Daily Prelims Notes 30 June 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

30 June 2024

1. Santhal Hul

Sub: History

Sec: Modern India

Context: In Jharkhand, June 30 is observed as Hul Diwas, marking the anniversary of the 1855 Santal rebellion, led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu. Unfortunately, the Hul and its heroes have fallen in the “blindspot of historiography”, especially when compared to the Munda uprising, some 45 years later, which got its due recognition

Santhal Rebellion

• The Santhal rebellion or ‘Hul’ – literally, revolution – began in 1855, two years before the uprising of 1857, often referred to as “the first war for Indian independence”.
• The Santhal revolt (also known as the Hulrevolt ) started on 30th June 1855 in in the forested hills of Damin-i-koh (present-day eastern Jharkhand), with the help of prominent leaders like Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav, and also their two sisters Phulo and Jhano.
• The depressed and anguished Santhals engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Britishers and formed their own troops which included the farmers, villagers, and the women.
• In this quest, they were able to capture large parts of land including Rajmahal Hills, Bhagalpur district, and Birbhum.
• They militarized over 10000 Santhal people. The villagers put to fire the storehouses and the warehouses and all forms of communication lines were disrupted.
• It was against exploitative moneylenders (mahajans)and landowners (zamindars), and their colonial masters. Unfortunately, the Hul has been rather ignored in public history, not only compared to uprisings elsewhere in India, but also compared to the Munda rebellion, some 45 years later.
• The government applied all possible means to suppress the movement. In order to curb the rebellion, Britishers used heavy loaded weapons against bows and arrows used by the Santhals.
• The landlords were in the support of the government whereas the local people supported the Santhals in full vigour.
• Unfortunately, the duo brother Sidhu and Kanhu were arrested and the revolt had a brutal end.
• The Santhals were repressed and the movement came to an end in 1856.
• So powerful were their clarion calls that both the Santal Hul and the Munda Ulgulan (the ‘Great Tumult’) ushered in large-scale changes in the revenue administration and justice system.

How was the revolt, different From the Other Revolts?

• Organized movement
• The Santhal uprising was an organized movement with good leadership qualities. In a short period of time, it was successful in uniting about 60,000 people.
• If we look at the other spontaneous movement of that time, we find that none of the movements was that well-arranged as the Santhal revolt. The unity of the Santhals shook the nerve of the Britishers.

Use of weapons & Tactics

• Despite the Santhal using bows and arrows against the weapons and artillery used by the Britishers, the guerrilla tactics, which was a new occurrence for Bihar to fight against the Britishers, gave Santhals an upper hand.

Trained leadership

• The prominent leaders of the war, Sidhu, and Kanhu in a short span of time, were successful in mobilizing a huge number of people to fight against the cause.

Blow on British powers

• The Santhal rebellion was a blow on the British powers. It was such a fierce movement that Britishers had to implement martial law to quell the powers of Santhals

Growth of Revolutionary Nationalism

• The Santhal revolt fostered a sense of unity among the Santhal tribes.
• It was seen as the beginning of larger wars to free the people from the oppressive British rule.
• This movement resulted in a feeling of nationalism which helped to mobilize people for further wars, like the Revolt of 1857.

Identity of the tribal people

• The Santhal rebellion gave birth to the modern Santhal identity.
• It also promoted the tribal people to protect their culture and tradition from any kind of destruction and interference.

Successful movement

• It was seen that the Britishers did acknowledge their follies, despite the Santhals being defeated
• Further, after the end of the war, the Santhal Paraganas Tenancy Act was enacted which provided the tribes some protection against the oppressive British Rule.
• This was successful in inculcating nationalist feelings among the people

2. India lacks diagnostic tests for emerging infectious diseases

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• A recent case of Zika virus infection in Pune has renewed concerns about India’s preparedness for diagnosing emerging infectious diseases.

More on news:

• This is not the first time Zika has been identified in India. 
• Cases have been identified from multiple States in India in the past, with larger outbreaks occurring in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh as recently as 2021.

About Zika Virus:

• Zika is a viral infection, which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya.
• Zika virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen belonging to the flavivirus family of viruses which also includes dengue.
• It is a contagious disease where  infected people can transmit Zika virus sexually.
• The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is estimated to be 3-14 days.
• It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys, Zika was detected in humans five years later.
• In India, Zika virus was first recorded in 1952-53. The latest major outbreak was in 2018, when 80 cases were reported in Rajasthan.
• It results into microcephaly, especially when pregnant women are infected.
• Clinical symptoms of Zika infection in many cases could be mild and indistinguishable from other infectious diseases including dengue.
• For pregnant women, the Zika virus poses a significant risk as it can be transmitted from mother to child, potentially leading to microcephaly in the offspring.

India’s preparedness towards Zika other infectious diseases:

• India’s lack of significant Zika surveillance means we might never fully understand its spread.
• In March 2023, CDSCO, India’s apex organization for diagnostic approvals, confirmed that there is no approved diagnostic test for Zika.
• A case of avian influenza A/H5N1 was recently reported from Australia in a child who had traveled to India, hinting at more undetected infections.
• India has experienced several Nipah virus outbreaks, notably in West Bengal (2001 and 2007) and Kerala (2018, 2021, and 2023). 
• Some cases of Nipah were indeed missed during initial admissions due to the lack of routine testing, largely because the diagnostic facilities are not readily available

About GISAID:

• GISAID, the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, previously the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data, is a global science initiative established in 2008 to provide access to genomic data of influenza viruses.

About Nipah Virus:

• Nipah virus infection in humans causes a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection (subclinical) to acute respiratory infection and fatal encephalitis.
• The case fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%. This rate can vary by outbreak depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.
• Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human.
• Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus.

About Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1:

• Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes influenza (flu), predominantly in birds. It is enzootic (maintained in the population) in many bird populations, and also panzootic (affecting animals of many species over a wide area).

3. What is holding up the Teesta treaty?

Sub: Geography

Sec: India Physical Geography

Context:

• During the recent state visit of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Modi announced a technical team would visit Bangladesh to discuss the conservation and management of the Teesta River.
• This comment reignited speculation about the long-pending Teesta water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh.

International and Constitutional Context:

• Sharing waters of transboundary rivers is mandated by international laws like The Helsinki Rules.
• Article 253 of the Indian Constitution allows the government to enter treaties related to transboundary river waters.

West Bengal’s Concerns:

• Sharing Teesta’s water with Bangladesh would severely impact lakhs of people in North Bengal.
• WB has consistently opposed the proposed water-sharing agreement and suggested alternative rivers for sharing instead of Teesta.

Bilateral Water-Sharing Issues:

• India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, making water sharing a critical bilateral issue.
• The Ganga water-sharing treaty was successfully signed in 1996.
• The Teesta water-sharing agreement has been pending since 2011 due to West Bengal’s opposition.
• Hydropower projects and the Teesta Barrage Project have made the river’s flow erratic, affecting Bangladesh.
• Environmental Challenges:
  • Environmental activists have raised concerns about the ecological impact of hydroelectric projects.
  • A glacial lake outburst in October 2023 caused significant damage and highlighted risks.

Proposed Teesta Water Sharing:

• In 2011, a proposal suggested India would receive 42.5% and Bangladesh 37.5% of Teesta’s water from December to March.
• Teesta River:
  • Originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in north Sikkim, travels through West Bengal, and enters Bangladesh, covering significant areas and supporting agriculture and population.
  • A tributary of the Brahmaputra.
  • It flows another 140 km in Bangladesh and joins the Bay of Bengal.
  • Teesta is Bangladesh’s fourth-largest transboundary river.
  • 83% of the river’s catchment area lies in India and the remaining 17% is in Bangladesh.
  • Tributaries:
    • Left- Rangpo River, Lachung River, Ranikhola, Relli River, Talung River, Dik Chhu, Lang Lang Chu
    • Right-  Rangeet River, Kanaka River, Ringyong Chhu, Ranghap Chhu

Bengal and the Ganga Treaty:

• Signed in 1996.
• Under the treaty, upper riparian India and lower riparian Bangladesh agreed to share the water of this transboundary river at Farakka (which is the last control structure on river Ganga in India), a dam on the Bhagirathi river around 10 km from the Bangladesh border.
• Validity: The treaty will expire in 2026 when it completes its 30-year term.
• Sharing Period: During the lean period, from 1st January to 31st May every year, on a 10-day period basis as per the formula provided in the Treaty.
• Ganga Water Sharing Formula:
  • If availability at Farakka is less than 70,000 cusecs: 50:50 split (35,000 cusecs each).
  • If availability is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs: Bangladesh receives 35,000 cusecs, and India gets the rest.
  • If availability is 75,000 cusecs or more: India receives 75,000 cusecs, and Bangladesh gets the rest.
  • Critical Month (April): Bangladesh is guaranteed a flow of 35,000 cusecs in the first and last ten days of April.
  • Emergency Adjustments: If flow falls below 50,000 cusecs in any ten-day period, the two governments will consult for emergency adjustments.
  • Monitoring: A Joint Committee monitors daily flows at the feeder canal in Farakka and the navigation lock at Hardinge Bridge (the point within Bangladesh where flows are monitored), submitting annual reports to both governments.
• Concerns:
  • Mamata Banerjee pointed out adverse impacts on West Bengal due to changes in the Ganga’s morphology and river erosion.
  • She emphasized the displacement and loss of livelihood caused by these changes and the need to address reduced silt load affecting the Sundarbans delta.

Source: TH

4. inStem’s fabric offers protection from pesticides

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) developed an anti-insecticide fabric to neutralize organophosphate-based pesticides, building upon earlier work on topical gels for pesticide detoxification.

Details:

• The fabric, coated with nucleophile small molecules covalently bonded to cellulose, effectively deactivates pesticides on contact through hydrolysis.
• The fabric attacks the pesticide molecule and breaks it into non-toxic products. The pesticide is deactivated even before it reaches the skin surface.
• Developed in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt Ltd, the fabric remains durable and breathable while preventing pesticide-induced toxicity.
• Developing a universal nucleophile capable of deactivating various pesticides and optimizing fabric attachment were critical steps in fabric development, ensuring practicality and effectiveness.

Mechanism of Action:

• Organophosphate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), crucial for neuromuscular function, leading to various health issues.
• Fabric-coated small molecules hydrolytically deactivate pesticides, preventing AChE (acetylcholinesterase) inhibition (critical for neuromuscular function) and subsequent health problems.
• The fabric retains its anti-insecticide properties through 150 wash cycles, offering a long-term, cost-effective solution for farmers.
• Unlike previous gels, the fabric’s reusability enhances affordability and compliance among users.

Potential Impact on Agriculture:

• The fabric has potential to prevent chronic toxicity in farmers repeatedly exposed to pesticides, suggesting a significant health benefit and potential cost savings.

Source: TH

5. What was the tussle over Covaxin IPR?

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Intellectual Property Rights

Covaxin:

• Covaxin (development name, BBV152) is a whole inactivated virus-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology.
• On 3 November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) validated the vaccine for emergency use, as the first Indian-developed covid vaccine to be approved.
• By 31 January 2022, Covaxin had been granted emergency use approval in 13 countries.

Admission of Patent Filing Error by Bharat Biotech:

• Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) admitted to an error in its patent filings for Covaxin.
• Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) were not included as co-inventors.
• BBIL is one of India’s leading biotechnology companies.

Rights Governing Vaccine Patents:

• India’s patent laws cover both product and process patents.
• Product patents grant a monopoly over a drug, while process patents prevent competitors from using the same production steps.
• BBIL patented the process of making Covaxin from virus strains provided by ICMR-NIV (National Institute of Virology).
• Creating a vaccine on an industrial scale requires specialized facilities beyond lab capabilities.
• Covaxin is an inactivated coronavirus vaccine with an added adjuvant to increase potency.
• Companies strive to protect their processes to maintain a temporary monopoly and profits.
• Patents are only granted after regulatory authorities confirm the novelty or inventiveness of the process.
• BBIL has not yet been granted these patents.
• For details of IPR

Roles of BBIL and ICMR:

• BBIL had collaborated with the ICMR-NIV for all the steps in developing a vaccine.
• An agreement outlining each entity’s responsibilities, including ICMR’s role in testing and funding.
  • Beyond transferring the strains and making vaccines, ICMR would also test these vaccines on animals and then on people to establish that the vaccine worked as intended.
• ICMR funded clinical trials and was to receive 5% of royalties from Covaxin sales.
• Joint intellectual property rights were expected, as stated in Parliament.
• BBIL initially distinguished between rights over vaccine making and data from clinical trials.
• BBIL later acknowledged the mistake and committed to amending patent applications to include ICMR personnel.

Importance of Being Cited as an Inventor:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) cover various aspects of product invention.
• The development of pharmaceutical products often involves multiple entities.
• BBIL had a technology licensing agreement with Virovax for the adjuvant.
• Being listed as an inventor affects the sharing of IPR, royalties, and product usage.
• Omitting inventors in patent filings can lead to rejection of applications, particularly in the U.S.

Source: TH

6. Why China plans to run trains from Kunming all the way to Singapore

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• During his visit to Malaysia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed China‘s willingness to connect its railway projects in Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand to enhance regional connectivity.
• Li attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal Station with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

ECRL Project Overview:

• The ECRL project is a nearly $10 billion investment connecting Kota Bharu on Malaysia’s northeastern coast with Port Klang on the west coast.
• Expected to bring significant economic benefits through improved connectivity, freight movement, and tourism.
• Described as the biggest economic and trade cooperation project between China and Malaysia by Chinese state media.

ECRL Project Challenges and Progress:

• Initiated in 2017 but stalled due to funding constraints, now expected to be completed by 2027.
• Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suspended the project in 2018 due to high costs.
• Domestic politics, including the embezzlement scandal involving Mahathir’s predecessor Najib Razak, also impacted the project.
• Resumed in 2020 after a new deal with China at a lower cost.

Pan-Asian Rail Network Concept:

• Proposed infrastructure projects to link Southeast Asian countries, dating back to European colonial rule.
• The pan-Asian rail network includes three main links from Kunming via Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, connecting to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
• Aims to enhance regional economic growth and cooperation.

Current Status of the Pan-Asian Railway Project:

• Operational section: Laos-China section since 2021, connecting north and south Laos with Kunming.
• Thailand’s segment faces high costs and government reluctance for Chinese assistance, with potential delays.
• Economic benefits and demand for the project are questioned; variations in railway track widths and preferences for air travel and maritime shipping are challenges.

China’s Interest in Regional Connectivity:

• The pan-Asian railway plans predate Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• China has significant influence in Southeast Asia due to geography and economic ties, with trade volume between China and ASEAN reaching USD 911.7 billion in 2023.
• BRI aims to strengthen these ties, despite concerns about the terms of financing and accusations of “debt trap diplomacy.”
• China seeks to leverage economic ties through infrastructure investments to build goodwill and trust, amid regional apprehensions over its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Source: IE

7. What’s next after Kenya withdraws finance bill amid protests?

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Protests in Kenya Over Finance Bill:

• Protesters demanded President William Ruto’s resignation, even after he withdrew a tax hike bill.
• The bill aimed to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and borrowing, addressing Kenya’s public debt of 68% of GDP.

The Finance Bill:

• Presented before the start of the financial year, the bill outlines the government’s fiscal plans.
• The 2024/25 bill proposed tax increases on basic commodities (bread, vegetable oil, sugar) and new levies (motor vehicle circulation tax, eco levy). Exemptions included sanitary towels and diapers.
• Intended to fund development programs and cut public debt, but faced backlash for potentially increasing the cost of living.

Withdrawal of the Finance Bill:

• President Ruto withdrew the bill due to pressure from protests.
• Plans to cut the budget deficit through austerity measures, including cuts to the presidency’s budget and operational expenditures (travel, vehicle purchases, renovations).
• S&P Global Ratings stated Kenya might not achieve its fiscal targets without the tax hikes.
• The finance ministry warned that concessions on tax hikes would create a $1.55 billion deficit in the 2024/25 budget, necessitating spending cuts.

IMF loan to Kenya:

• In 2021, Kenya signed a four-year loan agreement with the IMF for $2.34 billion, and with another deal signed in May 2023, its loan volume rose to $3.6 billion. But IMF money for developing countries comes in tranches, and with conditions.

Unwritten Mandate of IMF:

• The IMF is theoretically designed to aid economic development and promote monetary cooperation and stability.
• In practice, it integrates newly independent former colonies into a global economic order favouring American capital.
• Voting rights at the IMF are quota-driven, based on dollar contributions, not democratic principles.
• The U.S. holds a 16.5% voting share; the G-7 countries together command over 40%, surpassing the combined voting power of all African and Latin American nations.
• As of March 2024, 31 of Africa’s 54 countries had outstanding loans with the IMF but lacked significant influence in the institution’s operations.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted this bias, noting the IMF framework reflects 1945 power relations.

Impact of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs):

• SAPs, adopted by the IMF from 1986, require cuts in public spending, privatization of state enterprises, reduction of import duties, and other measures promoting export-led growth.
• These policies often result in extreme inequality.
• A 2002 World Bank-funded study reported four main negative impacts of SAPs:
  • Demise of domestic manufacturing and loss of employment for small producers.
  • Agricultural, trade, and mining reforms harming small farms and rural communities.
  • Triggering job losses.
  • Reduced state role in providing essential services, increasing poverty.
• Despite the backlash, the IMF continues to impose SAP-like requirements.

Recent Adjustments and Continuing Influence:

• The IMF introduced ‘social spending floors’ to protect spending on education, health, and social protection.
• An Oxfam analysis found that for every $1 encouraged for public services, the IMF recommended cutting six times more through austerity measures.
• In 1994, the New York Times labelled the IMF and World Bank as the “overlords of Africa.”
• This influence persists, with economic policies in low and middle-income nations still heavily influenced by IMF decisions made in Washington.

Source: IE

8. Storm in the rice bowl

Sub: Geography

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Challenges Facing Cauvery Delta Farmers

• Cauvery Delta is famously known as the Granary of South India.

Economic and Environmental Issues:

• Economic Strain: Farmers face a widening gap between cultivation costs and returns, continuous land fragmentation, and reluctance from the next generation to pursue farming.
• Water Scarcity: Dependence on monsoons, depleted groundwater (below 1,000 feet), and insufficient canal water exacerbate problems.
• Labour Market Changes: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) (also called 100 naal thittam) affects the availability and cost of farm labour. “Outsider workers” are increasingly involved in farming.
  • The farmland is shrinking and the next generation is reluctant to take up agriculture.

Regional Variations:

• Karaikal (Puducherry): Traditional water distribution systems have improved but still face issues. Farmers are also impacted by MGNREGS and fluctuating crop prices, such as cotton.
• North Indian Workers: In areas like Thiruvarur, labour shortages are mitigated by hiring workers from northern India.
• Brahmanavayal village: Located at the tail end of the irrigation system, farmers struggle with water access and high borewell costs. The Grand Anicut Canal System hasn’t undergone necessary silt removal, despite multiple petitions.

Agricultural Protection and Legislation

• Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act, 2020: Some regions like Ariyalur are excluded, while others feel the Act has not significantly impacted. There are ongoing concerns about farmland conversion for non-agricultural uses.

Call for Sustainable Practices:

• Natural and Organic Farming: Some farmers adopt traditional practices and urge the government to procure organic rice for Anganwadi.
• Water Management: Emphasis on judicious use of water and implementing groundwater-recharge programs is crucial.

Source: TH

9. Climate change forces Panama islanders to relocate: What happened — and how sea level rise is affecting the world

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Relocation of Guna Families Due to Rising Sea Levels:

• Around 300 families from Gardi Sugdub in Panama’s Guna Yala province were relocated to Nuevo Cartí on the mainland due to rising sea levels.
• Community: Gardi Sugdub is home to approximately 1,300 members of the indigenous Guna community.
• Reason for relocation: Annual flooding, particularly in November and December, has made the island increasingly uninhabitable.

Sea Level Rise and Global Impact:

• Current Trends: The Caribbean sea level rises about 3-4 mm per year, expected to accelerate to 1 cm per year by 2100 due to global temperature increases.
• Affected Regions: Small island developing states (SIDS) like Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati face severe threats from rising sea levels, impacting land, culture, and economies.
• Such rising levels, combined with storm surges and ‘king tides’ (the highest high tide of the year at a coastal location), are causing coastal erosion, salinisation of freshwater resources, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events.
• Global Sea Level Rise Data:
  • Historical Rise: Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by 21–24 cm, with an accelerating rate in recent decades.
  • Causes: Global warming, driven by the thermal expansion of seawater and melting land-based ice, significantly contributes to rising sea levels.

Cultural and Environmental Impact:

• Guna Traditions: The relocation disrupts the cultural practices of the Guna people, known for their intricate molas textiles.
• Broader Implications: The plight of Gardi Sugdub exemplifies the broader human and cultural costs of climate change on small island communities.

Source: IE