MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Analyze the role of World Drowning Prevention Day in addressing the global health issue of drowning, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Discuss the measures taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global initiatives in mitigating this risk and suggest ways to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts.
GS III – International Relations/Public Health
Introduction:
- Drowning is a significant global public health issue, with over 236,000 deaths annually, making it a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death worldwide. The burden of drowning disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where over 90% of these deaths occur. In response, the United Nations General Assembly established World Drowning Prevention Day in April 2021, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), to raise awareness and encourage preventive actions globally.
Role of World Drowning Prevention Day:
- World Drowning Prevention Day serves as a critical platform to highlight the impact of drowning on communities, especially in vulnerable regions. The day aims to mobilize governments, non-governmental organizations, and the public to implement evidence-based drowning prevention strategies. Through public campaigns, the day educates communities about the risks of drowning and promotes life-saving interventions such as teaching swimming and water safety, providing safe spaces for water-related activities, and enforcing regulations on water bodies.
Measures Taken by WHO and Global Initiatives:
- WHO’s Global Drowning Prevention Strategy (2014): WHO provides a strategic framework for countries to reduce drowning deaths through data collection, policy development, and community-based interventions.
- Safe Kids Worldwide: This global organization works to prevent drowning by advocating for safe practices around water, especially for children.
- Global Partnership on Drowning Prevention: This partnership, led by WHO and UNICEF, focuses on integrating drowning prevention into broader health and development agendas, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Implementation of the 10 Evidence-based Interventions: WHO has identified ten key interventions, such as teaching school-age children swimming and water safety skills, installing barriers to control access to water, and improving emergency medical care, to reduce the incidence of drowning.
Suggestions to Enhance Effectiveness:
- Strengthening Local Governance: Encourage local governments to adopt and enforce drowning prevention regulations, such as mandatory use of life jackets and supervision in public swimming areas.
- Community-based Education Programs: Expand community-based programs to teach water safety and rescue techniques, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Innovative Technology Integration: Leverage technology, such as mobile apps and SMS-based alerts, to provide real-time information and guidance on water safety during high-risk periods like monsoons.
- International Collaboration and Funding: Increase international collaboration to share best practices and secure funding for large-scale drowning prevention programs in low-resource settings.
- Research and Data Collection: Invest in research to understand the local context of drowning incidents better and tailor interventions accordingly.
Conclusion:
- World Drowning Prevention Day has brought global attention to the urgent need for action against drowning, particularly in regions most affected by this preventable tragedy. By implementing WHO’s strategies, enhancing community education, and fostering international cooperation, the effectiveness of drowning prevention efforts can be significantly increased, ultimately saving lives and reducing the global burden of this issue.
Q2. Hunger strikes have been used as a powerful tool for political and social protest throughout history. Critically analyze the ethical and legal challenges associated with hunger strikes in India. Additionally, discuss the measures that can be taken to address these challenges while balancing individual rights and state responsibilities.
GS III – Polity and Governance
Introduction:
- Hunger strikes, a form of non-violent protest, have been historically utilized to draw attention to social, political, and economic issues. In India, prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi used hunger strikes to fight for justice and independence. However, the ethical and legal implications of hunger strikes present significant challenges, particularly regarding the state’s responsibility to protect life and the individual’s right to protest.
Ethical and Legal Challenges:
Right to Life vs. Right to Protest:
- The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life under Article 21 and the right to protest under Article 19. However, hunger strikes put these rights in conflict, raising questions about the extent to which an individual can risk their life to make a political statement.
Forced Feeding:
- In cases where hunger strikes threaten life, the judiciary has sometimes intervened, ordering forced feeding. This raises ethical dilemmas, as forced feeding can be seen as a violation of personal autonomy and dignity.
Public Pressure and Moral Responsibility:
- Hunger strikes often exert significant public pressure on governments to concede to demands, raising questions about the morality of using self-harm as leverage in negotiations.
Judicial Intervention:
- The judiciary’s role in handling hunger strikes, particularly in cases of forced feeding, has been contentious. The balance between protecting life and respecting personal choice remains a complex legal issue.
Measures to Address the Challenges:
Clear Legal Framework:
- There is a need for a clear legal framework that outlines the state’s responsibilities and the rights of individuals engaging in hunger strikes. This could include guidelines for judicial intervention and the conditions under which forced feeding may be permissible.
Mediation and Dialogue:
- Before a hunger strike escalates, the state should actively engage in dialogue with the protesters to address their concerns. Mediation could prevent the need for extreme measures and provide a platform for resolving grievances.
Ethical Guidelines for Medical Professionals:
- Medical professionals involved in cases of hunger strikes should adhere to ethical guidelines that respect patient autonomy while also considering their duty to preserve life. These guidelines should be developed in consultation with legal experts, ethicists, and human rights organizations.
Public Awareness and Education:
- Educating the public and potential protesters about the legal and ethical dimensions of hunger strikes can help ensure that such protests are conducted with full awareness of the implications. This can also prevent misuse of hunger strikes for coercive purposes.
Conclusion:
- Hunger strikes are a potent tool of protest but come with significant ethical and legal challenges. Balancing the right to protest with the state’s responsibility to protect life requires a nuanced approach that respects individual autonomy while upholding the rule of law. Clear legal guidelines, proactive mediation, and ethical considerations are essential to address these challenges in a manner that is just and humane.
