National Forest Martyrs Day: Honoring Guardians of the Green (September 11)
A Tribute to Conservation Heroes: National Forest Martyrs Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of forest guards, rangers, and personnel who laid down their lives in the service of forest conservation.
Forests: Lifelines of the Planet: This day underscores the vital importance of forests, recognizing them as intricate ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and humanity by maintaining ecological balance and providing numerous essential resources.
Confronting Perils in the Wilderness: It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by forest rangers, who confront illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and encroachments, often at great personal risk.
Khejarli Massacre: The roots of this observance trace back to the tragic 1970 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan. Maharaja Abhai Singh’s order to cut trees in Khejarli was met with staunch resistance by the Bishnoi community.
Amrita Devi’s Courage: The revolt was led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sacred Khejri trees. She, along with her family, courageously shielded the trees with their bodies.
Widespread Outrage: The King’s men beheaded Amrita Devi and her daughters, leading to widespread outrage. Bishnois, young and old, men and women, rallied to protect the trees, resulting in the loss of 363 lives.
An Apology and a Promise: Shocked by the incident, Maharaja Abhai Singh personally visited the villagers, apologised, and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future.
A Recognized Remembrance: In 2013, the Ministry of Environment officially declared September 11 as National Forest Martyrs Day, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who protect our forests are never forgotten.
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)
Purpose: Dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the escalating global suicide rates and prevention measures.
Global Issue: Suicide is a significant public health concern that demands attention and action to eradicate from society.
Awareness Deficit: Lack of awareness is a key factor contributing to the annual increase in suicide mortality rates worldwide.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 Theme: Creating Hope Through Action”
Collective Action: Emphasises the need for collaborative efforts to address this urgent public health issue.
Responsibility: Calls on individuals and various stakeholders, including family, educators, healthcare professionals, and governments, to play a role in suicide prevention.
Significance of World Suicide Prevention Day:
Preventability: Highlights that suicides are preventable and that there are alternatives to taking one’s own life.
Stigma Reduction: Aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and promote a culture where seeking help is encouraged.
History of World Suicide Prevention Day:
Establishment: Founded by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization in 2003.
Objective: To globally raise awareness about suicide prevention and convey the message that suicides can be prevented.
Empowerment: Encourages understanding, empathy, and sharing experiences to inspire confidence and hope, emphasizing that there are alternatives to suicide.
India’s Spice Capital
Historical Spice Dominance: Kerala has a storied history of spice trade dating back to 3000 B.C., serving as a primary exporter of aromatic spices highly sought after in ancient civilizations like Babylonia and Egypt.
Key Spice-Producing Regions: The spice-rich districts of Idukki and Wayanad are pivotal in Kerala’s spice production, cultivating prized spices like black pepper, green cardamom, cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, and star anise due to their fertile soil and ideal climate.
Spectacular Spice Plantations: Kerala’s spice plantations sprawl across its picturesque landscapes, a testament to the state’s dedication to spice cultivation. Notable spices include:
- Black Pepper: Revered as the “King of Spices,” Kerala produces some of the finest black pepper varieties globally.
- Cardamom: Often dubbed the “Queen of the Spices,” Kerala ranks as the world’s largest producer, particularly of the green cardamom variety.
- Cinnamon: Kerala yields high-quality cinnamon bark, cherished for its fragrance and flavour.
- Cloves: Aromatic flower buds that hold a special place in Kerala’s spice heritage.
- Ginger and Turmeric: Valued not only for culinary purposes but also for their medicinal properties, these spices are integral to Kerala’s culture.
“Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) Report”
Progress in India’s Clean Air Initiative
“Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 (Clean Air Survey) Report”
“Top Clean Air Cities:Indore, Amravati, and Parwanoo lead the way in India’s fight against air pollution, according to the recent survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Rankings in Cities Over One Million Population-
Indore Takes the Lead: Indore secures the top position among cities with over one million inhabitants, followed by Agra and Thane. This highlights the effectiveness of localised efforts in densely populated urban areas.
Notable Performer:Bhopal ranks fifth, while the national capital, Delhi, claims the ninth spot, showcasing progress in combating urban air pollution.
Challenges in Madurai, Jammu, and Kohima-
Air Quality Concerns: Madurai, Jammu, and Kohima face significant challenges in terms of air quality, ranking lowest in the survey. This underscores the pressing need for tailored interventions to address their specific air pollution issues.”
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)-
Initiated by PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to improving air quality led to the launch of the NCAP in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
City-Specific Action Plans: The NCAP identifies 131 cities for the implementation of targeted action plans to enhance air quality.
PRANA Portal: As part of the NCAP, the government introduced the “PRANA” portal, serving as a knowledge-sharing hub where cities can exchange best practices and strategies to combat air pollution, fostering collaboration in this crucial endeavor.
