Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhagat Singh
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga (now in Faisalabad, Pakistan), is celebrated as a charismatic revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the cause of Indian independence at the young age of 23.
Five Lesser-Known Aspects of Bhagat Singh’s Life
[1] A Family of Progressive Freedom Fighters
- Anti-Colonial Roots: Bhagat Singh’s father, Kishan, and uncle, Ajit, were actively involved in anti-British activities. Kishan faced imprisonment in 1910 for disseminating seditious literature, while Ajit was deported to Mandalay in 1907 for his inflammatory speeches against the Punjab Colonisation Bill. Both played significant roles in the freedom struggle, influencing Bhagat Singh’s upbringing in an anti-colonial environment.
- Dissent within the Family: Despite the family’s strong anti-British stance, Bhagat Singh publicly criticized his father for submitting a mercy plea to the Viceroy when he and other revolutionaries faced the gallows, revealing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause.
[2] A Scholar and Writer
- Prolific Writer: Bhagat Singh contributed to Urdu and Punjabi newspapers in Amritsar during the 1920s and authored pamphlets and ‘seditious’ literature condemning British colonial rule.
- Eclectic Reading: His jail notebooks revealed his interests extended beyond politics, encompassing literature from renowned poets and writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth, Wajid Ali Shah, Mirza Ghalib, and Iqbal.
[3] An Atheist and Marxist with Anarchist Leanings
- Religious Critique: Bhagat Singh was an avowed atheist who criticized religion in his essay ‘Why I am an Atheist’ (1930), rejecting the concept of one true religion. He viewed religious beliefs as divisive and demoralizing.
- Inspirations: Bhagat Singh drew inspiration from Marxist thinkers such as Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, and Bakunin. In his final testament, ‘To Young Political Workers’ (1931), he advocated for “social reconstruction on new, i.e., Marxist, basis.” However, he did not fully align with orthodox Marxist views, particularly on authoritarianism.
[4] Support from Jinnah
- Jinnah’s Defense: While Mahatma Gandhi refrained from intervening in Bhagat Singh’s trial, MA Jinnah ardently defended him. Jinnah vehemently opposed a proposed Bill that would have allowed trials in absentia, delivering a compelling speech in the Central Assembly in 1929.
- Successful Opposition: Jinnah’s staunch stance led to the foiling of the attempt to pass the law, but Bhagat Singh’s trial continued under dubious circumstances, resulting in his death sentence in 1930.
[5] Jawaharlal Nehru’s Support
- Nehru’s Critique: Jawaharlal Nehru criticized the British legal process and the injustice inflicted on Bhagat Singh. He admired Bhagat Singh’s courage and self-sacrifice.
- Historic Visit: Nehru, along with other leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, visited Bhagat Singh in prison. Despite their differences in methods, Nehru’s respect for Bhagat Singh remained unwavering.
- Congress Resolution: After Bhagat Singh’s execution, Nehru moved an official resolution in a Congress session, condemning the execution and demanding commutation, even though the Congress officially rejected violence as a means of achieving independence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Conocarpus Plant
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Gujarat has issued a circular to control the growth of the exotic species Conocarpus, citing adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
About Conocarpus Plant
- Classified as invasive, Conocarpus is a mangrove
- During the winter season, these trees produce flowers, releasing pollen in nearby regions.
- In India, various public authorities have used it for landscaping purposes, including road medians, roadsides, and public gardens.
- This tree is renowned for maintaining its dark green foliage year-round, even in harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures.
- Its adaptability allows it to thrive in highly saline areas.
- Conocarpus exhibits an excessive water-absorption trait from the soil, posing a threat to groundwater.
- Its deep root system can disrupt infrastructure communication cables, drainage lines, and potable water pipelines.
Previous bans
- Telangana had previously banned the same plant species due to concerns over its impact.
- Conocarpus is not the sole exotic plant species to fall out of favor.
- In recent years, Delhi and Kerala have grappled with the need to curb the growth of non-indigenous trees that were adversely affecting local environments, flora, and fauna due to their prolific presence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cookies and Digital Privacy
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In the online world, digital cookies hold a significant role, contributing to personalization and user convenience.
- These unobtrusive lines of code, quietly stored on devices during website visits, shape the online experiences we encounter.
Understanding How Cookies Work
- Cookies as Digital Keys: Think of cookies as keys to an exclusive club. Just as a club bouncer recognizes regular patrons, cookies remember your login details on websites, eliminating the need for constant re-authentication.
- Enhanced Online Shopping: Websites like Amazon leverage cookies to remember your past interactions, offering tailored product recommendations and an intimate shopping experience.
- Persistent Shopping Carts: Online shopping carts, fueled by cookies, ensure your selections remain intact even after you leave the site, simplifying the checkout process.
- Personalized Advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Google utilize cookies to track online behaviour, serving ads aligned with your preferences.
Types of Cookies
- Session Cookies: Temporary, session cookies function as post-it notes for websites, existing only in your computer’s memory during your browsing session.
- Persistent Cookies: Comparable to bookmarks, persistent cookies remain on your device after your browsing session, retaining login information and preferences.
- Secure Cookies: Sent over encrypted connections, secure cookies are employed for sensitive data like login credentials.
- Third-Party Cookies: Originating from domains other than the visited site, third-party cookies serve tracking and advertising functions, offering both benefits and potential intrusiveness.
Multifaceted Uses of Cookies
- Digital ID Cards: Cookies facilitate user authentication, allowing websites to recognize and keep you logged in.
- Personalization: They remember your preferences, such as language choices and website themes.
- Persistent Shopping Carts: Items added online remain accessible upon your return.
- Analytics Data: Cookies enable website owners to gather valuable data about user interactions for improvements and customization.
- Targeted Advertising: Advertisers employ cookies to display ads aligning with your interests, enhancing online shopping experiences.
Challenges Associated with Cookies
- Privacy Concerns: Cookies can track online behaviour, occasionally infringing upon digital privacy.
- Security Risks: Inadequately secured cookies may expose personal information to cybercriminals.
- User Consent Era: Privacy regulations necessitate websites to seek user consent before deploying specific cookie types, resulting in pop-ups and prompts.
- Third-Party Cookie Debates: Concerns about third-party cookies have led web browsers to limit their usage for user privacy protection.
- Data Deluge: The multitude of cookies can potentially overwhelm your browser, causing a sluggish web experience.
Conclusion
- Complex yet Sweet: Cookies enhance online experiences but also bring privacy and security challenges. As the digital landscape evolves, so will the use and regulation of cookies.
- Analogous to Real Cookies: Just like warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, digital cookies add a personalized touch to your online adventures, even if they occasionally leave behind a few crumbs.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Gender Gaps in Cancer
Central Idea
- The Lancet Commission report ‘Women, Power and Cancer’ spotlights the gender disparities in cancer care that persist in India.
Women dying of Cancer: Alarming Statistics
- The report emphasizes that approximately 6.9 million cancer-related deaths among Indian women were preventable, and 4.03 million were treatable.
- It revealed that a staggering 63% of premature cancer-related deaths in Indian women could have been prevented through risk reduction, screening, and early diagnosis.
- 37% could have been averted through timely and optimal treatment.
Understanding the Gender Gap
- Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Despite men being at a higher risk of certain cancers affecting both genders, women continue to face a significant burden of cancer incidence and mortality. Globally, women account for 48% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer-related deaths. This happens even though some of the cancers in women, such as breast and cervical cancers, are highly preventable and treatable.
- Root Causes: The report attributes this gender gap in cancer outcomes to several factors, including limited access to timely and appropriate care due to disparities in knowledge, decision-making power, and financial resources. Women, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, often lack the necessary information and autonomy for informed decision-making in healthcare.
- Financial Strain: Additionally, women are more likely than men to experience financial devastation due to cancer-related expenses, compounding the challenges they face.
Challenges in Cancer Care for Women
- Underrepresentation: The report underscores that women are underrepresented in leadership roles in the field of cancer care. They are also susceptible to gender-based discrimination and harassment, making it a complex environment for women to thrive.
- Unrecognized Contributions: Shockingly, women constitute the largest unpaid workforce in cancer care, with their contributions estimated to be worth approximately 3.66% of India’s national health expenditure.
Expert Insights
- Healthcare-Seeking Behavior: A healthcare expert highlights the impact of gendered healthcare-seeking behavior. Women, particularly in disadvantaged sections of society, tend to exhibit lower healthcare-seeking behavior, impacting their overall health outcomes.
- Societal Changes: Beyond medical knowledge, societal changes are crucial. Women often hesitate to consult medical professionals for conditions like breast or cervical cancer, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Significance of Screening
- Preventable and Treatable Cancers: Breast and cervical cancers, two of the most common cancers in women, are highly preventable and treatable. Experts emphasize the importance of regular screenings.
- Early Detection: Self-examination of breasts, annual clinical examinations by a medical professional, and mammography for women over 40 can aid in early breast cancer detection. For cervical cancer, regular screenings can identify pre-cancerous growth and the presence of the human papillomavirus.
Government Interventions
- Awareness Campaigns: Experts underscore the need for government-led awareness campaigns to promote cancer prevention and early detection, similar to those for other health initiatives.
- Vaccination Programs: The government’s initiative to include vaccination programs for young girls is a positive step in reducing cancer incidence.
- Primary Health Centers: Experts highlight the potential for primary health centers to play a more significant role in cancer diagnosis and early treatment, particularly for cervical cancer.
Recommendations from the Report
- Data Collection: Regularly collecting gender and social demographic data for cancer health statistics is crucial.
- Policy Development: Developing, strengthening, and enforcing policies that reduce known cancer risks is essential.
- Equitable Access: The report calls for equitable access to cancer research resources, leadership roles, and funding opportunities for women, addressing the gender imbalance in cancer care and research.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Green Revolution
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the revered agricultural scientist renowned as the “Father of the Green Revolution” in India, passed away at the age of 98.
- His legacy is deeply interwoven with India’s journey towards achieving food security.
Who was Dr. M.S. Swaminathan?
- Civil Services to Agriculture: Although Dr. Swaminathan initially cleared the civil services examination, his heart was set on agriculture. His fascination with farming led him to pivot his career towards agricultural research.
- The Turning Point: Influenced by the Bengal famine of 1942-43, which he viewed as a consequence of British policies, Dr. Swaminathan chose to study agriculture, particularly genetics and breeding. This decision was instrumental in shaping India’s agricultural landscape.
Timeline of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s remarkable life and contributions:
| Year |
Milestones |
| 1925 |
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency. |
| 1940s |
Pursued higher education in zoology and later completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science. |
| 1949-1954 |
Conducted research on combating potato crop parasites during a UNESCO fellowship and earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge. |
| 1954 |
Specialized in the genus Solanum and started researching fertilizers and high-yielding wheat varieties. |
| 1965-70 |
Collaborated with Dr. Norman Borlaug to develop high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties, pioneering the Green Revolution in India. |
| 1979-1982 |
Appointed as Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and served in various government roles. |
| 1982 |
Became Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. |
| 1987 |
Awarded the first World Food Prize for his contributions to agriculture. |
| 2002 |
Elected as President of the Pugwash Conferences on science and world affairs. |
| 2004 |
Appointed as the chair of the National Commission on Farmers, which recommended significant reforms for Indian agriculture. |
| 2005 |
Joined the United Nations Millennium Project’s Hunger Task Force and developed targets to combat poverty and hunger. |
| 2007 |
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha and presented the Women Farmers’ Entitlements Bill. |
| 2013 onwards |
Continued involvement in various initiatives focused on nutrition, internet access, and agricultural institutes worldwide. |
Green Revolution: A Game-Changer
- Revolutionary Change: Dr. Swaminathan’s pioneering work led to the introduction of high-yielding variety seeds, improved irrigation facilities, and fertilizers to farmers in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. This transformative period marked the beginning of India’s Green Revolution.
- Impact on Wheat Production: The Green Revolution witnessed a remarkable increase in wheat production. In 1947, India produced about 6 million tonnes of wheat annually, which soared to about 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968, significantly enhancing the nation’s self-sufficiency in food production.
Swaminathan’s Contribution to the Green Revolution
| Semi-Dwarf Wheat Varieties |
Aimed to reduce wheat plant height, preventing lodging while maintaining grain yield. |
| Collaboration with Norman Borlaug |
Collaborated with Norman Borlaug to incorporate dwarfing genes into spring wheat varieties suitable for India. |
| The Wheat Revolution |
A collaborative effort starting in 1963, leading to high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties. |
| Role of HYVs |
Focused on developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, crucial for combating drought and famine. |
| Yield Gap Reduction |
Targeted increasing productivity on existing farmland through HYVs, mitigating the threat of famine. |
| Cytogenetics Expertise |
Contributions extended to studying chromosomes (cytogenetics), identifying traits like disease resistance. |
Challenges and Ethical Commitments
- Unintended Consequences: Despite its successes, the Green Revolution faced criticism for benefiting prosperous farmers and causing ecological issues.
- Dr. Swaminathan’s Advocacy: As the head of the National Commission on Farmers, he advocated for fair Minimum Support Prices for farmers and highlighted concerns related to soil fertility, pesticide use, and water management.
Legacy and Recognition
| International Accolades |
– Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971
– Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986
– UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize in 1994
– UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999
– Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in 1999
– Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in 2000
– First World Food Prize Laureate in 1987. |
| National Awards (India) |
– Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award
– Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development |
| Civilian Awards (India) |
– Padma Shri in 1967
– Padma Bhushan in 1972
– Padma Vibhushan in 1989 |
| Honorary Doctorates |
– Received over 80 honorary doctorates from universities worldwide |
| Civilian Awards (Other Nations) |
– Honored with civilian awards from nations like the Philippines, France, Cambodia, China |
| Fellowships in Scientific Academies |
– Elected as a fellow in several scientific academies in Russia, Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Bangladesh |
Back2Basics: Key Terms Explained
- Hexaploid Wheat: Also known as “bread wheat,” hexaploid wheat contains six sets of chromosomes and is a globally cultivated cereal crop.
- Carbon Fixation: The process by which crops capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds, primarily through photosynthesis.
- C3 and C4 Pathways: Photosynthetic pathways used by plants for carbon fixation, with C4 being more efficient.
- C4 Rice Plant: A type of rice that employs the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which Dr. Swaminathan worked on during his tenure at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Current Account Deficit (CAD)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) expanded significantly to $9.2 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of GDP, during the April-June quarter.
- This represents a substantial increase from the preceding three months when it stood at $1.3 billion, or 0.2% of GDP.
- Contrasting with the year-earlier quarter of fiscal 2022-23, where the CAD was $17.9 billion (2.1% of GDP), the current scenario reflects evolving economic dynamics.
What is Current Account Deficit (CAD)?
- A current account is a key component of balance of payments, which is the account of transactions or exchanges made between entities in a country and the rest of the world.
- This includes a nation’s net trade in products and services, its net earnings on cross border investments including interest and dividends, and its net transfer payments such as remittances and foreign aid.
- A CAD arises when the value of goods and services imported exceeds the value of exports, while the trade balance refers to the net balance of export and import of goods or merchandise trade.
Components of Current Account
Current Account Deficit (CAD) = Trade Deficit + Net Income + Net Transfers
(1) Trade Deficit
- Trade Deficit = Imports – Exports
- A Country is said to have a trade deficit when it imports more goods and services than it exports.
- Trade deficit is an economic measure of a negative balance of trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports.
- A trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.
(2) Net Income
- Net Income = Income Earned by MNCs from their investments in India.
- When foreign investment income exceeds the savings of the country’s residents, then the country has net income deficit.
- This foreign investment can help a country’s economy grow. But if foreign investors worry they won’t get a return in a reasonable amount of time, they will cut off funding.
- Net income is measured by the following things:
- Payments made to foreigners in the form of dividends of domestic stocks.
- Interest payments on bonds.
- Wages paid to foreigners working in the country.
(3) Net Transfers
- In Net Transfers, foreign residents send back money to their home countries. It also includes government grants to foreigners.
- It Includes Remittances, Gifts, Donation etc
How does Current Account Transaction takes place?
- While understanding the Current Account Deficit in detail, it is important to understand what the current account transactions are.
- Current account transactions are transactions that require foreign currency.
- Following transactions with from which component these transactions belong to :
- Component 1 : Payments connection with Foreign trade – Import & Export
- Component 2 : Interest on loans to other countries and Net income from investments in other countries
- Component 3 : Remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad, and Expenses in connection with Foreign travel, Education and Medical care of parents, spouse and children
What are the reasons for the current account deficit?
- Intensifying geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions leading to crude oil and commodity prices soaring globally have been exerting upward pressure on the import bill.
- A rise in prices of coal, natural gas, fertilizers, and edible oils have added to the pressure on trade deficit.
- However, with global demand picking up, merchandise exports have also been rising.
How will a large CAD affect the economy?
- A large CAD will result in the demand for foreign currency rising, thus leading to depreciation of the home currency.
- Nations balance CAD by attracting capital inflows and running a surplus in capital accounts through increased foreign direct investments (FDI).
- However, worsening CAD will put pressure on the inflow under the capital account.
- Nevertheless, if an increase in the import bill is because of imports for technological upgradation it would help in long-term development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: generative AI and applications and latest models
Mains level: generative AI and applications, regulations, Concerns and measures
What’s the news?
- Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potent force in the digital landscape, raising critical questions about regulation, copyright, and potential risks.
Central Idea
- In a remarkably short period, chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, and Pi have demonstrated the remarkable potential of generative AI applications. However, these AI marvels have also exposed their vulnerabilities, prompting policymakers and scientists worldwide to grapple with the question, whether generative AI should be subject to regulation.
What is generative AI?
- Like other forms of artificial intelligence, generative AI learns how to take actions based on past data.
- It creates brand-new content—a text, an image, even computer code—based on that training instead of simply categorizing or identifying data like other AI.
- The most famous generative AI application is ChatGPT, a chatbot that Microsoft-backed OpenAI released late last year.
- The AI powering it is known as a large language model because it takes in a text prompt and, from that, writes a human-like response.
What is the legal framework on which generative AI rests?
- U.S. Copyright Approach:
- In the United States, copyright law recognizes only humans as copyright holders.
- Consequently, AI-generated works often fall outside the scope of copyright protection.
- This situation poses challenges when it comes to attributing authorship to AI-generated content.
- India’s Ambiguity:
- India’s position on AI-generated content and copyright remains ambiguous.
- A recent case highlights this ambiguity, where a copyright application for an AI-generated work was initially rejected.
- The lack of clear guidelines in India regarding copyright protection for AI-generated content adds complexity to the legal landscape.
The European Union’s AI Act
- Individual Rights: The EU AI Act places a strong emphasis on safeguarding individual rights within the AI landscape. It seeks to protect individuals from potential AI-related harm, ensuring that their rights are upheld.
- Leveling the Playing Field: Recognizing the dominance of large tech corporations in AI development, the Act aims to foster a more competitive environment. This involves measures to reduce the concentration of AI development within a select few companies, promoting innovation and diversity.
- Transparency Obligations: The AI Act introduces transparency requirements for AI-generated content. Specifically, it mandates the labeling of AI-generated material as such and requires summaries of the training data used. These provisions aim to enhance transparency and accountability in AI systems.
Contrasting Approaches: Risk-Based vs. Relaxed Regulation
- EU’s Risk-Based Approach:
- In contrast, the European Union employs a risk-based approach to AI regulation.
- This approach involves delineating prohibitions on certain AI practices, recommending ex-ante assessments for others, and enforcing transparency requirements for low-risk AI systems.
- The EU’s approach acknowledges the multifaceted risks posed by AI and seeks to mitigate them effectively.
- U.S. Regulatory Approach:
- The United States maintains a relatively relaxed approach to AI regulation, which may be attributed to underestimating the associated risks or a general reluctance towards extensive regulation.
- This approach raises concerns, especially in sectors like education, where there is minimal control over the use of generative AI tools by students, including age and content restrictions.
- Additionally, discussions regarding the regulation of AI risks, particularly in the context of disinformation campaigns and deepfakes, are notably limited in the U.S.
- Comprehensive Regulatory Framework: India necessitates a comprehensive regulatory framework that spans both horizontal regulations applicable across sectors and vertical regulations specific to distinct industries. The absence of such regulations results in uncertainties and impediments to effectively addressing AI-related issues.
- Data Protection Clarity: The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 plays a pivotal role in addressing data protection concerns. However, the DPDP Act exhibits certain gaps, such as legitimizing data scraping by AI companies when data is publicly available.
Challenges surrounding trade secrets and transparency in the context of AI
- Corporations frequently employ trade secrets to safeguard their AI models and training data from disclosure.
- Nevertheless, when AI systems have the potential to cause significant societal harm, there may arise a need to compel companies to divulge these particulars.
- This predicament raises questions about achieving a balance between safeguarding trade secrets and addressing the broader societal consequences of AI.
- Guaranteeing transparency in AI systems holds paramount importance, particularly when AI-generated content is disseminated.
- The societal imperative for transparency, particularly in instances where AI-generated content might be exploited for malicious purposes or cause harm,
Way forward
- Continued Dialogue: Policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders should engage in ongoing discussions and collaboration to develop effective regulations and guidelines for generative AI.
- Ethical Considerations: The development and deployment of AI systems should prioritize ethical principles to ensure responsible use and mitigate potential harms.
- Transparency and Accountability: There should be efforts to promote transparency in AI systems, especially when AI-generated content is involved. Accountability mechanisms should also be in place to address issues arising from AI use.
- Comprehensive Regulation: Governments and international bodies may consider developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks that encompass various aspects of AI, including data protection, transparency, accountability, and liability.
- Public Education: Initiatives to educate the public about AI’s implications, benefits, and limitations should be developed, particularly in sectors where AI is extensively used, such as education.
Conclusion
- The global regulation of generative AI emerges as a pressing concern. Adaptive and thoughtful regulatory approaches are essential to address the evolving challenges and opportunities introduced by generative AI on a global scale.
Also read:
AI generative models and the question of Ethics
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Self-respect marriages
What’s the news?
- In recent years, the Supreme Court has had to remind the Madras High Court of the validity of self-respect marriages, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Self-Respect Movement in the fight for social justice and self-respect.
Central idea
- The recent controversy surrounding the validity of self-respect marriages, also known as Suyamariyathai thirumanam, in Tamil Nadu is a poignant reminder of the enduring battle for recognition and acceptance that these unions have faced. Despite being legalized in 1967 self-respect marriages continue to be a subject of contention.
What is a self-respect marriage?
- A self-respect marriage, also known as Suyamariyathai thirumanam, is a type of marriage ceremony and union that originated within the Dravidian self-respect movement in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
- These marriages are characterized by their departure from traditional Hindu marriage rituals and customs. Instead, self-respect marriages are based on principles of social equality, individual freedom, and non-religious ideals.
What is the self-respect movement?
- The Self-Respect Movement is a socio-political and cultural movement that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the early 20th century.
- It was primarily championed by leaders and thinkers associated with the Dravidian ideology, which aimed to promote the rights and interests of the Dravidian people of South India and challenge perceived inequalities and injustices in society.
- The movement had a significant influence on the politics and social fabric of Tamil Nadu and played a role in shaping the state’s identity.
The Self-Respect Movement’s Struggle
- Challenging Caste-Based Discrimination: The Self-Respect Movement fiercely opposed the deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination prevalent in Tamil Nadu. It sought to dismantle the oppressive caste system and challenge the privileges enjoyed by Brahmins in society.
- Advocating for Social Equality: Central to the movement’s ethos was the promotion of social equality. It encouraged rationalism and atheism as alternatives to religious dogma and superstition, advocating for a scientific worldview.
- Empowerment of Women: The Self-Respect Movement was at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights. It fought for women’s education, equality, and autonomy within both families and society at large.
- Promotion of Tamil Language and Culture: The movement emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Tamil language and culture. It resisted the imposition of Sanskrit and Brahminical traditions that threatened Tamil identity and heritage.
- Formation of Political Parties: The Self-Respect Movement eventually translated its socio-cultural goals into political action. This led to the formation of influential political parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) that championed the cause of social justice and self-respect.
Legal battles for recognition
- Early Lack of Recognition: In the early stages of the movement, self-respect marriages lacked legal recognition. They were not supported by existing laws, which favored traditional Hindu marriages.
- Advocacy during the Hindu Code Bill: Leaders and activists of the Self-Respect Movement actively participated in the Hindu Code Bill drafting process in 1944. They submitted memorandums and evidence to advocate for comprehensive changes to Hindu law, particularly focusing on women’s legal rights and recognition of non-religious marriages.
- Limited Recognition in the 1955 Act: Despite the movement’s efforts, the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 provided only limited recognition to select reformed marriages. It did not acknowledge self-respect marriages, emphasizing traditional Hindu rites and ceremonies.
- Proposals for Separate Legislation: The movement proposed the Hindu Non-Conformist Marriage Registration Bill, 1954. However, it was abandoned in favor of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which did not adequately address property rights within civil marriages.
- Struggles in the Legislative Process: Efforts to pass legislation recognizing self-respect marriages faced opposition, particularly from Congress legislators. The ‘Madras Suyamariyathai Marriage Validation Bill’ introduced in 1959 aimed to legalize self-respect marriages but was defeated.
The 1967 Amendment
- Introduction of Section 7 A: Section 7 A was introduced in the Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 1967. This provision was pivotal as it provided legal recognition and legitimacy to non-ritual Hindu marriages.
- Validation of Non-Ritual Hindu Marriages: The amendment validated and legalized non-ritual Hindu marriages, including self-respect marriages, under Hindu law. This marked a significant departure from the previous lack of recognition.
- Challenging Brahminic Interpretations: Beyond recognition, the 1967 Amendment challenged Brahminic interpretations of Hindu marriage practices that had marginalized and discredited self-respect marriages and those who chose them.
- Impact on Legal Status: With the enactment of this amendment, self-respect marriages gained legal standing and legitimacy under Hindu law in Tamil Nadu. This recognition was crucial to protecting the rights of individuals who had entered into such marriages.
Contemporary Challenges
- Resistance from Government Bodies: Government bodies, such as the Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment, have at times resisted recognizing the Section 7 Act, leading to disputes and challenges.
- Judicial Misinterpretations: The judiciary has occasionally misinterpreted or questioned the validity of self-respect marriages, contributing to legal challenges and uncertainty.
- Recent Supreme Court Reminders: The Supreme Court has had to remind the Madras High Court of the validity of self-respect marriages in recent years, indicating ongoing legal battles.
- Cumulative Legal Reforms: The cumulative effect of legal reforms in Tamil Nadu has had a far-reaching impact on gender rights within marriages, challenging traditional norms and ideals.
Conclusion
- The ongoing struggle for recognition of self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu highlights the resilience of the Dravidian self-respect movement and its commitment to challenging traditional norms. The Madras High Court’s progressive stance on gender rights within marriage underscores the need for continued advocacy and awareness to protect the rights of individuals who choose self-respect marriages.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Laws related to organ transplantation in India
Mains level: India's kidney crisis, challenges in procurement, transplant laws and Need for reforms
What’s the news?
- India faces a grave crisis in its healthcare landscape, particularly concerning the shortage of kidneys for transplantation.
Central idea
- India is grappling with a severe kidney crisis, marked by an alarming demand-supply gap in kidney transplantation. While kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), India’s regulatory framework presents formidable obstacles to innovative kidney exchange methods.
India’s Kidney Crisis
- In 2022, over two lakh patients required kidney transplants, but only about 7,500 transplants, a mere 3.4%, were performed.
- This alarming disparity can be attributed to the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India, which affects approximately 17% of the population.
- CKD often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), for which kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment in terms of quality of life, patient convenience, life expectancy, and cost-effectiveness.
- However, India lags far behind developed countries like the United States, which performs about 20% of the needed kidney transplants.
- Importantly, this gap is not solely due to a lack of medical facilities but is largely influenced by stringent regulations in India.
Current kidney procurement methods in India
- Obtaining kidneys from deceased donors is one of the primary methods in India.
- However, this method faces challenges due to low donation rates, specific conditions required for the nature of death, and the infrastructure needed to collect and store organs.
- Families’ willingness to donate organs after a loved one’s death remains relatively low.
- Living Relatives or Friends:
- Another method for obtaining kidneys is through living relatives or friends.
- Patients can request a kidney donation from a willing living individual who is a compatible match.
- This approach requires compatibility in terms of blood type and tissue type, which can be a significant obstacle. It also involves complex emotional and ethical considerations.
Challenges related to kidney procurement methods in India
- Regulatory Barriers: Stringent regulations in India hinder innovative kidney exchange methods, such as kidney swaps and kidney chains. These regulations limit the participation of non-near-relatives in kidney swaps, and altruistic donations for kidney chains are often illegal.
- Lack of Kidney Chains: Kidney chains, a method involving a series of altruistic donations, are nearly non-existent in India due to legal restrictions. In most Indian states, it is illegal to donate a kidney out of altruism.
- Black Market for Kidneys: The stringent regulations around kidney exchange have led to the emergence of black markets for kidneys in India. The reference to selling a kidney is a mainstream expression, indicating the prevalence of such illegal operations.
The need for regulatory reform
- Stringent Regulations: Current regulations impede innovative kidney exchange methods, hindering non-near-relatives’ participation and banning altruistic donations in many states.
- Missed Opportunities: India has missed chances to expand kidney supply through effective methods like kidney swaps and chains due to legal barriers.
- Disparity in Regulations: Inconsistent regulations between swap transplants and direct donations raise questions about fairness.
- Lack of Coordination: India lacks a national coordinating authority, making it difficult to create diverse donor-recipient pools.
- Black Market Concerns: Stringent regulations have led to a black market for kidneys, endangering those involved.
- Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 1994: This legislation laid the foundation for organ transplantation in India by recognizing the possibility of transplants from brain-stem death.
- 2011 Amendment: In 2011, an amendment legalized swap transplants and initiated a national organ transplant program in India. This represented a significant step toward expanding transplantation options.
- Reforms in February 2023: The government introduced reforms in February 2023, offering more flexibility in age and domicile requirements for organ registration. While noteworthy, the article suggests that these reforms fall short of addressing the core issue of inadequate kidney supply.
Lessons for India to transform its own organ transplantation landscape
- Altruistic Donations: Emulate countries like the US and the Netherlands in legalizing and encouraging altruistic kidney donations to expand the donor pool.
- National Registries: Follow Spain and the UK by establishing national-level registries for kidney chains and swaps to streamline coordination.
- International Collaboration: Explore international partnerships as seen in Spain to broaden the donor and recipient network.
- Continuous Improvement: Commit to ongoing regulatory enhancements, inspired by the success of the United States in facilitating kidney swaps and chains.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Prioritize patient-centered policies, drawing from global models, to improve patient access and quality of life.
Conclusion
- Reforming India’s kidney transplant laws is not only a matter of urgency but also a humanitarian imperative. Along with the domestic reforms, learning from global best practices is the key to addressing this critical issue and ensuring a brighter future for kidney transplant recipients in India.
Also read:
Organ transplant rules In India: A Significant Step
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