NEWS 1:Leh protests turn deadly: Four killed in police firing amid statehood and Sixth Schedule demands BJP office torched.
GS-3 internal security
- On Wednesday, four people died and at least 50 were injured in Leh after police fired on protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh.
- The BJP office in Leh was torched during the protest.
- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 35-day hunger strike following the violence.
- The Leh administration has imposed restrictions on gatherings of four or more people
- The violence occurred ahead of scheduled talks between the Centre and the Leh Apex Body on October 6, following a four-month gap.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the mob was incited by Sonam Wangchuk’s provocative statements and accused certain individuals of sabotaging the dialogue process.
- Protesters are demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of Sixth Schedule protections, originally intended for the Northeast.
- The MHA claims to be committed to providing adequate constitutional safeguards and has already increased reservation for Ladakh’s Scheduled Tribes from 45% to 84%.
- Omar Abdullah, former J&K Chief Minister, expressed support for the protesters, stating that Ladakh feels betrayed by the Centre, similar to J&K.
- The Kargil Democratic Alliance has expressed sympathy for the protesters, viewing the bandh as a reflection of the failure of the Union Territory model.
Sonam Wangchuk
- Born in 1966 in Alchi, Leh district, Ladakh.
- Studied Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar.
- Also trained in earthen architecture (Craterre, France).
- Operation New Hope
- Launched in ~1994 — a collaboration among government, community, villages to reform government schools.
- Ice Stupa
- An innovation to artificially store winter water as cone-shaped ice towers (“stupas”) which melt in spring to provide water when needed.
- Other innovations in sustainable architecture & solar buildings
- Building solar-heated, low-cost structures (using earth/mud) to better suit Ladakh’s harsh climate.
- Advocacy / activism
- Calls for more autonomy, constitutional protections for Ladakh (e.g. Sixth Schedule status) to safeguard land rights, ecology, and culture.
- Has done hunger strikes / protests regarding Ladakh’s political status and environmental concerns.
Recognition
- Recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.
- Various national and international awards for sustainable architecture and innovation.
NEWS 2:Delhi government plans cloud seeding trials in October-November to combat winter pollution after DGCA clearance using silver iodide.
GS-3 science and technology
- Delhi government received clearance from DGCA on September 23 for cloud seeding trials between October 1 and November 30.
- The cloud seeding method involves using silver iodide to induce precipitation and reduce smog.
- Trials were initially planned for August 30 to September 10 but were postponed due to monsoon cloud patterns.
- This initiative aligns with Delhi’s strategy for year-round clean air to protect public health during peak winter pollution.
Cloud Seeding
- Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification technology used to enhance precipitation (rain or snow), suppress hail, or disperse fog
- A process of artificially stimulating clouds to produce rain or snow.
- Works by introducing certain substances (called seeding agents) into clouds to encourage condensation and droplet formation.
Methods & Agents
- Silver Iodide (AgI) – most common, mimics ice crystals.
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl) – table salt, used in coastal/warmer areas.
- Dry Ice (Solid CO₂) – rapidly cools air, aiding condensation.
- Liquid Propane – causes freezing by expansion.
Delivery Methods:
- Aircraft (spraying agents directly into clouds)
- Ground-based generators (burning silver iodide flares, particles rise into clouds)
- Rockets / drones (emerging methods)
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Uses
- Increase rainfall in drought-prone areas.
- Enhance snowfall for water reservoirs.
- Hail suppression in agricultural regions.
- Fog clearing around airports and highways.
NEWS 3:India confronts high salt consumption crisis; calls for multi-pronged strategy including public awareness labeling and integration with health programs.
GS-3 science and technology
- Indian adults consume approximately 8-11 grams of salt daily, double the WHO’s recommended 5-6 grams.
- High salt intake contributes to hypertension, affecting 28.1% of Indian adults, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- WHO considers salt reduction a “best buy” intervention, projecting a $12 return for every dollar invested.
- The National Multisectoral Action Plan (NMAP) for NCDs (2017-22) includes salt reduction as a priority.
National Multisectoral Action Plan (NMAP)
📌 Background
- Launched by the Government of India (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) in 2019.
- Based on WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2013–2020) and aligned with SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-being).
- Aims to reduce Premature Mortality due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases by 25% by 2025.
🎯 Objectives
- Multi-sectoral coordination → Involves health, agriculture, urban development, education, transport, environment, finance, etc.
- Reduce exposure to NCD risk factors → tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, air pollution.
- Strengthen health systems for early detection, screening, and treatment of NCDs.
- Promote healthy lifestyle interventions at community and workplace levels.
- Integrate NCD prevention into policies across different ministries.
🛠️ Key Features
- Whole-of-Government approach → beyond health ministry.
- National, State & District NCD cells for implementation under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
- Monitoring Framework with targets till 2025:
- 30% relative reduction in tobacco use.
- 10% reduction in alcohol use.
- Halt rise in obesity and diabetes.
- 25% reduction in premature mortality due to NCDs.
MAINS MOCK QUESTION
Discuss the concept of cloud seeding and its potential impact on weather modification. What are the environmental concerns associated with this technology?
