Emergency Period of Post Independence India, Indian Cancer Genome Atlas, Silver Craftwork, Pashmina Shawl and Papier Mache

(General Studies I – Post Independence History section – Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.)

Pre-Emergency period (1960’s-1975) –

• The dominance of the Congress Party was challenged intermittently, but it maintained a strong central presence under leaders like Nehru, Shastri and later, Indira Gandhi.
• Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister in 1966, navigating challenges like party factionalism. Her populist policies like the Green Revolution and nationalization of banks in 1969 consolidated her power.
• By the early 1970s, despite a victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, economic difficulties, corruption, and the centralization of power led to increasing dissatisfaction.
• Navnirman Andolan (1973-74) started as a student protest in Gujarat against economic hardships and corruption but rapidly spread and gained widespread support, ultimately forcing the resignation of the state government.
• In 1974, Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) called for “Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution) in Bihar, advocating for comprehensive societal change and challenging Indira Gandhi’s leadership.

Emergency Period (1975-1977) –

• The immediate cause for declaration of emergency was the Allahabad High Court’s decision on June 12, 1975, which invalidated Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election victory due to electoral malpractice.
• On June 25, 1975, following Indira Gandhi’s electoral disqualification and escalating political unrest, the Emergency was declared, citing internal disturbance.
• Fundamental rights were curtailed, the press was censored, and political dissent was crushed. Over 1,00,000 people were detained without trial under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
• During the Emergency, Indira’s younger son, Sanjay Gandhi, spearheaded controversial initiatives, including a forced sterilization campaign and slum clearance, causing widespread public outrage.
• Implemented by Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, the ‘20-Point Program’ aimed at economic development and social justice but was criticized for its coercive enforcement.

Post-Emergency (1977-1984) –

• The 1977 elections, post emergency, were marked by a significant shift, where the Janata Party, a coalition of parties opposed to the Emergency, won a decisive victory.
• Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister of India in this government, establishing India’s first non-Congress government at the centre.
• The Janata Party led coalition government was plagued by internal strife and an inability to effectively govern, leading to its collapse in 1979. Charan Singh briefly held the office of the Prime Minister with support from Indira Gandhi’s Congress, only to lose it as Congress withdrew its support.
• Consequently, Indira Gandhi made a political comeback by winning the 1980 elections. Her second tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate power but was also tumultuous due to escalating problems like the Punjab crisis.
• Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, leading to anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, succeeded her, bringing a brief period of calm and promising modernization of the economy.

Emergency is considered as a black spot on the vibrant history of India’s democracy as it threatened the constitutionally cherished democratic values, adversely impacted civil liberties, and led to grave human rights violations. It made the country realise the importance of a free polity and the need to safeguard the democratic system.

• The recent Pager attack in West Asia raises a question mark on passenger flight safety.
• A series of small explosions could damage the pressure bulkhead and the resultant decompression would require oxygen masks to be deployed for use by passengers.
• When there is a cabin fire and there is also oxygen, the result is a catastrophe and a catch-22 situation.
• The use of oxygen may lead to fire and in the absence of oxygen, there is a risk of becoming brain dead.
• There is only a small window of time for one to become brain-dead if you do not get your oxygen mask on immediately.
• As altitude increases above 10,000 feet, the symptoms of hypoxia increase in severity, and the time of useful consciousness rapidly decreases.
• In the case of explosive decompression, the TUC may be halved because of the effects of the sudden outflow of oxygen from the body’s tissues.

Dig Deeper: Read about the condition of Hypoxia and symptoms of it.

• The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) Foundation has launched a portal aimed at improving the understanding of genetic variations in cancer within the Indian population.
• The portal will serve as a repository of comprehensive cancer data, starting with breast cancer patients.
• ICGA Portal will provide DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes.
• It is the first of its kind in India and aims to enhance cancer treatment tailored to Indian patients.
• Cancer treatments in India have traditionally relied on Western data, but cancers in Indian patients often show significant molecular differences.
• The repository aims to empower researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate and drive breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
• Currently, data from 50 breast cancer patients is available, with plans to expand to over 500 patients in the next year.
• The data is freely accessible to the global research community to encourage collaboration and ethical sharing.

Dig Deeper:  Read about pro-oxidant tablets with resveratrol and copper (R+Cu) in cancer treatment.

• Leaders of the Quad group, including India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, met at their sixth summit in Wilmington, USA to announce a broad range of initiatives focused on security, health, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• A new Coast Guard exercise and a logistics network pilot project were launched to improve disaster response and maritime safety.
• A Maritime Legal Dialogue has been launched to support actions to uphold the rules-based order.

Dig Deeper: Compare Quad with AUKUS.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted artefacts to U.S. President and First Lady, emphasizing India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
• Antique Silver Train Model for US President: PM presented an antique hand-engraved silver train model, showcasing Indian metalworking craftsmanship.
• It features intricate filigree work and is made of 92.5% silver.
• It is crafted by artisans of Maharashtra.
• The model is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, symbolizing India’s railway history and global influence.
• PM gifted Pashmina Shawl in Papier Mache Box for First Lady.  

Pashmina Shawls

• Pashmina Shawls are symbolizing Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage of fine hand-crafting.
• Pashmina shawls are recognized globally for their quality, and modern designs continue to innovate the craft.

Pashmina is known the world over as cashmere wool, it comes from a special goat (Capra hircus) living at an altitude of 12000 to 14000 ft reared by shepherd nomads around the famous Pongkong Lake in the close vicinity of western Tibet.

Papier Mache:

• Papier Mache is a traditional Kashmiri craft dating back to the 15th century, introduced by artists from Central Asia.
• The craft involves decorating smooth surfaces made from paper pulp or substitutes, with pigments derived from minerals, plants, and insects.
• Key designs include floral patterns, Mughal miniatures, and mythological figures.

Popular products include boxes, vases, plaques, and screens.

Dig Deeper: Read about different types of Shawls in Kashmir based on the style of weaving and material used.