Month: July 2023

International Relations

The 13th Amendment in Sri Lanka: A Controversial Pursuit of Power

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 26, 2023

PM Modi’s recent appeal on Sri Lanka to follow through on its promise to enact the 13th Amendment has sparked debate in the political sphere.
The ruling party, led by President Wickremesinghe, rejected the possibility, claiming that the President lacked the necessary mandate.
President Wickremesinghe had previously vowed that the Sri Lankan government would “fully implement” the 13th Amendment.

What is the 13^th Amendment?

It is the result of the July 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, signed by then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayawardene in an attempt to end the ethnic conflict and civil war.
The 13th Amendment established Provincial Councils and guaranteed a power-sharing framework that would allow all nine provinces in the country to self-govern, including Sinhala majority districts.
Education, health, agriculture, housing, land, and police are all devolved to provincial governments.
Since the 13th Amendment’s introduction over 35 years ago, Sinhala nationalists have fought against its full implementation.

Obstacles to Full Implementation

Historic Demand: The Tamil polity in Sri Lanka contends that even full implementation of the 13th Amendment falls short of meeting the historic demand for self-determination.
Unfulfilled Promises: Successive governments have vowed to fully implement the 13th Amendment but have failed to do so, further complicating the situation.
UN Human Rights Council Resolution: In October 2022, the UNHRC passed a resolution urging Sri Lanka to follow its pledges on devolving governmental authority for reconciliation and the enjoyment of human rights by all citizens.

Why is it contentious?

The 13th Amendment carries a lot of baggage from the country’s civil war.
Both Sinhala nationalist groups and the LTTE were vehemently opposed.
The opposition in Sri Lanka perceived the Accord and the legislation that followed as an imprint of Indian interference.
It was commonly viewed as an imposition by a neighbour with hegemonic power.
The Tamil polity, particularly its dominant nationalist element, does not consider the 13th Amendment to be sufficiently broad or substantive.
Some, though, see it as a good beginning point, something to build on.

Reservations in India

Provincial administrations have not made much progress due to constraints on budgetary powers and the President’s overriding authority.
The rules relating to police and land, in particular, have never been applied.

The Importance of 13A

To date, the Amendment is the only constitutional measure addressing the long-pending Tamil topic.
In addition to ensuring some degree of devolution, it is seen as one of the few substantial accomplishments made during the 1980s in the face of expanding Sinhala-Buddhist majoritarianism.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-hindu-explains-what-is-the-13th-amendment-to-the-sri-lankan-constitution-and-why-is-it-contentious/article32531844.ece

Science & Tech

Donanemab: A Potential Alzheimer’s Drug

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 25, 2023

Donanemab, a medication in clinical trials, has showed significant promise in halting cognitive deterioration in people with early Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable and progressive brain condition.
In Alzheimer’s patients, beta-amyloid, a protein essential for brain function, becomes toxic, creating clumps that damage brain cell connections and cause cognitive difficulties such as memory loss.
These protein deposits impede neuron communication, causing degeneration and death.
Forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, problem-solving difficulties, bewilderment, and disorientation are early warning symptoms.
The actual aetiology of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, however genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are thought to play a role.
Risk factors include family history, genetic mutations, head injuries, cardiovascular disease, and certain lifestyle factors.

Donanemab: An Antidote Development:

Donanemab is a medication being developed by Eli Lilly to treat people with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Amyloid Plaques: The medicine targets amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a prevalent feature of Alzheimer’s disease.

Breakthrough in Slowing Cognitive Decline

Alarming Burden: With an estimated 14 million cases of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, expected in India by 2050, the need for effective treatments is urgent.
Phase III Trial: In a phase III trial, Donanemab demonstrated promising results, slowing cognitive decline by 35% compared to a placebo.
Significance: This marks a significant milestone in Alzheimer’s research, as it is the second drug, within a year, to show effectiveness in checking cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
Limitations: It is essential to note that Donanemab and the previous drug do not stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. However, slowing cognitive decline can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02321-1#:~:text=The%20drug%2C%20a%20monoclonal%20antibody,29%25%20who%20took%20a%20placebo.

Art & Culture History

ASI’s scientific survey of Gyanvapi begins

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 25, 2023

The Archaeological investigation of India (ASI) has begun a scientific investigation of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque complex in Uttar Pradesh.
Its goal is to determine whether the mosque was built on top of an existing Hindu temple, a point of controversy.
The mosque is not an ASI-protected site, and the ASI has no participation in its preservation or maintenance.

Updates till date

(A) Varanasi Court’s Order

During a court-mandated survey in May 2022, a building alleged to be a “Shivling” by the Hindu side and a “fountain” by the Muslim side was discovered in a blocked part that had been unreachable since a prior Supreme Court decision.
Exclusion from Survey: The court ordered the ASI to exclude the sealed part from the survey, emphasising the importance of conducting a scientific inquiry to determine the historical facts.

(B) Supreme Court’s Ruling

Protection Order: Previously, the Supreme Court ordered that the area surrounding the alleged “Shivling” uncovered during a video survey of the complex be protected.
Argument of Mosque Management: According to the mosque’s management, the structure in question is part of the water fountain mechanism at the ‘wazukhana,’ the reservoir where worshippers do ablutions before offering namaz.
Legal Implications: Lawyers for the mosque referenced the Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, which forbids changing the nature of any place of worship from the status it had on August 15, 1947. This Act, however, does not relate to the legal dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid.

History of the Gyanvapi Mosque

The Gyanvapi Mosque was built in 1669 under the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who ordered that the existing Vishweshwar temple be demolished and replaced with a mosque.
The old temple’s plinth was kept intact, serving as the mosque’s courtyard, while one wall was preserved and repurposed into the qibla wall, facing Mecca. The mosque’s building still contains traces of the temple’s elements.
The name of the mosque is derived from an adjacent well known as the Gyanvapi or Well of Knowledge.
Current Temple: The current Kashi Vishwanath Temple was established in the 18th century, near to the Gyanvapi Mosque, and has since become an important Hindu religious site.

Longstanding Claims and Legal Framework Claims of Hindu Worship:

Many Hindus believe that during Aurangzeb’s raid, the original deity of the Vishweshwar temple was hidden inside the Gyanvapi well. This notion has spurred the urge to conduct puja and rituals at the location.
The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, states that the nature of all places of worship, except the one in Ayodhya, must be preserved as it was on August 15, 1947. Its goal is to protect the nature of religious sites while also preventing legal challenges to pre-existing constructions.
Disputed Claims: The dispute contained claims on both sides, with temple worshippers arguing that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient temple and another claiming that it was erected on Wakf property.

Archaeological examination in the Spotlight:

In April 2021, a Fast Track Court Civil Judge ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to perform a detailed physical examination of the complex. The survey sought to ascertain the structural relationship that existed between the two religious structures.
Criticism of the Deadline: Worshippers contend that the August 15, 1947 cut-off date for claiming religious sites is arbitrary and denies Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs the right to “reclaim” their places of worship.
Opposition to the Law: Since its inception, several groups have argued that the Centre lacks the jurisdiction to legislate on pilgrimage or burial locations, which belong under the state list.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/varanasi-gyanvapi-mosque-survey-latest-news-asi-archaeological-survey-of-india-begins-amid-tight-security-uttarpradesh-101690162794573.html

Environment & Biodiversity Science & Tech

How to Blend More and Better Ethanol+Petrol

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 25, 2023

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, recently announced an ambitious ambition to attain 20% ethanol-blended petrol countrywide by 2025.

Central idea

In the previous five years, India’s ethanol production programme has made tremendous progress, with increased volumes provided to oil marketing companies (OMCs) and a shift towards various raw materials such as rice, damaged grains, maize, and millets. Ethanol, a 99.9% pure alcohol that may be blended with petrol, has undergone tremendous changes in its origin, manufacture, and utilisation.

What exactly is ethanol?

Ethanol is a transparent, colourless, flammable liquid that is also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. It has the chemical formula C2H5OH and is a kind of alcohol.
Ethanol is a form of alcohol that is created by the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast or other microbes.

Ethanol Applications

Ethanol is an important component in alcoholic beverages.
Ethanol is currently widely employed as a biofuel or as a gasoline additive, resulting in ethanol-blended petrol or gasohol.
Ethanol is utilised in a variety of industrial operations, such as the manufacture of solvents, cleaning agents, medicines, personal care products, and chemicals.
Because of its capacity to kill germs and viruses, it is a valuable component of antiseptics and hand sanitizers.
Ethanol is used in food processing for a variety of reasons, including preservatives, flavour enhancers, and food-grade solvents.

A summary: The Evolution of Ethanol Production in India

Feedstocks of the Past: Until 2017-18, India’s ethanol production was primarily based on ‘C-heavy’ molasses, a byproduct of sugar manufacturing. Sugar mills made ethanol from molasses containing 40-45% sugar, giving 220-225 litres of ethanol per tonne.
Ethanol Blending Increased: The government’s policy and the use of varied feedstocks resulted in a large increase in ethanol output and blending with petrol. The average ethanol-to-petroleum blend in India climbed from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.75% in 2022-23.
Environmental Sustainability: Distilleries reduced pollution by using modern technology such as multi-effect evaporator (MEE) units to process liquid effluents (waste wash).
Green Energy Promotion: The evolution of ethanol production in India is consistent with the country’s goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boosting renewable and green energy sources.
Ethanol Blending Increased: The government’s policy and the use of varied feedstocks resulted in a large increase in ethanol output and blending with petrol. The average ethanol-to-petroleum blend in India climbed from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.75% in 2022-23.
Environmental Sustainability: Distilleries reduced pollution by using modern technology such as multi-effect evaporator (MEE) units to process liquid effluents (waste wash).
Green Energy Promotion: The evolution of ethanol production in India is consistent with the country’s goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boosting renewable and green energy sources.

The Benefits of India’s Ethanol Production Programme

Ethanol production lessens India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, improving energy security and making the country less vulnerable to shifting global oil prices.
Blending ethanol with petrol reduces carbon emissions. This aids in the fight against climate change and improves air quality.
Ethanol production from multiple feedstocks promotes agricultural diversification and offers farmers with additional income sources, boosting the rural economy.
The programme produces ethanol from agricultural byproducts and residues, increasing efficient resource use and minimising waste.
The ethanol production programme produces jobs in rural regions, notably near sugar mills and distilleries, and hence contributes to rural economic growth.
Ethanol production contributes to India’s commitment to sustainable development by aligning with the country’s renewable energy goals.

Ethanol production byproducts

Spent Wash:

During the manufacturing of alcohol, a liquid effluent known as spent wash is produced. Spent wash is a byproduct that, if not properly treated, can cause major environmental problems.
It is a high-strength organic wastewater because it contains residual sugars and other chemicals from the fermentation process.

DDGS (Distillers’ Dried Grain with Solubles):

The byproduct of grain-based distilleries is DDGS.
Following the separation of the liquid from the spent wash, the remaining solid material is dried, yielding distillers’ dried grain with solubles (DDGS).

What are the advantages of ethanol byproducts?

Concentrating spent wash reduces its volume, and using it as a boiler fuel in conjunction with bagasse provides a sustainable energy source, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The ash produced by burning of concentrated wasted wash includes up to 28% potash. This potash can be used as fertiliser, improving soil health and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
Utilising byproducts such as DDGS as animal feed optimises resource use and reduces waste.
Waste is reduced by converting wasted wash and wet cake into usable items.
The utilisation of byproducts embodies the ideals of a circular economy, in which waste is minimised and resources are recycled and reused.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/the-ethanol-impetus-8856449/

Governance

2 lakh people are counselled via Tele-MANAS

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 25, 2023

Since its inception in October 2022, the government-run national tele-mental health service, Tele MANAS, has received over 2,00,000 calls from individuals across India.

What exactly is Tele-MANAS?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative in October 2022.
It intends to provide free tele-mental health treatments around the clock throughout the country, with a focus on persons living in distant or underserved locations.

Implementation of the plan

Counselling: The plan includes a network of 38 tele-mental health excellence centres located throughout 27 states and UTs that function in more than 20 languages.
Helpline: A toll-free, 24-hour helpline number (14416) has been established across the country, allowing callers to select their preferred language when requesting services. Service is also available by calling 1-800-91-4416.

Two-tier working

Working Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system, with Tier 1 consisting of state Tele-MANAS cells staffed by professional counsellors and mental health specialists.
Tier 2 specialists will be drawn from the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

Concerns and Demographics

Age Group: Two-thirds of callers are between the ages of 18 and 45, while 12.5% are between the ages of 46 and 64, and 8% are under the age of 18.
Gender Distribution: Male callers made 59.6% of the two lakh calls, while female callers made 40%.
Primary Concerns: General emotions of depression (28.8%), sleep-related problems (27.6%), anxiety (20.4%), relationship issues (10%), aggression (9.2%), and lack of interest in activities (9.7%) were the most common reasons for seeking help.

Expansion of the plan

The initial implementation is being customised for use throughout all States and UTs, providing basic support and counselling through a centralised Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS).
For specialised care, it is linked with other services like as National teleconsultation, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, mental health specialists, health centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities.
This will not only aid in the provision of acute mental healthcare treatments, but will also help to facilitate a continuum of care.
This will eventually embrace the complete spectrum of mental wellness and sickness, as well as the integration of all systems that provide mental health care.

Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/tele-manas-helpline-received-over-2-lakh-calls-since-launch-in-oct-2022/102054194#:~:text=New%20Delhi%3A%20The%20government's%20national,health%20service%20delivery%20in%20India.

Environment & Biodiversity Geography

Climate targets are becoming obsolete: India requires its own

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 25, 2023

The media has focused on the 1.5 degree Celsius warming target and the impact of El Nio this year. While exceeding this temperature threshold is reason for concern, the exaggerated end-of-the-world narrative around the climate issue should be reconsidered.

The main idea

The Paris Agreement’s ambition of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius by 2100 has been hailed as a monumental achievement. Nonetheless, despite more than two decades of agreements, global carbon emissions have not slowed. Furthermore, the aim was not arrived at scientifically. Instead than focusing on dire scenarios, it is critical to handle the climate crisis from a more balanced standpoint.

What is the target temperature of 2 degrees Celsius?

The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly all governments of the globe in 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.
The agreement’s main goal is to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The 1.5 degree Celsius objective was set in response to concerns expressed by vulnerable countries, notably tiny island governments.
To meet the 2°C target, countries must submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their intended efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To combat climate change, the Paris Agreement emphasises the significance of global cooperation and collaborative action.

What exactly are Earth System Models (ESMs)?

ESMs are sophisticated computational models that climate scientists use to mimic the Earth’s climate system.
These models are intended to reflect the interactions and feedbacks between diverse Earth system components such as the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, ice, and biogeochemical processes.
These models solve these equations numerically over a global grid, allowing scientists to mimic climate processes and changes on both short and long time scales.

Key concerns regarding 2 Degrees target

The 2 degree Celsius objective was not developed on the basis of solid scientific data or a thorough grasp of the potential consequences of such warming.
Despite worldwide efforts and obligations under the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions have not decreased significantly.
The 2 degrees Celsius target may be insufficient to overcome regional variability in climate impacts.
Climate predictions using ESMs struggle to effectively mimic regional-scale climate fluctuations, particularly in regions like the Indian subcontinent.
There are concerns regarding the ability to differentiate between the effects of 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius warming and to build region-specific climate adaptation programmes.

India faces uncertainty

Uncertainties in ESMs make predicting regional climate impacts at the scale of the Indian subcontinent problematic.
Water supply, precipitation patterns, and glacial melt in the Himalayas are all affected by climate change. The unpredictability of these factors can have serious consequences for India’s total water security.
Climate prediction uncertainties have an impact on India’s agricultural sector, making it difficult to predict crop yields and plan for food security.
Coastal areas in India, especially major cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata, are exposed to the effects of rising sea levels, increasing the danger of flooding and coastal erosion.
Climate change has the potential to increase health difficulties such as heat-related illnesses, vector-borne infections, and air pollution. Uncertainties about how climate change affects disease patterns make effective public health measures difficult to develop and implement.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/predicting-climate-change-carbon-emissions-failure/article67109068.ece

Economics

Surat Diamond Bourse has the world’s largest office space

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 23, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to launch the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), billed as the world’s largest office space complex.

Surat Diamond Bourse Information

The Surat Development Board (SDB) is a large-scale project in Surat, Gujarat, India.
It is said to be the largest office space in a single project in the world.
It is being constructed in order to expand and consolidate the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat.
Surat is well-known as a significant centre for diamond cutting and polishing, and the creation of SDB intends to consolidate all diamond-related industries and infrastructure under one roof.

Key features

The SDB is located in Surat’s DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city.
Size: The bourse covers 66 lakh square feet (roughly 6.6 million square feet), making it one of the world’s largest office spaces.
The project’s thematic landscaping is based on the ‘panch tatva’ theme, which represents the five elements of nature – air, water, fire, earth, and sky.
The SDB is comprised of nine towers, each with ground plus 15 stories. It will house around 4,200 offices ranging in size from 300 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
Security: Due to the high level of security in the diamond sector, over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at various points both within and outside the SDB.
Moving from Mumbai: The bourse intends to address the space crunch and high cost of office real estate in Mumbai, where majority of the diamond trade now occurs.

Economic significance of SDB

The complex will include a variety of diamond-related enterprises, including the sale of rough and polished diamonds, diamond production machines, diamond planning software, diamond certificate corporations, lab-grown diamonds, and more.
Job: The SDB is expected to generate enormous job possibilities, directly employing over 1 lakh people in various diamond-related roles.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-worlds-biggest-office-all-you-need-to-know-surat-diamond-bourse-8851385/#:~:text=Biggest%20office%20space%20in%20the,Pentagon%20in%20the%20United%20States.

Environment & Biodiversity

The IMD has launched the Heat Index

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 23, 2023

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has developed the Heat Index on an experimental basis, according to the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The IMD Heat Index

The Heat Index is intended to provide basic guidelines for areas in India where a combination of temperature and humidity results in higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
It is calculated using an equation similar to that used by the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States.
It takes humidity into account while calculating high temperatures, delivering a “feel-like” temperature for humans and measuring the amount of discomfort.

Experimental Heat Index Colour Codes

The Heat Index is expressed by several colour codes to depict the various levels of heat impact and discomfort:
Green: less than 35°C
Yellow: 36-45°C temperature range
Orange: 46-55°C temperature range
Red: temperatures above 55°C

Heat Impact Mitigation in India

The Heat Index is now being tested in many parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) engages with local organisations such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project in Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad under the Heat Action Plan.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1941012#:~:text=Heat%20Index%20provides%20guidance%20towards,people%20to%20reduce%20human%20discomfort&text=Union%20Minister%20of%20Earth%20Sciences,Heat%20Index%20on%20experimental%20basis.