1. Mosquitofish usage in India: The Present Scenario
Introduction
- In recent times, various regions in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, have adopted the strategy of releasing mosquitofish into local water bodies as a measure to address mosquito-borne diseases.
- While this tactic seeks to tackle a critical public health issue, it highlights ecological issues linked to the introduction of mosquitofish.
Understanding Mosquitofish
- Biological Control of Mosquitoes: Mosquitofish, specifically Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, were introduced into freshwater ecosystems in the 1960s as an environmentally friendly substitute for chemical pesticides in mosquito control.
- Originally native to the U.S., these fish have become widespread globally due to their adaptability and tolerance to environmental changes.
- Unintended Consequences: Despite good intentions, the increase in mosquitofish populations has resulted in adverse ecological and environmental consequences.
Historical Use in India
- Early Introduction: Gambusia was first brought to India in 1928 during British rule as a measure to combat malaria.
- Various governmental organizations, such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), as well as local municipal corporations and health departments, were responsible for introducing mosquitofish.
- Gambusia species are now established in multiple habitats across India.
Ecological Impact
- Invasive Alien Species: Mosquitofish rank among the hundred most harmful invasive alien species globally, causing displacement and extinction of native fauna.
- Threat to Biodiversity: Their voracious feeding habits and aggressive behavior pose a threat to native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities. Studies in Australia, New Zealand, and India have demonstrated the detrimental consequences of Gambusia presence, including the decline of endemic species and predation on native fish and frogs.
Sustainable Alternatives
- WHO Recommendations: The World Health Organization ceased recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982.
- Government Recognition: In 2018, the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India labeled G. affinis and G. holbrooki as invasive alien species.
- Local Solutions: Collaborative efforts among mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists can identify native fish species capable of mosquito control. A river basin approach can involve compiling lists of effective native fish species in each river basin, offering an eco-friendly alternative to invasive species.
Conclusion
The introduction of mosquitofish in India, initially intended to combat mosquito-borne diseases, has resulted in ecological challenges and the disruption of native ecosystems.
To mitigate adverse effects and safeguard indigenous aquatic biodiversity, discontinuing the use of Gambusia is essential.
Exploring sustainable alternatives rooted in local solutions, particularly through a river basin approach and interdisciplinary collaboration, can help India strike a balance between mosquito control and environmental preservation.
2. Capacity Building Scheme for Amrit Dharohar by 2023
Introduction:
- The Indian government has introduced the ‘Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme’ in 2023 with the aim of transforming ecologically fragile wetlands designated as Ramsar sites into sustainable tourist attractions.
- The primary goal of this initiative is to generate employment opportunities and support the livelihoods of local communities.
Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 2023:
- Incorporated in the 2023-24 Budget, this scheme focuses on promoting the conservation values of Ramsar Sites while simultaneously creating jobs and sustaining local livelihoods.
- The initiative seeks to improve the economic prospects of local communities by harnessing the nature-tourism potential of Ramsar Sites across the country.
Collaborative Implementation:
Implemented through collaboration with various Central Government ministries, State wetland authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals working together for conservation, the scheme emphasizes a collaborative effort in achieving its objectives.
Ramsar Sites: International Significance:
Ramsar sites are wetlands internationally recognized for their environmental importance under a treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under UNESCO’s auspices. Identified for their critical role as waterfowl habitats, these sites promote national and international efforts for wetland conservation and sustainable resource utilization. India takes pride in its commitment to wetland conservation, boasting 75 Ramsar sites.
Pilot Projects and Skill Development:
- Among India’s Ramsar sites, 16 have been identified for the mission. Five wetlands, including Sultanpur National Park (Haryana), Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sirpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), have been chosen for the initial pilot phase.
- The scheme includes an Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP) providing training for participants to explore alternative livelihood opportunities.
- Additionally, a certification program called Paryatan Navik Certificate is offered to tourism service providers to ensure a skilled workforce.
Ecological Significance of Wetlands:
- Natural wetlands, often referred to as “earth’s kidneys,” possess the ability to filter pollutants from flowing water.
- These ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, and providing habitat for numerous species, offering critical ecosystem services.
3. Madhika: A Dying Language with Just Two Spoken Variants
Introduction
- In the distant settlement of Kookanam, Kerala, the Chakaliya community confronts a daunting reality—their distinctive language, Madhika, is on the verge of vanishing.
- Devoid of a written script for preservation, Madhika is grappling for survival, with only two remaining speakers.
About Madhika Language
- A Linguistic Fusion: While Madhika may bear similarities to Kannada, its influences extend deeper, incorporating elements from Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
- Endangered Cultural Heritage: The younger generation, gravitating towards more mainstream languages like Malayalam, displays minimal interest in safeguarding Madhika, contributing to its decline.
Chakaliya Community’s History
- Nomadic Roots: The Chakaliya community, once nomadic and followers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma, migrated centuries ago from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar in Kerala.
- Shift in Status: Initially categorized as a Scheduled Tribe, they were later reclassified under the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
- Historical Mentions: References to the Chakaliya community can be found in the book “Caste and Tribes of Southern India.”
Social Stigma and Its Consequences
- Untouchability and Dehumanization: The Chakaliya community endured social stigma, including untouchability and exclusion from significant celebrations and ceremonies.
Contemporary Disconnection: Numerous young and educated members of the community opt to distance themselves from the past, favoring Malayalam over Madhika.
4. To promote sustainable aviation fuel in India, Airbus and CSIR-IIP work together.
Introduction
In the distant settlement of Kookanam, Kerala, the Chakaliya community confronts a daunting reality—their distinctive language, Madhika, is on the verge of vanishing.
Devoid of a written script for preservation, Madhika is grappling for survival, with only two remaining speakers.
About Madhika Language
A Linguistic Fusion: While Madhika may bear similarities to Kannada, its influences extend deeper, incorporating elements from Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Endangered Cultural Heritage: The younger generation, gravitating towards more mainstream languages like Malayalam, displays minimal interest in safeguarding Madhika, contributing to its decline.
Chakaliya Community’s History
Nomadic Roots: The Chakaliya community, once nomadic and followers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma, migrated centuries ago from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar in Kerala.
Shift in Status: Initially categorized as a Scheduled Tribe, they were later reclassified under the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
Historical Mentions: References to the Chakaliya community can be found in the book “Caste and Tribes of Southern India.”
Social Stigma and Its Consequences
Untouchability and Dehumanization: The Chakaliya community endured social stigma, including untouchability and exclusion from significant celebrations and ceremonies.
Contemporary Disconnection: Numerous young and educated members of the community opt to distance themselves from the past, favoring Malayalam over Madhika.
5. Comparing Vacation Spots: Lakshadweep vs. Maldives
Introduction
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent encouragement for travelers to discover the allure of Lakshadweep triggered an unexpected reaction from Maldivian authorities, leading to lively discussions on social media.
- Here we will explores the disparities between the Maldives and Lakshadweep as tourist destinations, analyzing factors such as visitor statistics, infrastructure, and environmental considerations.
Maldives and Lakshadweep: A Geographical Overview
Maldives: A collection of 1,190 coral islands and sandbanks grouped into over 20 atolls, situated southwest of Kerala and Sri Lanka in the North Central Indian Ocean.
Lakshadweep: Encompassing 36 coral islands spread across a modest 32 sq km, it stands as India’s smallest Union Territory. These islands are positioned north of the Maldives, with distances ranging from 220 km to 440 km from Kochi.
Tourism Statistics: A Striking Contrast
- Lakshadweep: In 2018, a mere 10,435 domestic and 1,313 foreign tourists visited, representing a negligible share compared to other Indian tourist destinations.
- Maldives: As of January 2024, daily arrivals averaged nearly 6,000 tourists, totaling 1,01,626 arrivals. In 2023, over 1.87 million tourists visited, making a substantial contribution to the country’s economy.
Maldives’ Tourism Success Story
- Investment in Tourism: The Maldives has been channeling investments into tourism since 1972, and by the 1980s, tourism emerged as the country’s predominant economic activity.
- Economic Contribution: Tourism directly contributes nearly 30% of the Maldives’ GDP and generates over 60% of its foreign currency earnings.
- Connectivity: The country is serviced by 40 carriers globally, including airlines such as Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo.
- Visa-Free Arrivals: The Maldives facilitates visa-free arrivals for major source markets like India, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan.
- Diverse Accommodations: Offering over 180 resorts, 15 hotels, 811 guesthouses, and 140 safari vessels, the Maldives provides more than 62,000 beds to tourists.
- Local Island Guesthouses: Since 2009, local island guesthouses have permitted tourists to reside among the local population, offering privacy and luxury.
Lakshadweep’s Limited Potential and Environmental Concerns
- Small Area: With only 10 inhabited islands, Lakshadweep has restricted potential due to its diminutive size.
- Environmental Concerns: Apprehensions regarding environmental harm and disruption to local livelihoods have impeded tourism development.
- Capacity Constraints: Due to its fragile ecology, Lakshadweep lacks the capacity and resources to accommodate a large influx of tourists.
- Supreme Court Recommendations: A panel appointed by the Supreme Court suggested that all development proposals align with an Integrated Island Management Plan and adhere to carrying capacity limits.
- Restricted Entry: Entry to Lakshadweep is restricted, necessitating permits issued by the Lakshadweep Administration.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Limited air and ferry connectivity, along with inadequate accommodations, present challenges for tourism development.
Prospects for Lakshadweep’s Tourism
- Positive Outlook: The recent interest from Prime Minister Modi has instilled optimism regarding Lakshadweep’s tourism potential.
- Planned Developments: Anticipated applications for tourism development on islands like Bangaram, Thirunakkara, Suheli Cheriyakara, and Cheriyam could lead to significant projects.
- High-end, Low-volume Tourism: Local authorities aspire for high-end tourism with low visitor volumes to preserve the islands’ delicate environment.
Conclusion
The Maldives and Lakshadweep, despite being neighboring archipelagos, showcase marked differences in tourist numbers, development, and environmental concerns. While the Maldives flourishes as a global tourism hub, Lakshadweep encounters limitations due to its ecological fragility; nonetheless, there is optimism for responsible tourism development in the Union Territory.
6. Indigenous Mobile Hospital (BHISHM)
Context:
In anticipation of the upcoming ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, two state-of-the-art Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cubes, integral components of the expansive “Project BHISHM,” have been strategically placed to bolster medical preparedness.
About:
- “Project BHISHM” (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri) is a comprehensive initiative crafted to deliver prompt and thorough care for up to 200 casualties during emergencies.
- The Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube, a pivotal element, incorporates cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, to facilitate effective coordination and real-time monitoring.
Rapid Deployment and Flexibility:
- The cube comprises 72 easily transportable components, allowing swift deployment within an astonishing 12 minutes.
- Its unparalleled flexibility enables transportation by hand, cycle, or even drone.
- This capability plays a crucial role in minimizing the time gap from primary care to definitive care, potentially saving lives in emergency situations.
Features of the Aid Cube:
– Sturdy, waterproof, and lightweight design.
– Configurable for various emergency scenarios, from airdrops to ground transportation.
– Advanced medical equipment RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment.
– Integration of state-of-the-art BHISHM software for quick item location and monitoring.
The World’s First Portable Disaster Hospital:
- Developed in India, the portable disaster hospital, known as a set of “mini-cubes,” is recognized as the world’s first.
- Its readiness for global sharing marks a significant milestone.
Lifesaving Capabilities:
The portable hospital under ‘Project BHISHMA’ includes:
– Fully equipped operation theatre.
– Mini-ICUs and ventilators.
– Blood-testing equipment and X-ray machine.
– Cooking station for self-sufficiency.
– Capabilities to handle various injuries, including bullet, burn, head, spinal, and chest injuries, fractures, and major bleeding.
Modular Setup:
- The life-saving equipment is packed in “mini-cubes” carried in an “Aarogya Maitri Cube Cage.”
- These cubes are utilized to establish a mobile hospital, offering flexibility in deployment based on space availability.
- Two ‘Aarogya Maitri’ mother cubes combine to form a complete kit, ensuring water- and corrosion-proof storage.
Global Humanitarian Efforts:
- Under ‘Project BHISHMA,’ India aims to provide critical medical supplies to developing countries grappling with natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.
- Deployments in Sri Lanka and Myanmar highlight India’s dedication to global humanitarian endeavors.
Future Considerations:
India is actively exploring the deployment of these mobile hospitals in remote tribal areas, showcasing the potential for broader applications in improving healthcare accessibility in challenging terrains.
Ayodha Ram Mandir
Temple Name | Shri Ram Mandir (popularly known as Ram Mandir) |
Location | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Dedication | Lord Shri Rama |
Significance | Built at Ram Janmabhoomi, birthplace of Lord Shri Rama |
Construction Style | Indian Nagar Style |
Architect | Chandrakant B. Sompura (CBS) |
Construction Company | Larsen and Toubro (L&T) |
Project Management Company | Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL) |
Sculptors | Arun Yogiraaj (Mysore), Ganesh Bhatt, Satyanarayan Pandey |
Total Area | 70 Acres (70% green area) |
Temple Area | 2.77 Acres |
Temple Dimensions | Length – 360 Ft., Width – 235 Ft., Height – 161 Ft. |
Number of Columns | Ground Floor – 160, First Floor – 132, Second Floor – 74 |
Floor Height | 20 Ft. each |
Other Fascinating Observations:
- A Time Capsule has been placed approximately 600 m below the ground, right underneath the Temple. The Capsule contains a copper plate, inscribed with information regarding the Shree Ram Mandir, Shree Rama, and Ayodhya.The purpose of this Time Capsule is to ensure that the identity of the Mandir remains intact over time, so that it doesn’t get forgotten at any time in the future.
- The Mandir is an Earthquake-resistant structure, with an estimated age of 2,500 years.
3.The idol is made up of 6-Crore years old Shaligram Rock, brought from the Gandaki River, Nepal.
- The Bell is made up of Ashtadhatu – Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Iron, and Mercury. The Bell weighs 2,100 kgs
- The sound of the bell can be heard upto a distance of upto 15 kms.
