22nd JANUARY, 2025 A.) Tribal Healthcare Challenges and Solutions WHY IN NEWS - A conclave was organized under the Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) to address healthcare issues faced by tribal communities. Background Tribal populations face unique healthcare challenges due to their geographical, cultural, and socio-economic circumstances. Addressing these issues requires targeted and inclusive strategies. Details Healthcare Issues for Tribals • Geographical Remoteness: Living in mountainous terrains or dense forests limits access to healthcare facilities. • Inadequate Infrastructure: Remote areas often lack healthcare professionals, causing delays in diagnoses and treatments. • Language Barriers: The unavailability of health information in native languages prevents informed decision-making. • Cultural Sensitivity: Disregard for indigenous healing methods fosters distrust and reluctance to use mainstream healthcare. Steps to be Taken 1. Strategic Roadmap: o Enhance healthcare delivery through telemedicine and mobile medical units. 2. Culturally Inclusive Models: o Integrate traditional healing practices with mainstream healthcare systems to build trust. 3. Targeted Interventions: o Address rare diseases, addiction, and mental health issues. o Focus on tackling malnutrition, reproductive health challenges, and preserving traditional food practices. 4. Guiding Principles for Tribal Health Outcomes: o Respect: Honor tribal culture and traditions. o Relevance: Design healthcare solutions tailored to tribal needs. o Reciprocity: Foster mutual learning and exchange of knowledge. o Responsibility: Empower tribal communities actively in healthcare decisions. This framework emphasizes a culturally sensitive, inclusive, and empowering approach to improving healthcare outcomes for tribal populations.   B.) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme WHY IN NEWS - The BBBP scheme aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and reflects the global shift from "Women’s Development" to "Women-Led Development." Background Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and empower women by ensuring their safety, education, and overall development. Details About the BBBP Scheme • Ministries Involved: o Joint initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Education. o Later partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Minority Affairs. • Nature: o Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Sambal vertical of Mission Shakti. o Mission Shakti focuses on women's safety, security, and empowerment through its sub-schemes:  Sambal: Addresses safety and security.  Samarthya: Focuses on empowerment and development. Key Objectives of BBBP • Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Improve SRB by 2 points annually. • Institutional Deliveries: Maintain or exceed 95% institutional deliveries. • Education and Skilling: o Increase secondary-level enrollment of girls by 1% per year. o Promote skilling opportunities for girls/women. • Dropout Rates: Reduce dropout rates among girls in secondary and higher secondary levels. • Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Raise awareness about safe practices. Other Key Features • No Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The scheme does not include monetary transfers or creation of capital assets. • Awareness-Driven: Focuses on behavioral change and social awareness campaigns to tackle gender bias. By promoting gender equality and empowering women, the BBBP scheme contributes significantly to India’s vision of an inclusive and developed society by 2047.   C.) Closing the Women's Health Gap WHY IN NEWS - A report prepared by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the McKinsey Health Institute highlights the economic and societal benefits of closing the health gap experienced by women. Background The report emphasizes the significant disparities in health outcomes between men and women, pointing to a need for targeted interventions to improve women's health and, consequently, their economic participation. Details Key Findings of the Report • Health Disparity: Women experience 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men. • Conditions Driving the Health Gap: Nine selected health conditions account for one-third of the women’s health gap. These conditions include: o Lifespan-Impacting Conditions:  Cervical and breast cancer  Maternal hypertensive disorders  Post-partum hemorrhage o Health Span-Impacting Conditions:  Menopause and perimenopause  Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  Migraine Potential Economic Impact • Closing the health gap could result in an additional $1 trillion in annual global GDP by 2040. • Reclaiming 75 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually would significantly enhance overall health outcomes and productivity. Call for Action • The current global health and social systems are not designed to adequately address women's health needs. • A collaborative effort among public, private, and social sector stakeholders is essential to drive change. • Addressing the women's health gap is crucial for enhancing productivity and empowering women to lead fuller, healthier lives. This report underscores the importance of prioritizing women's health to foster economic growth and societal well-being.   D.) Excavations at Ratnagiri Buddhist Complex WHY IN NEWS - The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha, revealing significant archaeological finds, including a colossal Buddha head, a massive palm, an ancient wall, and inscribed relics dating back to the 8th-9th century AD. Background The discoveries are particularly important given Odisha’s historical connection with Buddhism, which began during the reign of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (304-232 BCE). Ashoka, after the Kalinga War, embraced Buddhism, marking a pivotal moment in the region's history. Details Key Takeaways about Ratnagiri • Historical Significance: o Ratnagiri is recognized as a center of ancient Buddhist learning and is part of the renowned Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri. o The name "Ratnagiri" translates to "Hills of Jewels," and it was first documented as a historical site in 1905. • Previous Excavations: o The last major excavations occurred between 1958 and 1961, revealing several significant structures, including a brick stupa and three monastic complexes. o Excavation activities were previously paused as the ASI shifted focus to other sites, such as Lalitgiri, where the oldest Buddhist monastery in the state was discovered. • Dating: o Experts date the Ratnagiri site from the 5th to 13th centuries, with peak construction occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries. o Ratnagiri was considered a rival to Nalanda as a center of Buddhist learning. Notably, the renowned Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang is believed to have visited Ratnagiri around 638-639 AD. Odisha’s Role in Buddhism and Trade • Maritime Links: o Odisha has maintained maritime and trade connections with Southeast Asian nations, trading in valuable commodities such as pepper, silk, and gold. • Influence on Buddhism: o Although there is no evidence of Buddha visiting Odisha, the ancient kingdom of Kalinga played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhism, particularly to Southeast Asia, due to its trade links. o Historical accounts suggest that Tapassu and Bhallika, the first disciples of Buddha, hailed from Utkala, the ancient name for Odisha. • Emperor Ashoka’s Impact: o Ashoka’s invasion of Kalinga in 261 BC profoundly affected his view of war and violence, prompting him to embrace Buddhism and promote it across his empire and beyond. o The flourishing of Buddhism in Odisha occurred under the Bhaumakara dynasty, which ruled the region between the 8th and 10th centuries. Cultural Heritage • Baliyatra Festival: o Odisha celebrates the Baliyatra, a seven-day festival commemorating the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural connections between Kalinga and Southeast Asia, including regions such as Bali, Java, and Sri Lanka. These findings underscore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Odisha, emphasizing its pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism and its connections with Southeast Asia.   E.) Kolkata Court Sentences Sanjoy Roy to Life Imprisonment WHY IN NEWS A sessions court in Kolkata has sentenced Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had advocated for the death penalty in this case, which sparked widespread protests in West Bengal. Background The Supreme Court has established that the death penalty should only be imposed in the "rarest of rare" cases, as defined in the landmark case of Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980). This case set a precedent for determining the appropriateness of the death penalty based on various "aggravating" and "mitigating" circumstances. Key Takeaways 1. Supreme Court's Stance on Death Penalty: o In Bachan Singh, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty but emphasized its application should be restricted to the "rarest of rare" cases, where there is no possibility of the offender's reformation. o The five-judge Constitution Bench did not outline specific criteria for imposing the death penalty but provided non-exhaustive lists of factors to consider. 2. Aggravating Circumstances: These factors may lead a court to impose the death penalty: o Pre-planned and calculated murder involving extreme brutality. o Cases involving "exceptional depravity." o Murder of a public servant, police officer, or armed forces member while on duty or due to actions taken in the line of duty. 3. Mitigating Circumstances: These factors may persuade a court to avoid the death penalty: o The accused was under extreme mental or emotional disturbance at the time of the offense. o The age of the accused; very young or very old individuals may be spared from the death penalty. o The probability of the accused continuing to pose a threat to society or the potential for rehabilitation. o If the accused acted under another's direction or believed their actions were morally justified. o Mental incapacity affecting the appreciation of the criminality of their actions. 4. Evolution of Understanding: o Over the years, the interpretation of aggravating and mitigating circumstances has evolved. For example:  In Machhi Singh v. State of Punjab (1983), the court noted that death could be warranted when the "collective conscience" of society is shocked.  In Santosh Bariyar v. State of Maharashtra (2009), the court emphasized the need for clear evidence to justify a death sentence, thereby introducing objectivity into the process.  The Law Commission of India's 262nd Report (2015) highlighted inconsistencies in how age is considered as a mitigating factor. 5. Court Procedures: o In Bachan Singh, the Supreme Court stipulated that a separate hearing should occur post-conviction to argue against the imposition of the death penalty. o In Dattaraya v. State of Maharashtra (2020), the absence of such a hearing was deemed a valid reason to commute a death sentence to life imprisonment. Conclusion The sentencing of Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment underscores the judiciary's adherence to established legal principles regarding the death penalty and reflects the ongoing debate around its application in India. The case highlights the importance of considering both aggravating and mitigating factors in the pursuit of justice.   F.) United States to Exit the World Health Organization WHY IN NEWS – President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the agency's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises as the primary reasons for the decision. Background The U.S. exit from the WHO will take effect in 12 months, halting all financial contributions to the organization. As the largest financial supporter of the WHO, contributing approximately 18% of its overall funding, this move will significantly impact the agency's operations and initiatives. Key Takeaways 1. World Health Organization (WHO): o The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that focuses on international public health. o Founded: April 7, 1948, which is celebrated annually as World Health Day. o Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO coordinates global health initiatives and responses. 2. Global Presence: o The WHO has six regional offices and over 150 field offices worldwide, which enhance the reach and effectiveness of its health programs. o The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office is based in New Delhi, India, overseeing health initiatives across the region. 3. Governance Structure: o World Health Assembly (WHA):  The WHA is the decision-making body of the WHO, comprising representatives from all member states.  It convenes annually to set priorities, approve the budget, and guide the organization's policies and programs. o Executive Board:  The board consists of 34 technical experts elected for three-year terms.  It advises the WHA and implements its decisions, ensuring effective management of WHO initiatives. o Director-General:  The Director-General serves as the chief executive officer of the WHO and is elected by the WHA.  The Director-General is responsible for overseeing the organization's work and representing it globally. Implications The U.S. decision to exit the WHO raises concerns about the future of global health governance and collaboration. As the leading financial contributor, the withdrawal could lead to a significant reduction in resources available for international health efforts, especially in light of ongoing and emerging health challenges worldwide.