Rani Chennamma

Source: IE

Why in News?

Commemorating 200 years of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British East India Company, several social groups across India have organised a national campaign, Naanoo Rani Chennamma (I am Rani Chennamma too) on 21st February. 

• The Campaign is trying to invoke Chennamma’s memory to show that women can be the vanguards of safeguarding dignity and justice. Rani Chennamma’s bravery is an inspiration to the women of the country. 
• Her stride and quick thinking to safeguard her homeland can be seen as a testament to her commitment and dedication to protecting her kingdom.

Who was Rani Chennamma?

• About:
  • Chenamma was born on 23rd October 1778, in Kagati, a small village in present-day Belagavi district in Karnataka. 
  • At the age of 15, she married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur, who ruled the province until 1816.
  • After Mallasarja’s death in 1816, his eldest son, Shivalingarudra Sarja, ascended the throne. But it wasn’t long before Shivalingarudra’s health started deteriorating. 
  • Kittur needed an heir apparent to survive. However, Shivalingarudra had no natural heir and Chennamma too had lost her son. 
  • Before his death in 1824, Shivalingarudra adopted a child, Shivalingappa, as the successor. However, the British East India Company refused to recognise Shivalingappa as the successor of the kingdom under the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’.
    • Under the doctrine, any princely state without a natural heir would collapse and would be annexed by the Company.
  • John Thackery, the British official at Dharwad, launched an attack on Kittur in October 1824.
• Battle Against British:
  • In 1824, a fleet of 20,000 British soldiers was positioned on the foothills of the Kittur fort as they attempted to invade the former princely state of Karnataka. 
  • But Rani Chennamma retaliated and killed a British official to protect and safeguard her homeland.
  • Trained in martial arts and military tactics, she was a formidable leader.
  • She led her army into battle, employing guerrilla warfare tactics to surprise the British forces.
    • The conflict lasted several days, but ultimately, the British prevailed due to their superior firepower.
• Legacy:
  • Despite her capture and imprisonment in Bailhongal Fort (Belagavi, Karnataka), Rani Chennamma’s spirit remained unbroken.
  • Her rebellion inspired countless others to stand up against British rule. She became a symbol of courage and defiance.
  • In 2007, the Indian government honoured her by issuing a postage stamp in her name.
  • Several Kannada lavanis or folk songs are recited that fondly remember Rani Chennamma as a protector and guardian. 
    • Lavani is a vibrant and expressive folk art form that has its roots in the cultural heritage of Maharashtra, but it has also found a place in certain parts of Karnataka. The word “Lavani” is derived from the Marathi term “lavanya,” which means beauty. 
    • Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, performed to the rhythmic beats of the Dholki, a percussion instrument.

What is the Doctrine of Lapse?

• It was an annexation policy followed widely by Lord Dalhousie when he was India's Governor-General from 1848 to 1856.
• According to this, any princely state that was under the direct or indirect control of the East India Company where the ruler did not have a legal male heir would be annexed by the company.
  • As per this, any adopted son of the Indian ruler could not be proclaimed as heir to the kingdom.
• By applying the doctrine of lapse, Dalhousie annexed the States of:
  • Satara (1848 A.D.), Jaitpur, and Sambalpur (1849 A.D.), Baghat (1850 A.D.), Udaipur (1852 A.D.), Jhansi (1853 A.D.), and Nagpur (1854 A.D.).

Conclusion

• The Rebellion of Kittur Rani Chennamma remains a significant chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. Her unwavering leadership and resilience serve as a reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, courage can prevail.

Senior Care Reforms in India: NITI Aayog

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the NITI Aayog has released a position paper titled F“Senior Care Reforms in India: Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm”, which calls for action on what needs to be done to bring a greater focus on senior care.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Population Ageing: 
  • India is witnessing exponential growth in the number and proportion of elderly people, coupled with a decreasing fertility rate (less than 2.0) and increasing life expectancy (more than 70 years). 
  • The elderly in India currently comprise a little over 10% of the population, which translates to about 104 million. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this demographic is projected to reach 19.5% of the total population by 2050.
• Major Key Findings:
  • Demographics and Trends: The elderly population (aged 60 years and above) constituted 8.6% of India’s total population in the 2011 Census, with approximately 103 million elderly individuals.
  • Health Status and Challenges: The transition from high to low mortality rates has shifted a substantial burden of disease to the older population.
    • The number of people aged 75 years and above is expected to increase by an astounding 340% between 2011 and 2050.
  • Rural Urban Divide: 71% of elderly persons reside in rural areas.
  • Life Satisfaction: Nearly 32% of the elderly reported low life satisfaction
• Lack of Comprehensive Policy: 
  • There is an absence of a comprehensive, integrated policy for senior care and support as a significant challenge. 
  • This lack of a structured policy framework leads to gaps in infrastructure, capacities, evidence-based knowledge repositories for geriatric illness management, and enabling frameworks for monitoring mechanisms and emergency response systems.
    • Access to healthcare services can be a challenge for older adults in India, particularly those living in rural areas. 
    • As per the National Health Profile, in 2017, there were only 43 physicians per 100,000 population in rural areas, compared to 118 physicians per 100,000 population in urban areas.
• Challenges and Implications:
  • The phenomenon of population aging impacts all aspects of society and has numerous health, social, and economic implications, including changes in labour and financial markets.
    
    • The Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021 report highlights that a significant portion of the elderly population suffers from chronic diseases, functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and low life satisfaction. 
      • 75% of the elderly have one or more chronic diseases.
  • It shifts disease burden, rising dependency ratios, evolving family structures, and altered consumption patterns. 
    
    • Every 4th Indian over 60 years reported having poor health.
  • Moreover, medical expenses are more than double for this population segment as older people are likely to consume more healthcare services. 
    
    • Around 20% of the elderly in India have mental health issues.

What are the Key Recommendations of the Report?

• The report has categorised the specific interventions needed in terms of empowerment, service delivery, and their inclusions under four core areas: Health, Social, Economic/Financial, and Digital.
  • Health: Health empowerment and inclusion can be achieved by promoting health literacy among seniors as well as their caregivers, strengthening geriatric healthcare within the existing healthcare system, and making special provisions for seniors. 
    • This will encompass Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Services through the Ayushman Bharat – Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Health and Wellness Centres), strengthening healthcare infrastructure with a focus on needs of elderly, expanding tele-consultation services, enhancing the skilled workforce for the elderly, and capacity building of existing workforce. 
  • Social: For ensuring social inclusion and empowerment, specific actions such as creating awareness to sensitise the larger community on the needs and challenges experienced by the elderly, and establishing peer support groups are needed. 
    • Empowerment of the elderly will also come through awareness of existing legal safeguards, and welfare schemes and ensuring legal reforms like strengthening the existing Welfare and Maintenance Act. 
  • Economic and Financial: There is a need for reskilling the elderly population, increasing coverage of public funds and infrastructure, and mandatory savings plans for the affording segment. 
    • Reverse Mortgage mechanism to increase liquidity for seniors and GST (Goods and Service Tax) reforms on senior care products to increase the ease of adoption and safeguard the elderly population from the financial burden. 
    • Encouraging the private sector to design targeted and comprehensive geriatric health insurance products. 
  • Digital: There is a need to improve access to digital devices for seniors by making them affordable, focusing on increasing digital literacy, and harnessing the potential of modern technology. 
  • Silver Economy: Only a little more than one-third (34%) of the elderly are currently working.
    • Appropriate interventions are required on the part of the government to provide a thrust to the “silver economy,” i.e. economy driven by goods & services demanded by the elderly. 
    • Further, work opportunities that can provide a platform for the elderly to use and utilise their experience and expertise in various sectors.

What are the Initiatives Related to Senior Care and Aging?

• Initiative Taken at global level:
  • Vienna International Plan of Action: It is the first international initiative that sparked the debate around ageing. 
    • The plan was adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing in 1982 and endorsed by the UN General Assembly. 
    • It seeks to increase the ability of governments and civil society to deal with population ageing and serves as a framework for developing policies and programs on ageing. 
  • United Nations Principles for Older Persons: The Vienna International Plan on Ageing was followed by the adoption of the United Nations Principles for Older Persons by the UN General Assembly in 1991. 
  • Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA): In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). 
    • The MIPAA aims at “building a society for all ages” and indicates a paradigm shift in how the world approaches ageing. 
    • Moreover, the plan offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing the issue of ageing. 
  • 2021-2030 as the ‘Decade of Healthy Ageing: In 2020, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021-2030 as the ‘Decade of Healthy Ageing,’ urging governments, civil societies, international organizations, professionals, academia, media, and the private sector to work together towards improving the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.
• Initiatives Taken by Indian Government:
  • Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY):
    
    • The scheme enables old age income security for senior citizens through provision of assured pension/return linked to the subscription amount based on government guarantee to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). 
      • The scheme provides an assured return of 8% per annum for 10 years.
  • Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP):
    • The main goal of this policy is to improve the quality of life of senior citizens.
    • This is done by providing them with various basic amenities such as food, shelter, medical care, and even entertainment opportunities.
  • Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana:
    • It is a central sector scheme funded from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. The fund was notified in the year 2016.
    • All unclaimed amounts from small savings accounts, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) are transferred to this fund.
    • It aims to provide aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities.
  • SAMPANN Project:
    • It was launched in 2018. It is a seamless online pension processing and payment system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners
    • It provides direct credit of pension into the bank accounts of pensioners.
  • SACRED Portal for Elderly:
    • The portal was developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • Citizens above 60 years of age can register on the portal and find jobs and work opportunities.
  • Elder Line: Toll-Free Number for Elderly:
    • It provides information, guidance, and emotional support - particularly on pension, medical and legal issues - besides immediate assistance in cases of abuse.
    • It is devised to provide all senior citizens, or their well-wishers, with one platform across the country to connect and share their concerns and get information and guidance on problems that they face on a day-to-day basis.
  • SAGE (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) Initiative:
    • It is a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.
    • It has been launched with a view to help such persons who are interested in entrepreneurship in the field of providing services for elderly care.
• Constitutional Provisions for the Welfare of Elderly People:
  
  • Article 41: Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases - The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.
  • Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections - Other weaker sections include the elderly, disabled, etc.
  • 7^th Schedule of the Indian Constitution: Item No. 9 of the State List and item 20, 23 & 24 of the Concurrent List relates to the old age pension, social security and social insurance, and economic and social planning.
  • Entry 24 in the concurrent list: It deals with “Welfare of Labour, including conditions of work, provident funds, liability for workmen’s compensation, invalidity and old age pension and maternity benefits.

What is NITI Aayog?

Financial Devolution in India

Source: TH

Why in News?

Several Indian states have claimed that they have not been receiving their fair share as per the present scheme of tax devolution. They argue that their states contribute more to the national tax pool than they receive in return.

What is the Current Status of Tax Devolution in India?

• About: Financial devolution refers to the transfer of financial resources and decision-making powers from the central government to the states.
• Constitutional Framework: Article 270 of the Constitution outlines the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union government and the States.
  • The Finance Commission (FC), constituted every five years, provides recommendations for the vertical distribution of funds from the central government's divisible pool of taxes (excluding cess and surcharge).
  • Additionally, it offers a formula for the horizontal allocation of these funds among individual states.
  • Apart from the share of taxes, States are also provided grants-in-aid as per the recommendation of the FC.
    • The 16^th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr Arvind Panagariya, has been tasked with making recommendations for the period 2026-31.
• Criteria for Devolution Among States: Currently, the share of States from the divisible pool (vertical devolution) stands at 41% as per the recommendation of the 15th FC.

• States Contribution Versus Devolution:

• Concerns Regarding Tax Devolution:
  • Exclusion of Cess and Surcharge: Concerns are raised regarding the exclusion of cess and surcharge from the divisible pool of tax revenue, leading to a reduction in states' share of tax revenue.
    • Cess and surcharge collected by the Union government is estimated at around 23% of its gross tax receipts for 2024-25, which does not form part of the divisible pool and hence not shared with the States.
  • Inadequate Compensation for GST Implementation: Some states feel that compensation for revenue losses during GST implementation is insufficient, urging for a fairer mechanism to address revenue shortfalls.
  • Lack of Flexibility in Fund Utilization: Some States advocate for greater flexibility in utilizing devolved funds to address local priorities.

Way Forward

• Review of Fiscal Federalism Framework: There is a need to conduct a comprehensive review of the fiscal federalism framework to identify gaps and inefficiencies in the devolution process.
  • This may involve establishing a committee or commission to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms and propose reforms.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Linking additional devolution to performance indicators in areas like good governance, transparency, and development outcomes could incentivize responsible resource management.
• Strengthening Institutions: Empowering institutions like the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) can ensure effective oversight and accountability in managing devolved funds.

Private Investments in India's Nuclear Energy

Source: TH

Why in News?

India is set to revolutionise its nuclear energy sector by inviting private companies to invest approximately USD 26 billion, marking a significant shift in its energy policy.

• This move aims to boost electricity generation from non-carbon-emitting sources and aligns with India's ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption.

How does Private Investment Initiative Align with India's Energy Goals?

• India aims to increase its non-fossil fuels-based electric generation capacity to 50% by 2030, up from the current 42%.
• The infusion of private investment in nuclear power generation will contribute significantly to achieving this target, bolstering the country's transition to cleaner energy sources.
  • The government is negotiating with leading firms such as Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta Ltd. for investments of about Rs 440 billion ($5.3 billion) each in the nuclear energy sector.
• The government aims to add 11,000 megawatts (MW) of new nuclear power generation capacity by 2040 through this investment.
• This initiative is expected to diversify India's energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security in the long run.

How will the Investment Plan be Implemented?

• Private companies will be responsible for making investments in nuclear plants, acquiring land, and water, and undertaking construction activities.
• However, the rights to build, operate, and manage the nuclear stations, as well as fuel management, will remain with the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) as per legal provisions.
• Private companies are anticipated to generate revenue from electricity sales, while NPCIL will operate the projects for a fee.

What are the Key Highlights of India’s Nuclear Power Sector?

• Current Energy Landscape:
  • India's total installed power capacity presently stands at 428 GW, expected to double to 810 GW by 2030.
    • Nuclear power contributes approx 3% to India’s energy mix.
• Current Nuclear Power Scenario:
  • India operates 22 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 6.8 GW, contributing approximately 3% to the nation's energy mix.
  • An additional 11 nuclear power plants are under construction, aiming to add 8,700 MW of capacity.
    • This includes a Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and four Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) based on Russian technology.
  • The government has also sanctioned ten indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each, aiming for significant capacity expansion by 2031.

• Key Players and Regulatory Environment:
  • Key Players:
    • The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) are the key organizations that play a pivotal role in the nuclear energy sector in India.
      • All three are under the control of the Union government.
      • NPCIL is the owner and operator of all nuclear power plants (except the PFBR variants, owned by The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), DEA) and the primary contact for all nuclear business in India.
      • NTPC is a major producer of electricity from coal and accounts for 70GW capacity and is seeking to adopt nuclear reactors as part of its strategy to phase out old coal plants.
  • Regulatory Oversight:
    • The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) oversees nuclear safety and regulatory processes, including site selection, construction, operation, and decommissioning.
      • AERB's responsibilities extend to nuclear applications in various sectors.
• Nuclear Liability and Insurance:
  • India ratified the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) in 2016, establishing a global compensation regime for nuclear accidents.
  • The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND), 2010, sets liabilities for operators and mandates insurance to cover potential damages.
  • The Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP), backed by General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC-Re) and other insurers, provides USD 15 billion in coverage to protect suppliers against liability claims.
• Challenges:
  • Safety and Security Standards:
    • India’s nuclear power plants have been criticized for their low safety and security standards, especially in the event of natural or man-made disasters.
    • They have also been accused of radioactive contamination, climate change and leakage, which affected the health of the workers, and environment.
      • For example, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu and the Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant in Karnataka faced these issues.
  • Nuclear Waste Management:
    • India has not developed a comprehensive and long-term plan for managing and disposing of its nuclear waste. It also lacks adequate storage and transportation facilities for its radioactive materials.
  • Land Acquisition:
    • Securing land for nuclear power plants poses significant hurdles, leading to delays in projects such as Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu) and Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh).
  • Lack of Public Funding:
    • Unlike fossil fuels and renewables, nuclear power has not received substantial subsidies, making it less competitive in the energy market.
• Opportunities for Expansion:
  • India aims to increase nuclear power's share from 3% to 9-10% of its energy mix.
  • The nuclear sector offers opportunities for foreign and private companies, especially in non-nuclear parts of power plants and in the construction and services sector.
  • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present a promising avenue for cost-saving and reducing construction time, with the potential for technology sharing and partnerships.
  • Nuclear energy could support the production of green hydrogen and the decarbonization of the transportation sector, providing a clean power source for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells.
  • With the phasing out of old coal plants, nuclear power will play a crucial role in meeting India's rising energy demands and achieving its clean energy goals.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Source: TH

Why in News?

Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), also known as synthetic diamonds have emerged as a disruptive force in the traditional diamond market. 

• These gems are created in laboratories using advanced techniques, mimicking the natural processes that form diamonds deep within the Earth. 

What are Laboratory-Grown Diamonds?

• About:
  • LGDs are manufactured in laboratories, as opposed to naturally occurring diamonds. However, the chemical composition and other physical and optical properties of the two are the same.
  • Naturally occurring diamonds take millions of years to form; they are created when carbon deposits buried within the earth are exposed to extreme heat and pressure.
• Manufacturing:
  • They are mostly manufactured through two processes, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method.
  • Both HPHT and CVD methods of growing diamonds artificially begin with a seed, a slice of another diamond.
    • In the HPHT method, the seed, along with pure graphite carbon, is exposed to temperatures around 1,500 degrees Celsius and extremely high pressure.
    • In the CVD method, the seed is heated to around 800 degrees Celsius inside a sealed chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas. The gas sticks to the seed, gradually building the diamond.
• Applications:
  • They are used for industrial purposes in machines and tools and their hardness and extra strength make them ideal for use as cutters.
  • Pure synthetic diamonds are used in electronics as a heat spreader for high-power laser diodes, laser arrays and high-power transistors.
  • They are also used for luxurious and aesthetic purposes.
• Significance:
  
  • The environmental footprint of a diamond grown in a laboratory is much lesser than that of a naturally occurring diamond.
  • According to a report by Diamond Foundry, an environmentally conscious LGD manufacturer, it takes ten times more energy to extract a natural diamond from the earth than it takes in creating one above the ground.
  • Open-pit mining, one of the most common methods of mining naturally occurring diamonds, involves moving tonnes of earth and rock to extract these precious stones.

What is the Scenario of Lab-Grown Diamonds in India?

• Surat: The Hub of Diamond Cutting and Polishing
  • Surat plays a pivotal role in the global diamond trade. Approximately 90% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat.
• The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamond Exports from India
  • Between 2019 and 2022, lab-grown diamond exports from India tripled in value.
  • Export volumes rose by 25% between April and October 2023, up from 15% in the same period a year earlier.
  • Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity globally due to their affordability and ethical appeal.
    • Lab-grown diamonds are called "blood-free diamonds" because they guarantee no violence and no human rights abuse.
• Market Share and Industry Impact:
  • The global market share of lab-grown gems surged from 3.5% in 2018 to 18.5% in 2023.
    • Industry analysts predict that this share will likely exceed 20% in the year 2024-25.
  • This growth has added pressure to an industry already grappling with geopolitical challenges and declining demand for natural diamonds.

What are the Ethical Concerns Related to Natural Diamonds?

• Blood Diamonds (Conflict Diamonds):
  • Some natural diamonds are mined in conflict zones. Such diamonds are called blood diamonds or conflict diamonds.
  • The profits generated from selling these diamonds are used for unethical reasons. They are used to finance armed conflicts. These diamonds are also associated with human rights abuses. It has led to the suffering of countless individuals in affected areas..
• Exploitation and Labour Conditions:
  • In some cases, workers in natural diamond mines endure poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of job security.
  • This exploitation is a social issue that has attracted significant attention.  
  • Child labor is a concern in some regions where diamonds are mined.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Natural diamond mining is notorious for its environmental consequences. 
  • Large-scale open-pit mines can result in deforestation, soil erosion, and much more. 
  • These practices also result in the release of harmful chemicals into local ecosystems. This not only affects the environment but also the livelihoods of nearby communities.
    • Man-made diamonds are considered more environmentally friendly because they significantly reduce the need for destructive mining practices. 
• Money Laundering and Corruption:
  
  • The diamond trade has been linked to money laundering and corruption, which undermines social and economic development in diamond-producing countries. Combating these issues requires greater transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures.

What are the Government Initiatives to Promote Lab-Grown Diamond?

• Five-Year Research Grant: 
  • In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government announced a five-year research grant for one of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The grant aims to encourage the indigenous production of LGD machinery, seeds, and recipes. 
  • The project has been assigned to IIT Madras, and an India Centre for Lab-Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) is proposed to be established there. 
    • The goal is to provide technical assistance to industries and entrepreneurs, promote indigenous manufacturing of both Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) systems, and expand the LGD business.
• Customs Duty Reduction: 
  • The government has reduced the customs duty on lab-grown diamond seeds to lower the cost of production and encourage the growth of lab-grown diamonds. This reduction aims to reduce import dependency and foster domestic production. 
    • The duty on seeds for rough LGDs has been reduced from 5% to nil.
• New Tariff for Synthetic Diamonds:
  
  • The government has taken a significant step by proposing the creation of new tariff lines. These lines will aid in better identification of various products, including synthetic diamonds. 
  • The primary objectives behind this move are to facilitate trade and provide clarity regarding the eligibility for concessional import duty. By creating specific tariff lines, the government aims to streamline processes and enhance transparency in trade-related matters. 

Conclusion

• Lab-grown diamonds are not just a trend; they represent a fundamental shift in the diamond industry. 
• As technology advances and consumer awareness grows, these sparkling gems continue to redefine the way we perceive and purchase diamonds. 

Guinea Worm Disease

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Recently, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report has shed light on a remarkable milestone in global public health: the imminent eradication of Guinea worm disease. 

• This parasitic infection, which plagued millions in the 1980s, has dwindled to just a handful of cases in recent years, signalling a triumph of human resilience and concerted eradication efforts.

What are the Key Facts About Guinea Worm Disease? 

• About:
  • Guinea worm disease, or Dracunculiasis is caused by the Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), a parasitic nematode is a debilitating parasitic disease that renders infected individuals non-functional for weeks or months.
  • It primarily affects people in rural, deprived, and isolated communities who rely on stagnant surface water sources for drinking.
  • In the mid-1980s, an estimated 3.5 million cases of dracunculiasis occurred in 20 countries worldwide, mainly in Africa and Asia.
• Transmission, Symptoms and Impact:
  • The parasite is transmitted when people drink stagnant water contaminated with parasite-infected water fleas.
  • The disease manifests with painful skin lesions as the worm emerges, causing weeks of intense pain, swelling, and secondary infections.
  • More than 90% of infections occur in the legs and feet, affecting individuals' mobility and ability to work or perform daily tasks.
• Prevention:
  • There is no vaccine or medication to treat Guinea worm disease, but prevention strategies have been successful.
    • Strategies include heightened surveillance, preventing transmission from each worm through treatment and wound care, filtering water before drinking, larvicide use, and health education.
• Road to Eradication:
  • Efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease began in the 1980s, with significant contributions from organisations like WHO.
    • Countries are certified as free of dracunculiasis transmission after reporting zero instances for at least three consecutive years.
  • Since 1995, WHO has certified 199 countries, territories, and areas as free of dracunculiasis transmission.
• India's Success Story:
  • India achieved Guinea worm disease elimination in the late 1990s through rigorous public health measures, including water safety interventions and community education.
    • The government of India received Guinea worm disease-free certification status from the WHO in 2000.
    • India has eradicated Smallpox (1980), Polio (2014), Plague, Rinderpest (the Cattle Plague), Yaws and Maternal And Neonatal Tetanus (2015).
• Ongoing Surveillance and Challenges:
  
  • Active surveillance is essential to ensure no cases are missed and to prevent the disease's re-emergence.
  • Challenges persist in regions like Chad and the Central African Republic, where civil unrest and poverty hamper eradication efforts.
  • Challenges include finding and containing the last remaining cases, particularly in remote areas, and addressing infections in animals, notably dogs.

Snake Venom Neutralising Antibody

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have created a synthetic human antibody capable of neutralising a powerful neurotoxin produced by Elapidae snakes, such as the cobra, king cobra, krait, and black mamba.

• Elapids, a diverse family of venomous snakes, have hollow, front fangs that deliver venom and include 300 species across various habitats globally.

What is the New Venom-Neutralising Antibody?

• About:
  • The team at IISc adopted a previously successful approach for screening antibodies against HIV and Covid-19 to synthesise a new antibody, marking the first application of this strategy for snakebite treatment.
• Methodology:
  • The team's antibody targets a conserved region in the core of the three-finger toxin (3FTx) found in elapid venom, despite variations in this toxin among different elapid species.
  • The researchers tested their synthetic antibody on animal models, finding it effective against toxins from the Taiwanese banded krait, monocled cobra, and black mamba, with a potency nearly 15 times that of conventional antivenom, even when administered after a delay following venom injection.
    • Conventional antibodies are not uniform in their composition, as they are a mixture of different types of molecules with varying affinity and specificity to different epitopes of the antigen that triggered their production.
• Need:
  • Snakebites cause thousands of deaths annually, particularly in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
    • According to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, India has witnessed approximately 1.2 million (12 lakh) snakebite fatalities between 2000 and 2019, averaging 58,000 deaths annually.
    • India accounts for almost 50% of global snakebite deaths.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) classified snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease of high priority.
• Application:
  
  • Researchers suggest that this advancement brings us closer to a universal antibody solution capable of providing broad protection against various snake venoms.

Sudarshan Setu

Source: IE

Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu (also known as the Okha-Beyt Dwarka Signature Bridge), India's longest cable-stayed bridge connecting the Okha mainland and the Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat.

• The bridge is technically a sea link, a first for Gujarat, with a total length of 4,772 meters, featuring a 900-meter-long cable-stayed section.
  • It also has solar panels installed on the upper portions of the footpath, generating one megawatt of electricity.
• The Union government funded the project, underscoring its strategic importance.
  • Bet Dwarka, is the second largest island off the Gujarat coast, after the Union Territory of Diu.
• The bridge, constructed as a part of National Highway (NH) 51 that runs along the sea coast of Saurashtra, was built by the NH division of Gujarat Roads and Buildings Department.
• Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country.

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Sant Guru Ravidas

Source: PIB

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Statue of Sant Guru Ravidas and paid tributes on his birth anniversary.

• Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Purnima Tithi of Magha Month i.e., 24^th February 2024.
• Sant Guru Ravidas, born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as a saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer.
  • Known by various names like Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas, he hailed from a community traditionally associated with leatherwork.
• Guru Ravidas made significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement, emphasising devotion to the divine and promoting spiritual equality.
• Guru Ravidas's teachings emphasised human rights, equality, and spiritual enlightenment.
  • Some of his compositions are included in the revered scripture, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, adding to his literary and philosophical significance.

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Gray Zone Warfare

Source: TH

At the Raisina Dialogue 2024, military leaders including India’s Chief of Defence Staff discussed the rise of gray-zone warfare, exemplified by actions in the South China Sea and along India's northern borders.

• Grey-zone warfare refers to a form of conflict characterised by actions that fall below the threshold of conventional war but are intended to achieve strategic objectives through ambiguity, deniability, and coercion.
• In grey-zone warfare, adversaries employ tactics such as cyberattacks, economic coercion, and proxy conflicts to achieve their goals without directly engaging in open warfare. 
• It blurs the lines between peace and conflict, posing significant challenges to international security and stability.

Read more: Raisina Dialogue

Attukal Pongala

Source: TH

Attukal Pongala witnessed a significant turnout this year as devotees from various parts of India gathered to make ritual offerings.

• It is a 10-day Malayalam festival celebrated at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 
  • The temple is built with elements of Kerala architectural style and Tamil architectural style as well.
• It is known as the Sabarimala of women (rituals can only be performed by women) and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest congregation of women. 

Read more: Attukal Pongala