The Dangers of High-Altitude Sickness
Syllabus: GS2/ Health
Context
- Rising fatalities from high-altitude sickness in the Himalayas underscore the necessity of implementing effective preventive strategies for tourists.
What is High-Altitude Sickness?
- High-altitude sickness, medically termed Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a condition that occurs when the body struggles to adapt to reduced oxygen levels at elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
- Causes: At higher altitudes, lower air pressure reduces oxygen availability, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation in body tissues).
- Symptoms of AMS: Headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If untreated, AMS can develop into;
- High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid buildup in the lungs causing breathing difficulty.
- High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Fluid accumulation in the brain leading to confusion, hallucinations, and coma.
Physiological Changes at high altitude
- Increased breathing rate (hyperventilation) to compensate for low oxygen levels.
- Production of more red blood cells to enhance oxygen transport, thickening blood and increasing strain on the heart.
Challenges at higher altitudes
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Regions beyond major towns like Shimla lack specialized healthcare facilities to treat high-altitude sickness.
- Leh in Ladakh serves as an exception, having developed robust facilities for high-altitude ailments.
- Gaps in Preventive Health Measures: Lack of mandatory health screenings for tourists entering high-altitude areas.
- Limited availability of oxygen supplies, hyperbaric chambers, or trained medical personnel in remote regions.
What are the steps needed?
- Mandatory Registration System: Introduce mandatory registration for tourists visiting high-altitude regions to monitor movement and facilitate rapid response during emergencies.
- Screening: Conduct preventive health screenings at entry points for tourists.
- Display health and safety information at checkpoints and on government websites to educate tourists on acclimatization and risks.
- Gradual Ascent: Promote gradual ascent schedules to allow time for acclimatization and reduce the risk of AMS.
- Emergency Response Measures: Provide supplemental oxygen or portable hyperbaric chambers at major tourist hubs.
- Encourage the deployment of trained paramedics at high-altitude destinations.
- Research and Development: Set up research centers to study the effects of high-altitude conditions on human physiology and develop better treatment methods.
- Air-Ambulance Services: Equip Himalayan States with air-ambulance services for rapid medical evacuation from remote regions.
- Infrastructure Development: Enhance road connectivity to remote regions to ensure timely access to healthcare facilities.
India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29
Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart unveiled the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 as they met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
Key Highlights of the Plan
- It is a five-year strategic action plan outlining their vision for collaboration in a range of key sectors.
- Defence:
- Holding Joint Defence Consultative meetings, Joint Staff Talks on a yearly basis.
- Interactions in the framework of Italy’s growing interest in Indo-Pacific region, aimed at increasing interoperability and cooperation.
- Enhanced partnerships among public and private stakeholders on technology collaboration.
- Negotiate a Defence Industrial Roadmap between the two Nations.
- Economic:
- Leverage the work of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation and of the Italy-India Joint Working Group on Food Processing, to increase bilateral trade.
- Promote industrial partnerships, technological centres and mutual investment, also in automotive, semiconductors, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
- Connectivity: Enhancing collaboration in maritime and land infrastructure also in the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
- Science & Innovation: Expanding cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, forging technology value chain partnerships in both countries in sectors such as telecom, artificial intelligence, and digitalization of services.
- Space: Expanding cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and ISRO to include projects of common interest in Earth observation, heliophysics and space exploration with emphasis on lunar science.
- Energy Transition: Strengthen the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance.
- Migration and Mobility:
- Promote legal migration channels, as well as fair and transparent labour training and recruitment procedures.
- A pilot will cover training of health professionals in India and their subsequent employment in Italy.
India-Italy Strategic Partnership
- Diplomatic relations and Strategic : India and Italy, both ancient civilizations with rich cultural heritage, established diplomatic relations in 1947.
- India and Italy elevated their Relations into Strategic Partnership in 2023.
- Indo-Pacific Region: Italy is the next country in Europe after France, Germany and The Netherlands, to be taking a keen interest in engagements in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The gradual upswing in its ties with India is an important part of its recent Indo-Pacific pivot.
- In 2021, the ‘India-Italy-Japan’ trilateral was launched, with an aim to work towards the security, stability, prosperity and multilateralism of the Indo-Pacific region.
- It is the second trilateral that India has, in the Indo-Pacific region, involving a European country, after the ‘India-France-Australia’ trilateral.
- Global Forums: Italy joined both the significant initiatives, launched on the margins of the G20 Summit, the ‘Global Biofuel Alliance’ and the ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor’.
- Italy has also joined the ‘International Solar Alliance’ (ISA), in 2021, which was the year of the Italian Presidency of G20 and co-Presidency of COP26.
- Economic : Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $14.253 billion in 2022-23, including $8.691 billion in Indian exports. Italy ranks 17th for FDI inflows into India between April 2000 and March 2023,
- Key sectors attracting FDI include automobiles (29.8%), trading (17.1%), industrial machinery (5.6%), services (5.1%), and electrical equipment (4.6%).
- The two countries are looking forward to strengthening cooperation in defence technology, maritime security and space, with similar concerns in the maritime domain.
- Relations with China: There is Italy’s growing concern about China in the broader European and Indo-Pacific region.
- Italy has also withdrawn from the China’s Belt and Road Initiative, showing a significant policy shift.
- Geopolitical necessities are resulting in Italian policy makers, shaping and reshaping their relationships in Asia.
- Future outlook : Recent developments show that there is a renewed interest in the relationship from both sides.
- India and Italy can leverage their strategic positions in the Indian Ocean and in the Mediterranean, respectively, to promote connectivity, stability, energy security, freedom of navigation in the two maritime geographies, and therefore in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
China Emissions Paradox
Syllabus: GS3/Environmental Pollution & Degradation; Conservation
Context
- China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases for more than 15 years, faces a significant paradox in its efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
China Emissions Paradox: Economic Growth vs. Emission Reductions
- China’s economic growth over the past few decades has come at a significant environmental cost. The country’s heavy reliance on coal for energy has made it the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) globally, accounting for nearly 30% of annual global emissions.
- Despite this, China has set ambitious targets to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Challenges in Reducing Emissions
- Dependence on Coal: Its heavy dependence on coal for energy and industry requires a massive shift to renewable energy, demanding substantial investment
- In 2023, emissions rose by 5%, largely due to coal-fired plants and steel factories.
- Economic Pressures: As a developing country, China struggles to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, as rapid industrialization and urbanization increase energy demand.
- Technological and Financial Constraints: Additionally, the technological and financial resources needed to transition its energy infrastructure present significant obstacles.
Global Implications
- The global climate targets, including the 1.5-degree Celsius goal set by the Paris Agreement, hinge significantly on China’s ability to reduce its emissions.
- According to a recent analysis by Carbon Action Tracker, China must reduce its emissions by at least 66% from current levels by 2030 to stay on track with the 1.5-degree Celsius objective.
- It is an extremely challenging target, given the current trajectory of China’s emissions.
Possible Impact of China’s Cutting Down Its Emissions
- Economically, cutting emissions may slow down manufacturing, disrupting global supply chains.
- The energy transition from coal to renewables is complex and costly, potentially leading to energy shortages or price hikes.
- Reducing manufacturing in China could shift production to countries with less stringent regulations, increasing global emissions.
- Geopolitically, China’s emission cuts might strain international relations, particularly with countries reliant on Chinese exports.
Scenario and Challenges in India
- The “Global Carbon Project” has projected that fossil fuel emissions will rise by 4.6% in India and 0.2% in China in 2024, despite global efforts to reduce them.
- India, the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces a unique set of challenges in addressing climate change, which the global strategy often overlooks.
- While the focus of global climate action is on reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy, India’s socio-economic, geographical, and developmental context makes this approach difficult.
- Despite its large population and growing energy demand, India’s per capita emissions are much lower than those of developed countries.
Conclusion and Balancing Act
- China’s climate actions are marked by a paradox: while it remains a major polluter due to coal use, it is also leading in green technology, reflecting the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
- China’s dual approach highlights the complexities of its emission reduction efforts, which have significant economic, social, and geopolitical implications. To address these challenges, the global community must collaborate on a balanced, sustainable transition.
- Similarly, India needs a climate strategy that aligns with its development goals, promotes clean energy solutions, and advocates for equitable global policies that hold developed nations accountable.
Polio Eradication in India
GS2/Health
Context
- India’s achievement of polio-free status in 2014 represents one of the most significant successes in global public health.
About
- India’s participation in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) complemented by the robust national immunization efforts under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) made it successful.
| Immunization in India – The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1978. 1. This program aimed to provide vaccines to children against various diseases. – In 1985, this program was renamed the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), broadening its reach to rural areas beyond urban centers. – The UIP became an integral part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched in 2005 to improve the health of rural populations. – Today, UIP is one of the world’s largest public health programs, targeting over 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually, providing free vaccines for 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. – Polio was one of the first diseases targeted under UIP, and its elimination became a key public health milestone. |
Polio
- Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus.
- It primarily affects children under the age of 5 and can lead to severe complications such as paralysis, disability, or even death.
- Spread: Polio spreads mainly through fecal-oral transmission.
- It can also be spread via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
- Symptoms:
- Most cases are mild or asymptomatic.
- A smaller percentage of infected individuals develop paralytic polio, which can cause paralysis, usually affecting the legs or respiratory muscles.
- Vaccination:
- There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented.
- Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
- There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe.
India’s Efforts in Polio Eradication:
- Pulse Polio Programme Launch (1995): It used an Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) strategy, reaching over 1 million children and ensuring every child under five was vaccinated.
- The campaign became iconic, with the slogan “Do Boond Zindagi Ki” (Two drops of life).
- Routine Immunization and System Strengthening: The UIP provided free vaccines against polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis.
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Introduction (2015): IPV provides additional protection against polio, especially against type 2 poliovirus, and was gradually expanded nationwide by 2016.
- Political Will and Community Engagement: Political leaders at all levels ensured that resources were allocated and the program received the needed attention.
- The Pulse Polio campaigns also relied heavily on door-to-door efforts, reaching children in difficult-to-reach areas.
- Final Leap: On 27th March 2014, India was officially declared polio-free, a milestone celebrated globally as an example of successful public health intervention.
Way Ahead
- Annual Polio Campaigns: India continues to conduct National Immunization Days (NID) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNID) annually to keep immunity levels high and ensure that no child is missed.
- Surveillance and Border Vaccination: Continuous surveillance and vaccination at international borders continues to mitigate the risk of polio re-importation from endemic regions.
- New Vaccines and Expansion: India has introduced several new vaccines under its immunization program, including Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, as part of broader efforts to prevent other vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Mission Indradhanush: Launched in 2014, it aims to increase immunization coverage to 90%.
2nd India-Australia Annual Summit
Syllabus :GS 2/IR
In News
The Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Australia held the second India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro
Outcomes of India -Australia Summit
- Bilateral Progress:Both Prime Ministers acknowledged significant progress in strengthening ties across sectors like climate change, renewable energy, trade, investment, defence, education, and people-to-people relations.
- Economic Cooperation:
- India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) is boosting trade and market access.
- Work toward a more comprehensive Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is underway.
- The Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) programme extended for another four years to strengthen business connections.
- Energy and Environment: Launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) for cooperation in solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, and renewable energy workforce development.
- Progress on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Khanij Bidesh Ltd. and Australia’s Critical Minerals Office to advance critical minerals for clean energy.
- Space Cooperation: Growing space partnership with joint projects, such as support for Gaganyaan missions and the launch of Australian satellites on Indian vehicles in 2026.
- Defence and Security: Renewal of Joint Declaration on Defence and Security in 2025, focusing on stronger collaboration.
- Increased defence exercises and interoperability under the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.
- Maritime security and reciprocal information-sharing agreements to ensure regional peace and stability.
- Indian and Australian defence industries to collaborate further, with participation in defense expos and industry visits.
- Parliamentary Cooperation: Emphasis on continued inter-parliamentary cooperation as part of the strategic partnership.
- Education, People-to-People and Mobility: Working Holiday Maker visa programme and MATES mobility scheme to enhance people-to-people ties and mobility of professionals.
- Opening of new consulates in Bengaluru and Brisbane to strengthen trade and cultural links.
- Collaboration in education and sports, including Australian universities establishing campuses in India and joint initiatives for sports science and event management.
- Regional and Multilateral Cooperation: Commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with shared interests in regional peace, stability, and sovereignty.
- Support for Quad initiatives in health, security, infrastructure, and climate change.
- Reinforcement of ASEAN centrality and cooperation under regional frameworks like the East Asia Summit and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
- Commitment to Indian Ocean cooperation, including Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and support for Pacific island countries on climate, health, and education.
- Counter-Terrorism and Global Issues: Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and explored cooperation on terrorism financing and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiatives.
- Looking Ahead: Both leaders expressed commitment to deepening bilateral ties further and welcomed the 2025 commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- They looked forward to the next India-Australia Annual Summit in 2025.
Impacts of imposing tariffs on Chinese imports
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
Context
- The U.S. plans to impose up to 60% tariffs on Chinese imports to reduce its trade deficit and counter China’s industry subsidies.
| Do you know ? Tariffs are taxes imposed on imports to make foreign goods more expensive, reducing their attractiveness to domestic consumers. – While the tariff primarily impacts the importing country, it also affects the exporting country. |
Impact of Tariffs on Chinese Imports
- Higher Domestic Prices: Tariffs increase the cost of Chinese goods in the U.S., pushing up prices for consumers. This could lead to domestic inflation.
- Boost to Domestic Production: By making imported goods more expensive, tariffs incentivize consumers to shift to domestically produced alternatives, potentially increasing domestic industrial output and employment.
- Effect on Trade Deficit: Reduced reliance on Chinese goods may help narrow the U.S. trade deficit, potentially strengthening the dollar and moderating inflation in the long run.
Global Impact
- Retaliatory Tariffs: If China or other affected nations impose counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, it could escalate into a global trade war.
- Global Inflation: Trade wars could raise global commodity prices, worsening inflation in both developed and developing economies.
- Shift in Trade Patterns: Rising costs of Chinese goods might encourage nations to diversify supply chains, benefiting emerging economies.
Opportunities for India
- Boost to Exports: Indian manufacturers could gain market share in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electronics as global buyers seek alternatives to Chinese goods.
- Geopolitical Leverage: India’s neutral stance in global trade conflicts can strengthen its position in multilateral forums and enhance its trade ties with both the U.S. and China.
- Attracting Investments: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China could push global manufacturers to relocate supply chains to India.
Concerns for India
- Impact on Inflation: Higher global commodity prices due to trade wars can lead to imported inflation in India, increasing costs for essential goods like crude oil and fertilizers.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: India’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports for components and machinery could face challenges if tariffs raise costs or restrict availability.
Way Forward
- Diversification of Imports: India must reduce dependency on Chinese imports by fostering domestic production under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Trade Agreements: Strengthening regional trade partnerships like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and signing bilateral agreements can secure alternative supply chains.
- Strengthening Infrastructure: Enhancing port connectivity, logistics, and digital infrastructure to make India an attractive destination for global supply chains.
Concluding remarks
- While imposing tariffs on Chinese imports may address short-term trade imbalances for countries like the U.S., it risks global trade disruptions and inflationary pressures.
- By strategically positioning itself as a reliable manufacturing hub and fostering domestic capabilities, India can mitigate risks and capitalize on the shifting global trade dynamics.
