- SOCIAL ISSUES
ON THE ETHICS OF HUNGER STRIKES AS A MODE OF PROTEST
- Hunger Strike: A form of protest where individuals refuse to eat to draw attention to a cause or demand change. It is a non-violent method but can lead to severe physical and mental deterioration.
- Nutritional Replenishment: The human body requires regular intake of nutrients to function optimally.
- During a hunger strike, the body initially uses stored glucose and fat, then muscle mass and vital organs, leading to severe health consequences and potentially death.
- Historical Context: Hunger strikes have been used historically by various groups, including Russian political prisoners, suffragettes, Irish republicans, and Indian revolutionaries, to protest against oppressive conditions and demand political or social change.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s View on Fasting: Gandhi distinguished between fasting and hunger strikes, viewing fasting as a moral and non-violent method to reform a loved one rather than to extort rights.
- He used fasting as a tool for non-violent protest and self[1]purification.
- Force-Feeding: A controversial method used by authorities to counter hunger strikes, often involving inserting a tube to provide nutrition against the striker’s will. This practice has led to severe health complications and deaths
2. ENVIRONMENT
STATE TO SUBMIT FINAL CZMP TO CENTRE SOON
- The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) of Kerala is a critical document that outlines the management and regulation of coastal areas in the state.
- The plan is being finalized and will be submitted to the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change for approval.
- This plan is essential for Kerala to take advantage of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019 rules, which have eased certain restrictions on construction and development activities along the coastal belt CRZ 2019 Rules The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019 rules were introduced to manage and regulate activities in coastal areas more effectively.
- Key features include: Eased Restrictions: Certain restrictions on construction and development activities have been relaxed.
- Zoning: Coastal areas are classified into different zones with varying levels of restrictions.
- Protection of Ecologically Sensitive Areas: Mangroves and other ecologically sensitive areas continue to be protected.
- Impact of CRZ 2019 Rules: Once the CZMP is approved, development activities in 10 coastal districts will be governed by CRZ 2019 rules.
- The CRZ 2019 rules have eased certain restrictions, potentially allowing more development activities in these areas.
- Geographical Coverage: The CZMP will cover 10 coastal districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
- It will impact five Corporations, 36 municipalities, and 245 grama panchayats.
- Mangrove Vegetation: Mangrove areas are protected under the CRZ regime, and development activities are not permitted in these zones.
- The authority received 375 complaints about mangroves being wrongly marked, which were investigated by expert committees.
3. ENVIRONMENT
ORGANISERS OF THE OLYPICS ALMOST LOST THEIR BET AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Environmentally Friendly Steps Taken by Olympic Organisers
- Investment in Infrastructure Upgrades: Sewer Infrastructure Renovation to manage wastewater more effectively. Help preventing raw sewage from entering the Seine River during heavy rainfall events.
- Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Plants and enhance water quality.
- Construction of a Giant Rainwater Basin a 1.4 billion euros large basin designed to capture excess rainwater.
- Commitment to Reducing Carbon Footprint: The Paris Olympic Games have set a target to achieve half the carbon footprint of previous Olympic Games held in London and Rio de Janeiro. This commitment includes adopting sustainable practices and technologies throughout the event’s planning and execution.
- Focus on Climate Resilience – Promotion of Sustainable Transportation: Olympics promote the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce the environmental impact associated with increased traffic and emissions.
4. BORDER ISSUES
INDIA, CHINA HOLD 30TH ROUND OF BORDER TALKS, BOTH AGREE TO UPHOLD PEACE, TRANQUILITY
- Current Situation: Efforts to resolve the stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
- Previous Meetings: Discussions between the two Foreign Ministers in Astana (Kazakhstan) and Vientiane (Laos).
- Previous WMCC Meeting: The 29th WMCC meeting was held on March 24 in Beijing.
- Key Agreements: Maintain Momentum: Both sides agreed to maintain the momentum through established diplomatic and military channels.
- Review of LAC Situation: Reviewed the current situation along the LAC with a view to finding an early resolution of outstanding issues.
- Restoration of Peace: Emphasized that restoration of peace and tranquillity, and respect for the LAC are essential for normalizing bilateral relations.
- Economic Considerations: Economic Restrictions: Speculation that the Indian government is considering relaxing some economic restrictions on Chinese companies.
- Economic Survey Recommendations: The latest Economic Survey recommended more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China.
- Joint Commitment: Peace and Tranquillity: Both sides agreed on the need to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols
- Implications:
- Diplomatic Relations: Positive Engagement: The constructive nature of the discussions indicates a positive engagement between the two countries.
- Continued Dialogue: Commitment to maintaining momentum through diplomatic and military channels suggests ongoing efforts to resolve the stand-off.
- Border Management: Peace and Stability: Emphasis on peace and tranquillity along the LAC is crucial for preventing further escalations and ensuring stability in the region.
- Economic Impact: FDI from China: Potential relaxation of economic restrictions could lead to increased FDI from China, impacting economic relations and trade dynamics.
5. GEOGRAPHY
OUTFLOW FROM KRS, KABINI DAMS STEPPED UP – OFFICIALS SOUND ALERT FOR PEOPLE LIVING DOWNSTREAM
- The implications of the increased outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini dams due to incessant rain in the Cauvery catchment areas.
- Implications:
- Flood Risk: Immediate Impact: The increased outflow from the dams can lead to flooding in low-lying areas, affecting homes, infrastructure, and agriculture.
- Evacuation: Authorities have issued flood warnings and advised people to relocate to safer areas to prevent loss of life and property.
- Agricultural Impact: Crop Damage: Flooding can lead to waterlogging in agricultural fields, damaging standing crops and affecting the livelihood of farmers.
- Soil Erosion: Excessive water flow can cause soil erosion, reducing soil fertility and impacting future agricultural productivity.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads and Bridges: Floodwaters can damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, disrupting transportation and communication.
- Public Utilities: Flooding can affect power supply, water supply, and sanitation facilities, leading to public health concerns.
- Environmental Impact: River Ecosystem: Sudden increase in water flow can affect the river ecosystem, impacting aquatic life and biodiversity.
- Sediment Deposition: High water flow can lead to sediment deposition downstream, altering the river’s course and affecting habitats
ONE LINER
- The World Leaders Summit 2024 took place at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament
- Tamil Nadu has constituted the One Health and Climate Change Strategic Committee with the Chief Secretary as the Chairperson
