The Hindu

Palace to unveil true copy of Ravi Varma’s Indulekha

Context: The first true copy of the painting Indulekha by legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma will be unveiled at the Kilimanoor Palace, where the artist was born in 1848, on the occasion of his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

Raja Ravi Verma (1848-1906):

The unreleased painting of Indulekha, the protagonist of the first modern novel in Malayalam literature by O. Chandu Menon published in 1889, emerged in the public domain in 2022 and evoked a great sense of enthusiasm among the art fraternity.
It is believed that the famous painting Reclining Lady by Ravi Varma was modelled on Indulekha.
The oil painting of Indulekha is shown holding a letter.

His religious depictions of Hindu deities and works from Indian epic poetry and Puranas have received profound acclaim.
He is considered to be the originator of the school of modern painting. The school was called ‘modern’ because of the heavy influence of western techniques and themes.
He was unique as he brought together elements of South Indian painting with the western techniques of colour and style.
Raja Ravi Varma was closely related to the royal family of Travancore of present-day Kerala state in India.
Varma was patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the next Maharaja of Travancore and began formal training. He learned the basics of painting in Madurai.
Later, he was trained in water painting by Rama Swami Naidu and in oil painting by British portraitist Theodore Jenson.
Famous works: depicted episodes from the story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, and Nala and Damayanti, from the Mahabharata. Other works include, Lady in the Moonlight, Mother India, etc. He gained nationwide recognition for his paintings from the epic Ramayana, especially the one titled ‘Ravana Kidnapping Sita’.
Varma received widespread acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
Varma's paintings were also sent to the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893 and he was awarded three gold medals.
In 1904, Viceroy Lord Curzon, on behalf of the British King Emperor, bestowed upon Varma the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal.
The title Raja was conferred as a personal title by the Viceroy and Governor-General of India Lord Curzon.

Nilgiri Tahr

Context: With a resolve to remove the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) from the endangered status, the Tamil Nadu government will conduct a synchronised survey of the State animal.

The three-day exercise is being done to estimate the population of the Tahrs, which once roamed the length and breadth of the Anamalai and Nilgiris landscape

About Nilgiri Tahr

IUCN Status: Endangered

Wildlife Protection Act 1972- Schedule I

Endemic to Western Ghats

The Nilgiri tahr is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India.
It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
Locally the animal is called ‘Varayaadu’.
The Nilgiri tahr, or Nilgiri ibex of southern India, is dark brown with a grizzled saddle-shaped patch on its back; its body size is comparable to that of the Himalayan species.
The Arabian tahr is the smallest of the three species.

Distribution

They inhabit the open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 m of the Southwestern Ghats.
Currently, the Nilgiri tahr distribution is along a narrow stretch of 400 km in the Western Ghats between Nilgiris in the north and Kanyakumari hills in the south of the region.
There are smaller populations found in the Palani hills, Srivilliputtur, and the Meghamalai and Agasthiyar ranges.
Only two well-protected, large populations are documented -- one from the Nilgiris and the other from the Anamalais, including the high ranges of Kerala.
The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr, with more than 700 individuals.

Reproductive behavior

A grown-up male is known as 'saddle back'.
The male would be bigger and darker than the female and has a silvery saddle like patch on its back.
Mating takes place during the monsoon season and calving is during January-February.
The female gestates for about 180 days and usually gives birth to one kid per pregnancy. Sexual maturity is achieved at around three years of age.
The average life expectancy for Nilgiri tahr in the wild is estimated to be only three or 3.5 years although the potential life span is at least 9 years.

Threats To Niligiri Tahr

Habitat loss due to rampant deforestation, competition with domestic livestock, hydroelectric projects in Nilgiri tahr habitat, and monoculture plantations
Occasional hunting for its meat and skin

As a result of extreme habitat fragmentation, its population has declined drastically in the last few years. Plantation activities affect the Nilgiri tahr habitat, which includes grasslands and sholas.

Conservation measures

WWF India initiated its conservation work on Nilgiri tahr in 2008.
In 2012, an assessment on Nilgiri Tahr’s status, threats faced, habitat, and population size was carried out in the Western Ghats.
WWF India published a report on the comprehensive study of the Nilgiri tahr population and its habitat in the hills of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in 2015.
It was the first time such a comprehensive report had been made.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Context: The rising incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) across the globe has become a concern for doctors.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

It is the common name used to describe two chronic diseases of the intestinal tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that cause inflammation in the intestines.
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus but most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the colon.
- Ulcerative colitis can affect any part of the large intestine.
- Both diseases involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to a variety of abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
IBD is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. It is not yet known what triggers these attacks and why IBD develops in some people and not in others even the exact cause of IBD is not known, but it is believed to result from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of endoscopic procedures (such as colonoscopy), imaging studies, and biopsies, along with blood and stool tests to confirm inflammation and rule out infections.
There is no cure for IBD, but there are treatments that can help to control the inflammation and improve symptoms. Treatment for IBD may include medication, diet therapy such as curd and buttermilk, and less milk, more rice and millets, fruits, and vegetables.

US puts India back on IPR Priority Watch List

Context: The US has placed India on the ‘priority watch list’ of the US Trade Representative. The annual Special 301 Report states that India remains one of the world’s most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Special 301 Report of United States Trade Representative.

Mains: Issues related to IPR Protection in India.

Special 301 Report of United States Trade Representative

Each year, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) conducts a review to identify countries that:
- deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights.
- deny fair and equitable market access to the U.S.
Based on this review, USTR, identifies countries as Priority Foreign Countries or places them on the Priority Watch List.
- Priority Foreign Countries: Countries whose acts, policies, or practices have the greatest adverse impact (actual or potential) on relevant U.S. products.
- Priority Watch List indicates that problems exist in that country with respect to IP protection, enforcement, or market access for U.S. persons relying on IP.

Reasons for placing India on the Priority Watch List

High customs duties directed to IP-intensive products such as information and communications technology (ICT) products, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods. This is viewed as denying fair and equitable market access to the US.
Delay in granting patents: Lengthy patent examination process in India can lead to long waiting periods to receive patent grants and have excessive reporting requirements. This discourages innovation and investment, particularly for technology-driven industries.
Weak enforcement of IPR: Despite having a Copyright Act, there is widespread piracy of copyrighted materials. Stakeholders have reported continuing problems with unauthorised file sharing of video games, signal theft by cable operators, commercial-scale photocopying and unauthorised reprints of academic books, and circumvention of technological protection measures etc.
Threat of patent revocations and the procedural and discretionary invocation of patentability criteria under the Indian Patents Act impact companies across different sectors.
Insufficient legal means to protect Trade Secrets in India.

Other Issues highlighted by the US

Compulsory Licensing:
- Provision under the Indian Patent Act, 1970, that allows the government to grant licenses to third parties to produce, use, or sell a patented invention without the consent of the patent holder. E.g., In 2012, India granted its first compulsory license to Natco Pharma to produce a generic version of a cancer drug, Sorafenib, which was patented by Bayer. The decision aimed to increase access and affordability to the cancer drug in the country.
- However, compulsory licensing is viewed by the US and other countries as against the interest of their companies.
Evergreening of Patents:
- Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, 1970 states that the mere discovery of a new form of a known substance that does not result in increased efficacy or the use of a known process with insignificant changes, may not be considered patentable. It aims to ensure that patents are granted only for genuinely innovative and significant inventions.
- However, determining whether a modification or improvement qualifies as a substantial enhancement of efficacy can be subjective and prone to legal disputes.

While steps to improve IP Office operations and procedures have shown some progress, India’s overall IP enforcement remains inadequate.

Also Read: Revamping India’s Intellectual Property Rights Ecosystem

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Context: The Supreme Court stopped the building of four dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana. They asked the government for explanations and said the dams could harm wildlife and people living there, as well as the environment. The court said no construction should happen until they make a final decision.

About Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary is in Yamunanagar, Haryana, India.
Found in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas.
Named after the Kalesar forest and Kalesar Mahadev temple within it.
Declared a national park on December 8, 2003.
Historically used as hunting grounds by Mughal and British rulers, primarily for tigers.
Houses historical Kalesar Fort, possibly built during Aurangzeb's reign, offering panoramic views
The tiger population significantly declined around 1892, leading to a hunting ban in the early 20th century.
Eastward lies the Yamuna River.
Rajaji National Park is to the northeast, Simbalbara National Park to the north (bordering Himachal Pradesh), and Morni Hills to the west.

Flaura and Fauna

Kalesar has 53% dense forest, 38% open forest, 9% scrub. Total forest cover is about 71%.
Home to various animals like leopards, deer, hyenas, jackals, porcupines, pangolins, and langurs.
Diverse bird species including red junglefowl, grey partridge, peafowl, and kingfisher.
Known for its scenic beauty with dense Sal tree cover.

Bring back the healthy food plate

Context: India is undergoing a major “nutrition transition” which is characterised by rapidly changing dietary patterns. There is a significant shift away from traditional diets (which were high in fibre and comprised mostly whole foods) to more western-style diets which are highly processed and high in calories.

Factors leading to change in dietary habits:

This change in dietary habits coincided with rapid economic progress and urbanisation along with a surge in the consumption of packaged and processed foods (popularly called “junk foods”).
Other major factors include aggressive advertising to promote “tasty” and “affordable” comfort foods, particularly aimed at younger consumers.
- The ultra-processed food industry in India has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 13.37% between 2011 and 2021. India’s food processing industry is predicted to be worth $535 billion by 2025-26.
- According to a pan India survey conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), 93% of children ate food that was packaged, 68% drank packaged sweetened beverages more than once a week, and 53% ate these foods at least once a day.

Issues:

Categorised as high in fats, salts and sugars (HFSS) foods, these foods are nutritionally low in vitamins, minerals, fibre but are high in calories, fats, salt, sugar, and innumerable preservatives. E.g., Cookies, cakes, chips, namkeen, instant noodles, sugary drinks, frozen meals, canned fruits, Indian sweets, and bakery products.
Scientific evidence shows how junk food has been medically found to weaken the body’s defences against infection, increase blood pressure, lead to a spike in blood sugar, cause weight gain, and also contribute to increased risk of cancer.
India is experiencing an explosion of lifestyle diseases, with unhealthy diets being one of the single largest contributing factors.
- An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study (2023) estimates a glaringly high prevalence of metabolic disorders in India where 11% of the population has diabetes, 35% is hypertensive and almost 40% are suffering from abdominal obesity.

Regulations in India:

A ruling by the Supreme Court of India in 2013 said that any food article which is hazardous or injurious to public health is a potential danger to the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Campaigns: To protect consumers from unhealthy foods and promote their well-being, the Government of India has prioritised the promotion of healthy foods and an active lifestyle through its initiatives such as Eat Right India, the Fit India Movement, and Poshan 2.0 (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition).
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) released the Food Safety and Standards (Safe food and balanced diets for children in school) Regulations, 2020, restricting the sale of HFSS in school canteens/mess premises/hostel kitchens, or within 50 metres of the school campus.
Recently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued notice to a health drink giant to evaluate and withdraw all misleading advertisements, packaging and labels that brand the product as a “health drink”, citing the product’s high sugar content that can adversely impact the health of children.

Way Forward:

Clear definition of HFSS foods: While the FSSAI has released regulations for restricting the consumption of HFSS (high in fats, salts and sugars) foods, currently, there is no way to “define” or “identify” which foods fall into the category of HFSS foods. Thus, FSSAI should define what exactly constitutes HFSS foods in the Indian context which can enable better implementation of food safety regulations.
Proper list of ingredients in Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL): Currently, a nutrition table is printed in small print on the back of food packets which most of the population neither notices nor comprehends. There should be “warning labels” like “high in salt” or a star rating (Indian Nutrition Rating) based on the overall nutritional profile of the packaged food products, to make informed food choices.
Subsidies for healthy foods: Policies can also be developed to facilitate the positive subsidies for healthy foods such as whole foods, millets, fruits and vegetables that will improve their availability, affordability, and thus greater consumption in rural and urban areas.
Behavioural change campaign: Multimedia campaign targeting children and young adults should have discussions on the health impacts of junk foods; and building on “vocal for local” which promotes local and seasonal fruits and vegetables and traditional foods such as millets and balanced diets.

Hence, through policy interventions and informed decision making, India needs a “Jan Andolan” or people’s movement to switch to healthier and nutritionally diverse diets.

Mullaperiyar Dam

Context: The Supreme Court on Monday fixed July 10 for finalising the legal issues to be heard and decided by it in an original suit filed by Tamil Nadu against neighbouring Kerala over the construction of a mega parking project near the Mullaperiyar dam.

The Supreme Court earlier directed the Survey of India to examine whether a mega car park envisaged by Kerala near the Mullaperiyar dam area enters the property covered by the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement of October 1886.

About Mullaperiyar Dam

The river and the dam are so called because the dam is located after the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers.
The dam is 155 ft high and 1200 ft long. Its construction began in 1887 and was completed in 1895.
The first dam, which was built by the British Corps of Royal Engineers, was washed away by floods. Thereafter, a second stonework dam was built in 1895.
The dam's purpose was to divert the waters of the west-flowing River Periyar eastward to the arid rain shadow regions of the Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu.
The construction of the dam paved the way for the creation of the artificial lake at the Centre of the Reserve. The Periyar Tiger Reserve covers the area inclusive of and around an artificial lake, created because of the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
The dam was built to meet the water requirements of the temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
Hence, though the dam is situated in Kerala, it is operated by the Tamil Nadu Government. It was according to a 999-year lease agreement (Periyar Lake Lease Agreement) made during the British rule that the operational rights were handed over to Tamil Nadu.
The Periyar Lease Agreement granted permission to Tamil Nadu to divert water from the Mullaperiyar river basin in Kerala to Theni to irrigate five arid districts.
As per the agreement, Tamil Nadu was given exclusive right and liberty to use the land at the confluence of the Periyar and Mullayar, in addition to 100 acres for constructing the dam.
The agreement also gave the right to the neighboring state to use water from the dam for irrigation purposes.

Challenges with Renewable Energy

What is India's stance regarding renewable energy?

India is the world's third-largest consumer of energy.
According to the Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, India ranks fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity, fourth in wind power capacity, and fourth in solar power capacity.
India has already met its goal of achieving 40% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

Targets

India has set a new target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, which is the largest expansion plan for renewable energy in the world.
Additionally, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
However, India has not committed to phasing out coal due to priorities such as poverty reduction and economic growth.

India has taken several steps to promote renewable energy:

National Green Hydrogen Mission focuses on employment, import substitution, and R&D in renewable energy.
PM KUSUM scheme ensures energy security for farmers and increases non-fossil fuel power capacity to 40% by 2030.
India allows up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment in renewable energy projects.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to enhance India's manufacturing and exports in the solar sector.
Green Energy Corridors establish transmission systems for renewable energy projects.
The International Solar Alliance aims to deploy solar energy solutions globally.
Green carbon credits are proposed to create carbon sinks through public participation.

Despite these efforts, India faces challenges in increasing renewable energy:

High Costs and Storage Challenges Hinder Solar Power Expansion: The coal-based power plants require an initial investment of about Rs. 4 crores per MW, while in solar power plants with a capacity of 15% requirement is Rs. 18 crores in investments. Thus due to the high cost, many opt for investment in coal-based power plants.
Low Investment: High transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, which have plagued discoms for decades, prevent them from making decisive investments to support renewable energy, keeping them locked into existing fleet of coal-fired power plants. Further questions around the costs and frictions associated with coal mining, transportation livelihoods, and rehabilitation of those affected need to be addressed which make transition less painful.
Weather Dependency: Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and tidal power depend on specific weather conditions. If favourable weather is unavailable, these sources can become inefficient and not feasible.
Land Acquisition: Most renewable energy plants require large areas of land, which introduces issues related to the cost of acquiring such vast tracts and other land acquisition challenges. Additionally, the distance between the renewable energy source and the grid increases both the cost and the efficiency challenges of renewable energy.
Environmental Problems: The turbines contribute to noise pollution and have also been responsible for bird fatalities during operation.
Dependence on Solar Panels: India has heavily relied on importing solar cells and modules, mainly from China and Vietnam, to meet its solar energy requirements.

Way Forward

Large-scale renewable energy development can avoid reproducing the injustices of past large-scale infrastructure projects, while being sensitive to developmental objectives.
Experimenting with ownership models is one approach. The parks need not necessarily be owned by the state or private companies. Community initiatives could help generate revenues for the communities, further promoting small businesses and upskilling, improving incomes, stimulating local economies, and improving energy access.
Solar and wind park development is exempted from Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. The legal and regulatory architecture must be revised and strengthened to limit adverse social and environmental consequences.
In terms of impacts on small and medium landowners where private land is being used, there is no mechanism to monitor if a fair price is paid to those leasing their land. Involving local governance units in the planning and siting processes can provide an opportunity to align local developmental objectives with solar park development.
Wasteland classification needs a significant overhaul. Recognition of commons under the FRA would help improve environmental and equity outcomes by granting land ownership to communities dependent on commons. If such land is to be leased or acquired for solar parks, solar park development corporations will have to engage with local governance units such as the Gram Sabha to initiate the project.
Encouraging research and experimenting with ‘agrivoltaics’ is another way to think about sustainably developing renewable energy. Agrivoltaics pair solar with agriculture, creating energy and providing space for crops, grazing, and native habitats under and between panels. Thus, farmers can grow crops while also being ‘prosumers’ — producers and consumers — of energy.
Large-scale renewable energy projects could have positive employment outcomes at the district level, but they lead to massive employment shifts between sectors at the national level. Adequate skilling and training programmes targeting the unskilled and poorer populations are essential to protect them.

Conclusion

We are at the cusp of a second green revolution, this time involving energy. We have an opportunity to anticipate the unintended consequences of this revolution, and align our technological, economic, and institutional structures to maximise synergies between sustainability, climate change mitigation, and development related outcomes.

Raja Punja Bhil

Context: In the tribal regions of Rajasthan, tribal parties such as Bharat Adivasi Party, are aiming to frame a broader ideology to create awakening among the tribes. Signboards with drawings of the 16^th century tribal icon Rana Punja Bhil have been placed in several places.

The Union Government, through the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, has also started a project to revise existing literature on Adivasi histories and communities, shifting from colonial-era perspectives to indigenous narratives.

About Raja Punja Bhil:

Rana Punja Bhil or Poonja, was a tribal leader belonging to Bhil tribe.
Rana Punja became king of Bhomat region in southern region of Rajasthan.
In 1576 he fought alongside Rana of Mewar, Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces, led by Man Singh I in the Battle of Haldighati.
- Punja brought a contingent of Bhil tribesmen and himself led a crucial role in Haldighati.
- Note:
  - The battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between the Mewar forces led by Maharana Pratap, and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh I of Amber.
  - Maharana Pratap was defeated in this battle.
  - After Akbar ascended the throne he started acquiring Rajputana States by using his diplomacy skills.

About Bhil tribe:

Listed as tribal people in: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan as well as in Bengal and Tripura.
Classified as Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan.
Term ‘Bhil’ was used to refer to various ethnic communities living in the forests and hills of Rajasthan's southern parts and surrounding regions of western India, highlighting the popularity of the bow and arrow as a weapon among these groups.
Language: Bhili, throughout their geographic distribution.
Bhil Rebellion:
- The rulers of princely states in southern Gujarat were Bhils.
- The Bhils rebelled on several occasions during the British colonial era, notably in 1846, 1857–58 and 1868.
- The Bhils were designated as a criminal tribe by the British colonial government under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871.

Kashan style carpet of Kashmir

Context: Kashan style is a historic design from the Iranian city of Kashan, employed in carpet making in Kashmir. Kashmir is among the leading carpet-producing States in India and over one lakh artisans are employed by the carpet industry here.

About Kashan Style

History of carpet making in Kashmir:

The origin of hand knotted carpets locally known as ‘Kal baffi’ dates back to the 15th century.
It is said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin brought carpet weavers from Persia and central Asia to Kashmir to train the local inhabitants.
- Shah Rukh Shahi Khan, popularly known as Ghiyas-ud-Din Zain-ul-Abidin was the ninth Sultan of Kashmir, who reigned first from 1418 to 1419 and then from 1420 to 1470.
- He was famously called Budshah by his subjects.
- The Mahabharata and Kalhana's Rajatarangini were translated into Persian by his order.
There are different types of knots and in Kashmir the Farsi baff and the Persian system known as Sehna, or Sinneh, knot is originally used.
Designs and patterns in Kashmir carpets continue to be predominantly inspired by classical Persian and Central-Asia rugs.
- Thus, Kashmir has been creating Kashan and Kirman, Tabriz and Isfahan, Meshed and Bokhara.

Kashan rugs:

Kashan rugs, renowned for their intricate designs and cultural significance, originated in Iran.
Kashan rugs typically feature intricate medallion designs (an oval or circular design, portrait, relief carving, etc. resembling a medal in shape) at the centre.
These rugs are renowned for their rich colour palettes. Deep reds, blues, ivories, and earthy tones are common.
The combination of these colours adds to the rug's allure and creates a vibrant masterpiece.
One hallmark of an authentic Kashan rug is its fine knot density.

Mpox virus uses ‘genomic accordion’ to evolve and infect humans

Context: Monkeypox (Mpox) virus, like other poxviruses, can change its genome to evade our immune system. This is achieved by either expanding or contracting its genome through gene duplication or gene deletion. Such rhythmic expansions and contractions are called genomic accordions.

Scientists have recently identified the part of the Mpox genome where these expansions and contractions happen. This finding could be crucial in tracking the evolution of the virus and developing treatments and vaccines against Mpox.

Mutation of a Virus:

A mutation of a virus refers to a change or alteration in its genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA.
Mutations can occur naturally and spontaneously during the replication process of the virus, and they can lead to genetic variations within the viral population.

Monkeypox:

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus, which is a DNA virus.
Symptoms: Mpox is characterised by rash or skin lesions that are usually concentrated on the face, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.
Transmission: It is mainly spread to people from animals, primarily rodents and monkeys. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with respiratory droplets and bodily fluids through the sexual route.
Treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for Mpox. However, there are several antiviral medications used to treat smallpox, given to patients with Mpox. Most cases of Mpox are self-limiting (can get better without treatment).
Vaccines: The United States Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved two smallpox vaccines, Jynneos and ACAM2000, that might help prevent monkeypox. There is no specific Mpox vaccine in the Indian market yet.
Note: In 2022, the disease had an outbreak in more than 118 countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a public health emergency. Based on WHO data, infections have a mortality rate of 1-10%.

40 years of Operation Meghdoot

Context: April 13, 2024, marks the fortieth anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, during which the Indian Army pre-emptively occupied the Siachen Glacier on the Saltoro Ridge, overlooking the Nubra Valley in the Karakoram Range. Although a ceasefire is currently in effect, the operation is still ongoing.

About Operation Meghdoot:

An IAF aircraft flies past as Operation Meghdoot marks 40 years of the Indian Army’s presence in Siachen glacier since April 13, 1984, in Ladakh.

It was the codename for the Indian Army operation to take full control of the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh.
Siachen, in Balti language means “land of roses’, ‘Sia’ is a kind of rose species that grows in the region and ‘Chen’ means “in abundance”.
It is known for being the world’s highest and coldest battlefield. It sits at a very strategic location with Pakistan on the left and China on the right.
It is a legacy of the Partition between India and Pakistan. While the Line of Control (LoC) was delineated and accepted by both sides upto NJ-9842 as part of the 1972 Shimla agreement, the glacier itself was left unmarked.
India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line beyond NJ-9842 as running “Northwards to the glaciers”. On the other hand, Pakistan interprets it as ‘North-Eastwards’ to claim the area beyond the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen as its own. This would give Pakistan direct connectivity to China as well as strategic oversight over the Ladakh region and the crucial Leh-Srinagar highway, posing a serious threat to India.
Launched on 13 April 1984, this unique military operation was the first assault launched in the world's highest battlefield.
This operation pre-empted Pakistan's Operation Ababeel; and was a success. Resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety.
The operation resulted in India gaining the 70 kilometers long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes on the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier; Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Thus, giving India the tactical advantage of holding higher grounds.
The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) runs roughly along the Saltoro Ridge which extends nearly 120 kilometers from Point NJ9842 to the Shaksgam Tract (a part of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir; which Pakistan had illegally ceded to China in 1963).
It is still on and will continue till a political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem is achieved with both Pakistan and China.
However, this Operation was unique in its own ways as no such operation was ever carried out by any military in history and no one had occupied such a terrain continuously for over four decades.

Genesis of Operation Meghdoot

Shaksgam Valley was ceded to China (Although it was very well part of India) by Pakistan in 1963. Siachen Area is located so strategically that while it dominates Shaksgam Valley in the north, controls the routes coming from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh from the west, and at the same time, dominates the ancient Karakoram Pass in the eastern side too.
Towards the west, nearly the entirety of Gilgit Baltistan which too is an Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1948.
Soon after the ceded of Shaksgam Valley, Pakistan started allowing multiple mountaineering expeditions in this area in 1970s and 1980s with dual purpose, to internationally claim that the area belongs to them and to have some kind of physical domination over the terrain.
To strengthen this, Pakistan was sending a military officer with each of these expeditions as a liaison officer who was not only mapping the area but was also helping in planning.
Accordingly, India too started planning mountaineering expeditions in this area. From 1978 to 1984, India sent multiple military mountaineering expeditions in this area. The first team which went there in 1978 was led by Colonel Narinder (Bull) Kumar followed by another large expedition in 1980. More than a dozen expeditions were launched in various areas.
It was revealed that Pakistan has kept the day of 17th April 1984 to launch the operation. The strength and overall planning of Pakistan was also uncovered by Indian Intelligence agencies which acted as a major decisive factor in “Operation Meghdoot”.
The operation was launched under the leadership of Lt.General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lt.General PN Hoon, and Major General Shiv Sharma.