Landslide and Preventive Measures

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

A study published in Nature Natural Hazards on the July 2024 Wayanad landslides emphasizes the need for better disaster management strategies in vulnerable areas. 

• In July 2024, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced a devastating landslide disaster caused by extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. 

What are the Key Facts Regarding the Study? 

• About: The study aimed to understand the behavior of rapid debris flows and improve disaster management strategies in vulnerable areas like Wayanad, Kerala. 
• Research Methodology: The study used advanced run-out modelling and Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) to track debris flow paths, speed, pressure, and material accumulation during landslides. 
  • Runout analyses are used to assess risks and design measures against rapid landslides, including debris flows, rockslide avalanches, and failures of fill and mining waste. 
  • RAMMS evaluates natural hazard processes and assesses protective measures through a user-friendly graphical interface. 
• Key Findings: 
  • Debris Accumulation: Significant debris accumulation was observed at lower elevations of slope, creating future hazards downstream. 
  • Vulnerability Mapping: Detailed vulnerability maps, including run-out paths, are crucial for identifying high-risk zones and preventing development in low lying areas to minimize destruction and loss of life. 
  • Historical Context: The path of the 2024 debris flow at Wayanad mirrored previous events, including a deadly landslide in 1984 and a smaller one in 2019. 
• Early Warning Systems: The study emphasizes the need for rainfall and soil moisture monitoring stations to set early warning thresholds, enabling timely alerts for evacuations and safety measures to save lives. 

What are Landslides? 

• About: A landslide is the downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on a slope, triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities, and groundwater changes. 
• Types: 
  • Slides: Movement along a rupture surface, including rotational and translational slides. 
  • Flows: Soil or rock mixed with water moving like a fluid, such as earth flows, debris flows, mudflows, and creep. 
  • Spreads: Lateral extension and cracking of the mass, often due to liquefaction. 
  • Topples: Forward rotation and free-fall from a vertical or near-vertical slope. 
  • Falls: Detachment from a steep slope or cliff, descending by free-fall, bouncing, or rolling. 

 

• Landslide Prone Areas: As per the Landslide Atlas of India, around 0.42 million sq. km (12.6% of land area) is prone to landslides, with 0.18 million sq. km in the North East Himalaya, 0.14 million sq. km in the North West Himalaya, 0.09 million sq. km in the Western Ghats and Konkan hills, and 0.01 million sq. km in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. 

 

• Causes:  
  • Gravitational Forces: When gravity overcomes the strength of materials like rocks, sand, silt, and clay, the slope collapses, causing these materials to move downhill. 
  • Natural Factors:  
    • Rainfall: Heavy or continuous rainfall increases soil moisture, weakens cohesion, and adds weight to slopes, making them more likely to fail. 
    • Earthquakes: Earthquakes destabilize slopes by shaking the ground and weakening geomaterials, particularly in tectonically active regions like the Himalayas. 
    • Hydrological Factors: Water seepage through porous materials raises pore pressure and weakens the slope. 
  • Anthropogenic Factors: Deforestation destabilizes slopes by removing vegetation and tree roots that provide reinforcement and water drainage. 
    • Mining, road construction, and urban development disrupt natural drainage and load distribution, raising landslide risks. 
  • Geological Factors: Geological factors like material composition, structure, and weathering affect slope stability.  
    • The Western Ghats' steep, dual-layered terrain makes them prone to landslides when rainwater saturates the soil, increasing weight and reducing stability. 

What are the Impacts of Landslides? 

• Human Life and Safety: Fast-moving landslides are particularly deadly, and slow-moving landslides, though less deadly, can still cause significant damage to property over time. 
• Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, rail lines, pipelines, and communication lines can be blocked or severely damaged, disrupting essential services. 
  • Landslides can bury homes, leading to loss of life and property. 
• Cascading Effects: A landslide can block streams, forming a debris dam. If the dam bursts, it can cause downstream flooding, further increasing damage. 
• Economic Loss: Repairing damaged infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid can be costly. Landslides also disrupt local economies, especially in agriculture and tourism-dependent areas. 
• Environmental Impact: Landslides disrupt ecosystems, affecting soil stability and vegetation, which can exacerbate erosion and soil degradation. 

What are the Government Initiatives to Mitigate Landslide Risks in India? 

• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019): It is a comprehensive approach that includes hazard mapping, monitoring, early warning, awareness, capacity building, policies, and stabilisation. 
• Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS): It aims to provide financial support for landslide mitigation in vulnerable states, focusing on prevention, mitigation, and research on critical landslides. 
• Flood Risk Mitigation Scheme (FRMS): The scheme includes pilot projects for multi-purpose flood shelters and flood early warning systems with digital maps to alert villagers for evacuation. 
• National Guidelines on Landslides and Snow Avalanches: NDMA guidelines cover hazard assessment, risk management, structural and non-structural measures, institutional mechanisms, financial arrangements, and community involvement. 
• Landslide Atlas of India: Created by NRSC under ISRO, it records landslide events in vulnerable areas, featuring damage assessments and offering valuable insights on landslides in India. 

What Measures can be Taken to Prevent Landslides Hazards? 

• Engineering Solutions: 
  • Slope Stabilization: Uses retaining walls, rock bolts, soil nails, and ground anchors to prevent soil and rock movement. 
    • Combine plants with engineering methods, such as brush layering and live crib walls, to stabilize slopes using natural elements. 
  • Grading and Terracing: Modifying the slope and gradient can reduce instability, while terracing creates level surfaces on steep areas. 
  • Drainage Systems: Installs channels, pipes, or culverts to control water flow, reducing pore pressure and maintaining soil strength. 
  • Soil Reinforcement: Uses geotechnical materials like geotextiles and geogrids to reinforce slopes, enhancing stability and preventing landslides. 
• Natural Solutions: 
  • Vegetation Control: Planting trees, shrubs, and grasses binds soil, absorbs excess water, reduces erosion, and intercepts rainfall to lower landslide risks. 
    • Organic or inorganic mulch retains soil moisture, prevents erosion, and stabilizes slopes by reducing rainfall impact. 
  • Water Management: Techniques like contouring, and rain gardens slow water runoff, encourage infiltration, and reduce slope instability.  
• Early Warning Systems: Install instruments like inclinometers to measure slope stability and provide early warnings. 
  • Monitoring rainfall intensity and cumulative rainfall helps identify landslide triggers. 
  • Technologies like LiDAR and satellite imagery detect ground movements and surface changes signaling potential landslides.  
• Best Land Use Practices: Avoiding altering slopes, limiting impervious surfaces, designing proper drainage systems, and implementing erosion control measures are crucial to stabilize slopes and reduce runoff. 

Conclusion 

There is an urgent need for improved disaster management strategies to mitigate landslide risks in vulnerable areas like Wayanad. Engineering solutions, natural methods, early warning systems, and effective land use practices are essential to reduce landslide hazards and enhance resilience against climate change-induced rainfall extremes. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the causes and impacts of landslides in India. How can disaster management strategies be improved?

SC Dismissed Review Petition on Same-Sex Marriage

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The 5-bench Supreme Court of India (SC), in a recent judgment rejected review petitions against its October 2023 ruling that had refused to legalize same-sex marriage.  

• In the October 2023 ruling, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India delivered a 3:2 majority verdict against granting constitutional validity to same-sex marriages. 

What is Same-Sex Marriage? 

• About: 
  • Same-sex marriages refer to marriages between two individuals of the same gender, i.e. marriage between two men or between two women. 
• Legality in India: India does not recognize marriages or civil unions of same-sex couples.  
  • Supreme Court Judgment 2023: The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954, does not apply to same-sex couples and held that it is for Parliament and state Legislature to formulate laws on it. 
    • SC held that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Indian Constitution. 
    • However, SC upholds the right of same-sex couples to enjoy equal benefits and rights similar to those of live-in partners, as guaranteed under Article 21 (Right to Life). 

What is the Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954? 

• About: 
  • The SMA, 1954, provides a legal framework for marriage between individuals of different religions or castes in India. 
  • It governs civil marriages, where the state sanctions the marriage instead of religious authorities.  
• Applicability:  
  • The SMA applies to people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists across India. 
  • Under the SMA, 1954, foreigners can also register their marriage in India if both parties have valid passports and at least one has resided in India for a minimum of 30 days before filing the marriage notice. 
• Key Provisions: 
  • Marriage Recognition: The Act facilitates the registration of marriages, granting legal recognition and providing rights such as inheritance, succession, and social security benefits.  
  • Notice Requirement: According to Section 5, the parties must provide written notice to the Marriage Officer of the district, with at least one party having resided in the district for a minimum of 30 days prior to the notice.  
    • Section 7 allows objections to the marriage within 30 days of the notice being published. 
  • Age Limit: The minimum marriage age under the SMA is 21 years for males and 18 years for females. 

What are the Arugments in Favour of Same Sex Marriage? 

• Equality and Human Rights: Denying same-sex couples the right to marry creates second-class status, violating fundamental rights under international human rights conventions.  
  • The UDHR upholds the right to marry as a fundamental human right, emphasizing equality and dignity. In India, activists argue that this aligns with Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution. 
• Cohabitation as a Fundamental Right: The SC in judgments such as Lata Singh v. State of UP, 2006 and Shakti Vahini v. Union of India, 2018 has affirmed cohabitation as a fundamental right under Article 21, obligating the government to legally recognize relationships between same-sex couples. 
• Legal and Economic Benefits: Legalizing same-sex marriage provides equal access to the legal and economic benefits associated with marriage, inheritance rights, and social security benefits. 
• International Principles: Same-sex marriage is legal in more than 30 countries, aligning with global human rights principles that advocate for equality and dignity for all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation. 

What are the Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriages? 

• Religious and Cultural Beliefs: Many religious and cultural groups assert that marriage should be between a man and a woman, arguing that redefining marriage challenges their foundational values and beliefs. 
• Against Natural Order: Some oppose same-sex marriage on the grounds that marriage's primary purpose is procreation, which they believe same-sex couples cannot fulfill, thus contradicting the natural order. 
• Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Concerns are raised about potential legal complications, such as adjustments needed in inheritance, and property laws which could involve complex legal changes. 
• Adoption Issues: When same-sex couples choose to adopt children, they may face societal stigma, discrimination, and adverse effects on the child's emotional and psychological health, particularly in Indian society. 

Way Forward  

• Legal Reforms: Amendments to the SMA, 1954, could grant same-sex couples the same rights and legal benefits as heterosexual couples.  
  • Alternatively, contract-based agreements can be introduced to ensure similar rights for homosexual individuals. 
• Dialogue and Engagement: Engaging with religious and cultural leaders can help bridge gaps between traditional beliefs and evolving perspectives on same-sex relationships. 
• Judicial led Reform: The LGBTQIA+ community can challenge existing laws that prohibit same-sex marriage in courts, potentially setting legal precedents for its recognition. 
• Collaboration: Legalizing same-sex marriage requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including the LGBTQIA+ community, government, civil society, and religious leaders, to build an inclusive society where everyone can have equal rights. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the legalization of same-sex marriage in India and debate around it. What could be the possible way forward to address the legal and societal challenges related to this issue?

 

Iran’s Capital Shift to Makran and Alexander’s Legacy

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Iran plans to relocate its capital from Tehran to the southern Makran coastal region due to economic and ecological concerns. 

• In ancient times, Makran was notable as the region where Alexander the Great lost a third of his men while retreating to Macedonia, after his Invasion of India (327–325 BCE).

What are Key Facts Regarding Iran's Plan to Relocate its Capital?

• Historical Context: Tehran has been Iran's capital for over 200 years, having been established during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan, the first ruler of the Qajar dynasty (1794 to 1925) of Iran .
• Planned Relocation: Iran intends to move its capital from Tehran to Makran in Sistan and Baluchestan Province due to Tehran's overpopulation, pollution, water scarcity, and energy shortages.
  • The idea of relocating the capital was first proposed during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency in the early 2000s.
• Makran’s Strategic Importance: Makran's strategic location near the Gulf of Oman presents opportunities to boost the maritime economy and enhance national economic prospects.
  • Makran coast is a major source of Iran's petroleum reserve and coastal trade due to the presence of ports like Chabahar.
  • With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and the Chabahar Free Trade Zone developed since 2003, Iran aims to transform Makran into an international trade corridor linking Central Asia to the Indian Ocean.

What are Key Facts Regarding Alexander's Indian Invasion?

• About Alexander: Alexander the Great was king of Macedonia (336 BC to 323 BC) and conquered a huge empire that stretched from the Balkans to modern-day Pakistan.
  • He remained undefeated in battle and is regarded as one of history's greatest military commanders.
• Political Landscape of India: North-western India was divided into monarchies and tribal republics in contrast to eastern India which was united during rule of Dhanananda in Magadh, aiding Alexander's conquest. 
  • Rulers like Ambhi of Taxila and Porus from the North-west region failed to unite against Alexander.
  • Ambhi of Taxila surrendered to Alexander, offering troops and resources to bolster his army. 
• Entry through Khyber Pass: Alexander entered India via the Khyber Pass after conquering Kabul, reaching the Indus River. 
• Key Events:
  • Battle of the Hydaspes: Alexander faced strong resistance from Porus at the Jhelum River. After defeating him, Alexander admired his bravery, restored his kingdom, and made him an ally.
  • Halting at the Hyphasis (Beas) River: Alexander's army, exhausted and fearing a larger Indian force led by Nandas, refused to advance into the Gangetic Plain and persuaded him to retreat.
• Forced Retreat: The Greek historian Arrian in his account “The Anabasis of Alexander” described the march through the Gedrosia (Makran Desert) desert as one of extreme suffering.
  • Alexander led part of his army back to Persia through the harsh Gedrosian (Makran) Desert, aiming to surpass Cyrus the Great, who had failed to cross it.
    • Cyrus the Great (590-529 BC), also known as Cyrus II, was a Persian King who united all the Iranian tribes.
  • A large portion of Alexander's army died from dehydration, exhaustion, and starvation, with soldiers killing their horses and mules for food.
  • Out of the estimated 1,20,000 infantry and 15,000 cavalry Alexander took to India, only one-fourth survived the return journey.

What were the Effects of Alexander's Invasion?

• Direct Contact: Alexander's invasion was the first major encounter between ancient Europe and India (South Asia), laying the groundwork for cultural, geographical, and trade exchanges between India and Greece.
  • It opened four key land and sea routes (three by land and one by sea), allowing Greek merchants and craftsmen to trade and settle in the region, strengthening commercial ties.
• Greek Settlements in India: The invasion led to the establishment of key Greek cities in the region, such as Alexandria in the Kabul region, and Boukephala on the Jhelum river. 
• Geographical Exploration: Alexander’s fleet, led by Nearchus, explored the coast from the mouth of the Indus to the Euphrates river in the Middle East and provided historical records that helped establish Indian chronology for later events. 
• Social and Economic Insights: Alexander’s historians provided details on practices like the sati system, the sale of girls in marketplaces by poor parents, and the fine breed of oxen in north-west India. 
  • Notably, 200,000 oxen were sent to Macedonia for use in Greece.
• Mauryan Expansion: Alexander's defeat of petty states in north-west India paved the way for the Mauryan Empire's expansion in the region.
  • Chandragupta Maurya, inspired by Alexander's tactics, used the knowledge gained to overthrow the Nanda dynasty and found the Mauryan Empire.
• Greek Influence: Greek culture, including art, architecture, and philosophy, influenced Indian society which later incorporated into Gandhara School of Art.
  • Gandhara art represented a unique synthesis of Indian, Greek, and Roman artistic traditions.

Conclusion

Iran's plan to relocate its capital to Makran highlights its efforts to tackle ecological and economic challenges while leveraging its strategic location. Alexander's Indian invasion reshaped the region, fostering cultural, trade, and political exchanges that influenced both Greek and Indian civilizations for centuries.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Analyze the significance of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in shaping the political, cultural, and geographical landscapes of South Asia

Watershed Development Component 2.0 of PMKSY

Source: PIB 

• Why in News? 
• The Ministry of Rural Development sanctioned 56 new Watershed Development Projects under the Watershed Development Component 2.0 of Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY-WDC 2.0), in 10 best performing States. 
• 10 States include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim covering around 2.8 lakh hectares of degraded land. 

What is the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0? 

• About: PMKSY-WDC 2.0 is a sub-component of the overarching PMKSY initiative for conserving water and soil resources.  
• Background: The scheme started as the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009-10 and merged into the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (PMKSY-WDC) in 2015-16. 
  • PMKSY-WDC 2.0 was launched for 2021-2026 with enhanced targets and revised guidelines. 
• Objectives: Enhance rainfed and degraded land productivity through integrated watershed management. 
  • Strengthen community institutions for livelihoods and watershed sustainability. 
  • Boost watershed project efficiency via cross-learning and incentives. 
• Targets: The scheme targets coverage of 49.50 lakh hectares of degraded land between 2021-2026. 
  • Rejuvenation of springsheds has been added as a new activity. 
• Approach (Next-Generation Focus): Emphasize water productivity over quantity and transition from mechanical treatments to biological measures. 
  • Promote crop diversification and integrated farming systems like horticulture, fisheries, apiculture, and animal husbandry. 

Plasticiser Degradation Using Bacterial Enzymes

Source: TH 

IIT Roorkee has successfully used the esterase enzyme, produced by the soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus, to break down the plasticizer Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP). 

• This advancement addresses the growing environmental and health concerns posed by plasticisers. 

How Do Bacterial Enzymes Work in Degrading Plasticisers? 

• Mechanism of Action: The esterase enzyme breaks down DEHP plasticizer into two products- modified phthalate (affect biological system) and alcohol compound (impact the environment).  
  • These are further broken down by other enzymes into harmless substances like Water and Carbon Dioxide. 
• Structural Insights: X-ray crystallography (technique that uses X-rays to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal) identified active sites on the esterase enzyme, elucidating the mechanism by which DEHP is targeted and broken down. 
• Sustainability: The integration of these enzymes into bacteria ensures prolonged activity and continuous degradation without requiring frequent enzyme replacement. 
• Efficiency: Lab experiments show significant efficiency in degrading high molecular weight plasticisers, providing an edge over previously reported methods. 

India’s Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba

Source: AIR 

India has sent humanitarian aid to Cuba following the devastating impact of Hurricane Rafael.  

• India’s aid aligns with its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and its commitment to global solidarity and support for nations in crisis. 

How Have India-Cuba Bilateral Relations Been?  

• Historical Background: India was among the first countries to extend recognition to the new Cuban government following the Cuban revolution (overthrow of US backed Fulgencio Batista's dictatorship) in January 1959. 
  • The country was a point of contention during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the US, mainly during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. 
  • Both countries have supported each other in international forums, such as the United Nations (UN), NAM, WTO etc. 
  • Additionally, Cuba backs India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and India has consistently advocated for the rights and development of Cuba on international platforms, including addressing economic challenges faced by the nation. 
• Economic Relations: India’s exports to Cuba In FY 2022-23 increased to USD 79.04 million, while imports stood at USD 4.87 million. 
  • Exports from India include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical equipment, and textiles. Cuba exports tobacco and pharmaceutical products to India. 
• India’s Assistance to Cuba: India has provided disaster relief, including aid after hurricanes in 2008, 2016, and 2017. IT Centre (India-Cuba Knowledge Centre) established in 2010 and training over 1900 professionals in Cuba. 
  • India provided life-saving medicines during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
  • Cuba is a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with Indian assistance for energy projects. 
  • India has extended five LoCs to the tune of USD 243 million to the Government of Cuba in agriculture, agro-food, and renewable energy sectors.  
• Cultural Relations: India’s culture is highly appreciated in Cuba, with prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore celebrated. 
  • In May, 2007, a bust of Rabindranath Tagore donated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) was unveiled in Old Havana. 
  • Yoga and Ayurveda are popular, with events held annually, including the International Day of Yoga. 

Commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat and Vaghsheer

Source: ET 

The Indian Navy announced the commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), on 15th January 2025, at Mumbai. 

• Nilgiri: The lead ship of Project 17A, represents a major upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring advanced stealth technology and state-of-the-art weapon systems to strengthen naval defense. 
• Surat: The fourth and final destroyer under Project 15B, is an enhanced version of the Kolkata-class destroyers, equipped with long-range missiles and indigenous weapons systems. 
  • Project 15B is an initiative by the Indian Navy to design and construct four advanced guided-missile destroyers 
• Vaghsheer: The sixth submarine in the Scorpene-class (Project 75), is one of the quietest diesel-electric submarines globally, capable of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and special operations. 
  • Project-75 (India) aims to build 18 conventional submarines and six nuclear-powered submarines for the Indian Navy. 

Read More: Project 17A and INS Taragiri 

World Hindi Day 2025

Source: IE 

Vishwa Hindi Divas or World Hindi Day is celebrated annually on 10th January to expand Hindi's presence on the international stage.  

• About World Hindi Day: 
  • This date commemorates the historic moment in 1949, when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). 
  • In 1975, the first World Hindi Conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, marking an important step toward global recognition of Hindi. 
  • World Hindi Day, designated on 10^th January 2006, is different from Hindi Diwas celebrated on 14^th September, as Hindi Diwas marks the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages in 1949. 
• Significance: 
  • Hindi, with over 600 million speakers, is the third most spoken language globally,and most spoken language in India. 
  • The day is observed to raise awareness of Hindi's importance as a global language of communication. 
• World Hindi Day 2025 Theme: 
  • The theme for World Hindi Day 2025 is “A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride,” focusing on promoting linguistic exchange and fostering cultural pride through Hindi. 
• Constitutional Status of Hindi:  
  • Hindi is recognized as the official language of India under Article 343 of the Constitution,  alongside English for official purposes. 
  • It is also listed in the 8^th Schedule, which includes 22 languages recognized for official use. 

Read More: Hindi Diwas 2024 

Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

Source: IE 

11^th January marked the 59^th death anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India. 

• About Lal Bahadur Shastri: 
  • Shastri was born on 2^nd October 1904, in Mughalsarai, near Varanasi. 
  • A key figure in India’s freedom struggle, Shastri was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. 
  • He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service, rising through the ranks of the Indian National Congress. 
  • Shastri held several critical ministerial positions, including Home Minister, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Commerce and Industry. 
    • As Railways Minister, he resigned twice following major train accidents, demonstrating his moral accountability. 
  • As Prime Minister (1964-1966), Shastri displayed decisive leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, authorizing military action to defend Kashmir. 
  • Shastri’s legacy includes the famous slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan", emphasizing the importance of soldiers and farmers in India's progress. 
  • Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent on 11^th January 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration; his death remains a subject of mystery. 

 

• Tashkent Declaration: 
  • The Tashkent Declaration was signed in January 1966, between India and Pakistan.  
  • It aimed to restore peace and resolve issues arising from the 1965 Indo-Pak war, promoting mutual understanding. 

Read More: Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti. 

Cyclone Dikeledi Hits Mayotte

Source: DTE 

Cyclone Dikeledi hit Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, located in the Mozambique Channel (Indian Ocean).   

• About Mayotte: 
  • It consists of two islands of the Comoros archipelago, with the main island called Mayotte (or Grande Terre) and the smaller island Pamandzi (Petite Terre).   
  • It is the poorest territory in both France and the European Union.   

• France colonised Mayotte in 1843 and annexed the whole archipelago, including Comoros, in 1904.  
  • In a 1974 referendum, 95% backed separation but 63% of Mayotte voted to stay French.   
  • Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli declared independence in 1975. Mayotte is still ruled from Paris. 

• Cyclone Chido, which had struck Mayotte in December 2024, was the worst storm to hit the archipelago in 90 years. 

 

Read More: Cyclone Chido in Mayotte 

Prevalence of Hysterectomies in India

Source: TH 

National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 data shows higher hysterectomy (surgical removal of uterus) rates in India among low-income agricultural workers and affluent women, due to differing reasons. 

Reasons for High Hysterectomy: 

• Factors for agricultural workers include poor hygiene, menstrual taboos, delayed gynecological care, and physical labor.  
  • Example: Maharashtra's Beed district reports an unusually high number of hysterectomies among female sugarcane workers. 
• Wealthier women often opt for the procedure due to better affordability and access.  
• Financial incentives under schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) sometimes lead to unnecessary surgeries. 

Hysterectomy: 

• About: 
  • A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the woman's uterus (womb). 
  • It is performed for gynecological conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, and pelvic inflammatory disease when other treatments fail.  
    • It is also used in cancer treatment and for severe, unresponsive pelvic pain. 
• Prevalence in India: 
  • NFHS-5 data shows that 3% of women aged 15-49 in India have undergone a hysterectomy.  
    • Highest Prevalence: Andhra Pradesh (9%) and Telangana (8%) 
    • Lowest Prevalence:  Sikkim (0.8%) and Meghalaya (0.7%).  
  • The Southern region has the highest prevalence (4.2%), followed by the Eastern region (3.8%), while the Northeast has the lowest (1.2%). 

Read More: NFHS-5 National Report, Hysterectomy   

Indian Fishermen Detained Near Diego Garcia

Source: TH 

• 15 Indian fishermen were detained by the British Navy near Diego Garcia for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary. 
• This is part of a broader issue where Tamil Nadu fishermen are frequently detained by both the Sri Lankan navy and the British navy, affecting their livelihood and safety. 
• About Diego Garcia: 
  • Diego Garcia is located in the Indian Ocean and it is the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago. 
  • The Chagos Archipelago was once part of Mauritius but was separated in 1965 to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). 
    • It is administered by Britain but leased to the US in 1966 for military purposes. It became a fully operational military base in 1986. 
  • It was a key location in the US overseas war on terror operations following al-Qaeda’s September 11 attacks on the US in 2001.   
• In October 2024, Britain agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius but will retain sovereign rights over Diego Garcia. 

 

Read More: Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia Island 

Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Scheme

Source: PIB 

Odisha becomes the 27^th state to adopt Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), with 26 states and all 18 union territories already on board (Delhi and West Bengal have not joined AB PM-JAY). 

• AB PM-JAY is a centrally sponsored scheme with a cost ratio of 60:40 for the Centre and states and 90:10 for the north-eastern states, Himalayan states and Union Territories. States have the option to opt out of the scheme. 
• Convergence: AB PM-JAY will operate alongside Odisha’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).  
  • GJAY provides affordable and accessible healthcare services to the economically disadvantaged sections in Odisha. 
• Coverage Details: Each family will be covered for up to Rs 5 lakh per year, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members. A total of 1.03 crore families will benefit in Odisha. 
• About AB PM-JAY: 
  • It  is the world’s largest health coverage scheme, covering approximately 45% of India’s population. 
    • It provides health coverage for secondary and tertiary care to 55 crores individuals in India, benefiting 12.3 crore families. 
  • The scheme now provides free treatment for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. 
  • AB PM-JAY has a network of 30,985 empaneled hospitals, with 12,881 private hospitals offering over 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties. 

Read More: Ayushman Bharat