Anti-Quot1a Protests in Bangladesh    
Polio and Eradication Efforts    
Reimagining Biodiversity Conservation in India    
Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) in India    

Anti-Quota Protests in Bangladesh

What is the Quota System in Bangladesh?
Overview:
The quota system in Bangladesh reserves a significant portion of government jobs for specific groups to ensure representation and support for underprivileged communities.
Distribution:
30% for children of war heroes from the 1971 independence war (also known as Freedom Fighters' quota).
10% for women to promote gender equality in government employment.
10% for ethnic minorities to support the diverse cultural landscape of Bangladesh.
1% for people with disabilities to ensure inclusion and accessibility in the workforce.
Total Reservations:
These quotas account for over 50% of government job positions, leaving less than half open to general competition.
Why are Students Protesting?
Discrimination Concerns:
Merit-Based Recruitment:
Students argue that the quota system is discriminatory and undermines merit- based recruitment by giving significant advantages to certain groups irrespective of individual qualifications and performance.
Lack of Opportunities:
The current system restricts access to government jobs for meritorious candidates from the general population, limiting their career prospects.
What Triggered the Recent Protests?
Supreme Court Ruling:
In early June 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of the quota system, which had been abolished in 2018 following widespread protests.
Historical Context:

2018 Abolishment:
The decision to abolish the quota system in 2018 was made in response to massive protests led by students demanding a more equitable job distribution.
Recent Decision:
The reinstatement has reignited tensions, leading to renewed protests demanding the system be based solely on qualifications and performance.
How has the Government Responded?
Measures Taken:
Closure of Educational Institutions:
The government has closed schools and universities nationwide to prevent the organization of protests and maintain public order.
Deployment of Paramilitary Forces:
Paramilitary forces have been deployed in key areas to manage the protests and prevent violence.
Allegations of Political Influence:
Authorities have accused opposition parties of infiltrating the protests to
incite unrest and destabilize the government.
When will the Issue be Resolved?
Supreme Court Hearing:
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on August 7, 2024. The outcome of this hearing will be crucial in determining the future of the quota system.
Protesters' Stance:
Despite the upcoming hearing, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands for a merit-based recruitment system are met.
How does this Affect Bangladesh's Economy?
Economic Impact:
Short-Term Disruptions:
The protests and subsequent shutdowns are likely to cause significant short- term economic disruptions, especially in urban areas where business activities are concentrated.
Education Sector:
The closure of educational institutions affects the academic calendar and can lead to long-term educational setbacks.

Investor Confidence:
Political instability and social unrest can undermine investor confidence, potentially affecting foreign investments and economic growth.
Broader Implications:
Social Cohesion:
The ongoing tensions highlight deep-seated issues related to equity and representation, which can affect social cohesion and stability.
Policy Reforms:
The situation underscores the need for comprehensive policy reforms to balance affirmative action with merit-based opportunities.

Prelims Question
Question: Which of the following statements about the quota system in Bangladesh is correct?
1.The quota system reserves over 50% of government jobs for certain groups.
2.The system was permanently abolished in 2018.
3.Quotas are provided for women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
4.The Supreme Court has upheld the quota system without any changes.
Select the correct answer:
A)1 and 2 only
B)1 and 3 only
C)2 and 4 only
D)1, 3, and 4 only 
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Q: Discuss the socio-economic implications of the quota system in Bangladesh. How does it affect the balance between affirmative action and merit-based recruitment in government jobs? Suggest measures to address the concerns raised by students while ensuring representation for marginalized communities. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Polio and Eradication Efforts

What is Polio?

Nature of Disease:
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease that primarily affects the nervous system.
Causative Agent:
Polio is caused by a virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, specifically the poliovirus.
Types of Poliovirus:
There are three immunologically distinct wild poliovirus strains:
Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)
Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2)
Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3)
All three strains can cause irreversible paralysis or death but are genetically distinct, necessitating separate eradication efforts.
How is Polio Spread?
Transmission:
The virus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route or, less commonly, via a contaminated common vehicle such as water or food.
Affected Population:
Polio predominantly affects children under the age of 5. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.
Symptoms of Polio
Common Symptoms:
Most people with polio do not exhibit symptoms. However, some may experience:
Fever
Tiredness
Nausea
Headache
Pain in the arms and legs
Severe Symptoms:
In rare cases, polio infection can cause permanent muscle function loss (paralysis) or be fatal if respiratory muscles are paralyzed or if the brain is infected.
Prevention and Cure

Lack of Cure:
There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
Vaccines:
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV):
Administration: Given orally as a birth dose for institutional deliveries, followed by three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, and a booster dose at 16-24 months.
Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV):
Introduction: Administered as an additional dose with the 3rd dose of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
Polio Eradication Measures Global Efforts
Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI):
Launch: Initiated in 1988 by national governments and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Impact: 80% of the world’s population now resides in polio-free regions. An estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths have been prevented through vitamin A administration during polio immunisation activities.
World Polio Day:
Observation: Celebrated annually on October 24 to urge vigilance in combating the disease.
Indian Efforts
Pulse Polio Programme:
Objective: Achieving 100% coverage under Oral Polio Vaccine.
Achievement: India was certified polio-free by WHO in 2014, following three years of zero cases. The last case of wild poliovirus was detected on January 13, 2011.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0:
Purpose: Nationwide immunisation drive marking 25 years of the Pulse Polio Programme (2019-20).
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):

Launch: Initiated in 1985 with modifications to the ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI).’
Challenges in Polio Eradication Global Challenges
Persistent Pockets:
The wild poliovirus is now confined to rural areas in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Missed Eradication Deadline:
The WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative is set to miss its 2024 eradication deadline.
Vaccine-Related Challenges
OPV vs. IPV:
OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine):
Benefits: Provides superior protection by inducing a protective response at the viral entry site (the gut).

Administered orally without the need for syringes or trained personnel.
Risks: The weakened virus can revert and cause vaccine-induced polio.
IPV (Injectable Polio Vaccine):
Benefits: Contains inactivated virus particles, posing no risk of vaccine- induced polio.
Drawbacks: Provides less protection than OPV.
Key Figures and Developments
Historical Development:
Salk Vaccine (IPV): Developed by Jonas Salk, using inactivated virus to induce systemic immunity.
Sabin Vaccine (OPV): Developed by Albert Sabin, containing live but weakened polio strains to induce mucosal immunity.
Notable Achievements:
Polio-Free Africa: Declared in August 2020.
GPEI: Significant reduction in polio cases worldwide since its inception in 1988.

Conclusion

The ongoing battle against polio requires sustained efforts in vaccination, surveillance, and public health interventions. The challenges posed by vaccine-derived polio cases highlight the need for strategic use of both OPV and IPV to achieve global eradication. Continuous vigilance and adaptation of strategies are essential to overcoming the remaining hurdles in eradicating polio worldwide.

Prelims Question

Question: Consider the following statements regarding polio:
Polio is a viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system.
There are three strains of wild poliovirus, and they can all cause irreversible paralysis.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) provides better mucosal immunity compared to Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV).

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: D) 1, 2, and 3

Mains Question
Q: Discuss the challenges and strategies involved in the global eradication of polio. How do vaccines like OPV and IPV contribute to the eradication efforts, and what are the potential drawbacks of each? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Reimagining Biodiversity Conservation in India

India's Biodiversity: India is recognized as one of the megadiverse countries, housing over 8% of global biodiversity within 2.4% of the Earth's land area. This highlights its critical role in biodiversity conservation.
Development vs. Conservation: Rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion are increasingly threatening India’s rich ecosystems.
Current Challenges: The controversy surrounding Vedanta-owned Cairn's proposal
to drill in Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, which threatens the habitat of the

endangered Hoolock Gibbon, exemplifies the delicate balance between development needs and biodiversity conservation.
Significance of Biodiversity for India
Ecological Significance
Mega-Diverse Nation: As one of the 17 megadiverse countries, India’s biodiversity is crucial for ecological balance, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
Examples:
Western Ghats: Influences monsoon patterns vital for agriculture across the country.
Sundarbans Mangroves: Act as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis, protecting coastal communities.
Pollinators: Over 50% of India’s cultivated plants depend on pollinators to produce fruits, seeds, and nuts.
Economic Significance
Livelihoods: Forest biodiversity supports the livelihoods of about 275 million people
who depend on forest resources.
Ecotourism: Contributes significantly to the economy, centered around India’s diverse flora and fauna.
Cultural and Traditional Significance
Traditional Knowledge Systems: India's biodiversity is intertwined with its cultural fabric. Systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani rely on this rich biodiversity.
Scientific and Medicinal Significance
Potential for Drug Discovery: India has significantly contributed to global medicine, with examples like the anti-malarial drug derived from the Cinchona tree.
Medicinal Plants: Home to over 8,000 species of medicinal plants.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Forests as Carbon Sinks: Forests cover about 21.67% of India’s geographical area, sequestering approximately 7% of India’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Efforts Related to Biodiversity Conservation in India
Constitutional and Legal Provisions

Article 48A: Directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
Article 51A(g): Makes it a fundamental duty of citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers the central government to manage pollution and industrial activities.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Enacted for the conservation of biological resources, managing sustainable use, and enabling fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Supreme Court Rulings:
Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors (2014): Recognized that every species has an inherent right to live, emphasizing the constitutional mandate under Article 21.
Mk Ranjit Singh vs. Union of India: Affirmed the right to a healthy environment, balancing species conservation with climate action.
Major Committees
Madhav Gadgil Committee:
Proposed designating 64% of the area under the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).
Recommended no new large dams or polluting industries in sensitive zones.
Kasturirangan Committee:
Suggested that 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as ESA.
Proposed a ban on mining, quarrying, and new thermal power projects.
Threats to Biodiversity in India
Habitat Loss:
Urbanization and Agriculture: Rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion are causing severe habitat loss. From 2001 to 2020, India lost 1.93 million hectares of tree cover, equivalent to a 5.2% decrease.
Forest Fragmentation: Threatens endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque in the Western Ghats.
Example: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project cuts through Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, threatening critical habitats.

Invasive Species:
Non-Native Species: Invasive species like Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorous threaten India’s ecosystems, with Lantana alone pervading 44% of India’s forests.
Economic Impact: The spread of invasive species like Fall Armyworm affects maize crops, demonstrating economic consequences.
Climate Change:
Habitat Alteration: Alters habitats and migration patterns. For instance, mangrove forests like Sundarbans face the “triple threat” of sea-level rise, lack of mud, and squeezed habitats.
Coral Reefs: India’s coral reefs cover about 5,790 sq km, with major threats due to climate change.
Human-Wildlife Conflict:
Conflicts Intensify: Expanding human settlements lead to increased conflicts, with over 500 people and 100 elephant deaths due to human-elephant interactions annually.
Example: A tiger relocated after human conflict in the Ranthambore reserve
exemplifies this challenge.
Pollution:
Impact: Pollution severely impacts biodiversity, with the Yamuna River supporting over 50 fish species but now biologically dead for a 22 km stretch in Delhi due to industrial effluents.
Microplastic Pollution: Affects fish species in the River Ganga.
Policy Implementation:
Execution Gaps: Despite robust environmental laws, implementation often falls short. The Etalin Hydroelectric Project controversy highlights this issue.
Urban Biodiversity Loss:
Concrete Jungle Effect: Rapid urbanization is decimating urban ecosystems, with nearly one-third of natural wetlands lost over the last four decades.
Example: The decline of house sparrows in cities, over 80% in some areas, exemplifies the impact on common species.
Strategies for Improving Biodiversity Conservation in India

Community-led Conservation:
Local Involvement: Strengthen Joint Forest Management Committees and provide legal recognition to Community Conserved Areas.
Examples: Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand, awareness by Cheetah Mitras.
Green Infrastructure:
Biodiversity Consideration: Incorporate biodiversity considerations into infrastructure development.
Examples: National Highway Authority of India guidelines for animal passages.
Sustainable Agriculture:
Agro-Ecological Models: Scaling up successful models like Zero Budget Natural Farming.
Incentives and Market Linkages: Providing incentives for crop diversification.
Technology-driven Conservation:
Leveraging Technology: Use satellite imagery and AI for real-time monitoring.
Examples: Drones for monitoring tigers in Sundarbans.
Biodiversity Financing:
Sustainable Financing: Expanding the Compensatory Afforestation Fund and developing green bonds.
Invasive Species Management:
Coordinated Approach: Establish a national invasive species monitoring system and strengthen quarantine measures at ports and borders.
Conclusion and Way Forward
To enhance biodiversity conservation efforts, India needs a multi-faceted approach involving community-led conservation, sustainable agriculture, technological advancements, and robust policy implementation. Ensuring the involvement of local communities, leveraging technology, and securing sustainable financing are crucial steps towards reimagining biodiversity conservation in India.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to biodiversity conservation strategies in India, consider the following statements:

India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, housing over 10% of global biodiversity.
The Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended that 37% of the Western Ghats be designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas.
Lantana camara is an invasive species that has pervaded 44% of India’s forests.

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: Evaluate the current biodiversity conservation strategies in India. What challenges do they face, and what measures can be suggested for enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts? (250 Words)

Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) in India

The Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF) is emerging as an essential component of privacy protection in India. However, varying judicial interpretations and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework have led to complexities in its implementation.
Judicial Developments and Interpretations Key Judicial Rulings
Delhi High Court (2021):
Extended the right to be forgotten in a criminal case, allowing for the removal of details from search results to protect the petitioner’s social life and career prospects.
Supreme Court Order (July 2022):
Directed its registry to create a mechanism for removing the personal details of a couple involved in a contentious marital dispute from search engines. This expanded the interpretation of the right to be forgotten.
Kerala High Court (December 2023):

Ruled that the right to be forgotten cannot be applied to ongoing court proceedings, citing concerns about open justice and public interest. Suggested legislative clarity but acknowledged the right could be considered based on specific case details and elapsed time.
Himachal Pradesh High Court (July 2024):
Directed the redaction of names of both the accused and the victim in a rape case, emphasizing that once acquitted, individuals should not continue to carry the stigma of accusations.
Challenges from Inconsistent Judicial Approaches
Lack of Uniformity: Varied rulings create confusion about RTBF's application, leading to inconsistent enforcement and legal uncertainty.
Balancing Privacy and Public Interest: Courts struggle to balance individual privacy rights with the principle of open justice and public access to information, making it challenging to establish clear guidelines.
Impact on Public Records: The distinction between personal privacy and public records, as seen in Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1994), poses challenges in protecting personal privacy without undermining the accessibility of public court records.
Need for Legislative Clarity: The absence of a comprehensive legal framework contributes to inconsistent application, highlighting the need for legislative intervention to define clear standards and procedures.
Potential for Overreach: Differing judicial approaches may lead to concerns about overreach and the integrity of digital records, potentially affecting the accuracy and completeness of online information.
Balancing Rights: Courts need to balance RTBF with freedom of speech and expression, and resolve conflicts between RTBF and the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Other Challenges: Enforcing RTBF across digital platforms and jurisdictions is difficult due to compliance issues and technical constraints like data replication. It could restrict journalists from disclosing certain people's histories, hindering their ability to impart information freely.
Why the 'Right to Be Forgotten' Should Be Adopted
Control Over Personal Information: Individuals should control their personal information and identity in the digital age. RTBF allows individuals to remove content shared online without consent.

Mitigating Digital Damage: The presence of outdated or incorrect information can negatively affect an individual's life, including personal relationships and professional opportunities. RTBF helps mitigate such harms by allowing the removal of outdated or irrelevant data.
Right to Privacy: RTBF ensures individuals are not compelled to live with repercussions of unlawfully disclosed personal information.
Way Forward Legislative Framework
Enact Comprehensive Data Protection Law: Include RTBF with clear criteria for data erasure and establish an independent data protection authority with expertise in privacy, technology, and law.
Prevent Overreach: Implement clear definitions, limitations, and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of RTBF.
Judicial Guidelines: Develop guidelines for balancing privacy and public interest in RTBF cases, considering factors like the nature of the information, public interest, and time elapsed since publication.
Industry Self-Regulation
Promote Responsible Data Handling: Encourage self-regulation, data minimization, and secure data deletion procedures.
Invest in Research: Address technical challenges related to data deletion and anonymization.
Public Awareness
Educate on Data Privacy: Conduct campaigns to educate individuals about data privacy rights and responsibilities and foster a culture of responsible online behavior.
Conclusion
The "Right to Be Forgotten" is gaining importance in legal and technical domains, reflecting its growing role in privacy protections. In India, the lack of specific legislation means this right is currently addressed through the judiciary, but future legislation is anticipated to provide a clearer framework with ongoing efforts to recognize this right.

Prelims Question
Question: Consider the following statements regarding the "Right to Be Forgotten":
The Right to Be Forgotten is recognized as a fundamental right in India.
The Right to Be Forgotten allows individuals to have their past criminal records erased from public access.
The Right to Be Forgotten is included in the Indian Constitution under Article 21.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 only
B)2 only
C)1 and 3 only
D)None of the above
Answer: D) None of the above

Mains Question
Question: Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of the "Right to Be Forgotten" in India. How can India balance this right with other fundamental rights and ensure effective enforcement? (250 Words)