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CITY EDITION
Regd. DL(ND)-11/6110/2006-07-08
26 Pages ₹ 15.00 RNI No. UPENG/1986/49939
Vol. 14 앫 No. 44

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ELITE TREND

Parenting
Sharad Pawar
gave us nod Team India will not play IN BRIEF
쑽

to leave the
your
parent on
party, says Ajit in Pakistan, BCCI tells ICC
holiday Vinaya Deshpande Pandit
PUNE
The decision on Champions Trophy comes despite Pak. offering special security arrangements,
and choice of venue; India favours having its matches outside Pakistan under a hybrid model
“I did not leave him. All the
MAGAZINE » PAGE 1 MLAs wrote to him and he Suhasini Haidar should expect us to do it all Cong. cannot
gave his permission,” Mah- Amol Karhadkar the time,” Mr. Naqvi said, tolerate OBC
arashtra Deputy Chief Mi- NEW DELHI/MUMBAI speaking to journalists at
nister Ajit Pawar told The Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium. PM, says Modi
Hindu on Saturday, when ays ahead of a visit The Shahbaz Sharif go-
asked if he thought he had
made a mistake by parting
ways with his uncle and
D by the Internation-
al Cricket Coun-
cil’s (ICC) security team to
vernment would take the
final decision on how to
proceed if such a proposal
MUMBAI
Accusing the Congress of
dividing OBC communities
Nationalist Congress Party Pakistan, to study the sit- was given, he added. in a bid to take away their
founder Sharad Pawar. uation for the Champion’s The Ministry of External reservations, Prime Minister
Asked if there was any Trophy next year, the Affairs had denied that Mr. Narendra Modi on Saturday
room for reconciliation, he Board of Control for Crick- Jaishankar had any “con- alleged that the Opposition
said he did not want to et in India (BCCI) has offi- versation” about resuming party could not “tolerate”
answer hypothetical ques- cially communicated that it cricketing ties in Pakistan a Prime Minister from the
tions at this juncture. will not send the Indian In 2019, angered by In- had been followed for oth- when he met Mr. Naqvi at a community. » Page 6
MAGA: a populist chorus that “Everything is at stake team to Pakistan for the dia’s decision to revoke the er series in the past, would dinner during his visit to Is-
grows louder for us in this election but tournament. special status of Jammu mean India’s group en- lamabad for the SCO Heads
PROFILES » PAGE 12 so it is for them [the Oppo- The decision comes des- and Kashmir, Pakistan had gagements and the tourna- of Government Meeting on Cong. deploys CMs
sition]. We have corrected pite attempts by the Pakis- snapped trade and travel ment final due to be held in October 15-16. However, at
mistakes we committed tan Cricket Board (PCB), ties, and High Commis- February-March 2025 least two officials con-
to showcase poll
during the Lok Sabha elec- including during the re- sioners in both countries would be organised in the firmed that the PCB had promise delivery
tion. The atmosphere is cent visit of External Af- were expelled. UAE, a proposal that could presented Pakistan’s case
different now,” he said. fairs Minister S. Jaishankar “We have officially in- see stiff opposition from for India to travel with the MUMBAI
On the recent controver- to Islamabad, to convince formed the ICC about our Pakistan, sources said. Indian delegation there. The Congress lined up two
sy over Uttar Pradesh Chief the government to change inability to participate in On Friday, Pakistan’s According to the sourc- of its serving Chief Ministers
Minister Yogi Adityanath’s its mind, offering special games in Pakistan. We Home Minister and PCB es, Pakistan was prepared and a Deputy Chief Minister
“Batenge to katenge (If we security arrangements. have made our stance clear chief Syed Mohsin Naqvi to let the Indian team in the Maharashtra capital on
don’t stay united, we will The PCB was also pre- that we will prefer a hybrid dismissed Indian media re- spend only as much time in Saturday to refute the BJP’s
be destroyed)” remark, he pared to assure the BCCI of model, with the tourna- ports that the BCCI had Pakistan as was required charge that the party does not
said his party had not left its choice of venue for all ment split in two coun- written to them. No coun- for the matches or prac- follow through on its poll
its secular moorings des- matches played by the In- tries,” a BCCI insider told try had discussed the “hy- tice, and would facilitate promises. They listed out
pite being in a tripartite al- dian team, which would The Hindu. “We were asked brid model” with them nor the team’s return to India the implementation of their
liance with the BJP and the have security concerns to to clear our stand and we was Pakistan “willing to by air or by road over the party’s guarantees in their
What are the costs of a slowing Shiv Sena. play in Pakistan, given the have done it, in consulta- talk about it”, he said. border to Amritsar. respective States. » Page 4
population in India? tensions between the two tion with the [Central] “We have been showing
FAQ » PAGE 11
INTERVIEW ON countries and the absence government.” good gestures for the last CONTINUED ON
» PAGE 7 of normal ties. A hybrid model, which few years and no one » PAGE 6 MAGAZINE » 8 PAGES

14 soldiers among 26 killed in Pak. railway station blast Ransomware attack

Agence France-Presse
QUETTA
the spokesman added.
Despite frequent attacks
hit crucial defence
A bombing claimed by Pa-
in Balochistan, the toll of
Saturday’s blast was partic-
unit last year: DoPT
kistani separatists killed 26 ularly high for the south-
people, including 14 sol- western province, which Vijaita Singh
diers, at a railway station in borders Afghanistan and NEW DELHI
the southwestern Balochis- Iran.
tan province, a hospital The explosion took A crucial defence unit was
spokesman said on Satur- place around 8.45 a.m. affected by a ransomware
day. The blast hit as pas- (10.15 a.m. Indian Standard attack in 2023, according
sengers waited on a plat- Time) and was claimed by to the 2023-24 annual re-
form at the main railway the Baloch Liberation Ar- port of the Department of
station in the provincial my (BLA), one of the area’s Personnel Training
capital Quetta. main separatist groups. (DoPT). In such an attack,
“Fourteen members of The attack “was carried access to a computer is
the Army and 12 civilians out on a Pakistani army un- blocked through malware CERT-In’s 2023 reports says
were killed,” said Wasim it at Quetta railway sta- until a ransom is paid. 15,92,917 security incidents
Baig, spokesman for Quet- tion... after completing a The report, published were reported last year.
ta’s Sandeman Provincial course at the Infantry last week, mentions that in
Hospital, raising an earlier School”, the BLA said. 2023, the Central Bureau According to the 2023
toll of 25 provided by Prime Minister Shehbaz of Investigation (CBI) inves- report of the Indian Com-
police. Sharif said the attackers tigated complex cyber puter Emergency Res-
Forty-six members of “will pay a heavy price”, crimes with national secur- ponse Team (CERT-In), as
the security forces and 14 according to a statement ity implications. These in- many as 15,92,917 security
civilians were wounded, from his office. Deadly hit: The blast-hit railway station in Quetta of the Balochistan province in Pakistan on Saturday. AFP cluded “a ransomware at- incidents were reported
tack on a crucial defence last year, a massive jump
unit, a data breach impact- from 53,117 incidents re-
ing millions of Indian us- ported in 2017. These inci-

Ahead of COP-29, India to emphasise Gunmen kill another ers, a malware attack in a
Ministry, and a massive
DDoS attack on critical in-
dents included website in-
trusion and malware
propagation, malicious

Paris deal red lines on climate finance woman in Manipur

frastructure and airports codes, phishing, DDoS at-
in India”. DDoS stands for tacks, website deface-
distributed denial-of-ser- ments, unauthorised net-
vice, a malicious attempt work scanning activities,
Jacob Koshy energy projects ought to be The Hindu Bureau away. She was killed on the to disrupt internet traffic. ransomware attacks, and
NEW DELHI counted as climate finance GUWAHATI spot. The report does not data breaches. CERT-In
or if these sums would be Some Border Security specify the location of the said remedial measures for
With the 29th edition of over and above money that Suspected extremists Force personnel deployed critical defence unit that handling such incidents
the Conference of Parties was anyway being chan- gunned down a woman, nearby retaliated and the was hit by ransomware. In- were suggested and imple-
expected to commence in nelled to economic deve- second in three days, in exchange of fire took place dia had hosted the G-20 mented in coordination
Baku, India is expected to lopment. In 2022, the Or- conflict-scarred Manipur for about an hour. An or- conference the same year. with relevant stakeholders.
stick to its stance of getting ganisation for Economic on Saturday. ganisation based in Bishnu- The DoPT report said
developed countries to in- Cooperation and Develop- The incident happened pur said the assailants Cybercrime surge the CBI had collaborated
crease climate finance — a ment (OECD) claimed that around 11 a.m. at Saiton vil- were Kuki-Zo extremists. In October 2023, American with international counter-
broad term for money for the target of $100 billion lage in Bishnupur district “We have launched an cybersecurity and intelli- parts such as the Federal
adapting to the impacts of had been achieved. of Imphal Valley. The place investigation into the at- gence agency Resecurity Bureau of Investigation
climate change — but with- Money matters: India is likely to stick to its stance of getting In the COP of 2021, adjoins the hill district of tack while security mea- had issued an alert that the (FBI), Royal Canadian
out deviating from the developed countries to increase climate finance. GETTY IMAGES countries decided that Churachandpur. sures in the area have been Indian Council of Medical Mounted Police (RCMP),
principles agreed to in the more money would be re- Local people said Sa- heightened to prevent Research (ICMR) had suf- and Singapore police, to
Paris Agreement text. would collectively mobilise clarity on how climate fi- quired to keep the Paris pam Sophia Leima, 34, was further violence,” a district fered a data leak of Aad- dismantle call centre fraud
In COP-15 at Copenha- $100 billion per year by nance would be defined. goals feasible. working with others on a police officer said. haar and passport informa- networks in India.
gen, countries agreed on a 2020 to meet the needs of Countries differed on paddy field when they tion of 81 crore Indians,
climate finance target whe- developing countries. Ho- whether conventional bu- CONTINUED ON came under fire from a hil- CONTINUED ON along with names, phone CONTINUED ON
reby developed countries wever, there was never siness investments in clean » PAGE 6 ly stretch about 100 metres » PAGE 6 numbers, and addresses. » PAGE 6
CM M ND-NDE
YK
 THE HINDU
8 Sunday, November 10, 2024

News Delhi

INBRIEF
쑽 Accessibility for disabled persons is 4.3 lakh govt.
officials brush
a fundamental right, rules top court up skills with
online courses
The court asks the government to enable the creation of public and private spaces, services and products of an ‘universal The Hindu Bureau
design’ which could be accessed by everyone; inclusion should be integrated into the design process from the start, it says NEW DELHI

Around 4.3 lakh govern-

Krishnadas Rajagopal Emotional prescribing accessibility ical, organisational, and ment officials participated
Three coaches of train derail NEW DELHI needs, such as standards were not even
mandatory by nature, lead-
attitudinal barriers. It drew
the government’s attention
in the Karmayogi Saptah,
or National Learning
privacy and
near Howrah, no casualties he Supreme Court ing to their “dismal” com- to the “social model of dis- Week, and took online

Three coaches of the Secunderabad–Shalimar

weekly express derailed near the Nalpur station
T has confirmed that
disabled persons’
right to access environ-
self-pleasure, are often
overlooked, leaving
disabled individuals,
pliance at the ground level.
The judgment directed
the government to issue
ability” concept, which
holds that the focus must
be on removing societal
courses centred on citizen-
centric governance, digital
fluency, and Indic Know-
in Kharagpur division of West Bengal early on ments, services and oppor- without private spaces to fresh Rules with mandato- barriers rather than “fix- ledge System, a govern-
Saturday. No casualties or injuries were reported. tunities is an essential hu- express these needs ry standards for accessibili- ing” individuals. ment statement said.
The Shalimar-bound train was packed with man and fundamental D.Y. CHANDRACHUD
ty within three months. The court asked the go- The skill development
passengers. The derailment occurred around right which has hardly Chief Justice of India vernment to enable the initiative was organised
5.30 a.m., according to South Eastern Railway been realised on the ‘Essential prerequisite’ creation of public and priv- from October 19 to 29.
officials. One parcel van and two passenger ground. “Accessibility is not merely ate spaces, services and The prominent speakers
coaches went of the track around 40 km from Chief Justice of India D.Y. basic features such as ac- especially those living with a convenience, but a fun- products of an “universal included Sri Sri Ravi Shan-
Howrah, one of the largest railway junctions in Chandrachud, in a judg- cessible restrooms for per- families, without private damental requirement for design” which could be ac- kar, who spoke on “Secrets
eastern India. The Railways has issued ment on November 8, qu- sons with disabilities. spaces to express these enabling individuals, par- cessed by everyone, re- of living a stress-free life”,
emergency helplines for information on oted that disability was a needs,” Chief Justice Chan- ticularly those with disabil- gardless of their ability, M.K. Sridhar. who spoke
passengers: Kharagpur help desk number: tragedy only if society Overlooked needs drachud said. ities, to exercise their age, or status. “Inclusion on the National Education
Railway 63764, P&T 032229-3764. failed to provide people The Supreme Court said The judgment is based rights fully and equally... should be integrated into Policy, Dr. Soumya Swami-
with disabilities things es- society did not even bother on a report submitted by Accessibility is an integral the design process from nathan, who elaborated on
sential to lead their lives. to enquire into the “right the Centre for Disability part of life equality, free- the very beginning, rather “India public health to-
The court recorded that to relationships” of per- Studies, NALSAR Universi- dom, and human dignity… than as an afterthought… wards Viksit Bharat”, B.K.
‘Demonising Constitutional while Delhi had 3,775 low-
floor wheelchair-accessible
sons with disabilities.
“The emotional and re-
ty of Law.
The study assessed the
Accessibility was not a
standalone right. It is an es-
When introducing any new
service, product, or fea-
Shivani, Kris Gopalakrish-
nan, David Frawley, Ragha-
institutions pastime for some’ CNG buses for public tran- lational challenges faced situation on the ground sential prerequisite for ture - whether physical or va Krishna and Amritan-
sport, Tamil Nadu had only by PwDs [people with dis- and had recommended PwDs to exercise other functional - accessibility shu Pandey.
Demonising Constitutional institutions and 1,917 such buses. In Mum- abilities], particularly re- steps to ensure compliance rights meaningfully,” Chief must be considered at the Through lively discus-
sermonising people is fast becoming a “pastime”, bai, while newer facilities garding access to love, de- with accessibility stan- Justice Chandrachud inception stage. It is far sions of the Karmayogi
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on such as the Andheri Metro sire, and intimacy… dards for people with underscored. more efficient to integrate Saptah, participants
Saturday and cautioned that such actions are a Station met accessibility Emotional needs, such as disabilities. The court said disability accessibility from the start gained new insights and
recipe for chaos. He also said even those who standards, older buildings privacy and self-pleasure, The court found that as- is not inherent in the per- than to make adjustments tools, preparing them for
“constitutionally matter in the political arena” such as the Bombay Art are often overlooked, leav- pects of the Rights of Per- son, but is created by ex- later,” Chief Justice Chan- the future of governance in
are “sermonising all and demonising our Gallery did not offer even ing disabled individuals, sons with Disabilities Rules ternal factors such as phys- drachud pointed out. a rapidly evolving world.
Constitutional institutions”. Addressing an event
of an educational institution in New Delhi, he
said it is time to “bid adieu to this”. “Also, I say

Amid protests, Centre says Ratan Tata showed steadfast

with utmost restraint — time for our elites to be
elites. To them, I appeal — to be a worthy elite,
you have to be spurred by the fervour of

procurement of paddy in commitment to integrity,

nationalism,” he said, without naming anyone. PTI

3 workers killed in fire at a

godown in Gujarat’s Navsari
Punjab going on smoothly excellence and service: PM
Press Trust of India wide. One of Tata’s most
Three workers were charred to death and three The Hindu Bureau NEW DELHI defining qualities was his
injured in a fire caused by a chemical leak at a NEW DELHI unwavering support for
godown in Navsari district of Gujarat on Prime Minister Narendra the dreams of others, Mr.
Saturday, the police said. The blaze broke out Amid complaints and prot- Modi has described indus- Modi said.
around 9 a.m. when workers were unloading ests by farmers’ organisa- try doyen Ratan Tata, who “He understood the
barrels containing chemicals from a truck at a tions in Punjab that paddy died a month ago, as the hopes and aspirations of
godown in Devsar village of Billimoria taluka, procurement from the epitome of the finest tradi- young entrepreneurs and
Deputy Superintendent of Police B.V. Gohil said. State has been delayed, the tions of Indian enterprise recognised the potential
“Three workers died and three sustained injuries Centre said on Saturday with a steadfast commit- they had to shape India’s
and were shifted to a hospital,” he said. Mr. Gohil that the Food Corporation ment to integrity, excel- future. By backing their ef-
said five fire tenders were pressed into service of India (FCI) and the State The Centre says 6.58 lakh farmers in the State have so far received lence and service. forts, he empowered a gen-
from nearby talukas, and the blaze was brought agencies had procured the benefits of procurement at a cost of ₹27,995 crore. FILE PHOTO Penning a tribute to the Ratan Tata eration of dreamers to take
under control. The cooling operation is under 120.67 lakh metric tonnes widely respected former bold risks and push boun-
way at the godown, the official added. PTI (LMT) from the State. statement. A’ grade paddy procurement of milled rice Tata Group chairperson, these fields, including in daries,” Mr. Modi said.
The Centre said so far is being purchased at the of last season, rice mills are Mr. Modi said his absence numerous start-ups. Tata championed excel-
6.58 lakh farmers in the MSP at the rate of ₹2,320 a unable to keep and process since his passing has been For the youth, he was an lence, urging Indian enter-
State had benefited from quintal and the total paddy the fresh stock of paddy. deeply felt not only in In- inspiration, a reminder prises to set global bench-
Not all Sikhs in Canada are procurement at the mini-
mum support price (MSP)
purchased till date in the
ongoing kharif marketing
“...2,927 designated
mandis and temporary
dia but across the world.
Tata remains alive in the
that dreams are worth pur-
suing and that success can
marks. This vision, he
hoped, will inspire the
Khalistan followers: Trudeau at an estimated ₹27,995 season amounts to ₹27,995 yards are operational lives he touched and the coexist with compassion as country’s future leaders to
crore. crore. “Further, 4,839 mill- throughout the State for dreams he nurtured, and well as humility. make India synonymous
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has “As such, paddy pro- ers have applied for shell- smooth procurement. The generations will be grateful For others, he repre- with world-class quality.
acknowledged the presence of Khalistan curement is going on ing of paddy and 4,743 Central government has to him for making India a sented the finest traditions Tata’s support for the
supporters in Canada but said they do not smoothly,” the Union go- millers have already been fixed an estimated target of better, kinder and more of Indian enterprise and a ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’
represent the Sikh community as a whole. His vernment said. “A total allotted work by the Pun- 185 LMT for paddy pro- hopeful place, the Prime steadfast commitment to was particularly close to
comments came during Deepavali celebrations at quantity of 126.67 LMT of jab government,” the curement which shall con- Minister said in a tribute to the values of integrity, ex- his heart, Mr. Modi said. “I
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill recently amid an paddy has arrived in the Centre said. tinue up to November 30, Ratan Tata, which was cellence and service, the still remember his heartfelt
ongoing diplomatic row with India over the Punjab mandis as of No- Earlier, the Samyukta 2024,” the Centre said and posted on his website. Prime Minister said. He video message for the
killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh vember 8, 2024, out of Kisan Morcha (SKM) had added that the paddy pro- Those passionate about noted that under his lea- Swachh Bharat Mission’s
Nijjar. “There are many supporters of Khalistan which 120.67 LMT has protested against the delay curement from the mandis the environment and de- dership, the Tata Group as- 10th anniversary at the
in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh been procured by State in paddy procurement. is in full swing and the pad- voted to philanthropy are cended to new heights, start of October. It was
Community as a whole. Similarly, there are agencies and the FCI,” the The SKM had alleged dy being lifted is more than equally saddened, he said, embodying respect, hones- among his final public ap-
supporters of Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi’s Food Ministry said in a that with the FCI delaying the quantity arriving daily. citing Tata’s investment in ty and credibility world- pearances,” he said.
government in Canada, but they do not represent
all Hindu Canadians,” Mr. Trudeau said. PTI

SUDOKU
IDF working on new guidelines to treat Type 2 diabetes
쑽 Ramya Kannan International Diabetes Fed- are several problems. First- no long-term data on the
CHENNAI eration’s guidelines is that ly, the shortage of the side effects of the GLP-1
it does not lose the science, drugs. In Australia, for ex- class of drugs, so it may not
The International Diabetes but makes sure that the ample, people were forced be advisable to use them as
Federation (IDF) is drawing practice is applied on to to stop because the drug the first-line for everyone
up new guidelines for the the environment in specif- was not anymore available. at this stage.
treatment of Type 2 dia- ic countries. We are talking When these drugs which Professor Schwarz ad-
betes in consultation with about putting not the aid weight loss are ded that the IDF is also de-
a global expert panel. drugs, but the patient in stopped, the patients re- veloping a global diabetes
These guidelines are being the middle of the care gain weight. So, as part of index. “Once a year we will
evaluated, and will be model.” the guidelines we do not ask 100,000 physicians
launched in Bangkok in say GLP-1 first, then insu- and 100,000 patients in ev-
April during the World Basic care lin. We keep insulin as our ery country in the world
Congress, IDF president Professor Ceriello added: IDF president Peter Schwarz; Antonio Ceriello, former head of the first choice, and if needed about their perception of
Peter Schwarz has said. “In many countries in the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and V. Mohan, and suitable, you can add the quality of diabetes
Professor Schwarz was world, these guidelines are chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre. R. RAVINDRAN GLP-1.” care, and it will be translat-
in Chennai along with the used by healthcare sys- ed into a score of up to 100.
chairperson of the guide- tems to justify some choic- States or Europe. “But our organisation comprising Factors to consider Then, immediately, we can
lines committee, Antonio es in terms of reimburse- idea is to give instruments over 240 associations of Professor Schwarz chimed compare the quality of dia-
Ceriello, former head of ment or in terms of what to be used at [a] local level diabetologists across the in: “I’m a strong supporter betes care in Kerala with
the European Association can be allowed, how to ac- in order to get the best op- world, looks at it from a of calming down to look at Wisconsin in the United
for the Study of Diabetes cess care. This is why we tions for the treatment of slightly different perspec- the science and the im- States. Countries can learn
(EASD), to give Indian dia- we wanted to set the mini- diabetes.” tive from the national asso- pact. We would move the best practices from each
Solution to yesterday’s Sudoku
betologists a sneak peek in- mum, basic care, that re- The current or existing ciations for diabetology. patient from a lifelong other. For instance, he
to the new set of guide- flects the basic right of guidelines from the Ameri- For instance, the ADA’s treatment with insulin, said, the chain of institu-
lines. anyone with diabetes for can Diabetes Association recommendation that which is becoming cheap- tions Dr. Mohan runs
Speaking to The Hindu, treatment; less than this is (ADA) or EASD may not be GLP-1 receptor agonists, in- er and cheaper, to a life- would be a role model on
he said: “Forming such a not acceptable.” While suitable for all countries, cluding semaglutide, may long treatment with an ex- how to conduct diabetes
guideline is always a big there are multiple guide- because of accessibility be used as first-line treat- pensive drug. This has care in different areas with
undertaking, because we lines for diabetes in the and affordability issues, ex- ment in certain cases “is social and financial dimen- varying income groups,
need to put all the evi- world, he said most focus plained V. Mohan, chair- questionable, for several sions and there are side ef- and it features as such in
dence — from science and on the best available man, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes reasons”, Professor Ceriel- fects — all of which we have the new guidelines.
clinical practice — together. chances because they are Specialties Centre, Chen- lo said. “I can say that they to consider.” Dr. Mohan ad- (Full panel discussion is
What is unique about the coming from the United nai. The IDF, which is an are good drugs. But there ded that there is currently at newsth.live/diabetes)
CM M ND-NDE
YK
 THE HINDU
10 Sunday, November 10, 2024

SCIENCE
Delhi

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac associated with TTP SNAPSHOTS

쑽

The Hindu Bureau TTP. The article also pro- elevated lactate dehydro- The second case in- cocorticoids led to her VID-19 vaccination cam-
vides an analysis of TTP in- genase (LDH), and hydrox- volves a 45-year-old female recovery. paigns. It is hypothesised
A study published in the cidence in the Nanjing area ybutyrate dehydrogenase who experienced fever and that the increase in TTP
journal Frontiers of Medi- of China, suggesting a pos- (-HBDH) levels, with furth- muscle soreness five days Incidence rates cases could be associated
cine has found an associa- sible correlation between er deterioration indicated after her second dose of The study also examines a with the vaccines, alth-
tion between the inactivat- COVID-19 vaccination and by decreased platelet CoronaVac. She presented series of TTP cases from 14 ough a direct causal link is
ed COVID-19 vaccine the occurrence of TTP. count, haemoglobin levels, with high fever, haemato- hospitals in the Nanjing not established.
CoronaVac from Sinovac The first case details a and the presence of schis- logical abnormalities, area, showing an increase The report delves into
Biotech and immune 23-year-old female who de- tocytes in peripheral blood acute renal failure, and in TTP incidence from the potential mechanisms
thrombotic thrombocyto- veloped symptoms of TTP smears. Her condition im- thrombocytopenia. She 2019 to 2022 that may be by which COVID-19 vac-
penic purpura (TTP). The three days after receiving proved following the intro- was finally diagnosed with related to COVID-19 vacci- cines could trigger TTP, fo-
study presents two cases of her second dose of Corona- duction of glucocorticoids, TTP based on the presence nation. The data suggests cusing on the autoimmune
TTP occurring after the ad- Vac. Initially presenting plasma exchange, and ri- of schistocytes in peripher- that while TTP is rare — response that may cross-
ministration of the vac-
cine, highlighting the po-
with dizziness and weak-
ness, her condition pro-
tuximab, with a gradual re-
turn to normal values for
al blood smears and signif-
icantly low ADAMTS13 le-
about one new case per
million — the incidence
react with ADAMTS13,
leading to its deficiency
Caterpillar fungus can slow
tential association between gressed to include throm- ADAMTS13 antigen and in- vels. Treatment with rates increased in years fol- and subsequent TTP deve- down growth of cancer cells
this type of vaccine and bocytopenia, anaemia, hibitory antibodies. plasma exchange and glu- lowing the initiation of CO- lopment.
New research into a chemical produced by a
caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a
possible cancer treatment has revealed how it

Why Cambodia’s H5N1 reassortant

interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth
signals. The chemical Cordycepin, interrupts the
cell growth signals that are overactive in cancer,
an approach that could be less damaging to

virus needs close monitoring healthy tissues than most currently available
treatments. Cordycepin is converted to
cordycepin triphosphate, and this molecule was
found to directly affect cancer cells.
All available data suggest human infections caused by the reassortant virus are attributed to direct poultry-to-human
transmission, with no evidence of human-to-human spread

The Hindu Bureau er, this indicates an intro-

duction of a sublineage of
ore than 10 clade 2.3.2.1c viruses with

M years without
any H5N1
case, Cambo-
dia suddenly witnessed a
spurt of H5N1 cases in hu-
a common ancestor detect-
ed in poultry in Vietnam
and Laos, but the exact in-
troduction pathway can-
not be pinpointed due to
mans, with 16 cases report- gaps in available surveil-
ed between February 2023 lance data.”
and August 2024 caused by Though the phenotypic
A/H5 clade 2.3.2.1c viruses.
If the sudden spurt in cases
contributions of newly in-
troduced clade 2.3.4.4b in-
Daytime sleepiness may be
was already concerning, 14 ternal gene segments have tied to dementia syndrome
cases were caused by a no- yet to be elucidated, the
vel mixing or reassortment presence of certain amino Older people who are sleepy during the day or
of A/H5N1 virus. The reas- acid mutations in both hu- lack enthusiasm for activities due to sleep issues
sortment was due to mix- man and poultry viruses in may be more likely to develop a syndrome that
ing of the gene segments the gene segment of can lead to dementia. People with the syndrome
from clade 2.3.2.1c known 2.3.4.4b suggests en- have a slow walking speed and have some
to circulate in Southeast hanced capacity for mam- memory issues, although they do not have a
Asia with the newer malian infection, they mobility disability or dementia. Called motoric
2.3.4.4b clade that has note. “To better under- cognitive risk syndrome, the condition can occur
spread globally. stand the zoonotic risk that before dementia develops. The study does not
Investigations found these viruses pose, further prove that these sleep-related issues cause the
that three human cases risk assessment in silico, ex syndrome, it only shows an association.
were in contact with sick vivo, in vivo, and in vitro is
poultry or bird drop- critical. In addition, the de-
pings. Till date, three tection of the PB2 627K
deaths caused by the reas- in Cambodia in March 2014 unclear. However, the reas- the HA gene segment un- mutation in the novel reas-
sortant virus have been re- and one human case sortment has very likely dertaken by the research- sortant genotype in poul-
ported. However, no hu- caused by this clade the- been “facilitated by high- ers reveals that all A/H5 vi- try is also a concern, as it
man-to-human spread has reafter was also reported density poultry farming, ruses sequenced from may become established in
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK OF POMPEII

been reported till date. from Cambodia. The clade wild bird migration, and human cases belong to widespread circulation,”
In a preprint, which is 2.3.2.1c viruses continued cross-border poultry clade 2.3.2.1c. According to they caution. The PB2
yet to be peer-reviewed, to circulate since 2014. Ho- trade in the region, high- the authors, the virus res- 627K mutation is associat-
posted on November 5, a wever, clade 2.3.4.4b virus- lighting the ongoing risk of ponsible for the February ed with increased mamma-
team led by the Pasteur In- es were first detected in zoonotic transmission in 2023 case in humans was lian adaptation and air-
stitute in Cambodia pu- live bird markets in Cam- Southeast Asia”. closely related to clade borne transmission in
blished a detailed genetic bodia in 2021, co-circulat- Apparently, after the 2.3.2.1c A/H5N1 viruses ferrets. This underscores
analysis of the novel H5N1 ing with clade 2.3.2.1c emergence of the novel that has been circulating in the need for close monitor-
reassortant, which yielded viruses. reassortant genotype, the Cambodian poultry and ing of the novel reassortant
new details on the spillover There were two spillov- clade 2.3.2.1c is no longer wild birds since 2013. genotype for signs of in-
timeline and emphasised ers to humans, with the in circulation in poultry in creased mammalian
DNA evidence of people
the need for stepped-up
surveillance.
first occurring in February
2023 involving clade
Cambodia. “Novel reassor-
tant replaced the circulat-
Significant divergence
But since October 2023,
adaptation.
This makes it critical to
buried in volcanic eruption
For each human case, a 2.3.2.1c viruses when two ing 2.3.2.1c clade in Cam- the hemagglutinin (HA) se- carry out sustained surveil- In 79 CE, the active volcanic system in southern
collaborative One Health related individuals were bodian poultry,” Jurre Y. quences from both hu- lance of avian influenza vi- Italy known as Somma-Vesuvius erupted, burying
investigation was conduct- detected and death of one Siegers, from the Institut mans and poultry in Cam- rus circulation in poultry the small Roman town of Pompeii and everyone
ed, which was able to link person. The second spil- Pasteur du Cambodge, bodia displayed significant and wild birds, particularly in it. Now, ancient DNA collected shows that
the human cases to infect- lover to humans began in Phnom Penh, Cambodia divergence from earlier in high-risk regions like individuals’ sexes and family relationships do not
ed poultry through rapid October 2023. Between and the first author of the Cambodia strains. “These Southeast Asia. Simultane- match traditional interpretations formulated
whole genome sequenc- October 2023 and the end preprint said in a post in X HA genes clustered with ously, awareness pro- largely from modern-day assumptions — an adult
ing. The rapid assessment of August 2024, Cambodia (formerly Twitter). “All two duck samples from grammes to reduce human wearing a golden bracelet and holding a child,
through genome sequenc- has reported 14 cases with available data suggest hu- Vietnam during July and exposure to infected poul- traditionally interpreted as a mother and child,
ing and linking the human six deaths. The second spil- man infections are attri- August 2023, and were de- try is paramount. Also im- were an unrelated adult male and child.
cases to poultry enabled lover is marked by a novel buted to direct poultry-to- rived from a sublineage of portant is building aware-
rapid response and control reassortant virus. human transmission, with clade 2.3.2.1.c continuous- ness about safe handling
measures. According to the auth- no evidence of human-to- ly detected in Laos during practices, and encouraging
Clade 2.3.2.1c viruses in ors, the exact origins of human spread.” October 2020 and May early healthcare seeking
poultry were first reported this reassortment are still Phylogenetic analysis of 2023,” they write. “Togeth- behaviour, says Dr. Siegers.

India will fail to meet 2025 TB ‘elimination’ target Question Corner

R. Prasad ducing TB deaths by 75%,

and reducing TB incidence
Not only will India fail to
“eliminate” TB by 2025, it
three years after the 2020
target date.
Not volcanism
In March 2018, Prime Mi- rate by 50%. But as per the will not even be able to India did not meet the Did the world’s perfect fossils up to now
nister Narendra Modi set WHO Global TB Report meet even the End TB Stra- ‘elimination’ targets set for best-preserved dinosaurs has been sudden burial by
an ambitious goal of “elim- 2024 and the India TB Re- tegy 2025 milestones for 2023 by the India’s Nation- really die in volcanism, perhaps like
inating” TB by 2025, five port 2024 released a few TB incidence and the total al Strategic Plan for TB ‘Pompeii-type’ events? the waves of hot ash from
years ahead of the United days ago, India will not be number of TB deaths. elimination: 2017-2025 re- Mt. Vesuvius that
Nations Sustainable Deve- able to even meet the 2025 Worse, even in 2023, In- port published in 2017 — By the 1990s, it was clear entombed many citizens of
lopment Goals (SDG) dea- milestones set by the WHO dia has not met the 2020 reducing the estimated TB that the so-called Yixian Pompeii in A.D. 79. The
dline set for 2030. Mr. Mo- End TB Strategy, let alone milestones of the End TB incidence rate per lakh Formation contained Yixian deposits have been
di reiterated the achieving the ambitious Strategy for both TB inci- population to 77, and re- uniquely well-preserved popularly dubbed the
government’s goal of goal of “eliminating” TB by dence and deaths. As per ducing the estimated TB remains of dinosaurs, “Chinese Pompeii”.
“eliminating” TB by 2025 2025. Lagging: Even in 2023, India has not met the 2020 milestones of the the End TB Strategy target deaths per 1,00,000 popu- birds, mammals, insects, Though the Pompeii idea
even in March 2023 while According to the India End TB Strategy for both TB incidence and deaths. GETTY IMAGES for 2020, there should lation to six. frogs, turtles and other is highly appealing, a study
inaugurating the One TB Report 2024, the TB in- have been a 35% reduction Despite the very slow creatures. Unlike the says it is totally wrong.
World TB Summit 2023 in cidence rate in India in case of TB mortality, the the End TB Strategy 2025 in the number of TB deaths progress in reducing TB in- skeletal and often Instead, the study says the
Varanasi. 2015 was 237 per 1,00,000 rate was 22 per 1,00,000 milestone requires 75% re- compared with 2015 and cidence and deaths and far fragmentary fossils creatures were preserved
The SDG targets for population and the mortal- population in 2023, down duction in the total num- 20% reduction in TB inci- from “eliminating” TB by unearthed in most other by more mundane events
2030 is 90% reduction in ity rate was 28 per from 23 per one lakh in ber of TB deaths and 50% dence rate compared with 2025, a November 5 PIB re- places, many animals including collapses of
TB deaths compared with 1,00,000 population in 2022. As per the WHO re- reduction in TB incidence, 2015. With only 24% reduc- lease says India achieved a came complete with burrows and rainy periods
2015 and 80% reduction in 2015. According to port, the TB incidence rate India has to reduce the TB tion in the total number of “noteworthy 17.7% decline internal organs, feathers, that built up sediments
TB incidence compared the WHO global TB report in India had reduced by death rate from 28 per TB deaths and 18% reduc- in TB incidence from 2015 scales, fur and stomach that buried the dead in
with 2015. As per WHO’s 2024, the TB incidence 18% between 2015 and 1,00,000 in 2015 to seven tion in TB incidence bet- to 2023, a rate that is over contents. It suggested oxygen-free pockets.
post-2015 End TB Strategy, rate for India in 2023 was 2023, while the reduction per 1,00,000 by 2025 and ween 2015 and 2023, India twice the global average some kind of sudden,
compared with 2015, coun- 195 per 1,00,000 popula- in the total number of TB the TB incidence rate from has not even met the 2020 decline of 8.3%”, as report- unusual preservation
Readers may send their questions /
tries are required to meet tion. It was 199 per deaths between 2015 and 237 per 1,00,000 in 2015 to milestones for TB deaths ed by the WHO Global TB process at work. The answers to
the 2025 milestones of re- 1,00,000 in 2022. In the 2023 was only 24%. Since 118.5 per 1,00,000 by 2025. and TB incidence even Report 2024. leading hypothesis for the questioncorner@thehindu.co.in
CM M ND-NDE
YK
 THE HINDU
Sunday, November 10, 2024 11
FAQ
Delhi

What happens to How will Trump treat illegal Indians?

Indian firms on Why is the U.S. repatriating a large number of Indians? What are the various legally accepted ‘Certain Special Immigrants’ that includes

U.S. blacklist? processes through which Indian citizens can enter the U.S.? If the focus of the Trump presidency
is expected to be on cross-border flow from Latin American countries, will Indians be affected?
professionals who work with broadcast media in
the U.S., certain employees or former
employees of the U.S. government as well as
people from conflict zones like Iraq and
Were they sanctioned for supply and Anti-
Afghanistan (translators/interpreters). The fifth
Kallol Bhattacherjee easy travel to the Texas border by using category includes investors who can launch
sales to Russia? Will things be different immigration dangerous human trafficking agents and foreign commercial enterprises in the U.S.
under the Trump administration? The story so far: measures organisations. India has a large number of President-elect Donald Trump, who is known
n October 22, the Department of under agreements for visas with these countries that to have used expressions like “poisoning the

Suhasini Haidar

The story so far:

he government is still gauging the impact
O Homeland Security (DHS) flew a
“large-frame charter removal flight”
to repatriate Indian nationals “who
did not establish legal basis to remain in the
United States.” Royce Murray, assistant secretary
Donald
Trump will
be uniformly
implemented
allow for extended stays for Indian citizens. For
example, Peru is among those that waives visa
requirement for Indian nationals for business
and tourism purposes for one or more stays
totalling up to 180 days per year, provided that
blood” on the issue of immigration, has not
targeted Indians. In fact, during the closing part
of his campaign, he even spoke for protection of
the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh
which appealed to Indian-origin voters in the

T of a decision by the U.S. Treasury

department to impose sanctions on 19
Indian entities among nearly 400 companies,
for Border and Immigration Policy at the DHS,
said the U.S. had repatriated over 1,100 Indian
nationals in the previous fiscal year.
and is likely
to hit Indian
immigrants
they hold permanent residence or a visa valid
for a minimum of six months for Australia,
Canada, U.K., the U.S., or any Schengen country.
U.S. That apart, Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance’s
wife Usha Chilukuri Vance is of Indian origin.
The greater part of his focus on immigration has
mainly for supplying “dual-use” technologies to too been turned towards the cross-border flow from
Russia. In addition, the Bureau of Industry and Why were the Indians repatriated? From which States is there a high rate of Latin American countries. However,
Security run by the U.S. Commerce Department The U.S. officials maintain that they want to irregular immigration? anti-immigration measures under him will be
added 40 companies including five from India deter “irregular migration” to the U.S. from The latest flight from the U.S. that carried the uniformly implemented and is likely to hit
for re-exporting goods and parts to Russia that India among other countries, and that the Indian nationals landed in Punjab, an U.S. Indian immigrants too.
were imported from the U.S. charter flight was in addition to the regular official told the media, indicating that most of
removals that the Immigration and Customs the people on board that special flight hailed What was Trump’s policy on immigration
Why are recent U.S. sanctions significant? Enforcement department carries out through from Punjab. The Hindu had reported in during his first term?
Since April 2021, when U.S. President Joe Biden commercial flights. The flight was aimed at November 2023 that from November 2022 to During his first stint (2017-2021), President
passed an executive order (E.O. 14024) on showcasing the strong will of the then September 2023, a record number of Indians — Trump had increased the rate of denial of H1B
“Blocking Property With Respect To Specified poll-bound Joseph Biden administration to 96,917 — were arrested while crossing illegally visas to Indian professionals. Mr. Trump had
Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of enforce immigration laws and deliver “tough into the U.S., according to U.S. Customs and issued a “Buy American and Hire American”
the Russian Federation”, the U.S. has sanctioned consequences for those who enter unlawfully.” Border Protection (UCBP) data. The number of executive order on April 18, 2017. Subsequently,
hundreds of companies from more than 20 Indians trying to enter the U.S. has witnessed a the Foreign Affairs Manual included a directive
countries worldwide for supplies and sales to What are the ways in which irregular Indian five-fold rise since 2019. Available data indicates to consular officials to keep the executive order
Russia, including some from India. But on immigrants try to enter the U.S.? that Gujarat has been supplying half of the total in view while deciding on granting of a visa.
October 30, the U.S. Department of Treasury Indians who try to enter the U.S. unlawfully illegal immigrants trying to enter the U.S. There According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
invoked the E.O. to sanction 19 Indian entities, generally try to use the southern U.S. border have also been several instances of deaths of Services (USCIS), under President Trump, denial
including companies and individuals for with Mexico and the Canada-U.S. border in the people while trying to cross the border. In a of H1B visa for initial services grew rapidly from
providing “dual-use” technologies to Russia and north. The pressure is more on the Mexico-U.S. well-documented case, a family of four — 13% in 2017 to 21% in 2019. There were also
other deals with Russian companies calling border as several Latin American or central Jagadish Patel, Vaishaliben Patel and their two allegations that U.S. consular officials were
them “Third-Country Sanctions Evaders”. The American countries like Honduras, El Salvador children, Vihangi and Dharmik, froze to death as making it extremely difficult for Indian
companies, mostly based in Delhi, Uttar and Guatemala are known to provide visa-free they tried to cross from Canada into the U.S. companies to transfer employees from India to
Pradesh, entry to U.S.-visa holding Indians for a period of the U.S. under the L1 visa category. During his
While a new U.S. Bengaluru and time. Using this facility, some people try to stay What is meant by lawful immigration to U.S.? first term, Mr. Trump had given the slogan of
administration after Hyderabad, are for extended periods of time in these countries There are various legally accepted processes ‘Build the Wall’ in the southern border of the
Donald Trump’s reputable, that are known for their porous borders and through which Indian citizens immigrate to the U.S. with Mexico. In the just-concluded
electoral win is well-established U.S. Every U.S. fiscal year (October 1 to presidential election, he focused on stopping
expected to pursue a companies dealing September 30) around 1,40,000 illegal immigration and deporting foreigners
in technological employment-based immigrant visas are made who are staying in the U.S. illegally — the
softer line on Russia, it
manufacturing, available to qualified persons under the number being touted to be in the region of 11
is unlikely that the with some even provisions of U.S. immigration law. million. Mr. Trump has delivered a series of
sanctions will be holding Employment-based immigrant visas fall into five speeches on how he plans to deal with this
removed anytime soon, government “preference categories”. In certain cases, problem which is presumed to affect the job
say analysts. contracts. These spouses and children are allowed to join the market in the U.S. He has declared that the
companies will applicant. The professionals who fall in the first National Guard will be deployed to deport illegal
now be on a U.S. “blacklist”, have assets or three categories are persons with extraordinary overstayers and that he might even invoke the
funds in the U.S. frozen, and face travel bans. ability in the sciences, arts, education, business 1798 Alien Enemies Act. However, there is little
or athletics, outstanding professors and clarity about how Mr. Trump would address
How has the Indian government responded? researchers with adequate experience, immigration-related concerns that his
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been multinational managers and executives. supporters have displayed during the campaign.
fairly muted on the action by the U.S., which is Professionals holding advanced degrees and In addition, his anti-immigrant stance will
likely to cost Indian companies millions of persons of exceptional abilities can also apply clash with the economic policy of his tech czars
dollars in contracts and legal appeals. When for immigrating lawfully to the U.S. Skilled who want to access the Indian market. It will be
asked during a briefing, Ministry of External workers, professionals and unskilled workers ironical if the Trump presidency opposes the
Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Stringent measures: A Texas delegate holds a sign during the third day of the who can fill positions after two years of training entry of people from markets favoured by
the MEA had “seen reports of U.S. sanctions”, 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17. AFP also fall in this range. The fourth category is Trump-friendly business tycoons.
but declined to comment on whether this was
discussed between U.S. National Security
Adviser Jake Sullivan and NSA Ajit Doval, who
spoke a day later. The MEA said the companies
were “not in violation of Indian laws”, and
pointed out that the government was trying to
“clarify issues”. “India has a robust legal and
What are the costs of population decline?
regulatory framework on strategic trade and
non-proliferation controls,” Mr. Jaiswal said, What are the pros and cons of increasing fertility rates? Which are the States with a growing expenditure on cardiovascular diseases in
referring to India’s membership of key 2017-18, while eight Hindi belt States with half
non-proliferation export control regimes such as population of the elderly? Has it reached a crisis point in some States? Will an uneven population the country’s population, spent just 24%.
the Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group growth shake up the federal structure? What will happen in the next round of delimitation? The solution proposed by the Chief Ministers
and the Missile Technology Control Regime. of increasing the fertility rate is also likely to
reduce women’s participation in the labour
What else can India do? Priscilla Jebaraj ‘Pro-natalist (2.7), and Madhya Pradesh (2.6). States with force, which will also hurt their economies.
India does not recognise unilateral sanctions by policies by lower fertility rates have largely developed Southern politicians have also raised concerns
the U.S. or any other country, following only The story so far: incentivising faster, but are now faced with the spectre of a with the Finance Commission that while their
those sanctions imposed by the UN. However, as he Chief Ministers of both Andhra rapidly ageing population. The India Ageing successful economies have pumped in higher

T
women to
India-U.S. high-tech trade increases, the U.S.’s Pradesh and Tamil Nadu expressed report published by UNFPA last year used tax revenues to the central pool, they get a
strictures will have an increasing impact on both concerns about the low fertility rates have more Health Ministry data to show that while the diminishing share of the central pie of resources
Indian companies and the government’s moves. in their States recently. Andhra children share of India’s elderly population is projected due to their slowing population growth.
According to the MEA, Indian agencies are Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu have not to rise from 10.1% in 2021 to 15% by 2036, the
already “sensitising” Indian companies on the has said that he planned to introduce legislation been a very demographic transition is more advanced in What are the political implications?
new measures being implemented by the U.S. to incentivise more children per family. successful some States. In Kerala, senior citizens accounted Uneven population growth is set to shake up the
that could impact them. The government could approach for 16.5% of the population in 2021, a figure that federal structure, with the current freeze on the
also increase measures to sanction-proof those What is the current demographic situation, is set to rise to 22.8% by 2036; T.N.’s elderly will number of seats in Parliament set to expire in
internation-
Indian companies doing business with Russia, especially in the southern States? make up 20.8% of its population in 2036, while 2026, after which a new delimitation exercise
by building more structural banking After decades of family planning policies seeking ally’ it will be 19% in Andhra Pradesh. In Bihar, on will change the representation that States have
mechanisms, and facilitating payments in to slow population growth, India has been the other hand, only 7.7% were elderly in 2021, in the Lok Sabha. The study by James and Kriti
national currencies, as have been explored for waking up to the fact that the success of such and this is projected to rise to just 11% in 2036. estimated that Uttar Pradesh is likely to gain 12
refineries procuring Russian oil, diamond policies is also leading to an increasingly ageing seats, followed by Bihar (10) and Rajasthan (7),
processing units and other sectors where the population. This is not a uniform phenomenon What is the likely economic impact? while Tamil Nadu is set to lose nine seats,
U.S. and EU sanctions have been the most — southern States, as well as smaller northern “India’s demographic transition is much ahead followed by Kerala (6) and Andhra Pradesh (5),
stringent. Eventually, rejecting any U.S. decision States have seen a much sharper decrease in of its socio-economic transition… To understand due to their falling share in national population.
will come at the cost of bilateral ties, and the total fertility rates, defined as the average the impact of this, the most important indicator
government will have to evaluate the number of children born to women during their is not the proportion of the elderly population, What are the solutions being considered?
cost-benefit calculus on whether to accept U.S.’s child-bearing years. Tamil Nadu and West but rather the old age dependency ratio, that is, The southern CMs seem to be advocating
moves, or to react more strongly to sanctions. Bengal, for instance, recorded fertility rates of how many older people are there for every 100 pro-natalist policies by incentivising women to
1.4 between 2019 and 2021, according to data people of working age, between 18 to 59 years,” have more babies. “This has not been a very
Will the Trump victory make a difference? from the Office of the Registrar General of India, says Srinivas Goli, an Associate Professor at the successful approach internationally. Educated
While a new U.S. administration after Donald while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, International Institute for Population Sciences. women know they are not reproductive
Trump’s electoral win is expected to pursue a Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh had fertility rates “When this ratio goes above 15%, that is when machines, and forced fertility will not work, nor
softer line on Russia, it is unlikely that these of 1.5. At the other end of the spectrum are you have the onset of an ageing crisis.” A will incentives that do not recognise what
sanctions will be removed anytime soon, say Bihar, with a fertility rate of 3, Uttar Pradesh number of States have already crossed this families actually need,” says Dr. Goli. He
analysts. During his campaign, Mr. Trump has point, according to projections by the National recommends changes in work-family policies,
consistently side-stepped any criticism of Commission on Population, with Kerala having with paid maternity and paternity leaves,
Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying that once he an old age dependency ratio of 26.1 in 2021, accessible childcare, and employment policies
comes to power, he would “end the war within followed by Tamil Nadu (20.5), Himachal that reduce the “motherhood penalty”. He notes
24 hours”. This has been seen as an indication Pradesh (19.6), and Andhra Pradesh (18.5). This that States and nations with better gender equity
that the Trump administration would not means these States’ window of opportunity, to are better able to maintain fertility rates at
impose further sanctions on Russia. However, reap the demographic dividend of economic sustainable levels, as women are more likely to
the U.S. Congress has frequently taken very growth from a large number of young workers have children if they will not be deprived of
tough positions on Russia, and in 2017, virtually unburdened by the economic and health economic independence while doing so.
forced Mr. Trump’s hand during his first tenure demands of a large number of minor or elderly Another approach is to increase the working
into signing the CAATSA law (Countering dependents, has already closed. lifespan and thus reduce the old age
America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) Health expenses are likely to rise significantly dependency ratio. The southern States are
that threatened sanctions against countries for in States with ageing populations. One analysis already magnets for economic migrants.
procuring major Russian military hardware, of NSSO data, in a study on demographic However, Dr. Goli points out that though these
including the S-400 missile defence systems that diversity by Tulane University’s K.S. James and migrants make social security demands of their
India has signed a deal for. While Mr. Trump has IIPS scholar Shubhra Kriti published by The destination States, they continue to be counted
led the Republican party to a majority in the India Forum, shows that the southern States, in their home States for political and financial
Senate, it is unlikely that he will reverse any of An elderly people: Health expenses are likely to rise significantly in States with just one-fifth of India’s population, spent distribution purposes, leaving southern States in
the sanctions already imposed on Russia. with ageing populations. THULASI KAKKAT 32% of the country’s total out-of-pocket a difficult tangle.
CM M ND-NDE
YK
 THE HINDU
Sunday, November 10, 2024 I
Delhi
News in Frames

X X
Guard of honour: Onlookers make way as participants lead cattle to the race field. Tight rein: Participants control the cattle as the race draws near.

X
Bull power: A race under way in a paddy field in Palakkad district of Kerala.

Cattle unleashed
The vibrant tradition of cattle racing has its roots in the agrarian culture of Kerala
and is deeply intertwined with the harvest festival of Onam

C
attle race is a sport organised in various sub-junior category and those with four
parts of rural Kerala with great second-generation teeth (after the milk teeth have
enthusiasm after the harvesting season. fallen) are considered “seniors”. The cattle
The vibrant tradition of cattle racing chosen for racing are more expensive than those
has its roots in the agrarian culture of the State. used for regular farming activities. These animals
The practice, which can be traced back centuries, are given special diet, including glucose, cumin
is intertwined with the harvest festival of Onam, seeds, eggs, cotton seeds, and milk, in the run-up
which celebrates the bountiful harvest and the to the races.
K.K. Mustafah spirit of community. During Onam, villagers Training begins well in advance, with jockeys
mustafah.kk@thehindu.co.in engage in various festivities, with cattle racing employing techniques to ensure that the cattle
emerging as a popular highlight. In Kerala, cattle are not only fit but also accustomed to the race
hold significant cultural value, symbolising environment. In recent years, cattle racing has
prosperity and the agricultural lifestyle. gained more visibility, with events attracting
The races are not just competitions; they are tourists and spectators from various parts of the
celebrations of the bond between farmers and country. This increased interest has led to
their cattle — an aspect that is very evident in organised competitions, complete with prizes
other cultures too, like in Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu. and recognition for the best performers.
The excitement and fervour surrounding these However, amidst the modernisation, efforts are
events foster community spirit and bring the local being made to preserve the traditional aspects of
populace together. this age-old practice. Cattle racing is more than
Cattle races in Kerala are typically organised in just a sport in the State; it is a celebration of
paddy fields or mud tracks, where specially tradition, community, and agricultural heritage.
trained bulls compete. An age-based classification As it continues to evolve, it retains its cultural
ensures fair competition among the participants. significance, reflecting the deep-rooted
The cattle are graded by age for various races. connection between the people of Kerala and X
Those with just milk teeth come under the their land. Getting ready: People watch as a jockey prepares his cattle for the race.
CM S ND-NDE
YK