The Issue of Stray Dogs in India    
New Science Awards    
Bangladesh's Political Upheaval and Its Impact on India    
Evolution of Timekeeping Devices    

1.The Issue of Stray Dogs in India
Introduction
•    Recent Incidents:
o    Stray dogs have been in the news due to their attacks on children and adults.
o    Example: In Telangana’s Khammam district, a five-year-old boy died after being attacked by a stray dog.
•    Rising Concerns:
o    These incidents have ignited debates among people, raising concerns about the rising population of stray dogs and the perspective of dog lovers.
o    Important to understand the reasons behind rising dog attacks and the policy steps to handle this situation.
Stray Dog Population in India
•    Population Data:
o    In 2019, the Lok Sabha reported a decrease in the stray dog population from
1.71 crores to 1.53 crores in 7 years.
o    Independent studies suggest the population may be much higher as many go unaccounted for.
•    Rabies Statistics:
o    Global Impact: Dog-mediated rabies causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually.
o    India's Burden: India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths and 65% in the South-East Asia region.
o    National Data: The National Rabies Control Program reported 6644 clinically suspected cases and deaths of human rabies between 2012 and 2022.
o    Source: Almost 96% of rabies cases in India are caused by stray dogs.
Reasons for the Increasing Stray Dog Crisis
•    Lack of Animal Birth Control Programs:
o    Insufficient programs to control the population, leading to more puppies and an increasing population.
•    Irresponsible Ownership:

o Pets are often abandoned or allowed to roam freely without supervision, increasing the stray population.
•    Poor Waste Management:
o    Stray dogs scavenge for food in unmanaged garbage dumps, increasing their numbers.
•    Lack of Awareness:
o    Limited awareness of responsible pet ownership and the dangers of abandoning pets.
•    Religious Beliefs:
o    Some communities believe that killing or sterilizing dogs is against their religious beliefs, hindering control measures.
•    Inadequate Animal Welfare Laws:
o    Weak laws lead to an increase in stray dogs as there are no penalties for irresponsible ownership or abandonment.
Government Steps to Address the Stray Dog Crisis
•    Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program:
o    Sterilizes, vaccinates, and replaces dogs in their original areas. Example: Kerala sterilized over 87,000 stray dogs in 2019.
•    Vaccination Drives:
o    Protects stray dogs against diseases like rabies. Example: Tamil Nadu conducted a vaccination drive in Chennai in 2020.
•    Awareness Campaigns:
o    Educates people on responsible pet ownership. Example: Delhi’s “Be a Human, Save a Life” campaign.
•    Legal Framework:
o    Enacted laws to protect animals and regulate stray dogs.
o    Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and State Municipal Acts.
o    Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 provide guidelines for management.
Arguments Against Confining Stray Dogs
•    Cruelty:

o Viewed as cruel, especially if dogs are healthy and have not caused harm.
•    Ethical Concerns:
o    Belief that all animals have a right to life and killing or confining them goes against this principle.
•    Ineffectiveness:
o    Does not address the root causes. WHO’s Expert Committee on Rabies states no significant impact on population densities and rabies spread.
•    Lack of Resources:
o    Insufficient resources or facilities to confine or euthanize all stray dogs.
•    Alternatives:
o    Animal birth control programs and responsible pet ownership are more humane and effective solutions.
Recommendations to Address the Stray Dog Crisis
•    Implement ABC Program:
o    Municipal bodies should implement the ABC (Animal Birth Control) Programme in accordance with the new ABC Rules of 2023.
•    Encourage Adoption:
o    Promote the adoption of Indian dogs to reduce street dog numbers.
•    Promote Native Breeds:
o    Native dogs have better immune systems and make great pets.
•    Responsible Pet Ownership:
o    Encourage pet owners to keep pets on leashes, spay/neuter them, and provide adequate food and shelter.
•    Verify Reports of Dog Attacks:
o    Ensure reports of dog attacks are verified. Example: Recent unverified reports of dog attacks in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
•    Shelter or Euthanize Unowned Dogs:
o    Consider sheltering or euthanizing unowned dogs while encouraging sterilization of pets to protect people, livestock, wildlife, and dogs from suffering and homelessness.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the stray dog population and its control in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program aims to sterilize, vaccinate, and replace dogs in their original areas.
2.    India accounts for over half of the global deaths due to rabies.
3.    The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, provides guidelines for the management of stray dogs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the factors contributing to the increasing stray dog population in India and the measures taken by the government to address this issue. Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and suggest additional steps that could be taken.

2. New Science Awards
Context
•    Introduction of Awards:
o    The Central Government has decided to introduce 56 prizes under the category of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.
o    Categories include:
    3 Vigyan Ratna
    25 Vigyan Shri
    25 Yuva Vigyan Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB)
    3 Vigyan Team Awards
•    Award Announcements:
o    Announced annually on National Technology Day, May 11.

Note

o    Awarded on National Space Day, August 23, starting in 2024.
 

•    Similar to Padma Awards:
o    These awards will not include any cash component.
•    Domains:
o    Given in 13 science-related domains.
Highlights About These Awards
Included Awards
Vigyan Ratna Awards
•    Recognition:
o    Recognize lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Shri Awards
•    Recognition:
o    Recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Team Awards
•    Recognition:
o    Given to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB)
•    Recognition:
o    The highest multidisciplinary science awards in India for young scientists
(maximum 45 years).
o    Named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, founder and director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), a renowned chemist and visionary.
➉ Awards Open to PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin)
•    Eligibility:
o    PIOs are eligible for the new awards, with limitations:

    One PIO may receive the Vigyan Ratna.
    Three PIOs each can be selected for the Vigyan Shri and VY-SSB.
    PIOs are not eligible for the Vigyan Team awards.
National Technology Day
About
•    First Observed:
o    1999 to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists and engineers.
•    Naming:
o    Named by the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
•    Celebration:
o    The Technology Development Board of India, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, celebrates the day by awarding individuals with the National Award for their contribution to science and technology.
Significance
•    Historical Event:
o    Marks the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.
o    India successfully test-fired its Shakti-1 nuclear missile in an operation called
Pokhran-II, also codenamed as Operation Shakti.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, consider the following statements:
1.    The Vigyan Ratna awards recognize lifetime achievements in science and technology.
2.    The Vigyan Team awards can be awarded to teams that include Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
3.    The awards include a cash component for the winners. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 2 only

C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar in recognizing scientific achievements in India. How do these awards compare to other national awards in terms of their impact on the scientific community?

3. ➉ Bangladesh's Political Upheaval and Its Impact on India
Context
•    Resignation of Sheikh Hasina:
o    Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Prime Minister marks a significant turning point in South Asian geopolitics.
o    Amid protests, she sought refuge in India, raising questions about
Bangladesh's stability and its relationship with India.
Current Situation in Bangladesh
Protests and Unrest
•    Job Quota Issues:
o    Bangladesh is engulfed in protests over job quota issues, fueled by
authoritarian policies and suppression of opposition.
o    This unrest is the largest seen since Sheikh Hasina's tenure began in 2008.
Economic Challenges
•    Economic Recovery Concerns:
o    Her departure raises concerns about economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, already strained by rising inflation and currency depreciation.
Political Landscape
•    Interim Government:
o    The Bangladesh Army is set to form an interim government, emphasizing the fluidity of the situation.

o    Potential return of radical Islamist forces could threaten Bangladesh’s secular governance.
???? Disruption in Export Flow
•    Textile Sector:
o    The ongoing unrest has led to disruptions in the textile sector, affecting the
USD 45 billion garment sector.
o    Bangladesh's textile industry represents more than 85% of its merchandise exports.
o    International buyers are reassessing their supply sources due to the uncertainty, potentially shifting orders to alternative markets, including India.
???? How does the Political Instability in Bangladesh Affect India?
???????? Loss of a Trusted Ally
•    Security and Trade:
o    India has lost a key partner in Sheikh Hasina, who was instrumental in
countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral relations.
o    India-Bangladesh bilateral trade reached USD 13 billion in FY 2023–24.
Western Scrutiny and Potential Backlash
•    International Relations:
o    India’s backing of Hasina has created friction with Western allies, especially the
US.
o    Supporting an unpopular leader poses challenges for India, potentially straining India-Bangladesh relations.
Impact on Indian Investments
•    Business and Investments:
o    Indian businesses and investments in Bangladesh might face uncertainties due to the political upheaval.
o    Around 25% of textile units in Bangladesh are owned by Indian companies, which may shift operations back to India.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Concerns
•    Infrastructure Projects:

o    India has provided USD 8 billion in credit for road, rail, and port projects, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link.
o    Current unrest threatens these crucial connections, potentially disrupting trade and access to India’s Northeast region.
Significance of Bangladesh for India
•    Trade and Transportation Corridor:
o    Acts as an important corridor for trade, linking India’s Northeast with the rest of the country.
o    Cooperation on counter-terrorism, border security, and other security matters is crucial for maintaining peace in South Asia.
•    Economic Relationship:
o    Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner in South Asia, supporting India's goals under its foreign trade policy.
o    Collaboration is crucial for the success of regional forums like BIMSTEC and
SAARC.
Challenges Ahead for India
Uncertain Political Environment
•    New Government Impact:
o    The nature of the new government will significantly impact India’s strategic interests.
o    A less friendly administration could re-energize anti-India militant groups.
Regional Geopolitics
•    Chinese Influence:
o    Political instability in Bangladesh could provide an opportunity for China to expand its influence.
o    India must engage in strategic partnerships to ensure that extremist elements do not gain a foothold.
Impact on Trade Negotiations
•    Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
o    Discussions around a potential FTA began in October 2023, with hopes to boost exports significantly.

o    Political instability raises doubts about the future of these negotiations.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, consider the following statements:
1.    Bangladesh's textile sector represents more than 85% of its merchandise exports.
2.    The Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a major project supported by India's credit line to Bangladesh.
3.    The resignation of Sheikh Hasina has strengthened India's bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.
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: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Analyze the impact of political instability in Bangladesh on India’s national security and economic interests. Discuss the measures India should take to navigate the evolving political landscape and maintain regional stability.

4.    Evolution of Timekeeping Devices
Why in News?
•    Recent Developments:
o    Researchers have made significant advancements in nuclear clocks by developing a laser for thorium-229 nuclei stimulation and linking it with an optical clock.
o    The world has evolved from keeping time with the Sun and the moon to atoms and their nuclei.
How Timekeeping Devices Evolved Over History Historical Timekeeping Devices
•    Sundials:

o Ancient devices that indicated time by casting shadows from sunlight.
•    Water Clocks:
o    Measured time through the gradual filling of a vessel with water.
•    Hourglasses:
o    Used sand instead of water to measure time.
Development of Mechanical Clocks
•    Early Mechanical Clocks:
o    Improved water clocks with additional tanks, gears, and pulleys.
•    Astrarium (Medieval Astronomical Clock):
o    A sophisticated instrument to track celestial movements.
•    Pendulum Clock:
o    Spring-driven clocks replaced weights with coiled springs.
□    Modern Clocks
•    Electric Clocks:
o    Emerged in the 19th century, using batteries or electric motors instead of springs or weights.
•    Quartz Clocks:
o    Use a quartz crystal that oscillates when electrically charged.
o    Affordable and widespread, leading to the popularity of quartz watches and
wall clocks.
Atomic Clocks
•    Operation:
o    Use lasers and atoms of the same isotope to measure time.
o    The frequency of radiation emitted when atoms transition between energy states defines the time.
•    India's Initiative:
o    India is setting up atomic clocks nationwide to ensure that the time on digital devices matches Indian Standard Time (IST), as part of the One-Nation, One- Time initiative.

•    Caesium Atomic Clocks:
o    Utilize caesium-133 atoms and are highly accurate, maintaining the IST.
o    IST is a cesium atomic clock used at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi.
o    The Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) maintains the IST.
•    Next-Generation Optical Clocks:
o    Use atoms like strontium or ytterbium to achieve even greater precision of time.
Future Developments in Timekeeping
•    Nuclear Clocks:
o    Focus on the nuclei of atoms for even higher precision.
o    The emission frequency of these nuclear clocks is around 2,020 terahertz, indicating ultra-high precision.
???????? How Clocks Evolved Over History in India
•    Ancient India:
o    Utilized various timekeeping methods, such as water clocks (ghatika yantra)
and sundials, used in temples and for daily activities.
o    Tracked time using the stars and planetary positions (Nakshatras) to accurately record significant events.
o    Timekeeping linked to planetary positions led to the development of astrology
and exploring the influence of planets on human life.
o    Daily time was often measured in hours or pahars, and simple clock towers were sufficient for general public use.
•    Islamic Influence:
o    With the arrival of Islamic rulers, more advanced water clocks and
astronomical instruments were introduced, blending with local traditions.
•    Colonial Period:
o    Saw the introduction of mechanical clocks and pocket watches.
Prelims Question

Question: With reference to the evolution of timekeeping devices, consider the following statements:
1.    Sundials and water clocks were among the earliest timekeeping devices used by ancient civilizations.
2.    Quartz clocks use a quartz crystal that oscillates when electrically charged.
3.    India's National Physical Laboratory maintains Indian Standard Time using a rubidium atomic clock.
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: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the evolution of timekeeping devices from ancient sundials to modern nuclear clocks. How have advancements in timekeeping technology impacted scientific research and daily life?