Climate change playing havoc in India

Global warming is causing climate change not only in India but the world over As prime minister Narendra Modi said during remarks at the UN’s COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland: “For many developing countries, climate change is looming large over their existence We have to take big steps today to save the world This is the need of the hour ”

From heat waves devastating crop yields to torrential rains causing flooding that submerges entire communities, India is experiencing some of the most extreme impacts of the climate crisis While India comprises a little over 17% of the world’s population, it produces just about 7% of global emissions This might seem miniscule, but slight increases in temperature can throw our planet’s natural systems out of whack, contributing to extreme weather like heat waves, drought, and flooding In India (and all over the world), you can see the effects of rising temperatures everywhere you look as the climate crisis disrupts our daily lives – and critical sectors like our energy, agriculture, and transportation systems This summer, India sweltered through its hottest months on record

A heat wave lasting for weeks caused temperatures to soar above 110 degrees, with some areas hitting 115 degrees Researchers found that India saw a 55% increase in deaths due to extreme heat Heat waves killed many people across India and Pakistan Like many countries around the world, India is facing water security issues, and at the same time, widespread flooding The heavy rains has heavily impacted Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Gujarat, North Eastern states, West Bengal and South India The extreme rainfall events have

Thought for the week

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

The Atomic Age and the Ancient Wisdom: Lessons from Oppenheimer and the Bhagavad Gita

As we approach the anni vers ary of the fi rs t atomic explos ion on July 16 th, a mome ntous event tha t forever altered the c ourse of human history, we are als o greeted with the release of the movie O ppen hei mer Thi s convergence of pas t and present, of history an d culture, provides a uniq ue opportunity to reflect on the profound connec ti on s between the s cienti fic an d the s pi ritua l, the politi cal and the philosophical increased threefold over the last 70 years, but have also had a decrease in total annual rainfall The Himalayas, a long-time protector against drought in India, are at risk, too A report predicted that by 2100, at least one-third of the glaciers in the region will be gone Glacial melting as a result of rising temperatures has also exacerbated both flooding and drought, especially in agricultural mountain communities that rely on seasonal snow melt Flooding impacts India’s urban areas, too In some city areas, rapid urbanization and a lack of sustainable infrastructure is thought to have contributed to the flooding

There’s still time to turn things around Regional cooperation is one way to fight climate change Saarc countries, especially Pakistan, should coordinate their action to fight climate change Global warming is caused mostly by the activities of people, primarily because of the burning of fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere Protecting earth’s remaining biodiversity and restoring at least one-third of what has been lost in the last 30 years is the most efficient and cost-effective step we can take to stabilise the climate emergency

In the US, the average temperature has increased by 1 3 to 1 9 degrees F since the 1970s Heat waves have also become more frequent and intense, especially in the West Cold waves have become less frequent and intense There have been regional floods and droughts The intensity, frequency and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes have all increased since the 1980s Winter storms and heavy downpours are also increasing The length of the frost-free season has also increased since the 1980s

Democratic deficits

Democracy is the notion that people should actively participate in managing their government, either directly or through elected officials The word "democracy" derives from the ancient Greek words demos meaning people, and kratos meaning strength The phrase democracy first arose in the ancient Greek political and intellectual fort in the city state of Athens throughout classical antiquity

B r i t a i n h a s e a r n e d a r e p u t a t i o n a s t h e " M o t h e r o f Democracy" for its tremendous contributions to the advancement and promotion of democratic ideals The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, marked a milestone in establishing the rule of law and curbing absolute monarchy The parliamentary system, with its long history, has served as a model for democratic governance The Glorious Revolution of 1688 strengthened the power of Parliament and established a constitutional monarchy Individual liberties were further safeguarded, and parliamentary a u t h o r i t y w a s c o n f i r m e d b y t h e E n g l i s h B i l l o f R i g h t s Additionally, colonisation by Britain , in a way, was crucial to the development of democratic institutions and ideas around the world Sad and painful exploitation has been of some consequence

According to Freedom House's 2022 report, there has been a decline in world freedom for 16 consecutive years Even countries viewed as standard-bearers of democracy are experiencing anti-democratic currents When there is a democracy deficit, it means that a system or institution is not functioning adequately or fully in accordance with democratic principles This deficit can occur at various levels, such as within a specific country, a regional organisation, or even globally It is possible for outcomes like a lack of representation, the repression of rights and liberties, the degradation of accountability, etc to occur Democracies are often involved in complex decision-making processes and have laws in place to enforce accountability

Although these systems are necessary, they may lead to delayed and ineffective decision-making, which makes it difficult to deal with important concerns in a timely manner Negative impacts such as financial fraud and corruption not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in democratic institutions Cases like Nirav Modi's PNB fraud scam, the Vijay Mallya money laundering case, etc increase corruption; by entrenching strong networks and enabling them to operate freely, they further exacerbate the democratic deficit

Additionally, the issue of refugees coming from many regions of the world questions democracies' commitment to h u m a n i t a r i a n p r i n c i p l e s , h u m a n r i g h t s , a n d i n c l u s i v i t y Democracies must find a compromise between maintaining security and offering safety to people escaping repression, hostility, or economic suffering To address this difficult issue while respecting democratic norms, strong immigration policies and efficient integration procedures are crucial Extremist groups exploit democratic spaces, such as freedom of speech or assembly, to advance their agendas or provoke overreactions from governments that could erode civil liberties and democratic values The Khalistani movement has had implications for international relations, particularly between India and some foreign countries with sizable Sikh diaspora populations The movement’s activities have sometimes strained diplomatic relations and led to concerns about the movement's external support

Addressing a democracy deficit requires various measures, including enhancing political participation, bolstering transparency and accountability mechanisms, encouraging civic education, fostering a free and independent media, and ensuring the rule of law These efforts aim to restore and strengthen democratic principles and institutions, providing citizens with a voice and empowering them to shape their societies

J Robert Oppenheimer, the 'father of the atomic bomb', was a man of many facets A physicist by profession, he was also deeply interested in philosophy and spirituality, particularly the ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita It was this text that he famously quoted upon witnessing the first successful atomic test, saying, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds "

As the chairman of City Hindus and the India League, I find this intersection of science, spirituality, and politics particularly fascinating The Bhagavad Gita, a 7 0 0 - v e r s e t e x t t h a t i s p a r t o f t h e I n d i a n e p i c Mahabharata, is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer It is a profound exploration of duty, righteousness, and the path to spiritual enlightenment

Oppenheimer found solace and guidance in the Gita during the tumultuous times of the Manhattan Project He navigated through the dangerous political environment of his time, balancing the immense power of the atomic bomb with the moral and ethical implications of its use The Gita's teachings on duty, action without attachment to results, and the impermanence of life resonated with him

As a young man working in the US Congress we lobbied the White House to prevent nuclear proliferation by AQ Khan of Pakistan

In today's volatile political landscape, there are lessons to be learned from Oppenheimer's journey and his engagement with the Gita Politicians today are often faced with complex dilemmas that require not only strategic thinking but also ethical discernment The Bhagavad Gita's teachings can provide valuable insights into how to navigate these challenges

Firstly, the Gita emphasizes the importance of duty or 'dharma' In the face of difficult decisions, politicians must remember their fundamental duty to serve the people and uphold justice This sense of duty can guide them through the most challenging political storms

Secondly, the Gita teaches 'Nishkama Karma', or action without attachment to results This does not mean indifference to outcomes but rather focusing on the right action and letting go of the anxiety over results This can be a powerful antidote to the short-termism that often plagues political decision-making

Lastly, the Gita's wisdom on the impermanence of life can help politicians maintain perspective in the face of success and failure, praise and criticism It can foster resilience and a steady mind, qualities that are essential in the turbulent world of politics

As we commemorate the anniversary of the atomic age and watch Oppenheimer's story unfold on the big screen, let us remember the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita that guided him In the face of today s political challenges, may we too find guidance and inspiration in its timeless teachings

Judge rules that doctor was driving too fast despite being under speed limit

A warning has been issu ed by a ju dge regard ing the risks associated w ith d riv ing at a speed that i s co n si d e re d exc es s i v e an d u n rea s on ab le T h i s ca u ti o n came after a hospital docto r collided with a 1 2-year-old girl on a p e d es tri an c ro s si ng , w ith th e ju dge determ ining that the doctor was d riv ing too fast d espite being within th e 30m ph sp eed limit

D u r i n g t h e p r o c e e d i n g s ,

D e p u t y H i g h C o u r t J u d g e

D e x t e r D i a s l e a r n e d t h a t D r Shanthi Chandran, a consultant physician, was driving her BMW i3 Range Extender at 28 mph in a 30-mph zone when the accident occurred on a dark and rainy M o n d a y m o r n i n g i n J a n u a r y 2018 on Buckingham Road in Oxfordshire

It was also revealed that the child, who sustained a serious h e a d i n j u r y , h a d e n t e r e d t h e crossing while the traffic light w a s g r e e n N e v e r t h e l e s s , t h e j u d g e c o n c l u d e d t h a t D r Chandran, who was en route to w o r k i n M i l t o n K e y n e s ,

B u c k i n g h a m s h i r e , h a d b e e n driving at an excessive, unsafe, a n d u n r e a s o n a b l e s p e e d , a n d h a d f a i l e d t o g i v e s u f f i c i e n t attention to hazards and other road users

Dr Chandran was sued by the girl's mother on behalf of her daughter for damages Judge Dias has summarized his findings in a ruling that was released o n W e d n e s d a y , f o l l o w i n g a t h o r o u g h e x a m i n a t i o n o f t h e e v i d e n c e p r e s e n t e d d u r i n g a

High Court hearing in London held in April

In the ruling, the judge highlighted that due to the child's "cognitive and psychiatric problems," her identity must not be disclosed in media reports

Second death in Wimbledon school crash

A no ther child has lost h er life following a d ev astating incid ent in southwest London, w here a L and Rover crashed th roug h a scho ol fence, resulting in a series o f inj uri es T h e M etro po li tan P olice has identified the second v ictim as eigh t-year-old Nuria S ajjad

At approximately 9:54 am, the car veered off the road and collided with a building at The S t u d y P r e p S c h o o l i n W i m b l e d o n T h i s i n c i d e n t caused multiple individuals to sustain injuries Later on the s a m e d a y , t h e h e a r t b r e a k i n g news of the passing of another eight-year-old girl, Selena Lau, was announced

In a statement, Nuria’s family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passi n g o f o u r b e l o v e d N u r i a o n Sunday 9 July 2023 Nuria was t h e l i g h t o f o u r l i v e s S h e e m b o d i e d j o y , k i n d n e s s a n d generosity and she was loved by all around her

Following the tragic crash, a significant response was mounted with 35 police vehicles and other emergency services personnel rushing to the scene A total of 16 individuals received initial treatment at the location, a n d 1 0 o f t h e m , i n c l u d i n g a s e v e n - m o n t h - o l d g i r l , w e r e

Royal Mail ordered to pay £2.3m on whistleblowing