Daily Current Affairs - May 23rd 2025
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Challenges and Policy Considerations
Introduction:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior. The increasing prevalence of ASD has raised concerns regarding genetic and environmental factors, necessitating more robust healthcare and policy measures.
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Causes and Rising Prevalence:
- Genetic influences significantly impact the condition, with studies indicating a heritability rate of 91%.
- While environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to air pollutants may have an effect, no specific toxin has been conclusively identified as a cause of autism through scientific research.
- The rise in reported cases can be attributed to heightened awareness and broader diagnostic criteria.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies:
- The concept of primary prevention is still ambiguous; however, secondary and tertiary prevention emphasize the importance of early screening, behavioral therapies, and support for caregivers.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) in India promotes inclusion, yet rural regions are deficient in diagnostic and intervention services.
- There is a pressing need for increased emphasis on maternal health and public awareness.
Policy Gaps and the Way Forward:
- Enhance early detection initiatives and broaden inclusive educational opportunities.
- Increase financial support for research in genetic and environmental fields.
- Address misinformation, especially myths associated with vaccines.
Conclusion:
The management of ASD necessitates interventions in the realms of science, healthcare, and policy. It is imperative for India to enhance specialized services, promote inclusive education, and implement awareness campaigns to better the care and social integration of individuals affected by this condition.
Urban Forest Conservation and Judicial Interventions in India
Introduction:
Urban forests are essential for preserving ecological equilibrium, improving air quality, and providing relief from the pressures of swift urban development. Nevertheless, the escalating danger to these forests caused by unregulated expansion has raised alarms regarding environmental sustainability. The recent involvement of the Supreme Court in the Kancha Gachibowli forest case highlights the importance of judicial supervision in safeguarding these verdant areas.
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Importance of Urban Forests:
- Urban forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, alleviating urban heat islands, and filtering pollutants from vehicle emissions.
- They act as essential ecological buffers, fostering endangered species and enhancing biodiversity.
- Examples like Aarey Forest in Mumbai and Delhi Ridge underscore the importance of urban greenery in advancing sustainable living.
Role of Judicial Interventions:
- Judicial bodies have been instrumental in the protection of urban forests. Significant rulings such as Godavarman (1996) broadened the interpretation of forests, thereby securing their legal safeguarding.
- The Delhi Ridge case (2015) and the Aarey Forest case (2020) illustrate the manner in which judicial scrutiny mitigates rampant deforestation.
- Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s recent admonition to Telangana in the Kancha Gachibowli case underscores the critical nature of judicial involvement.
Constitutional and Policy Framework:
- Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution recognize environmental protection as both a fundamental right and an obligation.
- The National Forest Policy (1988), the Green India Mission (2014), and the Smart Cities Mission (2015) incorporate urban forests into their developmental strategies.
- Furthermore, the Nagar Van Yojana (2020) seeks to establish 1,000 urban forests by the year 2027, thereby enhancing tree cover.
Conclusion:
Urban forests play a crucial role in the sustainability of urban areas, and their conservation requires active governance, community involvement, and legal measures. Enhancing policies, implementing legal safeguards, and promoting environmental consciousness can help maintain these green areas as an essential component of urban life. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Kancha Gachibowli sets a benchmark for upcoming conservation initiatives, calling for collaborative efforts aimed at ecological sustainability.
World Turtle Day 2025
Introduction:
World Turtle Day, which takes place every year on May 23, has been recognized since 2000 to promote awareness regarding the conservation of turtles and the protection of the environment. Organized by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), this day emphasizes various threats including habitat destruction, illegal trade, pollution, and climate change. In India, it is commemorated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
The theme for World Turtle Day 2025 is “Dancing Turtles Rock!”, highlighting the significance of joyful conservation initiatives and honouring the ecological value of turtles.
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Ecological Significance of Turtles:
- Assist in the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, mitigate pollution, and promote robust fish populations.
- Enhance the health of seagrass ecosystems and facilitate the transport of nutrients to coastal regions.
Turtle Species in India and Their Conservation Status:
Five primary species include: Olive Ridley, Green turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. Conservation status:
- Critically Endangered: Hawksbill turtle.
- Endangered: Green turtle.
- Vulnerable: Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead (according to the IUCN Red List).
These species are safeguarded under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and through conservation initiatives such as the Ganga Rejuvenation Programme.
Conservation Challenges and Way Forward:
- Threats encompass pollution, overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change.
- Enhance marine protected zones, implement anti-poaching regulations, and encourage community participation.
- Incorporate turtle conservation within India’s biodiversity strategies for sustainable environmental governance.
Conclusion:
The conservation of turtles is crucial for maintaining ecological equilibrium, and the implementation of proactive policy frameworks, conservation efforts, and public education is essential for securing their enduring survival.
Buddhism in Modern India and Its Philosophical Influence
Introduction:
In a time characterized by an obsession with social media and self-promotion, academics and authors are progressively looking to Buddhist teachings to illuminate the fallacies of the self and the repercussions of pursuits driven by ego. Buddhism, which transcends mere spiritual philosophy, has significantly influenced the social and political fabric of India.
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Buddhism’s Philosophical Relevance in the Digital Age:
- The phenomenon of selfie culture and identities shaped by social media fosters a facade of perfection, which in turn exacerbates feelings of discontent and psychological distress.
- The Buddhist principle of “Anatta” (non-self) posits that liberation from the ego facilitates clarity and tranquility, presenting an alternative perspective to the contemporary fixation on self.
The Continuity of Buddhism in Indian History:
- In contrast to popular belief, Buddhism has not completely vanished from India. Research conducted by Douglas Ober emphasizes that both textual traditions and pilgrimage networks have preserved its existence well beyond the 13th century.
- The influence of Buddhist thought has played a significant role in the development of secular democracy, Hindu reform movements, and Dalit activism, thereby demonstrating its continued social relevance in contemporary India.
Revival Movements and Key Figures:
- R. Ambedkar’s large-scale conversion of Dalits to Buddhism in 1956 represented a pivotal moment, promoting social justice and the elimination of caste distinctions.
- K. Birla, in collaboration with other reformers, played a vital role in the establishment of Buddhist heritage sites, thereby strengthening its historical significance.
Buddhism’s Role in Art, Culture, and Heritage:
- Monuments such as Sanchi and Bodh Gaya exemplify the intricate relationship between art, folklore, and spirituality within India’s cultural and historical identity.
- The Jataka tales, along with the sculptural representations found in Buddhist structures, underscore the moral teachings and philosophies that persist in shaping societal values.
Conclusion:
Buddhism, rather than being an antiquated tradition, provides enduring insights that are pertinent to the challenges of the contemporary digital era, caste conflicts, and identity issues. Its profound philosophical insights, historical durability, and involvement in India’s sociopolitical movements underscore its ongoing significance. The endeavor to comprehend the historical Buddha and his objectives is crucial for addressing the moral, social, and ethical dilemmas of today.