Centenary Celebration of the Kakori Train Action

• Event: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched year-long celebrations starting August 9 to mark the centenary of the Kakori Train Action of 1925.
• Special Feature: The ‘Kakori Shaurya Gatha Express’ will travel across various cities in Uttar Pradesh to educate youth and school children about the Kakori Train Action and its historical significance.

About Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)

• Formation: Established in 1924 as a radical revolutionary organization.
• Objective: Aimed to create a Federated Republic of the United States of India through organized and armed revolution.
• Founders: Key figures included Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Sachindra Nath Bakshi, Sachindranath Sanyal, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee.

Ideologies of HRA

• Socialism: Advocated for universal suffrage and the abolition of exploitative systems. The association sought to establish a republic where social justice was a core principle.
• In 1928, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Shiv Verma, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Vijay Kumar Sinha restructured HRA to include socialism as a primary goal, leading to its renaming as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• Armed Overthrow: Believed that the imperialist government’s rule was unjust and sought to overthrow it through armed struggle, reflecting their commitment to revolutionary violence as a means to achieve national liberation.

Key Publications

• The Revolutionary: Written by Ram Prasad Bismil under the pen name Vijay Kumar, with assistance from Sachindra Nath Sanyal. It outlined the revolutionary ideals and strategies of the HRA.
• Philosophy of the Bomb: Authored by Bhagwati Charan Vohra, this publication argued that the use of force by revolutionaries was a necessary response to colonial oppression, contrasting with the views of the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi.

​​​​​​​

Key Revolutionary Activities

• Kakori Train Action (1925): A major event where HRA members, led by Ram Prasad Bismil and others, attacked a train carrying British government funds. The action aimed to fund their revolutionary activities and strike a blow against British rule.
• The event is celebrated for its audacity and its role in highlighting the revolutionary struggle against British colonialism.
• Avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s Death (1928): Following the death of Lala Lajpat Rai due to police brutality, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Chandra Shekhar Azad assassinated J.P. Saunders, the police officer responsible.
• Assembly Bomb Explosion (1929): Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against colonial rule. They were sentenced to life imprisonment but were later tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for their involvement in Saunders' killing.

Lahore Conspiracy Case and Its Impact

• Courtroom Strategy: Revolutionaries used the courtroom to challenge the British narrative and expose the harsh treatment of political prisoners.
• Hunger Strikes: Jatin Das and others went on hunger strikes to demand better conditions for political prisoners. Jatin Das’s death after 63 days of fasting galvanized public sentiment against British repression.
• Execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru: On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were executed, leading to widespread outrage and sympathy for the revolutionary cause.

Significance of the HRA

• Legacy: The HRA, and its successor HSRA, played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement by advocating armed struggle against colonial rule and inspiring future generations of freedom fighters.
• Historical Context: Their actions and sacrifices are remembered as pivotal moments in the fight for India's independence, and the centenary of the Kakori Train Action serves as a reminder of their bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom.

Exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening joint military capabilities and cooperation, especially for counter-insurgency operations under the United Nations Mandate. The 10th edition of the exercise was recently held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights of Exercise Mitra Shakti:

• Objective: To enhance the operational synergy and coordination between the two armies, focusing on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
• Joint Tactical Drills:
• Response to terrorist actions.
• Establishment of command posts.
• Counter-drone operations, which are becoming increasingly vital in modern warfare.
• Canine Deployment:
• India deployed Zac, a Belgian Malinois trained in tactical operations.
• Sri Lanka deployed two canines for similar roles.

Significance:

This exercise deepens the military-to-military relationship between India and Sri Lanka, improves operational readiness for peacekeeping missions, and enhances collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts.

The mental health of students has become a major concern in India, with alarming rates of mental health issues and suicides, particularly among medical students. The National Task Force for Mental Health and Wellbeing of Medical Students recently submitted its report, highlighting the prevalence of depression and suicidal thoughts among students.

Key Findings:

• High prevalence of mental health issues:
• 27.8% of undergraduate medical students reported mental health problems.
• 31.3% of postgraduate students reported suicidal thoughts.
• General student population:
• A study by NIMHANS found that 23% of school children in India suffer from mental health problems.
• The National Mental Health Survey (2015-2016) reported a 7% prevalence of psychiatric disorders among 13-17-year-olds.
• A study by SCARF in Chennai found over 30% of students suffer from anxiety and depression.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Problems Among Students:

• Immediate Triggers:
• Academic pressure, failing exams, financial loss, or public humiliation often lead to mental health crises.
• Social media can disrupt sleep, contribute to depression, and lower academic performance.
• Social isolation:
• Students may feel socially isolated due to family dynamics, gender identity issues, or academic pressures.
• High expectations from parents, especially in competitive environments like Kota (known for coaching centers), can exacerbate mental health problems.
• Biological Factors:
• Genetic predispositions or family history of mental illness can increase risk.
• Personality traits like impulsivity and major physical illnesses also elevate the risk of mental health problems.
• Stigmatization:
• Stigma around mental health prevents early intervention, leading to worsening of conditions over time.

Issues in Handling Mental Health in India:

• Fragmented mental healthcare due to poor integration with primary healthcare services.
• Geographical disparities, particularly in rural areas, where mental health services are lacking.
• Shortage of mental health professionals: India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh population (Economic Survey 2023-24).
• Lack of awareness and stigma result in social isolation and reluctance to seek help.

Steps Taken by the Government to Address Mental Health Issues:

• Constitutional Provision:
• The Supreme Court of India has interpreted healthcare as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes the right to mental health. This establishes a legal foundation for mental health services.
• National Mental Health Program (NMHP):
• Launched in 1982 to tackle the burden of mental disorders and address the shortage of mental health professionals, the NMHP has been a key initiative.
• In 2003, the program was re-strategized to modernize State Mental Hospitals and upgrade the Psychiatric Wings of Medical Colleges and General Hospitals.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:
• This act ensures access to mental healthcare services provided or funded by the government for every affected person.
• It also reduces the scope for criminalizing suicide attempts under Section 309 of the IPC and treats such cases with a focus on mental health treatment rather than punishment.
• Kiran Helpline:
• Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, the Kiran Helpline (a 24/7 toll-free number) provides support for individuals facing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues. It is aimed at providing immediate psychological assistance.

Way Forward:

• Regular Training Programs:
• Train school and college faculty to recognize mental health issues and support at-risk students.
• Counseling Services:
• Implement a 24/7 support system in educational institutions, leveraging the TeleMANAS initiative (toll-free number 14416).
• Early Detection and Treatment:
• Sensitize teachers and front-line health workers to identify early signs of mental health issues in students.
• Policy Reforms:
• Allocate resources and integrate mental health care into primary healthcare systems, addressing its biological, psychological, and social determinants.
• Digital Detox Programs:
• Encourage a balance between digital use and physical exercise, hobbies, and social interactions to reduce the negative impact of excessive screen time.
• Promoting Self-Awareness:
• Students should practice mindfulness, maintain healthy sleep patterns, engage in regular exercise, and prioritize mental well-being.

Conclusion:

Addressing the mental health crisis among students requires a multifaceted approach involving regular mental health support, reducing stigma, promoting early detection, and reforming policies. By prioritizing student mental health, we can mitigate issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide, helping students lead healthier and more productive lives.

Uttarakhand has pioneered the launch of the Gross Environment Product Index (GEPI), marking a significant step towards integrating environmental metrics into economic planning.

What is GEPI?

• Definition: GEPI is a novel framework designed to evaluate ecological development and the impacts of human activities on the environment.
• Four Pillars:
• Air
• Soil
• Water
• Trees (Forest)
• Formula:
• GEP Index=(Air GEP Index + Water GEP Index +Soil GEP Index +Forest GEP Index)

Significance of GEPI

• Assessment of Anthropogenic Impact:
• GEPI provides a means to assess how human activities affect ecosystems and natural resources, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of environmental pressures.
• Environmental Contribution Tracking:
• It measures what is being returned to the environment, facilitating a better balance between economic development and ecological sustainability.
• Economic Valuation:
• By quantifying the contributions of natural ecosystems to the economy, GEPI helps highlight the importance of environmental health for overall welfare. This can guide policy decisions and investment in conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The implementation of the Gross Environment Product Index in Uttarakhand represents an innovative approach to balancing ecological and economic objectives. By focusing on the environmental impact of human activities and valuing natural resources, GEPI can help promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

St. Martin’s Island is a small island located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, specifically at the southern tip of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula in Bangladesh.

Geographic Features

• Location: St. Martin’s Island is situated at the southernmost point of Bangladesh, making it a unique geographical feature in the region.
• Chera Dwip: Adjacent to St. Martin’s Island is Chera Dwip, a smaller island that is separated from St. Martin’s during high tide, highlighting the dynamic coastal geography of the area.
• Natural Environment: The island is characterized by its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Ecological Significance

• Biodiversity: St. Martin’s Island supports a variety of marine species, including:
• Coral Reefs: The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, which provide habitats for numerous fish and marine organisms.
• Bird Species: The island serves as a nesting ground for various seabird species, enhancing its ecological importance.
• Tourism: The natural beauty of St. Martin’s Island attracts both local and international tourists, contributing to the local economy and raising awareness about marine conservation.

Political Context

• Allegations by Sheikh Hasina: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh claimed that the United States sought to acquire St. Martin’s Island in exchange for political support. This assertion reflects the geopolitical tensions and interests in the Bay of Bengal region, where maritime boundaries and territorial claims are often contentious.