act reflects its cautious approach towards security cooperation while enthusiastically engaging in cross-border connectivity projects.
- The joint statement highlights Nepal’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative and commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative.
- Despite declining to explicitly join the Global Security Initiative, Nepal agreed to elements of security collaboration with China.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Phosphorus
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Phosphorus scarcity poses a growing challenge to global agriculture, with critical implications for food production and environmental sustainability.
- While the history of land fertilization dates back to ancient agricultural practices, the advent of synthetic fertilizers in the 19th century transformed modern agriculture.
- However, today’s reliance on synthetic fertilizers, particularly phosphorus, raises concerns about its scarcity and environmental impact.
Age-Old Challenge of Soil Fertilization
- Historical Origins: The challenge of fertilizing land dates back to the dawn of agriculture. Early human societies recognized the need to replenish soil nutrients depleted by repeated cycles of cultivation and harvest.
- Ancient Fertilization: Indigenous communities worldwide devised fertilization techniques, including the use of fish remnants and bird droppings (guano), to restore essential nutrients to the soil.
Revolutionizing Agriculture with Synthetic Fertilizers
- 19th Century Advancements: The 19th century witnessed significant progress in chemistry, leading to the creation of synthetic fertilizers. It also marked the identification of key nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the foundation of modern chemical fertilizers.
- Green Revolution’s Impact: The mid-20th-century Green Revolution accelerated the adoption of high-yield crop varieties and intensive fertilizer use, revolutionizing global food production.
About Phosphorus
| Need |
Essential nutrient for plant growth, involved in photosynthesis, energy transfer, and root development. |
| Impact of Deficiency |
Leads to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and poor fruit or seed development in plants. |
| Types |
– Superphosphate
– Triple Superphosphate (TSP)
– Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) |
| Application |
Applied through broadcasting, banding, or direct placement with seeds during planting. |
| Benefits |
Promotes strong root development, better flowering, fruiting, and overall plant health. |
| Environmental Considerations |
Efficient use is required to prevent runoff and environmental issues like eutrophication. |
| Balanced Fertilization |
Maintain a nutrient balance (N-P-K) in soil to avoid both deficiency and excess of phosphorus. |
Phosphorus Predicament
- Phosphorus Scarcity: Phosphorus is a finite resource primarily found in specific geological formations. It’s not only depleting but also causing environmental pollution when it enters water bodies, leading to algal blooms and eutrophication.
Geopolitical Complexities
- Global Phosphorus Reserves: Today, a small group of countries, including Morocco and the Western Sahara region, controls the majority of the world’s phosphorus reserves. This geopolitical control raises concerns.
- Cadmium Contamination: Phosphorus often coexists with cadmium, a heavy metal harmful to health. Cadmium-laden fertilizers can contaminate crops, posing health risks.
- Largest Importer: India is the world’s largest importer of phosphorus, primarily from cadmium-rich deposits in West Africa.
- Cadmium Susceptibility: Staple crops like paddy in India are vulnerable to cadmium absorption, potentially causing health issues.
Challenge of Phosphorus Disposal
- Loss and Wastage: Only a fraction of mined phosphorus is consumed through food; a significant amount is lost to water bodies due to excessive fertilizer application.
- Sewage Contamination: Most phosphorus consumed ends up in sewage. Inadequate sewage treatment allows phosphorus to accumulate in water bodies, fueling algal blooms and depleting oxygen.
Exploring Phosphorus Alternatives
- Precision Agriculture: Reducing chemical fertilizer use through precision agriculture offers one solution to address phosphorus scarcity without compromising yield.
- Circular Water Economies: Urban sewage can become a valuable source of phosphorus. Two key strategies:
-
- Source Separation Toilets: Collect urine, a concentrated waste stream rich in phosphorus, and convert it into local fertilizer.
- Recycling Wastewater and Sludge: Recover nutrients, including phosphorus, from sewage sludge through innovative methods like sludge mining.
Incentive Challenges
- Overuse of Fertilizers: In rural India, powerful farmers often sell fertilizers, encouraging smaller farmers to overuse them. This requires better extension services and awareness campaigns.
- Perceptions of Sewage: In urban India, sewage has historically been stigmatized, affecting regulations and wastewater treatment practices.
Rethinking the Approach
- Systemic Change: Fundamental changes are needed, including lowering sewage mining costs, allowing urban-mined phosphorus in agriculture, and shifting utility incentives from discharge standards to nutrient recovery.
- Multi-Beneficial Solution: Such changes can tackle multiple challenges, including geopolitical dependency, affordable fertilizers, improved water bodies, and public health benefits.
Conclusion
- The phosphorus dilemma is a pressing challenge with far-reaching consequences for agriculture, geopolitics, and the environment.
- As we grapple with dwindling phosphorus reserves and its environmental pollution, innovative solutions must be embraced.
- Precision agriculture and circular water economies, including source-separating toilets and sewage recycling, offer promising avenues to alleviate the scarcity issue.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green hydrogen and its applications
Mains level: Green Hydrogen, National Green Hydrogen Mission, challenges and way forward
What’s the news?
- Recently, the government affirmed its commitment to making India a green hydrogen hub with a trial run of two buses that will operate on this clean fuel.
Central idea
- Green hydrogen is recognized for its minimal emissions and higher efficiency compared to internal combustion engines. The government’s move to conduct a trial run of two buses on green hydrogen fuel is part of a larger plan to introduce 15 more such buses by the end of the year. However, several challenges must be addressed to ensure the commercial viability of green hydrogen.
- Green hydrogen, often referred to as clean hydrogen, is a type of hydrogen gas produced through a process that uses renewable energy sources or other low-carbon methods with little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
- Green hydrogen (GH2) is produced by splitting water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen (O2) using renewable electricity.
- It is considered an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of hydrogen production because it does not rely on fossil fuels or emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases during its creation.
- It can serve as an energy source (heavy industry, long-distance mobility, aviation, and power storage) and an energy carrier (as green ammonia or blended with natural gas).
Have you heard about green steel?
- Green steel refers to steel that is produced using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods.
- Green steel is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and by utilizing low-emission technologies that reduce carbon emissions.
- One of the main ways to produce green steel is through the use of hydrogen instead of coal or natural gas as the reducing agent in the steel-making process.
- Green steel is seen as a way to reduce the environmental impact of the steel industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.
- The costs of green steel, made from green hydrogen, are currently much higher but could be reduced with economies of scale and changes in production technologies.
Challenges and roadblocks
- Renewable Energy Capacity Gap: India needs to add approximately 100 GW of renewable energy capacity every year for the next seven years to meet its green hydrogen production goals. In contrast, only about 16 GW of renewable energy capacity was added last year, revealing a substantial capacity deficit.
- Water Intensity: The production of 1 kg of green hydrogen requires around eight to nine liters of water. This poses a significant challenge in regions already grappling with water scarcity issues, potentially straining local resources.
- Electrolyser Manufacturing Capacity: The global manufacturing capacity of electrolysers, the critical component in green hydrogen production, currently stands at about 10 GW. To meet its 2030 targets, India may need to increase its capacity six to tenfold, indicating a pressing need for rapid expansion.
- Access to Rare Earth Minerals: Rare earth minerals are essential for electrolyser production, and China currently dominates this market. India must secure a consistent supply of these minerals through strategic partnerships or domestic production to support its green hydrogen ambitions.
- Safety Concerns: Green hydrogen is highly flammable, necessitating rigorous safety measures throughout the production, storage, and transportation processes. These safety concerns may impact public perception and adoption.
Way forward
- Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: India should intensify efforts to deploy renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Policies, investments, and streamlined regulatory processes are necessary to attract investments and expedite capacity expansion.
- R&D for Water-Efficient Technologies: Investment in research and development is critical to developing water-efficient hydrogen production technologies. Collaborations with research institutions and international partners can expedite progress.
- Domestic Electrolyser Production: India should prioritize domestic electrolyser manufacturing capabilities. Strategic diplomatic negotiations and alliances can help secure access to rare earth minerals for indigenous production.
- Stringent Safety Standards: Developing and enforcing robust safety standards and protocols for green hydrogen production, storage, and transport is essential. Ensuring safety will foster confidence in the technology.
- Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary infrastructure, including pipelines and refueling stations, for green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is crucial for its widespread adoption.
Steps in the right direction
- Green Hydrogen Mission: The Indian government has launched the Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigate 50 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Investment in Electrolysis Technology: A significant portion of the Green Hydrogen Mission’s budget is dedicated to developing electrolysers, the devices used in the electrolysis process to produce green hydrogen. This investment is crucial to scaling up hydrogen production capacity in the country.
- Utilizing the Indian Oil Corporation’s Expertise: The government has wisely leveraged the Indian Oil Corporation’s expertise for the country’s inaugural green hydrogen vehicle project. To access global markets and foster collaborations with other nations, India must further develop its capabilities in the green hydrogen sector.
Conclusion
- India’s aspirations to become a green hydrogen hub are laudable and align with global efforts to combat climate change. However, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges. Technological innovation, international partnerships, and a sustained commitment to clean energy are essential to transforming these ambitions into a sustainable reality.
Also read:
[Sureshot] National Green Hydrogen Mission
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Khalistan Issue, Strained India-Canada relations, and need for Quiet and mature diplomacy
What’s the news?
- Indian and Canadian leaders and diplomats have a history of failing to engage constructively, often talking past each other. This disconnect persists today, fueled by differing perceptions and unresolved issues. The recent Nijjar case has brought these tensions to the forefront.
Central idea
- In the realm of international diplomacy, the relationship between India and Canada has often been marked by a lack of genuine engagement and mutual understanding. Both nations have harbored grievances, with India feeling that Canada has disregarded its concerns, particularly regarding the Khalistan issue, while Canada believes that India fails to grasp its legal and governance framework.
Canada’s Stance in the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic tensions
- Emphasis on the Rule of Law: Trudeau has emphasized that Canada is a nation founded on the rule of law. He underscores the importance of upholding a rules-based world order.
- Nijjar Case as a Test: Canada has made the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar a test case for upholding the rule of law and global order. It asserts that harming any of its nationals is unacceptable, irrespective of any grievances India may have.
- Support from Allies: Canada’s stance in the Nijjar case has garnered support from its allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These countries endorse Canada’s position and call on India to cooperate with Canada in the investigation.
- Demand for Specific Evidence: Canada has shared credible allegations with India regarding the Nijjar case. While India dismisses these allegations.
India’s Response
- Rejection of Allegations: The Indian government has rejected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations regarding the Nijjar case as absurd and motivated. India disputes the claims made by Canada and seeks concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations.
- Offer to Address Concerns: Despite dismissing the allegations, India has expressed a willingness to examine Canadian concerns if specific evidence is provided. India maintains that it is ready to cooperate on any genuine issues related to its citizens.
- Assertion of National Laws: India insists that its national laws cannot serve as a shield for promoting secession or staging protests that glorify violence. It calls for Canada to take legal action against Khalistani propagandists and individuals involved in hate speech and violence on Canadian soil.
- Open to Diplomacy: India remains open to diplomatic engagement with Canada to address the Nijjar case and other ongoing issues, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
Challenges to Constructive Engagement
- Perceived Racism in Governance: Some Indians view Canada’s approach to governance systems in countries like India as colored by racism. Intrusive questions posed to Indian visa seekers from security services are seen as unacceptable and warrant bilateral discussions.
- The Khalistan Issue: India’s frustration with Canada regarding the Khalistan issue dates back over four decades. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) was established in 1984, yet Khalistani activities were not taken seriously, even after instances of terror emerged.
- Response to Recent Charges: Trudeau’s use of harsh language and the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat strained the relationship further. A measured Indian response was replaced by a more confrontational approach.
- Evidence and Judicial Scrutiny: Canadian officials claim to possess intelligence implicating India in Nijjar’s murder but have not revealed details. For a meaningful resolution, this intelligence needs to be converted into evidence suitable for judicial scrutiny.
Challenges to Constructive Engagement
- Perceived Racism in Governance: Some Indians view Canada’s approach to governance systems in countries like India as colored by racism. Intrusive questions posed to Indian visa seekers from security services are seen as unacceptable and warrant bilateral discussions.
- The Khalistan Issue: India’s frustration with Canada regarding the Khalistan issue dates back over four decades. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) was established in 1984, yet Khalistani activities were not taken seriously, even after instances of terror emerged.
- Canada’s Trust Issue: The Canadian law enforcement system appears to lack trust in the Indian legal system. This is evident in Canada’s reluctance to extradite individuals accused of violence and murder in India, especially those with ties to Khalistani activities.
- Response to Recent Charges: Trudeau’s use of harsh language and the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat strained the relationship further. A measured Indian response was replaced by a more confrontational approach.
- Evidence and Judicial Scrutiny: Canadian officials claim to possess intelligence implicating India in Nijjar’s murder but have not revealed details. For a meaningful resolution, this intelligence needs to be converted into evidence suitable for judicial scrutiny.
Way Forward: Need for quiet and constructive diplomacy
- Private Dialogue: Both nations should prioritize private, behind-the-scenes dialogue to address their grievances and misunderstandings. Public posturing should be replaced with discreet diplomatic channels where concerns can be discussed openly and candidly.
- Evidence-Based Engagement: Canada should provide specific evidence regarding the Nijjar case to India, allowing for a fair and transparent examination of the allegations. India, in turn, should be open to reviewing this evidence objectively.
- Respect for Sovereignty: Respect for each other’s sovereignty should be paramount. Issues related to visa applications and extradition should be approached in a manner that aligns with international norms while respecting national sovereignty.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Both nations should exhibit cultural sensitivity in their interactions. Questions and actions that may be perceived as insensitive should be avoided to prevent further strain on relationships.
- Leadership Role: Leaders in both India and Canada should play a key role in setting a tone of constructive engagement. Diplomacy should be marked by measured language and a commitment to dialogue.
Conclusion
- To rebuild strained Indo-Canadian relations, both nations must shift towards a more constructive engagement that acknowledges their respective concerns and grievances. Quiet and mature diplomacy should replace confrontational tactics. In the pursuit of a harmonious relationship, mutual respect and understanding are essential, and only through constructive engagement can these goals be achieved.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate-induced infectious diseases
Mains level: Climate change and new disease scenarios, need for a One Health approach
What’s the news?
- The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in March, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating global risk posed by infectious diseases.
Central idea
- The intricate relationship between climate and disease becomes more evident with each passing year. Recent analysis in Nature Climate Change (2022) warns that humans now face a wider array of infectious agents than ever before. More than half of all known infectious diseases affecting humans worsen due to shifting climate patterns.
The Impact of Climate Change on Infections
- Habitat Loss and Human-Animal Interaction:
- Climate change contributes to habitat loss, pushing disease-carrying animals into closer proximity to human territories.
- This increased interaction between humans and wildlife raises the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans.
- For example, the Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala originated from bats and caused fatalities in humans.
- Broader Spectrum of Infectious Agents: An analysis published in Nature Climate Change in 2022 warns that humans now face a wider range of infectious agents due to climate change. Over half of all known infectious diseases that threaten humans are exacerbated by changing climate patterns.
- New Transmission Routes: Diseases often find new transmission routes due to climate change. This includes transmission through environmental sources as well as through medical tourism and contaminated food and water from once-reliable sources.
- Ecosystem Transformation: Climate change is transforming ecosystems by introducing invasive species and extending the range of existing life forms. These changes trigger complex upheavals in ecosystems, making it challenging for ecologists and epidemiologists to predict disease outbreaks.
- Manifestation of Climatic Shifts: These climatic shifts are manifesting in severe health crises, including a dengue epidemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Kolkata, as well as the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.
- Human-Induced Health Vulnerability Crisis:
- Human-induced climate change is described as unleashing an unprecedented health vulnerability crisis.
- India, in particular, has experienced the ominous impact, with early summers and erratic monsoons leading to water scarcity in regions like the Gangetic Plains and Kerala.
Current Surveillance, Reporting, and Challenges
- Improved Reporting Over the Decades:
- India has made significant progress in reporting disease outbreaks over the past two decades.
- Initiatives like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) were introduced to enhance disease surveillance.
- For example, in 2008, IDSP reported 553 outbreaks, and by 2017, this number had increased to 1,714.
- Transition to the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP):
- The IDSP was phased out in favor of a newer system called the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) in 2018.
- IHIP is a web-enabled, near-real-time electronic information system that added 20 additional disease conditions compared to IDSP’s 13.
- It aimed to provide disaggregated data to its users.
- Unfulfilled Expectations: Despite the promise of IHIP, the program has not fully met expectations for real-time tracking of emerging disease outbreaks.
- Inadequate Surveillance for Emerging Diseases: The current design of disease surveillance is deemed inadequate for the emerging disease scenario brought about by climate change.
The Need for a Unified Approach: One Health
- Interconnectedness of Health: One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. It emphasizes that these domains are interdependent and that the health of one is intimately linked to the health of the others.
- Preventing Disease Outbreaks: The One Health approach is pivotal in preventing disease outbreaks, particularly those originating from animals. It acknowledges that diseases like zoonotic infections (those that can be transmitted from animals to humans), neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental contamination are all interconnected.
- Holistic Approach: One Health takes a holistic approach to health surveillance and prevention. It goes beyond traditional disease control strategies and recognizes the need to address health challenges at their source, including the role of ecosystems.
Recommendations for India
- Implement one health program: Foster synergy between the central and state governments and their specialized agencies, including animal husbandry, forest and wildlife, municipal corporations, and public health departments. Develop robust surveillance systems and establish lines of responsibility and collaboration.
- Coordination and Management: With the influx of funding from sources like the World Bank, enhance the coordination and management of One Health initiatives. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister has played a leading role, but greater collaboration is essential.
Way forward: Looking Beyond Disease X
- The Obsession with “Disease X”: While the global focus remains on the mysterious “Disease X,” the ongoing challenges posed by familiar infectious agents like influenza, measles, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and diarrhoea continue to strain public health systems.
- Climate Change’s Broader Impact: Climate change is not limited to infectious diseases. It exacerbates injuries and fatalities resulting from extreme weather events, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
- Nipah’s Wake-Up Call: The re-emergence of the Nipah virus in Kerala serves as a stark wake-up call, emphasizing that a mere biomedical response to diseases is inadequate in the face of evolving threats.
- The Role of Ecosystems: Protecting ecosystems becomes paramount as they play a crucial role in mitigating climate-induced infectious diseases and maintaining overall ecological balance.
- Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, health departments, environmental bodies, and the public, is essential to effectively address these complex challenges.
- Proactive Safeguarding: The road ahead demands concerted efforts not only to adapt to climate change but also to proactively safeguard our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants for a resilient and healthier future.
Conclusion
- The urgent need for a One Health approach to combat climate-induced infectious diseases is clear. India must prioritize collaboration, surveillance, and ecosystem protection to effectively address this growing threat and secure a healthier future for its population.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now