Water Chestnut    
Hypertension    
Sex Work as a Profession    
Baltic Sea    
Developments in India’s Maritime Sector    
Tribal Development Approaches    

Water Chestnut
Overview
•    Known as goer in Kashmir and Singhara in India.
•    An aquatic vegetable that grows underwater, particularly in Wular Lake, Kashmir.
•    Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, also called water caltrops.
•    The plants have sharp spines with barbs
that can cause injuries if stepped on.

Nutritional Value
•    Rich in potassium and fiber.
•    Low in sodium and fat, but high in carbohydrates.

Uses
1.    Edible Kernel:
o    Peeled, dried, and processed into
flour.
o    Consumed in dishes, especially during Navaratri for its digestibility and energy content during fasting.
2.    Traditional Fuel:
o    The dried outer shells are used as fuel in kangri (fire pots) during winter.
3.    Culinary Attributes:

o    Reveals white flesh when peeled, with a crunchy, juicy texture and sweet taste.
 

Challenges in Production
•    Environmental Issues:
o    Dry weather and marshy land around lakes have reduced production.
•    Impact on Livelihoods:
o    Declining production has adversely affected communities dependent on its harvest.

Production in India
•    Annual production: 1.88 million tons.
•    Major producing states:
o    Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
o    Also grown in West Bengal and
Jharkhand.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to water chestnut (Singhara), consider the following statements:
1.    It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
2.    The dried outer shells of water chestnuts are used as fuel in traditional fire pots in Kashmir.
 

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3.    Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the leading producers of water chestnuts in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the nutritional, cultural, and economic significance of water chestnuts in India. Highlight the challenges faced in their production and suggest measures for sustainable cultivation.

2. Hypertension
About
•    Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher.
•    Blood pressure is represented as two numbers:
o    Systolic: Pressure when the heart contracts.
o    Diastolic: Pressure when the heart rests between beats.
•    World Hypertension Day: Observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness about this silent killer.

Risk Factors
•    Lifestyle-related: High salt intake, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
•    Genetics: Plays a role in predisposition to high blood pressure.
Symptoms
•    Often asymptomatic.
•    Severe cases may lead to headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and other symptoms.
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
•    Cardiovascular Issues: Heart attacks, heart failure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats.

•    Stroke Risk: Affects blood flow to the brain, increasing stroke likelihood.
Treatment
•    Lifestyle Modifications: Low-salt diet, physical activity, weight loss, and quitting tobacco.
•    Medications: Prescribed based on individual health needs.

Global and Indian Initiatives Global Efforts
•    Global Hearts Initiative (2016):
o    Launched by WHO and the CDC to meet the global target of reducing hypertension prevalence by 25% by 2025.
•    SDG 3: Promotes healthy lives and well- being for all.
India’s Efforts
•    India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI):
o    Aims to provide standard care to 75 million patients with hypertension or diabetes by 2025.
o    Focuses on non-communicable disease screening at primary healthcare levels.

Global Report on Hypertension Global Scenario
•    1 in 3 adults globally suffers from hypertension.
•    Cases doubled from 650 million to 1.3 billion (1990–2019).
•    Approximately 80% of individuals with hypertension are not adequately treated.
India’s Burden
•    188.3 million adults (30–79 years) suffer from hypertension.
•    Slightly lower prevalence (31%) compared to the global average.
•    To achieve 50% control rate, India needs to provide effective treatment to an additional 67 million people.
•    If this target is met, 4.6 million deaths
could be prevented by 2040.
Inadequate Treatment
 

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•    Effective treatment can potentially prevent:
o    76 million deaths.
o    120 million strokes.
o    79 million heart attacks.
o    17 million heart failure cases by
2050.
Disparities in Treatment

dignity and equal protection under the law.
•    The judgment invoked Article 142, which empowers the Supreme Court to ensure complete justice in any matter.
•    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2020 recognized sex workers as informal workers.

•    High-income countries: 60% treatment         

coverage.
•    Low- and middle-income countries: Over
75% of cases.
•    Africa: Lowest coverage at 27%.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to hypertension, consider the following statements:
1.    Hypertension affects over one billion adults globally.
2.    Treatment coverage for hypertension is higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries.
3.    Lifestyle changes such as a low-salt diet and increased physical activity can help manage hypertension.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the global and national burden of hypertension, highlighting the challenges in its management and the measures taken to control it. Suggest strategies to improve hypertension

Key Highlights of Supreme Court Judgment
1.    Equal Protection Under Law
•    Sex workers are entitled to the same legal protections as any other citizen under Article 21.
•    Voluntary sex work is not a crime; police must not harass or penalize consenting adult sex workers.
•    Criminal actions should focus on trafficking and exploitation, not voluntary acts.
2.    Rights of Children of Sex Workers
•    A child cannot be separated from their mother solely because she is a sex worker.
•    Tests may be conducted to confirm the parent-child relationship if needed.
•    Living in a brothel does not automatically indicate trafficking.
3.    Medical Care
•    Sex workers who are victims of sexual assault must receive immediate medico- legal care and necessary support.
4.    Role of Media
•    Media must not reveal the identities of sex workers during arrests, raids, or rescue operations.
•    Publishing identifiable photographs or information is prohibited to protect privacy and dignity.

treatment and awareness in low-income         

countries.

3. Sex Work as a Profession
Context
•    The Supreme Court of India has recognized sex work as a profession, affirming that practitioners are entitled to

Challenges Faced by Sex Workers
1.    Discrimination and Stigma
•    Sex workers are often ostracized and lack basic recognition of their rights.
•    They face harsh treatment from landlords, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
2.    Abuse and Exploitation
 

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•    Physical, emotional, and mental abuses are common.
•    Vulnerability to harassment from clients,

C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

families, communities, and law enforcers.         

3.    Lack of Legal and Social Safeguards
•    The absence of labour rights leaves sex workers unprotected.
•    Existing laws often frame sex workers as victims needing rescue and rehabilitation, disregarding their agency.

Proposed Solutions
1.    Recognition of Sex Work as Labour
•    Acknowledge sex work as a legitimate form of work, ensuring basic labour rights and protections.
•    Provide rights to dignity, violence-free workspaces, and freedom from stigma.
2.    Legislative Reforms
•    Parliament must review existing laws to shift away from the "victim-rescue- rehabilitation" narrative.
•    Policies should address voluntary sex work separately from trafficking and forced labour.
3.    Awareness and Sensitization
•    Conduct public campaigns to reduce
social stigma associated with sex work.
•    Train law enforcement and healthcare providers to treat sex workers with respect and equality.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to sex work in India, consider the following statements:
1.    Voluntary sex work by consenting adults is not illegal in India.
2.    The Supreme Court judgment mandates that police must refrain from taking action against sex workers unless there is evidence of trafficking.
3.    Children of sex workers can be separated from their parents solely based on the parent’s profession.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Recognizing sex work as a profession is a step towards ensuring dignity and equal protection under the law. Discuss the significance of this acknowledgment and the challenges faced by sex workers in India. Suggest measures to improve their rights and working conditions.

4.    Baltic Sea
Overview
•    The Baltic Sea is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, located in Northern Europe.
•    It separates the Scandinavian Peninsula
from mainland continental Europe.
Geographic Features
•    Connection to the Atlantic Ocean: Via the
Danish Straits.
•    Brackish Water: The largest brackish water body globally, with salinity lower than oceans due to the inflow of fresh water from surrounding rivers and its shallow depth.
•    Surrounding Countries:
o    Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden.
•    Major Gulfs:
o    Gulf of Bothnia (north).
o    Gulf of Finland (east).
o    Gulf of Riga (southeast).
•    Depth:
o    Average depth: 55 meters.
o    Maximum depth: 459 meters.
Hydrology
•    Rivers: Over 250 rivers and streams empty into the sea.
o    Neva River: The largest river draining into the Baltic Sea.
•    Islands:
o    Home to over 20 islands and archipelagos.
o    Gotland: Largest island, located off the coast of Sweden.

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Prelims Question
Question: Which of the following statements about the Baltic Sea is/are correct?
1.    The Baltic Sea connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the Danish Straits.
2.    Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic Sea, belongs to Finland.
3.    The Gulf of Bothnia is located to the north of the Baltic Sea.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Explain the geographical significance of the Baltic Sea for Northern Europe. Discuss the role of its unique brackish water ecosystem in supporting biodiversity and trade.

5. Developments in India’s Maritime Sector
Key Developments
•    Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC):
o    Operational since late 2023, reducing travel time between India and Far East Russia from 40 to 24 days.
o    Supports trade in crude oil, machinery, and food.
•    India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):
o    Announced during the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023.
o    Integrates sea and rail routes for enhanced connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
•    Maritime Vision 2047:
o    Aims for India to become the top maritime nation by 2047.

o    Focus on increasing port handling capacity to 10,000 million metric tonnes annually.
•    Investment in Maritime Infrastructure:
o    Projects like Vizhinjam International Seaport (Kerala), Vadhavan Mega Port (Maharashtra), and Galathea Bay Port (Nicobar Islands).
o    Development of clean fuel- powered ships using ammonia, hydrogen, and electricity.
•    Improved Port Turnaround Time:
o    Reduced from over 40 hours to 22 hours, surpassing countries like Singapore and the US.
•    Revamped Legislation:
o    Enactment of the Major Port Authority Act, 2021, National Waterways Act, 2016, Inland Vessel Act, 2021, and Recycling of Ships Act, 2019.
o    Upcoming Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, and Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020 to boost the sector further.
•    Preserving Maritime Legacy:
o    Building a National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, reviving India's shipbuilding heritage.

Significance of IMEC
•    Comprises two corridors:
o    East Corridor: Links India to the Arabian Gulf.
o    Northern Corridor: Links Arabian Gulf to Europe.
•    Includes infrastructure for electricity cables, hydrogen pipelines, and high- speed data cables.

Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor
•    Strategic Importance: Links India’s east coast with Far East Russia, including Vladivostok port.
•    Trade Potential: Focus on coking coal, LNG, oil, fertilizers, and other key commodities.
 

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•    Complements Northern Sea Route and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Challenges in India’s Maritime Sector
1.    Competition from China:
o    China’s advanced maritime capabilities include a large navy, leading ports, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
2.    Port Infrastructure:
o    Delays in modernizing existing ports and intermodal transport under the Sagarmala Program.
3.    Private Sector Participation:
o    Limited involvement of private players in port-led industrialization.
4.    Sustainability Concerns:
o    Coastal ecosystem degradation and environmental impact of

o Expedite the Sagarmala Programme with reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
2.    Incentivizing Private Investment:
o    Provide tax breaks and investor- friendly policies to attract private participation.
3.    Green Shipping Initiatives:
o    Promote LNG and renewable energy-powered vessels to minimize carbon emissions.
4.    Enhanced Port-Led Industrialization:
o    Establish industrial clusters around ports under the Make in India initiative.
5.    Multilateral Cooperation:
o    Strengthen engagement with organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to ensure collective maritime security.

large-scale projects.         

5.    Geopolitical Risks:
o    Threats from non-state actors like attacks on commercial vessels.
6.    Dependence on Foreign Shipbuilding:
o    Reliance on foreign technology for shipbuilding and maritime equipment.

Government Initiatives
•    Ship Repair and Recycling Mission: Boosts sustainability in ship repair and recycling.
•    International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre: Focuses on dispute resolution in maritime trade.
•    Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR): Enhances maritime security and economic opportunities.
•    Sagarmala Program: Promotes port-led

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to India’s maritime
sector, consider the following statements:
1.    The Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor significantly reduces the distance between India and Far East Russia.
2.    India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) focuses solely on sea- based connectivity.
3.    The Sagarmala Program aims at enhancing port-led development in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

development.         

•    Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047: Long-term blueprints for maritime sector growth.

Way Forward
1. Fast-Tracking Port Modernization:

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the recent developments in
India’s maritime sector and their role in
enhancing the country’s economic and strategic influence. Highlight the challenges and suggest measures for sustainable growth.
 

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6. Tribal Development
Approaches
Why in News?
•    The Maori haka protest in New Zealand against the Treaty Principles Bill has reignited debates on balancing tribal cultural heritage with modern governance.
•    The Treaty of Waitangi debate illustrates the global challenge of reconciling Indigenous rights with national policies.

Approaches to Tribal Development
1.    Isolation
o    Definition: Protecting Indigenous communities by limiting interaction with modern society.
o    Example: Sentinelese tribe in Andaman Islands, protected under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Act, 1956.
o    Benefits:
    Preserves traditional lifestyles and ecological knowledge.
    Protects biodiversity through sustainable practices.
o    Challenges:
    Lack of access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
    Vulnerability to climate change and external threats.
2.    Assimilation
o    Definition: Incorporating Indigenous people into mainstream society, often at the cost of their cultural practices.
o    Examples:
    Native American boarding schools in the U.S.
    Stolen Generations in Australia.
o    Benefits:

    Provides access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
    Reduces economic and political inequality.
o    Challenges:
    Loss of language, traditions, and spiritual practices.
    Alienation and distrust towards governments.
3.    Integration
o    Definition: Inclusion of Indigenous communities in modern governance while preserving their cultural identity.
o    Examples:
    Kakadu National Park, Australia: Collaborative management by Indigenous tribes and government.
o    Benefits:
    Ensures participation in governance and decision- making.
    Protects lands and resources while fostering trust.
o    Challenges:
    Systemic racism and inequality.
    Resistance from governments and industries to share power.

India’s Tribal Development Policy
Pre-Independence Approach
•    The British adopted isolationist policies, classifying tribal areas as “Excluded” or “Partially Excluded” zones.
•    Introduced the Scheduled District Act, 1874, exempting tribal areas from regular laws to minimize exploitation.
Post-Independence Approach
1.    Autonomy-Focused Policies
 

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o    Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).
o    Forest Rights Act, 2006.

B)    2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 only

o    Fifth and Sixth Schedules: Provide         

self-governance and protect cultural practices.
2.    Integration-Oriented Policies
o    Guided by Nehru’s Tribal
Panchsheel policy:
    Respect tribal rights and self-development.
    Ensure minimal external interference.
o    Recent Initiatives:
    PVTG Development Mission.
    Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
    Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana.
    Mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia.

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the challenges in balancing the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage with modern governance. Evaluate India’s approach to tribal development and suggest measures for sustainable and inclusive growth.
 

Conclusion
Balancing Indigenous cultural preservation with modern governance is complex. While isolation, assimilation, and integration have their pros and cons, policies that combine autonomy with integration can ensure sustainable development and cultural integrity. Both globally and in India, a nuanced approach respecting Indigenous rights is essential for equitable development.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to tribal development approaches, consider the following statements:
1.    The isolation approach ensures tribal communities have access to modern healthcare and education.
2.    Integration allows tribal communities to participate in governance while preserving cultural identity.
3.    Sentinelese tribes in India are protected under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only