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<keyword id="19919396" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tripura" source="keywords">Tripura</keyword> is presently facing a surging <keyword id="22356081" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HIV-epidemic" source="keywords">HIV epidemic</keyword> ripping through its student population. Fueled by <keyword id="22349851" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="injectable-drug-use" source="keywords">injectable drug use</keyword>, this crisis has infected at least 828 students and tragically claimed the lives of 47. The situation stretches across 220 schools and 24 colleges, highlighting the alarming ease of transmission. Officials from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) paint a grim picture. New cases are detected daily, with estimates ranging from five to seven. This data, meticulously collected from 164 health facilities across the state, offers a comprehensive view of the outbreak's geographic and demographic reach. The crisis appears to be disproportionately impacting students from affluent families. Often, both parents hold government jobs, possibly indicating higher disposable incomes. However, officials think that this dynamic can delay the detection of drug use and HIV infection, hindering early intervention, as per TOI. While this news may come as a surprise to many outside the northeast, the region has actually been battling a drug problem for several years now, which has sparked a concerning shift in its HIV epidemic. <h2>The growing threat of injectable drug use </h2>As of November 2023, Tripura had over 5,200 active HIV/AIDS cases. While sexual transmission had dipped below 2% as of last year, injectable drug use among students became the primary mode of transmission of the deadly disease. In just a few years, injectable drug use has skyrocketed to a staggering 95% among students aged 14-20. This surge is attributed to the easy availability of injectable drugs, leaving students particularly vulnerable. The statistics paint a bleak picture. As of July 2023, Tripura has witnessed a 300% increase in AIDS patients over the previous decade, TOI reported. The report further stated that injectable drug users were estimated to be 43 times more likely to contract HIV compared to the general adult population. This issue is particularly concerning in northeastern states like Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur. HIV cases have seen a dramatic rise. From a mere 11 in 2015-16, the number jumped to 757 in 2022 alone. And just over six months into 2024, the state has already seen over 800 HIV cases among students due to drug use. However, experts do point to increased surveillance, awareness and better screening are also contributing to an increased number of cases being reported in recent years. Experts warn that this trend indicates a potential full-blown epidemic. Curbing it requires extensive counselling and mass testing among vulnerable youth. However, obtaining prior consent for testing creates a significant hurdle. The <keyword id="174281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tripura-government" source="Orion">Tripura government</keyword> is actively seeking solutions. Amending the law to allow mandatory HIV testing under specific circumstances is being explored. Additionally, the focus remains on strengthening existing strategies to combat HIV/AIDS. Tripura's Chief Minister has pointed a finger at foreign nations such as Myanmar, accusing them of fueling the illegal drug trade in the state. He has vowed to crack down on drug traffickers, highlighting Tripura's position as the leading drug seizure state in the Northeast. With the recent surge in the state’s HIV cases, Tripura's fight against AIDS has entered a new chapter. Addressing the rising IDU trend among students is crucial to prevent a further escalation of the epidemic. Through a combination of stricter regulations, targeted interventions, and increased awareness, Tripura can hope to control this public health challenge.

How did over 800 students test HIV positive in Tripura?

A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

<keyword id="20010841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports" source="keywords">Sports</keyword> Minister <keyword id="19906409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mansukh-mandaviya" source="keywords">Mansukh Mandaviya</keyword> on Friday launched the second phase of the <keyword id="22473016" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="KIRTI" source="keywords">KIRTI</keyword> project with an aim to identify one lakh young <keyword id="19929069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="athletes" source="keywords">athletes</keyword> within 100 days, for support. He felt the nationwide <keyword id="19973896" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="talent" source="keywords">talent</keyword> hunt under <keyword id="20305504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khelo-India" source="keywords">Khelo India</keyword> Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) will prove to be a stepping stone to making India one of the top five nations in the <keyword id="19986816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Olympic" source="keywords">Olympic</keyword> Games by 2047. "India is full of diversity and potential. There has never been a shortage of brainpower, manpower, or talent in India," said <keyword id="19996309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mandaviya" source="keywords">Mandaviya</keyword> after launching the second phase of the programme at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here. "Not just the cities, but even in our far-flung areas like the North-East, Coastal, Himalayan and tribal areas can have a quality sportsperson there." In the third Phase, the KIRTI program will include all 20 disciplines of the Khelo India scheme. The first phase of KIRTI was launched in Chandigarh on March 12 this year. "We need to have a steady stream of these high-performing assets and that's where KIRTI, a stepping stone to sporting excellence, comes into play. "Everyone will be given opportunities to develop their sports skills, whether they live in a village or a city, and whether they come from a poor background or otherwise." In Delhi, <keyword id="19950124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-authority-of-india" source="keywords">Sports Authority of India</keyword> (SAI) shall conduct assessment of over 25000 MCD students in 12 zones and cover 5 major disciplines: Athletics, Football, Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho, for almost one month. Addressing school-going children, who attended the launch event, Mandaviya said, "Among you, there will certainly be an Olympic champion. I appreciate the fact that your parents have come and are backing you to play sports."

One lakh athletes to be identified within 100 days under KIRTI: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

There are nearly 60 properties in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> that find a place in the Tentative List for further inclusion in the <keyword id="20413005" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="UNESCO-World-Heritage-List" source="keywords">UNESCO World Heritage List</keyword>, according to information shared by the government in Parliament on Monday. A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties that each State Party intends to consider for nomination as a <keyword id="19908797" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNESCO" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="UNESCO" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="UNESCO">UNESCO</keyword> <keyword id="20989756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-heritage" source="keywords">World Heritage</keyword> Site. The 46th session of the World <keyword id="19960510" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heritage" source="keywords">Heritage</keyword> Committee (WHC) is being held in New Delhi from July 21 to July 31. India is hosting the key event of UNESCO for the first time. The mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam -- '<keyword id="22553829" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moidams" source="keywords">Moidams</keyword>' -- was, on July 26, inscribed on the UNESCO <keyword id="22552065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-heritage-list" source="keywords">World Heritage List</keyword>, making it the first <keyword id="22477662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-property" source="keywords">cultural property</keyword> from the Northeast to get the coveted tag. 'Moidams' was submitted as India's nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2023-24. The site was put in the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. In a written response to a query in Lok Sabha, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "There are 57 properties in the Tentative List for further inclusion in the World Heritage List. However, as per the Operational Guidelines 2023, only one property can be submitted for the World Heritage inscription process each year. As of now, 42 properties have been inscribed on the World Heritage List." The updated list for India, after the inclusion of centuries-old 'Moidams', is now 43 sites on the World Heritage List and 56 properties on the Tentative List, according to the website of UNESCO, which adds that out of the 195 States Parties to the <keyword id="22589969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Heritage-Convention" source="keywords">World Heritage Convention</keyword>, 189 have submitted a Tentative List. Shekhawat was also asked whether the government has formulated any scheme for the protection of cultural heritage in compliance with the guidelines of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). "No, sir, there is no such scheme formulated for the protection of cultural heritage in compliance with the guidelines of UNESCO. However, India has ratified the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. All the World Heritage properties, along with other sites and monuments under the jurisdiction of the <keyword id="19946002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Archaeological-Survey-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Archaeological Survey of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Archaeological Survey of India">Archaeological Survey of India</keyword>, Ministry of Culture, are protected and conserved by funds provided by the Government of India based on their requirements and Annual Conservation Plan (ACP)," the Union minister replied. In response to another query, he said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) takes up conservation and maintenance work of protected monuments and sites throughout the country, including 286 in the state of Maharashtra. "Conservation and maintenance of monuments and archaeological sites is a continuous process and is taken up as per the need of monuments and availability of resources," the minister said. Shekhawat, in his response, also shared details of expenditure incurred on conservation, preservation and environmental development of protected monuments during the last three years and till July 15 of the current financial year. The figures stand as follows -- Rs 269.57 crore (2021-22), Rs 391.93 crore (2022-23), and Rs 443.53 crore (2023-24), while it was Rs 73.36 crore (2024-25) till July 15 of the current financial year.

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How did over 800 students test HIV positive in Tripura?

Ashmita Gupta

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

Prerna Tyagi

One lakh athletes to be identified within 100 days under KIRTI: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

PTI

Nearly 60 properties from India on Tentative List for inclusion on World Heritage List, says govt

PTI

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