Contents:
- Growing epidemic
- Two cheers for the top court’s ‘bulldozer’ judgment
- The ‘new’ Justitia and reimagining justice
Growing Epidemic
Context: Global Diabetes Epidemic
- Diabetes definition: A chronic condition where the body can’t properly process glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Types of Diabetes :
- Type 1: Autoimmune disorder; the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Requires insulin therapy.
- Type 2: The body resists insulin or doesn’t produce enough. Managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
- Gestational: Develops during pregnancy, increasing future risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Rapid Growth: The number of people with diabetes has quadrupled from 200 million in 1990 to over 800 million in 2022 due to multiple factors.
- Rising Prevalence: The global rate of diabetes in adults has doubled, from 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022, heading towards a health crisis.
- Regional Hotspots: Asia is turning into a diabetes hotspot, with India leading the world with 212 million people, followed by China with 148 million.
Relevance: GS 2 ( Health )
Practice Question: How diabetes is becoming a global epidemic? Discuss its causes and effects, with a special focus on India. ( 250 words )
India’s Diabetes Fight:
- India hasthe highest untreated diabetes cases in the world with over 133 million people aged 30 and above.
- Better Diagnosis: More people are being diagnosed thanks to updated criteria, including tests for fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c (long-term blood sugar levels).
- Contributing Factors: Unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and widespread tobacco use are major drivers of this rise in cases.
The Role of Tobacco
- Higher Risk: Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes by 30%-40%.
- How It Works: Nicotine damages insulin production and worsens insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to manage blood sugar.
- Big Impact: Quitting smoking can dramatically lower the risk of both diabetes and related health issues like heart disease.
WHO Targets for 2030
- Diagnosis Goals: The WHO aims for 80% of people with diabetes to be diagnosed.
- Control Goals: 80% of diagnosed individuals should have good control over their blood sugar.
- Challenges in India: India needs to urgently scale up both diagnosis and treatment to meet these targets
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious issue; it should be handled with coordinated action and collaborative efforts. More focus should be given to testing and awareness generation through the promotion of schemes like Fit-India.
Two Cheers For The Top Court’s ‘Bulldozer’ Judgment
Context: The Supreme Court of India has condemned the practice of demolishing the homes of individuals accused of crimes without due process, ruling that such demolitions are illegal and must follow the rule of law.
Relevance : GS 2( Governance )
Practice Question: Discuss the role of the Judiciary in checking arbitrary actions of the Executive, with a special focus on rulings against illegal demolitions. (150 words)
Key Issues
- Delay in Action: The Court responded three years after demolitions began, raising concerns about timely justice.
- Redress for Past Demolitions: The judgment held state officials accountable, but it remains unclear if victims will receive compensation or justice.
State’s Dual Stance
- Public Celebrations: Politicians and public figures often praised these demolitions as a form of instant justice, presenting them as swift actions to punish wrongdoers.
- State’s Justifications:In court, demolitions were explained as actions against “illegal” construction, not punishments, showing a conflict between political claims and legal arguments.
Judgment Analysis
- Guidelines for Transparency and Due Process: The Supreme Court introduced a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring fairness in demolitions. These include:
- Providing notice and time for the affected individuals to respond.
- Ensuring personal hearings and the right to appeal.
- Demolition decisions must be proportional, meaning they should not be excessive or arbitrary.
Concerns and Future Steps
Vulnerable Populations: The ruling excluded some structures on public land from due process protections, potentially leaving marginalized communities more at risk of demolition.
Implementation: The effectiveness of these guidelines depends on how well courts and authorities enforce them. Without proper enforcement, demolitions could continue under the pretence of legality.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law once again by checking arbitrary action by the executives. Now focus should be on efficient enforcement and compensating past victims.
The ‘new’ Justitia and Reimagining Justice
Introduction :
- New Statue: The Supreme Court of India unveiled a six-foot statue of Justitia in October 2024.
- Description: The statue is a sari-clad, goddess-like without a blindfold, holding scales and the Indian Constitution.
- Significance: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stated it signifies that “Law is not blind; it sees everyone equally.”
Relevance: GS 2 (Judiciary )
Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the new Justitia statue unveiled by the Supreme Court of India in October 2024 and its impact on public perception of justice. (250 Words )
Historical Context
- Historical Presence: Open-eyed Justitia has historical precedent in Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures.
- Evolution of the Blindfold: The blindfold appeared in the late 15th century, originally seen as a negative attribute but later as a symbol of impartiality.
Current Interpretation and Debate
- Symbolism Questioned: The statue’s design raises questions about whether open-eyed justice truly represents equality and transparency.
- Inspiration: Likely inspired by a mural within the Supreme Court, depicting a goddess in a similar style.
Public Perception :
Positive Impacts:
- Enhanced Trust: Symbol of transparency and impartiality.
- Increased Awareness: Highlights the judiciary’s importance and role.
- Improved Understanding: Promotes understanding of justice principles.
- Public Empowerment: Inspires participation and accountability.
Negative Impacts:
- Misinterpretation: Potential for misinterpretation as biased or subjective.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Might raise unrealistic expectations.
- Disillusionment: This could lead to disillusionment if ideals aren’t met.
Visual Art and Justice
- Role of Visual Representation: Emphasises the need for inclusive approaches in representing justice.
- Reimagining Justice: Proposes presenting justice through themes of protest, resistance, and lived experience to promote feminist, anti-caste, and secular values.
Conclusion
Reducing case burdens on the courts should be prioritised by promoting alternative dispute mechanisms to ensure justice is visible as well as accessible.
