SOCIAL SPECIFIC MONTHLY ARTICLE

August 2024: Key Social Science Programs, Incidents, and Celebrations in India and the World

August 2024 was marked by significant developments in the realms of social science, politics, economics, and environmental issues. Globally and in India, important programs and events related to climate change, gender equality, economic reforms, disaster management, and educational advancements made headlines. Additionally, key celebrations and observances added to the rich tapestry of activities.

1.    UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meeting: August 2024

From August 4 to August 9, 2024, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee convened to assess new nominations for the prestigious World Heritage List and was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year's session placed a strong emphasis on safeguarding cultural and natural heritage in conflict-prone regions, highlighting the urgent need for protection in war-torn areas. Discussions also focused on promoting sustainable tourism, ensuring that tourism development does not compromise the integrity of heritage sites. Another key agenda item was the involvement of local communities, emphasizing their role as stewards of heritage conservation. The committee's decisions underscored the balance between global recognition and local responsibility in preserving the world’s most valuable cultural and natural assets.

2.    World Climate Summit - Copenhagen (August 10-12, 2024)

       Focus on Global Climate Action: The World Climate Summit, held from August 10 to 12 in Copenhagen, brought together world leaders, environmentalists, and scientists. The summit emphasized global cooperation in addressing climate change. Countries, including India, pledged to increase their investments in renewable energy sources. India announced its commitment to expand solar energy capacity by an additional 100 GW by 2030 and implement sustainable agriculture practices to combat the challenges posed by climate change. This event highlighted the critical role of environmental geography in shaping global policies.

3.    International Youth Day (August 12, 2024)

h Ewerment for Sustainable Development

        Theme: Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development:

International Youth Day was celebrated worldwide, with India holding multiple events focusing on youth empowerment, skill development, and entrepreneurship. In rural areas, programs were launched to encourage youth participation in sustainable farming and local governance. This day also saw the Ministry of Youth Affairs organizing events in various cities to promote leadership among young Indians and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4.    Landslides in Wayanad and Karnataka: August 2024

In early August 2024, heavy monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka. In Karnataka, landslides occurred in the districts of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru on August 9, 2024, resulting in 7 fatalities and cutting off several key roads and routes.In Kerala, The landslides occurred in the twin villages of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in the Vellarimala hill range of the Western Ghats.As of August 13, 2024, there were over 130 people missing and there were over 336 fatalities. Entire villages were buried under mud and debris, and rescue operations faced challenges due to continuous rainfall and rough terrain. Local governments and the NDRF were quick to respond, providing relief and rescue efforts, though infrastructure damage was extensive. The tragic incidents underscored the vulnerability of these regions to natural disasters and the urgent need for better disaster management strategies.

5.    India’s Independence Day (August 15th)

August 15th marked the 77th anniversary of India’s independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 11th address to the nation from the Red Fort, highlighted the achievements and plans to lay down the roadmap for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047. PM Modi gave a renewed push to the BJP’s ideological aim of a Uniform Civil Code, reframing the idea as a “secular civil code” enshrined in the Constitution and a way of ensuring equality before the law for all.PM Modi also thanked several world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several economic initiatives aimed at boosting growth and job creation. He emphasized the government’s efforts in promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), digitization, and the success of the "Make in India 2.0" initiative, which has attracted significant foreign investments in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The Indian economy grew by 7.2% in the first half of 2024, driven by advancements in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development.

6.    Monsoon Floods and Disaster Response in India

 August 18, 2024 - Severe Flooding in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: Northern India faced devastating monsoon floods, especially in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, leading to large-scale displacement and damage. The floods resulted from continuous rainfall, and over 100,000 people were affected. The Indian government, along with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), launched extensive rescue and relief operations. Relief camps were set up, and the Army and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) played a vital role in evacuating stranded residents. This incident underscored the importance of disaster management and environmental geography in responding to natural calamities.

7.    Gender Equality Movements and Programs

 August 24, 2024 - National Women’s Empowerment Conference in Delhi:  A major conference on gender equality and women’s empowerment was organized in New Delhi, focusing on promoting women’s participation in the workforce and closing the gender pay gap. The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched campaigns to raise awareness about the rights of women workers in both organized and unorganized sectors. These initiatives aligned with global efforts, including the UN’s programs to achieve gender parity by 2030 under the SDG framework. Gender studies and social policies played a central role in these discussions.

8.    Cooperative Movements in Rural India

 August 28, 2024 - National Cooperative Development Program:  Cooperatives have become an integral part of rural development in India. On August 28, the government launched the "National Cooperative Development Program," aimed at expanding cooperative societies in rural areas to provide financial assistance to farmers, weavers, and small-scale industries. The Krishak Cooperative Society in rural Madhya Pradesh was highlighted as a successful model, where farmers pooled resources to secure low-interest loans from banks, emphasizing the role of collective efforts in economic growth.

8. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (August 23, 2024)

 Global Observance: This day was observed worldwide, remembering the atrocities of the slave trade and reflecting on the importance of human rights and social justice. In India, discussions were held in educational institutions about the country’s historical role in the abolition of indentured labour and its continued fight against human trafficking. This event ties into the broader themes of history, human rights, and global social justice movements.

9.    Global Political Shifts

 August 30, 2024 - BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa: The BRICS summit, held from August 30 to September 1, saw significant discussions between the heads of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit focused on strengthening economic ties and addressing global challenges such as trade imbalances and geopolitical tensions. India took a lead role in promoting South-South cooperation, with a focus on sustainable development and digital infrastructure. This event highlighted the importance of international relations and political diplomacy.

In August 2024, Bangladesh's political landscape remained tense, with concerns over undemocratic practices and the role of religion in politics. The ruling Awami League faced accusations of suppressing dissent, particularly through the restriction of opposition parties and curbing free speech, raising fears about the fairness of the upcoming general elections. Religious sentiments also played a significant role, with the opposition often invoking Islam to rally support, while the government tried to balance secular policies with religious sensitivities. This dynamic further fuelled political unrest and polarization.

10. National Education Policy (NEP) Implementation Progress

Throughout August 2024: India continued to implement its National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on integrating vocational training and critical thinking into the curriculum. In social science education, topics like climate change, gender equality, and global political systems were given more prominence. Digital learning platforms were further expanded, making education accessible to students in remote areas. This aligns with geography, economics, and political science studies, emphasizing their relevance in understanding contemporary issues.

Conclusion:

August 2024 was a month of dynamic changes, significant programs, and vital discussions on issues ranging from climate change and disaster management to gender equality and economic reforms. Both globally and in India, these events underscored the importance of social science disciplines in understanding and addressing the challenges of the modern world. Celebrations like International Youth Day and the BRICS summit further highlighted the global interconnectedness of political, economic, and environmental systems. As we move forward, the lessons from these incidents and programs will continue to shape policies and practices across nations.

Prepared By Shijo Michael, M.A, B.Ed.

PGT Economics