Current Affair – 4 October 2024

Marathi among 5 languages accorded ‘classical language’ status

What in News?
The Union Cabinet has granted ‘Classical Language’ status to Marathi, alongside four other languages—Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Criteria for Classical Language Status

The decision to accord a language classical status is based on several criteria, including its antiquity, recorded history, and the richness of its early texts, typically over a thousand years old. The language must have an original and significant body of literary work that is distinct from modern language forms.

Significance for Marathi

Marathi is termed “India’s pride,” acknowledging its contribution to Indian heritage and history.

Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali

Pali and Prakrit—languages tied to Buddhist and Jain traditions—reinforce India’s commitment to preserving ancient cultural traditions. Assamese and Bengali are recognized for their literary richness and historical importance in India’s northeastern region.

Historical Context of Classical Languages

The concept of “Classical Language” was introduced by the Government of India in October 2004, with Tamil being the first to be declared as such.

Process of Approval

A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) evaluates the eligibility of languages for classical status. In the case of Marathi, a proposal was submitted in 2013, and after inter-ministerial consultations, the decision was finally approved in 2024.

Constitutional Rights

Classical languages align with Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution, which provide for the protection of linguistic minorities and their culture.

Classical Languages in India

Classical languages are recognized for their significant contribution to India’s ancient heritage, having a rich and well-documented history of over a thousand years.

Existing Classical Languages

• Tamil (2004): Literary Works: Thirukkural, Silappadikaram.
• Sanskrit (2005): Literary Works: Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana.
• Telugu (2008): Literary Works: Kavirajamarga, Vachana Sahitya.
• Kannada (2008): Literary Works: Nannaya’s Mahabharata, Sri Krishnadevaraya’s Amuktamalyada.
• Malayalam (2013): Literary Works: Ramacharitam, Manipravalam literature.
• Odia (2014): Literary Works: Sarala Mahabharata, Charya literature.
• Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali (2024)

Conclusion

The recognition of Marathi and four other languages as classical languages is a significant step in preserving India’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

How Cyclones Can Cause Excess Mortality Years After They Strike

What in News?
The study found that states’ mortality systematically increased for about 172 months (14.3 years) following a Tropical Cyclone.

Mortality in Tropical Cyclones

Mortality in tropical cyclones refers to the loss of life caused by the storm’s direct and indirect impacts.

Direct Causes of Mortality

• Storm Surge
• High Winds
• Heavy Rainfall and Flash Floods
• Flying Debris

Indirect Causes of Mortality

• Health Complications
• Infrastructure Collapse
• Economic Hardship

Excess Mortality

Mortality rates systematically increased for around 172 months (14.3 years) following a tropical cyclone. These storms, known as hurricanes in North America, result in significant long-term health impacts, with estimates of 7,000–11,000 excess deaths per tropical cyclone.

Case Studies of Tropical Cyclone Mortality

• Cyclone Bhola (1970): In Bangladesh, an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people died, mainly due to storm surges and the lack of effective warning systems.
• Cyclone Nargis (2008): In Myanmar, over 138,000 people lost their lives, primarily due to storm surges and delayed humanitarian response.

Tropical Cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall. These storms form over warm ocean waters near the equator and can result in significant loss of life and property damage.

Conditions for Formation

• Warm Ocean Water: Sea surface temperatures above 26.5°C
• Low-Pressure Area: Cyclones form in regions with pre-existing low-pressure zones.
• Coriolis Force: Due to Earth’s rotation, this causes the spinning motion necessary for cyclones to form. This is why they form between 5° to 20° latitude.
• High Humidity: Sufficient moisture in the mid-troposphere fuels the storm.
• Weak Vertical Wind Shear: Low difference in wind speeds at different altitudes.

Naming of Cyclones

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) are responsible for naming cyclones.

Tropical Cyclones in India

India is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, particularly along its eastern coast (Bay of Bengal), though the western coast (Arabian Sea) also experiences cyclones.

• Bay of Bengal: More cyclones form here due to warm waters and favorable conditions.
• Cyclone-Prone States: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Seasons: Peak seasons for cyclones in India are May-June and October-November.

Way Forward

The study highlights the long-term human toll of tropical cyclones, with excess mortality extending for more than a decade.

Bihar Under Water: Why the State Sees Floods Every Year

What in News?
Bihar is among India’s most flood-prone states. The reasons for this are the state’s unique geography and a decades-old solution that has proved short-sighted.

Flood-Prone Nature of Bihar

Bihar is India’s most flood-prone state, with 76% of its population in north Bihar vulnerable to floods due to unique geographical features and historical management decisions. The region is crisscrossed by both snow-fed and rain-fed rivers, creating multiple flood risks.

Types of Floods in Bihar

The state’s Disaster Management Authority categorizes floods into four classes:

• Flash Floods: Caused by sudden rainfall in Nepal.
• River Floods: Resulting from river overflow.
• Drainage Congestion: Long-lasting floods due to drainage issues, lasting the entire monsoon.
• Permanent Waterlogged Areas: Chronic flooding due to encroachment, siltation, and changes in river courses.

Geographical Factors Contributing to Flooding

• Proximity to the Himalayas: The state is located downstream of Nepal, where the Himalayan rivers (Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, etc.) carry large sediment loads, increasing overflow risks during heavy rains.
• Soil and Sediment Issues: The young Himalayan range has loose soil, leading to sediment-laden rivers that overflow when water volumes surge.

Impact of Infrastructure Solutions

• Narrowed River Channels: Embankments restrict sediment distribution, causing riverbeds to rise and increasing overflow risks.
• Inadequate Capacity: Embankments, initially designed to handle specific water discharge levels, are failing under current conditions, leading to breaches and flooding.

Himalayan Rivers: Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati Flowing into Bihar

The Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati rivers are major tributaries of the Ganges and play a crucial role in the hydrology, agriculture, and overall ecology of Bihar.

Kosi River

• Origin: Tibetan plateau in the Himalayas, from the glaciers of the Kangchenjunga range.
• Course: Flows through Nepal before entering Bihar, joined by Sunkoshi and Tamur. It is often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to its flooding tendencies.

Gandak River

• Origin: Nepal region of the Himalayas and is fed by various streams from the Annapurna Range.
• Course: It flows southeast, entering Bihar at Nawada and merges with the Ganges near Ghazipur, UP. The Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar is a key structure for irrigation and flood control.

Bagmati River

• Origin: Himalayan region in Nepal, near the Langtang range.
• Course: From Kathmandu Valley before entering Bihar, flowing through Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur districts. The river’s flow and sediment management are crucial for the agricultural economy in Bihar.

Way Forward

Addressing flooding in Bihar requires a balanced approach, combining structural and non-structural strategies, recognizing the state’s geographical constraints.

Caste Bias, Segregation in Prisons Violate Dignity: Supreme Court

What in News?
Central and State prison manuals and laws must be revised within three months, rules a three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India; even 21st-century regulations discriminate against the ‘scavenger class’ and ‘habitual offenders.’

Caste-Based Segregation in Prisons

Discrimination against marginalized communities, such as denotified tribes, persists within Indian prisons. This includes the allocation of work and living conditions based on caste hierarchy.

Revision of Prison Manuals

The Supreme Court has directed a review of existing prison manuals to remove any caste-based references and practices, including the elimination of the ‘caste column’ in prison registers. The manuals are to be updated within three months to ensure that no prisoner is segregated or forced into certain tasks solely based on caste.

Caste-Based Discrimination in Prisons Violates

• Article 15(1): Prohibition of Discrimination
  Prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them. The focus is on equality and ensuring that no citizen faces discrimination based on the aforementioned criteria, primarily in access to public places and state services.
• Exceptions under Article 15: Articles 15(3), 15(4), and 15(5) allow the state to make special provisions for women, children, and socially and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability
  Article 17 abolishes the practice of “untouchability” and forbids its practice in any form. This is one of the Fundamental Rights and is enforceable by law. Any act of discrimination based on untouchability is a punishable offense under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The term “untouchability” refers to social ostracism and exclusion practiced against certain castes, especially in the Hindu community, ensuring the dignity of individuals and emphasizing social equality.

Manual Scavenging in Prisons

Article 23 prohibits forced labor, making it illegal to perform menial tasks for lower castes. This invokes the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, stating that it applies within prisons as well.

Reforming Laws and Practices

There is a need for amendments to the Modern Prison Manual of 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023:

• Modern Prison Manual (2016): Introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this manual updates prison administration with a focus on rehabilitation, human rights, and standardized management.
• Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act (2023): This Act replaces the outdated Prisons Act of 1894, modernizing prison administration with a focus on reformative justice, undertrial management, and rehabilitation.

Denotified Tribes

Denotified tribes were listed as “criminal tribes” under British colonial rule and now face social stigma and marginalization, including wrongful labeling as “habitual offenders.”

Ways Forward

• Implementation of Reforms: Governments must ensure the complete revision of prison manuals to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
• Public Awareness: Awareness campaigns should address caste biases and stigmas.

UK-Mauritius Treaty on Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia: What it Means, Why It Matters for India

What in News?
For years, Mauritius demanded the UK end its control on the Chagos Archipelago. Why was their ownership a matter of contention, and what are the interests of countries like the US and India here?

Background of the Chagos Archipelago

Located 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, the Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands. France ceded the islands to Britain in 1814, and in 1965, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was created, separating Chagos from Mauritius when it gained independence in 1968.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and home to a major US military base, operational since 1986. It is crucial for American air operations in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and is strategically important for monitoring key areas like the Malacca Strait.

The Dispute Between the UK and Mauritius

Mauritius claimed that the UK illegally occupies the Chagos Islands and has pushed for sovereign rights. In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) ruled that the UK should end its colonial control over Chagos and return it to Mauritius.

Significance of the UK-Mauritius Agreement

Diego Garcia will remain under UK control for 99 years, with a new trust fund created for Chagossians displaced by the original detachment.

Implications for India

India has consistently supported Mauritius’ sovereignty claims over the Chagos Islands, voting in its favor at the UNGA. This treaty allows India to strengthen ties with Mauritius in the context of growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, India recently helped Mauritius build an airstrip and jetty in Agaléga, enhancing its presence in the Western Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

The UK-Mauritius treaty over the Chagos Archipelago marks a significant geopolitical development in the Indian Ocean. This resolution aligns with India’s interests in maintaining stability and securing its strategic ties in the region.

Question: How does the resolution of the UK-Mauritius dispute over the Chagos Archipelago affect India’s geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean?

Odisha’s Leopard Population Jumps by 22% to 696

What in News?
Protected areas prove to be the regions with the highest leopard abundance, says All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024.

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

The leopard is one of the five big cats found in the world, native to Africa and parts of Asia. It is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to declining populations caused by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

• Habitat: Leopards are highly adaptable and found in various habitats including forests, savannas, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
• Physical Characteristics: Leopards are known for their spotted coats and exceptional ability to climb trees and swim.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Leopard Population in Odisha

In 2024, the leopard population grew to 696, ranging between 668 and 724. This marks a recovery from a dip of 568 in 2022, though it still lags behind the 760 leopards estimated in the 2018 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) census.

Role of Protected Areas

Similipal Tiger Reserve has the highest leopard population in Odisha, serving as a source for surrounding areas like Hadagarh and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuaries. Other significant leopard populations were observed in Satkosia and Hirakud Wildlife Divisions, with the latter including Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Challenges to Conservation

Despite the growth in population, challenges remain, including poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Approximately 45% of Odisha’s leopards are found outside protected areas. Melanistic leopards, a rare morph, were recorded in three forest divisions, adding to the state’s biodiversity.

Leopard Conservation in India

According to National Tiger Conservation Authority reports, the leopard population stands at 13,874, though it has declined by 75-90% over the past 120-200 years due to habitat loss and poaching. National initiatives such as Project Leopard aim to enhance protection and mitigate threats to the species. Project Leopard was launched in November 2018 in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.

Ways Forward

• Enhanced Monitoring: Focus on occupancy, prey base, and habitat health to ensure comprehensive conservation.
• Combat Poaching: Strengthening enforcement measures and increasing public awareness can help mitigate the poaching and illegal trade of leopard skins.

Govt. Brings Agriculture Sector Initiatives Under Two Schemes for Flexibility

What in News?
The combined total expenditure for improving PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana will be ₹1,01,321.61 crore, the government said.

Merger of Schemes

The initiatives of Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana have been merged under the umbrella of PM-RKVY and KY to avoid duplication and ensure convergence.

• Goal: To give State governments flexibility in formulating comprehensive strategies.

PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)

Allocation: ₹57,074.72 crore.
Focus Areas:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Promotion of practices that ensure environmental sustainability and long-term productivity.
• Climate Resilience: Preparing agriculture for climate-related challenges through technological innovations and sustainable practices.
• Private Sector Participation: Encouraging partnerships with private entities to modernize agricultural infrastructure.

Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

Allocation: ₹44,246.89 crore.
Focus Areas:

• Food Security and Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: Enhancing production capabilities.
• Value Chain Development: Improving agriculture from production to market.

State Government Flexibility

State governments can implement Annual Action Plans (AAP) tailored to their specific needs instead of receiving fragmented, scheme-wise approvals.

Additional Initiatives: National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

With a financial outlay of ₹10,103 crore, NMEO-Oilseeds aims to boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils by 2030-31.

• Target: Increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes.

Importance of PM-RKVY and KY

The initiatives are crucial for boosting agricultural growth and encouraging private sector involvement, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative that focuses on self-sufficiency in agricultural machinery and inputs.

Ways Forward

This broader strategy addresses challenges posed by climate change, food security, and global agricultural demands. The focus on value chain development and private sector involvement signals a shift towards making Indian agriculture more market-oriented and globally competitive.

Indian Push Needed to End AIDS as a Global Health Threat by 2030: UNAIDS

What in News?
India’s efforts are crucial for achieving the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, according to UNAIDS.

Progress in India’s Fight Against AIDS

• HIV Infections: Between 2010 and 2023, there was a 44% reduction in new HIV infections. However, 68,000 new infections occurred in 2023, indicating a need for intensified HIV prevention efforts.
• AIDS-related Deaths: Reduced nearly 80%, showing substantial progress in treatment and care for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

UNAIDS Role and Global Strategy

UNAIDS leads global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS by working with countries to reach the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.3, which aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

• Globally, 80% of prevention services should be delivered by community-led organizations.

Challenges and Gaps in Prevention

India must focus on accelerating prevention efforts in specific high-burden states and districts. The importance of HIV prevention is critical to achieving a sustainable HIV response, with a focus on preventing new infections.

• New Technologies and Treatments: UNAIDS advocates for new treatments, such as long-acting injectables for HIV, to be available at affordable prices.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

• Cause: AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T-cells), weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Transmission: It spreads through unprotected sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, sharing needles, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.
• Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, progressing to severe infections, cancers, and eventual immune system collapse.
• Treatment: While there’s no cure, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can manage the disease, prolonging life and reducing transmission.

UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS)

• Founded: 1996.
• Mission: To lead and coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS, aiming to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Prevention: Focuses on reducing new infections by promoting safe sex practices, harm reduction, and mother-to-child transmission prevention.
• Treatment: Ensures global access to ART and promotes testing to identify undiagnosed cases.
• Global Impact: UNAIDS coordinates with governments, NGOs, and civil society to implement programs, monitor progress, and advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations.

Ways Forward

To combat AIDS effectively by 2030, efforts must intensify in prevention, empower communities, ensure affordable treatments, strengthen healthcare systems, and reduce stigma.

Why Italy Matters to India

What in News?
In today’s interconnected world, Italy and India share not only deep-rooted cultural and economic ties but also strategic and defense interests, particularly in the Indo-Mediterranean region.

Italy’s Strategic Importance in the Indo-Mediterranean Region

• The Indo-Mediterranean region is essential for global trade, with Italy ranked as the 6th largest exporter in the world.
• Italy has increased its security and defense presence in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia to ensure freedom of navigation and combat piracy, especially in areas like the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
• Italy’s naval initiatives include:
  • European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Atalanta
  • European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH)
  • Recently launched EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in February 2024

Italy-India Defense Cooperation

• Areas of collaboration include industrial collaboration, maritime domain awareness, and joint military exercises.

Technological and Economic Cooperation

• The Blue-Raman submarine cable project, connecting Genoa with Mumbai, signifies deepening cooperation in digital connectivity between India and Italy.
• Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Project: This project connects India to Europe via Israel and the Middle East, bypassing the Suez Canal to enhance global internet connectivity. It is crucial for India’s IT sector and international cooperation.

People-to-People Ties and Diaspora

• Italy hosts the second-largest Indian diaspora within the European Union.

Indo-Mediterranean Economic Corridor

Amid growing regional tensions, Italy has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): This transcontinental infrastructure initiative aims to enhance connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe. It was announced at the G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi.
• Objective: To create an integrated network of railways, ports, and shipping lanes linking India with the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) and Europe.
• Participating Countries: India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and European nations such as Italy and Germany.
• Infrastructure Focus: Rail network, shipping routes, green energy projects, and digital connectivity.

Way Forward

Italy’s importance to India extends far beyond traditional economic ties to defense cooperation, contributing to regional security in the Indo-Mediterranean.

Array