Smoking Major Cause of TB Death

Pak Tribune

August 16, 2007

Pakistan

News- Smoking Major Cause of TB Death

ISLAMABAD:Smoking is to blame for half the tuberculosis deaths among men, according to new research published on Friday, highlighting a neglected link between tobacco and the killer lung disease.

Most big studies into smoking and health until now have been conducted in developed countries where tuberculosis (TB) has been uncommon for more than half a century.

As a result, the connection with TB -- which is still endemic across much of Asia and Africa -- has been greatly underestimated, according to the authors of the first major study on how smoking causes death in India.

"This is something that causes at least a few hundred thousand deaths a year worldwide...but the relationship had been forgotten and ignored," says Richard Peto of the University of Oxford, co-author of the study.

The study also predicted the number of men dying from smoking related illnesses in India could double to more than a million a year by 2025.

Three quarters of male Indian smokers who become ill with TB would not have done so if they had not smoked, Peto and colleagues said in a paper published in medical journal The Lancet.
Their findings suggest that in some parts of the world the main way smoking kills is not via cancer and heart disease, but by damaging the lung's defenses against chronic TB infection.

About a billion people worldwide are carrying live TB infection in their lungs, but if they do not smoke then most will never become seriously ill. Smoking increases the danger that any infection will get out of control and cause clinical TB, which can kill and spreads easily to other people.

TB causes about 1.6 million deaths worldwide each year, including more than a million in Asia and 400,000 in Africa. India has more TB deaths than any other country.

The study by the Epidemiological Research Center in Madras, India -- with funding from the UK Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK -- compared the smoking habits of 43,000 men who had died of various diseases in the late 1990s with the habits of 35,000 living men.
It found that smokers were about four times as likely to become ill with TB as non-smokers, and consequently four times as likely to die from the disease.

Vendhan Gajalakshmi of the Epidemiological Research Center, who led the research, estimates almost 200,000 Indians die each year from TB because of smoking -- half of them are still only in their 30s, 40s or early 50s.

Smokers of both Western-style cigarettes and "bidis" -- thin Indian cigarettes containing small amounts of tobacco wrapped in a greenish-brown leaf -- are similarly at risk.

Overall, smoking currently causes some 700,000 deaths a year in India, 550,000 among men aged 25-69. The number of deaths could double by 2025 if current smoking patterns persist, the authors conclude.

online available at- http://paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?187131

Tobacco Act may trip on skulls

Times of India

August 17, 2007

Mumbai

News- Tobacco Act may trip on skulls

The amendment to dilute the tobacco control law has been dealt a severe blow with the findings of a recent study by the Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health. The skull and bones symbol, an integral part of tobacco advertising, was termed to hurt religious sentiments by the central government and certain amendments in the Tobacco Act were proposed.

However, a house-to-house survey in 16 different localities has noted that the symbol does not hurt religious sensibilities. The survey was conducted by the Healis-Sekhsaria Institute located in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai. Cabinet minister, Pranab Mukharjee, had recently said that the skull and bones symbol should not be used on tobacco product packages because it hurt religious sensibilities, even though such a symbol is required under the Cigerette and Other Tobacco Products Act passed by the Parliament in 2003.

The rules governing the display of skull and bones and pictorial warnings were notified on July 5, 2006. Because of this assertion, it was proposed that the Act should be amended by the Parliament. However, the study has shown that the two largest religions in India would not be hurt with the sign of the skull and crossbones if and when put on tobacco products. When asked the question, If you see this sign (the bone and skull symbol), placed on a tobacco products to indicate the risk associated with that products use, would it affect your religious sensibilities, 89% respondents replied no, with 9% undecided.

The survey was designed to have similar representation of the two largest religious groups in India, and the responses were virtually identical in the two religious communities. In response to another question, If you see this sign on a product, what does it tell you?, close to 87% responded said that it showed the product is dangerous to use, while 12% did not understand the symbol. Similar questions on the use of a picture of a dead body on tobacco product elicited the response no on religious sensibilities from 68% and not sure from 13% of respondents.

In a separate study conducted among cancer patients attending the city-based Tata Memorial Hospital, all patients replied that if the symbol skull and crossbones was there on the tobacco products, they would have understood the risk to health associated with the use of the products much better. Reading a mere warning that this product is injurious to health they thought, its use might cause an ulcer or boil at the most, but in no way a life threatening disease.

The rules for the pictorial package warning portion of the the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, along with pictures like a cancer patient and a dead body were notified on July 5, 2006 and were to come into effect on February 1, 2007. Because of numerous representations from the tobacco industry, the date was extended to June 1, 2007. However, further pressure from the industry persuaded Cabinet members to send the law to Parliament for an amendment to remove the skull and bones, on the basis that it hurt religious sentiments, which the survey did not find.

online available at- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Tobacco_Act_may_trip_on_skulls/articleshow/2286424.cms

Exclusive Breastfeeding is important for six months

Op-ed on Breastfeeding published in Swatantra Bharat.

August 7, 2007

Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months is Important

Op-ed on World Breastfeeding Week Published in Voice of Lucknow.

August 5, 2007

Japani Encephalities

Op-ed on Prevention and Cure on Japani Encephalities, Published in Swatantra Bharat.

August 14, 2007

'Female Farmer and their Helath'

See the indepth op-ed on 'Female Farmer and their Helath' published in Swatantra Bharat.

August 14, 2007

Gory images on cigarette packets

Times of india

August 24, New Delhi

News- Gory images on cigarette packets

NEW DELHI: Gory images of cancerous tumours, rotting teeth and diseased throats on cigarette packets will become mandatory from December. According to a Shimla High Court directive, the pictorial warnings will have to be in place by October.

But the Union health ministry will soon move court to ask for a two-month extension as it will move a bill in Parliament on August 17 to amend Section 7(1) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, which calls for a compulsory skull and crossbones warning on cigarette packets.

But political pressure recently made the cabinet pass a legislation making the skull and bones sign optional. The specified health warnings at present are the skull and bones sign, a health warning that says tobacco kills/smoking kills, gory images portraying the ill-effects of tobacco use and a health message. Speaking to TOI, health secretary Naresh Dayal said, "Some sections had problems with two of the warnings - the image of a dead body and the skull and bones sign. We will replace the image of a dead body. But because the skull and bones warning is specified in the Anti-Tobacco Act, we are moving a bill in Parliament to amend it." He added, "When passed, we will notify the tobacco industry, who will need some time to come out with the new labels. October, therefore, will be too close.

That's why we will move the Shimla High Court and ask for a two-month extension. The new labels will be made mandatory from December." Anybody who produces or manufactures cigarettes or tobacco products without the specified warning will face imprisonment of up to two years or be fined Rs 5,000 or both.

If the offence is committed for the second time, the imprisonment will be extended to five years with a fine of Rs 10,000. Anybody selling or distributing cigarettes or tobacco products without the specified warning will face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of Rs 1,000 or both, and for the second or subsequent conviction, the imprisonment may extend to two years with a fine of Rs 3,000.

The new labels was initially planned for February which was postponed to June.

online available at-

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Gory_images_on_cigarette_packets/articleshow/2278867.cms

Light my fire

Times of India

August 4, 2007

News- Light my fire

Smoke breaks are now seen as fun with the possibility of some flirting
THE government's plan to ban smoking in workplaces may have upset many smokers. But now they are looking at the brighter side - like the Irish, who first discovered the perks of going elsewhere to smoke when ciggy bans first came into effect in the country in 2004.

Smoke breaks are now seen as fun with the possibility of some flirting. They call it 'smirting.' According to wikipedia, smirting describes the social pastime of people flirting outside public places such as pubs, cafés and restaurants, where smoking is illegal. The term for the activity is a portmanteau of the words smoking and flirting. Make-up artist Ambika Pillai, who often travels abroad for ramp shows, says bonding over a smoke is similar to bonding over a drink at a pub.

"It happens when people are standing on a pavement asking for a light. Smokers get together at an airport or outside a club and conversations just start," she says. Model Bunty Grewal agrees that "smokers forced to puff in designated spaces find a bond." When smokers come together on a pavement, landing or smoking area, there are those five minutes of awkward silence to fill. Smirting is the answer to an exiled smoker's prayers, says ad man Rishi Singh.

"It happens a lot in corporate offices. In India, most women don't like men smoking, but I've made passes at many women smokers. We call it the 'smoke trick' . You ask a woman out for a smoke and share drags with them and then get talking," he confesses . "But it's important that you have lozenges handy and make sure you don't stink of tobacco," he says. Software engineer, Rachel D'souza says smokers have their own methods of selecting a partner.

"My boyfriend smokes and he says it's really cool to see a woman smoke. The good thing about being around smokers is that they judge you for who you are, while non-smokers disapprove ," she says. WHY THEY BOND Says psychologist Sujendra Prakash, "The reason smokers bond is, first, the guilt they carry that they are doing something different from others. And secondly, the social stigma attached to smokers. So they prefer being in each other's company. They build a group affinity because it gives them security, solidarity and a sense of belonging."

online available at - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/City_Supplements/Bangalore_Times/Light_my_fire_/articleshow/2253866.cms

Smoke it out

Times of India

August 3, 2007


News- Smoke it out

The Union government strictly controls the cultivation of poppy, limiting it to production required for pharmaceutical use such as morphine and codeine. This is because the recreational product from poppy, heroin, is habit-forming and can wreck the mental and physical health of the addict.

It is, therefore, surprising that tobacco, whose products are equally habit-forming and internationally condemned for causing cancer, is freely cultivated in India. Tobacco receives government support in the form of research inputs to enhance farm productivity and subsidies for export. Tobacco was introduced by the Portuguese to India some 400 years ago. Today, India is among the top three producers in the world of this killer weed, turning out around 700 million kg annually from 40 million hectares.

Tobacco causes over 20 categories of fatal and disabling diseases, especially cancer. Sixty-five per cent of all men and 33 per cent of all women in India use tobacco in some form. According to a report in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine, nearly half the cancer cases in India are tobacco-related. Oral cancer is a major public health problem in our country and has long been linked with the habit of chewing betel laced with tobacco.

As many as 8,00,000 Indians succumb every year to tobacco-related illnesses and most of them die before they have reached 40 years of age. WHO has projected that by 2020 tobacco will account for 13 per cent of all deaths in India.

The tax structure in India is skewed towards making tobacco products more affordable. Taxes levied on cigarettes are 30 times that imposed on bidis and chewing tobacco. Poorer people in India, particularly in rural areas, take to bidis and chewing tobacco. Bidi smokers have a 40 per cent higher risk of developing cancer than cigarette smokers. However, 38 per cent of tobacco in India is consumed as bidis, 48 per cent as chewing tobacco, and only 14 per cent as cigarettes. Considering the above, one would expect that the government would take steps to curb and eventually eliminate the cultivation of tobacco and production of tobacco products, instead of imposing cosmetic restrictions like banning the depiction of smoking in movies or depicting skull and crossbones on cigarette packs.

The government is not interested in striking at the roots of the tobacco menace because of vote-bank politics. The tobacco industry employs nearly 35 million people in the country including six million farmers, 20 million farm workers, 4.4 million bidi-making workers, 2.2 million tribals engaged in gathering tendu leaves (which go into bidi covers) and two million traders/retailers. The government can, perhaps, forgo the Rs 6,000 crore annual tax revenue from tobacco products but it would be hard put to withstand the wrath of the millions thrown out of work in case cultivation of tobacco is banned.

What about alternatives to tobacco for farmers? According to the findings of the Central Tobacco Research Institute, there are virtually no crops that match tobacco's levels of remuneration in relevant regions. In southern Andhra Pradesh, chillies come a poor second. In Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal, cotton, pearl millet, maize and potato, respectively, are nowhere near tobacco in terms of earnings. Does this imply that we will have to live with the menace of tobacco and sacrifice a million or so lives a year so that 35 million can eke out a living? Not if tobacco farmers are made to take up alternative crops and the government makes up part of the difference in earnings through a subsidy.

As for bidi rollers, perhaps they can be trained to make other products from tendu leaves, such as plates and cups which can be environmentally superior alternatives to plastic products. Large consumers like the Railways, defence forces, marriage contractors can be induced to purchase these products in bulk from bidi-roller cooperatives. This will also keep intact the tendu-gathering income of tribals. All this will cost governments in the Centre and states far less than the price of medical treatment of tobacco victims

online available at - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/Smoke_it_out/articleshow/2251745.cms

Stubbed out for life?

The Times of India

July 31, 2007


News- Stubbed out for life?

The impending non-smoking ban by the government in public is ready to kick some butt! In the wake of London banning smoking in public on July 1, Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Anbumani Ramadoss wants to make India a tobacco-free nation too.

Smoking kills, but no smoking is killing smoke addicts in the city, believes Ramadoss. With his statement, the government will soon take stringent measures against smoking at all public places — bars, restaurants, offices and hotels or any place where there is an employee.

Even smoking at home in the presence of your spouse or domestic help might invite action from the government! Amitabh Bachchan is possibly the most famous non-smoker in the world and his son Abhishek, too, has stubbed out the nicotine stick (or Cuban cigar) in favour of a healthier lifestyle. India is the third-largest producer of tobacco leaves in the world, after China and Brazil.

Ninety-five billion cigarettes and 850 billion beedis are produced in India every year giving rise to millions of cancer patients. Ramadoss’s statement has generated a lot of heat amongst smokers and non-smokers across the city. Presenting some of the reactions:

Abhishek Bachchan, Actor — If you tell the youth today that cigarettes are bad, that's not enough. They need an explanation. My eight-year-old niece has an opinion on things. She wants to know why. For that matter, me too. I just won’t take your word for it. There should be restrictions in moderation otherwise we wouldn’t be a democracy or a free world. I can understand banning smoking in public places — it’s justifiable, but it’s pushing it a bit too far by not allowing one to smoke in one’s house or take consent for the same from people around you.

Nikhil Daswani, Businessman — It’s high time they did that. Passive smoking is killing non-smokers and I think the move is justified for health reasons. Passive smoking is killing innocent people across the world and as courtesy to your loved ones, one should smoke in open areas where their health is not at stake. Anjori Alagh, Actress — I think more than smoking they should ban drinking! There are more deaths in the world due to that.

Nirmal Zaveri, Jeweller — It’s absolutely absurd! Nowhere in the world can they do this. Everywhere else you can smoke in your house and cigar designated areas like cigar lounges at airports etc. I don’t think this law can come into force.

Rahul Akerkar, Restaurateur — Is there such a law? Everybody has a right to do what they want. I am not going tell my employees what to do — they are all adults. Though I will abide by the law when it comes into force.

Vipul Shah, Filmmaker — It’s ridiculous! According to me, it’s a big joke and this is going to go nowhere. Imagine your maid complaining against you to the government! We keep on adding more responsibilities to our society without fulfilling one-tenth of what is already there. There are so many unsolved problems in our country and a new one has surfaced. This is the silliest of all!


online available at- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bombay_Times/Stubbed_out_for_life_/articleshow/2244387.cms

India to declare all work places as tobacco-free

July 20, 2007

News- India to declare all work places as tobacco-free

The government on Friday announced that all places of work in the country will be declared smoke free and those found flouting the law will be strictly punished.
"All workplaces in India will be tobacco-free and this will come into enforcement in another three to four months time," Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said.

He was speaking to reporters after receiving the World Health Organisation Director-General's Special Award for taking several initiatives for tobacco control in the country.

The minister said the law will be implemented in restaurants, hotels, airports and all those places where people work.
"People can then smoke on roads or homes, provided their wives allow them," he said, adding that even at home they will have to seek the permission of their maids as they are their employee.

"Anyone flouting the law will be strictly punished." He said the law will be strictly applied keeping in mind the smoke-free indoors policy WHO, which was adopted as passive smokers are found to be more at danger as compared to those who actually smoke.
"We need to protect our women and children," he said.

Ramadoss also announced setting up of a Health Minister Cancer Fund, which he said will be run by professionals and reputed individuals.
Inviting corporates and multi-national companies to contribute for the fund, he said the money will be used to treat those youngsters suffering from cancer.

there are one billion new cancer cases every year. We want to help out the deprived section of the society. Let us fight till India is declared tobacco-free," he said.
Ramadoss said there are existing laws under which punishment can be given to those who smoke at workplace.
"We have existing laws. But they are not followed. But we are going to implement them now. This law will be applicable to all buildings and offices," he said.

On receiving the award, he said, "I dedicate the award for the people of India, especially those who have lost their lives because of smoking and they could have been saved.
"It is just the beginning. We have to get lot many awards. This is the beginning of our war against tobacco. We have a long way to go and we will fight till the end. Indians will come together and say enough is enough. That day is not far when India is tobacco free. We have to collectively fight together with passion."

Citing the example of a village, Varnavasi in Tamil Nadu, Ramadoss said that the village head, who is an illiterate man, has declared the village as tobacco-free.
He also cited the example of Chandigarh which is the first Indian city to be tobacco-free.
The minister said 40 per cent of all diseases are due to tobacco. While the tobacco industry is worth Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion), the spending on treatment and creation of awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco cost the same, he said.

online available at- http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/20smoke.htm

Maid will decide if you can smoke at home!

The Economic Times

July 26, 2007

News- Maid will decide if you can smoke at home!

NEW DELHI: If you want to smoke at home, you will have to seek the permission of your maid. This is the new directive of Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who wants to make India, including homes and workplaces, tobacco-free. The tobacco-free workplaces rule will come into effect in another three to four months, he told reporters here today.

“All workplaces in India will be tobacco-free. People can then smoke on roads or homes, provided their wives allow them. But even at home, they will have to seek the permission of their maids as they are their employees,” said Ramadoss. “All places of work in the country will be declared smoke -free and those found flouting the law will be strictly punished. This rule will apply wherever there are employees working,” he said.

Ramadoss said this will be implemented in restaurants, hotels, airports and all places where people work. The law will be strictly applied, he said, keeping in mind the smoke-free indoors policy of WHO, which was adopted as passive smokers are found to be more at danger as compared to those who actually smoke. “We need to protect our women and children,” he said after receiving the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director- General’s Special Award for several initiatives for tobacco control in the country.

Ramadoss also announced the setting up of a Health Minister’s Cancer Fund, which he said will be run by professionals and reputed individuals. Inviting corporate and multinational companies to contribute to the fund, he said the money will be used to treat youngsters suffering from cancer. “There are one billion new cancer cases every year. We want to help the deprived section of society. Let us fight till India is declared tobacco-free,” Ramadoss said.

online available at- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Maid_will_decide_if_you_can_smoke_at_home/articleshow/2222097.cms

Even smoking at home can be a crime

The Economic Times

July 26, 2007

New Delhi

News- Even smoking at home can be a crime

NEW DELHI: Forget bars and restaurants, even smoking at home in the presence of a domestic help might invite action from the government. Minister for health and family welfare Anbumani Ramadoss said on Friday that the government would soon take stringent measures against smoking at all public places or any place where there is an employee.

“We are going to take stringent measures against smoking at public places like hotels, bars and restaurants... in fact, any place where there are employees,” Ramadoss said, speaking at a ceremony here where he was awarded the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General's Special Award for Tobacco Control for the year 2007.

“Even at home, if you smoke and there is a maid present, action can be taken against you,” he said. “If you have to smoke, then go to the roads.” The minister said The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 was an effective Act, but it was the enforcement that needed to be tightened.

“We have got a very vibrant Act on tobacco control, but the enforcement has been loose. We are soon going to set up a drug regulatory authority which will help us in our fight against tobacco.” Ramadoss said the new authority would be a professional body and the US’ Federal Drug Agency (FDA) has given lots of inputs for this.

Apart from thanking the WHO, family, friends and colleagues for the award, the minister also thanked the media. “I have to thank a very special group for this award. It is called the media. It is the media that called me a ‘fool’ and ‘stupid’ and even questioned my MBBS degree when I called for a ban on smoking in films and television.” He said every year, there are a million cases of cancer in India because of tobacco use.

“We spend Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) annually on tobacco control. Our fight will continue and I am confident that India will soon become a tobacco-free country,” the minister added. Congratulating Chandigarh for becoming the first city in India to be tobacco-free, the minister said: “In Tamil Nadu, there is a village called Varanavasi where the panchayat leader is an illiterate. And he has gone on to make the village totally free of tobacco. These are the people who will help us make India a tobacco-free nation.” Earlier, presenting the award to Ramadoss, WHO regional director, South-East Asia, Samlee Plianbangchang commended the minister for carrying out an effective campaign against tobacco.

“Dr Ramadoss has efficiently and effectively steered the process of implementing rules and regulations related to the ban on tobacco smoking in public places and on tobacco advertising, as well as restricting access to tobacco products by youth,” he said. Giving damning statistics about tobacco use in India, the WHO regional director said: “India is the third-largest producer of tobacco leaves in the world, after China and Brazil. Ninety-five billion cigarettes and 850 billion beedis are produced in India every year.”

He lauded Ramadoss for the steps he has taken to “safeguard future generations from the devastating consequences of tobacco use”. The WHO award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day. According to the WHO, the award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

“The tobacco control measures initiated and implemented by the ministry of health and family welfare under the able stewardship of Dr Anbumani Ramadoss have been widely acclaimed at the regional and global levels, and have set a praiseworthy precedent for other countries to follow,” he said, reading out from the citation for the award. The WHO award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day. According to the WHO, the award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

online available at- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Even_smoking_at_home_can_be_a_crime/articleshow/2222415.cms

Warning: Poison

Warning: Poison

News- Times of India

July 17, 2007

The skull and bones symbol is the most easily recognised warning sign. Areas or products with this sign are avoided. To do otherwise would be to court danger, even death. Then why is the information and broadcasting ministry coy about using the sign on tobacco product packages?

In countries where the issue is taken seriously to safeguard public health, graphic health warnings are accompanied by statements like: 'Smoking can cause a slow, painful death' and 'Tobacco smoke can kill babies', covering 40-90 per cent of surface area of the package. In India, most cigarette packs carry a statutory warning: 'Cigarette Smoking is Injurious to Health'. In fine print, located at the bottom of the face of the packet, the warning, barely visible, is more in the nature of an apology. Cautionary notices warning cigarette smokers against the ill effects of tobacco are more an obligatory ritual than a serious campaign to deter tobacco users.

That all tobacco products — including cigarettes, bidi and gutka — ought to display the skull and bones sign was recommended by a standing committee of Parliament in the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2000. In the wake of growing opposition from tobacco growers, members of Parliament and ministers have become reluctant to support any overt display of deterrent signs on tobacco products.

The argument is that such signs would scare consumers away from these products, adversely affecting demand, forcing a million workers out of their jobs. This, however, need not happen. Tobacco companies, like ITC, for instance, are diversifying to hotels and agro-products, moving away from tobacco, and more jobs are being created in these areas. Even if it does cause temporary dislocation, that by itself does not make smoking a healthy activity that cannot be discouraged. Society often has to assert choices in favour of outcomes that enhance the general well-being of people even if there is a temporary cost to bear for certain groups. Symbols are important in a country like India where literacy rates are low and superstition rides high.

Bidi and gutka are consumed largely by the poor, most of who are illiterate. When developed countries worldwide are moving away from tobacco use, by imposing bans in work and public places and levying heavy fines on violators and vigorously promoting anti-smoking awareness campaigns, why are countries like India and China acting shy?

online available at- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/Warning_Poison/articleshow/2205654.cms

Meeting on tobacco inconclusive

The Hindu

July 12, 2007

News - Meeting on tobacco inconclusive

GoM will meet shortly, says Anbumani Ramadoss

NEW DELHI: The Group of Ministers (GoM), set up to decide on the issue of having pictorial warnings on tobacco products, met here on Wednesday, but could not reach any conclusion.
Speaking to reporters, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said several issues were raised during the two-hour meeting, such as apprehensions of loss of jobs and religious sentiments over the proposed warning. “We are going to meet again shortly … perhaps within this month,” he said.
The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and attended by Union Ministers Kamal Nath, Priyaranjan Das Munsi, Jaipal Reddy and Oscar Fernandes.
The main issue was a proposal by the Health Ministry to display the “skull and crossbones” symbol on the packets of all tobacco products as a warning about the ill-effects of tobacco use.
The warning was approved by a Parliament sub-committee in 2003, and was scheduled to come into effect from last month. It has been kept in abeyance following opposition, in particular from the beedi industry. Several parties and leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which have a large beedi industry, have given representations to the Government against the warning.

Stringent steps

Pointing out that studies had shown that about 1 million cases of cancer were diagnosed every year and that nearly half of cancer cases in men were tobacco-related, Dr. Ramadoss said countries across the world were taking stringent steps to curb tobacco consumption, following the adoption of an international framework convention.
The United Kingdom, for instance, had banned smoking in workplaces and public places and so had Ireland.

online available at- http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/12/stories/2007071253130900.htm

News- GoM meet on issuance of warning on tobacco products

News- GoM meet on issuance of warning on tobacco products

July 13, 2007

Zeenews.Com

New Delhi, July 11: The government is set to take a final view today on the controversial issue of displaying skull and crossbones warning on tobacco products, especially bidi. A Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, will meet today after an earlier meeting on May 23 deferred the matter till mid-June in the absence of quorum. The warnings on all tobacco products were to come into effect from June 1.

The review of the implementation of the decision to display pictorial warnings on all tobacco products came following immense pressure on the government ever since health ministry announced that all tobacco products should carry warnings, covering half of the package. Several MPs and political parties from states like Andhra Pradesh having large bidi industry, had opposed the move saying it will affect the industry.

online available at- http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=381995&sid=BUS&ssid=50

News- Tobacco board chief paints rosy picture

News- Tobacco board chief paints rosy picture

The Siasat Daily

July 12, 2007

Rajahmundry, July 10: The Central Tobacco Research Institute’s research committee meetings were inaugurated here on Monday at CTRI complex. M. Mahadevappa, former Chairman of Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, in his inaugural speech said that the tobacco research has its importance in view of the global scenario.
Tobacco Board chairman J. Suresh Babu, who is the chief guest, said that the crop size as well as the average price of Indian tobacco was on the rise this year. Foreign exchange earnings were Rs. 1,713 crores and total excise revenue earnings were Rs. 9,100 crores.
“Our research efforts should be directed towards finding a breakthrough for SLA farmers who are at disadvantageous position. Fuel saving techniques and water conservation methods should be priority areas in research,” he said.
CTRI director Veeeranki Krishnamurthy gave a power-point presentation on various issues related to tobacco. He said that India retains its position as the third largest producer of tobacco and third largest exporter of FCV tobacco in the world. The KLS tobacco tops in average price and NLS tobacco tops in productivity with 1,950 kg/ha.

online available at - http://www.siasat.com/english/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=193105&Itemid=63&cattitle=Andhra%20Pradesh

Tobacco curbs: India leads alternative crop plan

Tobacco curbs: India leads alternative crop plan

By- Bobby Ramakant
Rediff Business News
4 July 2007

Today -- two days before the 148 nations' meet on global tobacco treaty comes to an end in Bangkok -- India demonstrated leadership on behalf of countries in South-East Asian Region to integrate agricultural diversification and alternative crops to tobacco in the comprehensive tobacco control as FCTC proposes. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the first global corporate accountability and public health treaty in the world.
The 2000 report of the World Health Organization Committee of Experts on Tobacco Industry Documents reveals transnational tobacco corporations' strategy to make prominent use of the International Tobacco Growers Association. The report continues, "ITGA claims to represent the interests of local farmers. The [tobacco corporations'] documents, however, indicate that tobacco companies have funded the organization and directed its work. Through their persistent outreach to officials from developing countries, these companies gradually built a support within UN agencies and structures, most notably the World Health Assembly and Food and Agriculture Organization."
Though transnational tobacco corporations like Philip Morris/Altria, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco use sophisticated public relations machinery to claim that tobacco-related agriculture creates jobs and boosts economic development, the facts speak otherwise. Transnational tobacco corporations have created a supply system that exploits farmers while assuring growth in corporate profits. In February 2007, the Ad-hoc Study Group on Agricultural Diversification and Crop Alternatives to Tobacco of FCTC held its first session in Brazil.
Tobacco industry attempts to interfere in agricultural diversification:
Transnational tobacco corporations have supported and sustained a production system that has undermined human health and stifled human development. Therefore, in keeping with WHA Resolution 54.18 and FCTC Article 5.3, these corporations should not be at the table discussing alternatives to tobacco production.
Acting as a mouthpiece for the tobacco industry, ITGA and its country chapters have spread misinformation and attempted to influence tobacco growers in countries such as Brazil , Argentina , India , South Africa , Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya as a strategy to slow down or block ratification and implementation of the FCTC. The chief executive of ITGA spoke on behalf of eight government and non-governmental organizations at the public hearing on agricultural diversification and alternative crops to tobacco held in Brazil in February 2007, claiming to represent governments and farmers, while neglecting to reveal ITGA's connection to the tobacco transnationals.
Tobacco corporations' involvement in Brazilian tobacco control policy is especially troubling. Brazil's sectoral chamber for the tobacco production chain includes representatives from Souza Cruz (British American Tobacco's Brazilian subsidiary), the association of Brazilian tobacco growers (an arm of the International Tobacco Growers Association with its own well established ties to BAT), and Brazil's ministry of agriculture, among others. The chamber provides a direct forum for tobacco industry representatives to meet formally with members of government about tobacco control policy, in violation of Article 5.3 of the FCTC. As the world's second-largest producer of tobacco, Brazil provides a powerful case study on the dangers of creating space for the tobacco industry in deliberations about tobacco control.
The social and economic failures delivered by the production system engineered by transnational tobacco corporations make it incumbent upon governments to implement Article 5.3 of the FCTC fully -- which includes shielding their efforts to develop alternatives to tobacco-intensive agriculture from the transnational tobacco corporations that have a vested interest in maintaining the current failed system.
In this regard, the working group on social and economic challenges for tobacco alternatives and crop diversification noted, "the tobacco industry may have influence on regional policymakers and legislators, and on the regional agricultural policy."
Support to farmers and tobacco growing countries is vital.

Only five of the 125 tobacco exporting nations derive more than 5 per cent of their export from tobacco. These five nations are concentrated at the bottom of UNDP's 2006 Human Development Index: Uganda , Zimbabwe , United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi , and the Central African Republic . Far from being a path to prosperity, tobacco production paves the way to poverty.

Tobacco corporations, their subsidiaries and affiliates should play no role in decisions related to agricultural diversification because, as highlighted by the study group, the industry's definition of diversification differs fundamentally from that of the public health community.

It is vital that the FCTC find ways to support the farmers, agricultural workers, and communities that have grown dependent on a tobacco economy. These nations suffer development set-backs as a result of their tobacco production.

Wealthy countries that have chartered, assisted and benefited from the international expansion of tobacco transnationals bear a responsibility to make transition away from tobacco-dependent economies viable. FCTC urges developed countries to channel resources, based on specific requests, to developing countries for implementation of the convention.

FCTC should also advance proposals for debt relief for farmers tied to transnational tobacco corporations through the current financing system, and communicate clearly about phased transitions that support farmers and build their trust in tobacco control measures.

Online at: http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/04tobacco.htm

MDG Goals at the mid point of fifteen years

Indepth op-ed on MDG's Goals at the mid point of fifteen years, published in Jansatta, on June 29, 2007.

By- Amit Dwivedi

Award for Anbumani

Award for Anbumani

2 July, 2007

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has conferred the Director-General’s Special Award to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for his outstanding contribution to tobacco control. The Award is given annually to mark the World No Tobacco Day.

According to WHO, the Award is a “global recognition of the dynamic leadership” of Dr. Ramadoss under which India took rapid strides in tobacco control.

His efforts and determination in banning tobacco usage scenes and surrogate tobacco advertisements in films and television have been widely commended by the global community.

Dr. Ramadoss has initiated the pilot National Tobacco Control Programme which integrates multiple measures to reduce tobacco use, especially among rural populations.

According to S.J. Habayeb, WHO representative to India, Dr. Ramadoss’ contributions are not limited to India, but have spilled over both regionally and globally.

“His leadership has encouraged many countries in the South East Asia region and elsewhere to develop and adopt comprehensive tobacco control measures,” he said.

online available at :-http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062955501500.htm

International Drug Abuse Day

Indepth op-ed published in 'Voice of Lucknow' India's National News Paper on International Day for Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

By- Amit dwivedi

26 June, 2007

Court dismisses Bachchan's petition in cigar case

Court dismisses Bachchan's petition in cigar case

Times of India

26 June, 2007

PANAJI: A sessions court here has dismissed the revision application filed by the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited challenging the order by a judicial magistrate to initiate action against Amitabh Bachchan in connection with a hoarding which showed the actor with a cigar in his mouth. National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) had filed a case against Bachchan, ABCL and D M S Films Private Limited and Anchor Daewoo India in connection with the hoarding erected on the national highway.

The hoarding had a photograph from the movie "Family". The judicial magistrate had summoned Bachchan and other respondents on November 29, which was challenged in the sessions court. NOTE had alleged that such hoardings were in gross violation of the cigarettes, tobacco and other related products (prohibition of advertisement and regulations of the trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act and section 7 of the Goa Prohibition of Smoking and Spitting Act.

ABCL had said in the sessions court that, pending the hearing and disposal of its revision application, the process issued by the judicial magistrate should be stayed.

It had also sought ad-interim exparte relief. In the revision petition, ABCL had claimed that there was no prima facie case and the magistrate ought not to have issued process against it and Bachchan, who is the chairman of the company.

online available at- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Court_dismisses_Bachchans_petition_in_cigar_case/articleshow/2151148.cms

International Drug Abuse Day

Indepth op-ed on International Drug Abuse Day Published in Swatantra Bharat Indias national news paper.

June 25, 2007

By- Amit Dwivedi

Alert to protect global tobacco treaty

Alert to protect global tobacco treaty

Thursday, 21 June 2007,

Alert to protect global tobacco treaty before COP-II begins in Thailand

by Bobby Ramakant Thailand

The 2nd Conference of Parties (COP-II) meeting for Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) – the first global public health and corporate accountability treaty ( New Zealand ratified FCTC on 27 January 2004) shall begin at the end of this month in Thailand .

Corporate Accountability International (CAI, formerly Infact) has played a key-role as civil society watch organization along with Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) from the very initial discussions of World Health Organization's FCTC. It continues to play a pivotal role in monitoring tobacco industry and gathering evidence to protect the public health. At the forthcoming COP-II meeting in Thailand, CAI is releasing a ground-breaking report which compiles evidence from civil society members across the world in outlining the three major issues impeding the FCTC implementation. These three public health challenges are:

To protect public health policy from tobacco industry influence
To prevent tobacco industry interference in agricultural diversification and alternative crops to tobacco
To ensure full-funding of FCTC implementation programme
There is an emerging powerful consensus among health advocates and public officials around the world that the tobacco industry should have no influence on public health policies. The World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) enshrines this concept in international law.

Article 5.3 of the FCTC obligates Parties to "protect these [public health] policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry." Allowing tobacco corporations to influence tobacco control policy violates both the spirit and letter of the FCTC.

Unfortunately, Big Tobacco's interference in health policy continues to be one of the greatest threats to the treaty's implementation and enforcement. Philip Morris/Altria, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco (JT) use their political influence to weaken, delay and defeat tobacco control legislation around the world. While the industry claims to have changed its ways, it continues to use sophisticated methods to undermine meaningful legislation.

Transnational tobacco corporations have supported and sustained a production system that has undermined human health and stifled human development. Therefore, in keeping with WHA (World Health Assembly) Resolution 54.18 and FCTC Article 5.3, these corporations SHOULD NOT be at the table discussing alternatives to tobacco production.

Acting as a mouthpiece for the tobacco industry, ITGA (International Tobacco Growers Association) and its country chapters have spread misinformation and attempted to influence tobacco growers in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, India, South Africa , Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya as a strategy to slow down or block ratification and implementation of the FCTC. The Chief Executive of ITGA spoke on behalf of eight government and non-governmental organizations at the Public Hearing on Agricultural Diversification and Alternative Crops to Tobacco held in Brazil in February 2007, claiming to represent governments and farmers, while neglecting to reveal ITGA's connection to the tobacco transnationals.

Tobacco is the world's leading cause of preventable death—killing five million people per year. The generous commitment by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg marks a major change in the landscape for global tobacco control. Mayor Bloomberg's $125 million gift represents four times the 2006-2007 biennial budget of the World Health Organization's Tobacco-Free Initiative.

* Tobacco control advocates in priority countries should tap into this funding for their policy, media and monitoring initiatives. Both governments and NGOs can apply.

* All countries benefit when the cycle of dependence on tobacco is broken, and tobacco control policies have been shown to be good for the world's economies. The World Bank estimates that high-income countries spend up to 15% of their health care budget to treat tobacco-related illnesses. In 2002, China spent $3.5 billion on healthcare costs attributable to tobacco. If these costs were reduced just 20%, China could afford to hire more than half a million additional primary school teachers.

* Wealthy countries that have chartered, assisted and benefited from the international expansion of tobacco transnationals bear a responsibility to make transition away from tobacco-dependent economies viable. Political realities in the developing world also make assistance pragmatic, and could help speed up implementation of the treaty. Japan paid $87 million in 2006 to support WHO, more than any other nation. Yet Japan 's support of WHO represents only 10% of its share of Japan Tobacco's annual profits.

79% of the world's tobacco was sourced in developing nations in the late 1990s, up from 52% four decades earlier. However, countries that have most aggressively embraced tobacco production have not seen advances in their development. Only five of the 125 tobacco exporting nations derive more than 5% of their export income from tobacco. These five nations are concentrated at the bottom of UNDP's 2006 Human Development Index: Uganda (ranked 145 of 177 nations); Zimbabwe (which derives nearly a third of its export income from tobacco and ranks 151 of 177); United Republic of Tanzania (ranks 162 of 177); Malawi (which derives more than half of its export income from tobacco and ranks 166 of 177); and the Central African Republic (ranks 172 of 177). Far from being a path to prosperity, tobacco production paves the way to poverty.

Let's hope that these three concerns raised by the evidence-based report to be released by Corporate Accountability International ( http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/) at COP-II in Thailand later this month, shall get due attention.

*************
Bobby Ramakant
(Bobby Ramakant is a senior journalist and member of Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT). He can be contacted at: bobbyramakant @yahoo.com)

Condition of Crop Insurance in UP

Indepth op-ed on Condition of Crop Insurance in UP, Published in 'Voice of Lucknow' India's National news paper.

June 19, 2007

By- Amit dwivedi

Female Farmers and their health

Indepth op-ed female farmers and their health. Published in voice of Lucknow India's National news paper.

By- Amit Dwivedi

june 13 2007

Bollywood and Tobacco

Bollywood and Tobacco- Indepth op-ed published in Swatantra Bharat on the mark of World No Tobacco Day.

By - Amit Dwivedi

Tobacco Corporations are misleading

Indepth op-ed on World No Tobaco Day published in Kashi Varta on Tobacco Corporations are misleading.

June 1 2007

By- Amit Dwivedi

Female Farmers and their Health

Indepth op-ed article on Female Farmers and their Health, published in Swatantra Bharat.

June 6, 2007

By - Amit Dwivedi

Female Farmers and their Health

Indepth op-ed article on Female Farmers and their Health, published in Swatantra Bharat.



June 6 2007



By- Amit dwivedi

Women won't wait

Women won't wait
Susana Fried Open Democracy
6 June 2007
***********

"IT IS DANGEROUS TO SEPARATE THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS AND THE STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN's HEALTH AND RIGHTS"It is dangerous to separate the fight against HIV/Aids and the struggle for women's health and rights, Susana Fried warns the G8. The German presidency of the G8 has made fighting HIV and Aids in Africa a priority for the Summit at Heiligendamm this week.

Leaders of the world's wealthiest countries have committed to supporting HIV/Aids prevention, treatment, and care, with the goal of coming "as close as possible" to universal access to treatment by 2010. But these lofty promises have not yet translated into dedicated funding to address a major and prevalent driver of the pandemic - the deadly intersection of HIV/Aids with violence against women and girls.

To state the obvious - violence against women and girls is a big contributor to death and illness among women, as well as to a host of human rights abuses. Moreover, gender-based violence, and particularly intimate partner violence, is a leading factor in the increasing "feminization" of the global Aids pandemic. Simultaneously, HIV/Aids is both a cause and a consequence of the gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination that women and girls face in their families and communities, in peace and in conflict, within and outside of intimate partnerships, and by state and non-state actors.

Yet agencies continue to treat HIV/Aids and violence against women and girls as separate issues - so that not only are efforts to address violence as a cause and consequence of HIV infection under-funded, but also the strategic imperative for integrating these efforts continues to suffer from a dangerous and dysfunctional split. Rather than comprehensively addressing this deadly intersection, national and global Aids responses continually fail to grapple with its implications.

The discrimination and abuse faced by same sex desiring and gender non-conforming individuals is captured by the term "heteronormativity". This term is used to encompass practices used to enforce "normal" (men as 'masculine' – read assertive and in control, and women as feminine – read passive and docile) heterosexuality. Cathy Cohen has defined heteronormativity as the practices and institutions "that legitimize and privilege heterosexuality and heterosexual relationships as fundamental and "natural" within society" (2005: 24). Her work emphasizes the importance of sexuality as implicated in broader structures of power, intersecting with and inseparable from race, gender, and class oppression.

See alsoThe roots of the problem--------Women and girls are at persistent risk of attack. According to the recent World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country study on violence against women, in 13 of their 15 study sites, one-third to three-quarters of women had been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner. Violence, or the threat of it, not only causes physical and psychological harm to women and girls, it also limits their access to and participation in society because the fear of violence circumscribes their freedom of movement and of expression as well as their rights to privacy, security and health.

Women and girls encounter violence in their homes, communities, schools, workplaces, streets, markets, police stations and hospitals. And women who are HIV-positive face an additional danger: the stigma and threat of violence against people living with HIV and Aids.Women are two to four times more likely to contract HIV during unprotected sex than are men, because their physiology places them at a higher risk of injuries, because they are less able to control the circumstances and conditions of sexual intercourse, and because they are more likely than men to be at the receiving end of violent or coercive sexual intercourse.

Elements of the Aids testing, treatment and prevention machinery may also bring risk, such as the danger of violence connected to disclosure of HIV positive serostatus, coercive testing in the guise of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), or the insidious treatment of women as vectors of disease, as in the case of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes (PMTCT) that fail to treat pregnant HIV positive women as clients with rights, or only as, and nothing more than, child-bearers.The impacts of both HIV/Aids and violence against women is exacerbated by inadequate services and failure to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights; laws that are weak or discriminatory toward women living with HIV/Aids; social and community standards that validate the subordination of women and all others whose sexuality and gender identity do not conform to social standards of appropriate femininity and masculinity; and the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women and girls because of their race, language, sexuality, ethnicity, and other similar factors.

This is why national and international commitment to universal access is crucial to reversing the HIV/Aids pandemic. But only in rare instances have states fully committed to grappling with women's human rights in relation to violence or HIV/Aids. Equally rarely have donors and other multilateral agencies created structures of accountability in service of respecting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights of women and girls.

The Women Won't Wait campaign's March 2007 report looked at the policy, programming and funding patterns of the five largest public HIV/Aids donors and found that strong statements of policy concern 'evaporate' at the level of implementation. The level of funding for efforts to address gender-based violence remains small and often marginalized, while the integration of violence against women programming in the much larger pot of funding for HIV/Aids is inadequate and hard to trace.Gender-based violence continues to be treated as an "add-on" rather than as integral to work on HIV/Aids. Meanwhile, levels of funding for women's rights work are 'dismal', according to the Association for Women's Rights in Development. Violence against women and girls is rarely highlighted as a major driver and consequence of the disease, nor measured statistically to contribute to the evidence base.

It is nearly impossible to determine the precise amount of money contributed to work at the intersection because none of these donors publicly track their programming for and funding to violence eradication efforts within their HIV/Aids portfolio. All this despite the fact that - as WHO Director-General Margaret Chan has said -"what gets measured gets done".Show us the money--------Real commitments on the issues of gender-based violence against women and girls and the feminization of the AIDS epidemic from member nations of the G8 are long overdue.

G8 member nations must now take bold steps to demonstrate their commitment to respect, protect and fulfill women's rights - especially in the context of HIV/Aids - by promoting policies and negotiating positions that ensure adequate health care, education, legal services, and gender-sensitive and rights-based Aids and anti-violence interventions.Women's movements throughout the world have long fought for concrete action to promote and protect the human rights of all women - including the rights to be free from violence, coercion, stigma and discrimination, and the right to achieve the highest attainable standard of health, including sexual and reproductive health.

But this global standard is rarely translated into policy and practice. In the case of HIV/Aids, this results in a deadly failure in policy and an abrogation of governments' and donors' accountability. The waiting must end.

Online at: http://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy-

'We are likely to see growing water scarcity'

Climate change: 'We are likely to see growing water scarcity'

June 06, 2007

How will climate change transform India? What should Indians do in our everyday lives to lessen the impact of global warming?

Rediff.com's Nikhil Lakshman asked Dr Rajendra K Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, what India and Indians need to do to counter the terrors of global warming. The third in a five-part series of interviews:

Part 1 of the Interview: 'Climate change reports have not been diluted'
A lot of young people seem to be absolutely aghast at the consequences of global warming. Would you outline for them the immediate and long-term implications of climate change?
Well, all these have been documented in the report itself and I would encourage people who have a concern to read the report in detail. You know the issues that we need to consider are the fact that today you have enough observed evidence to show that the climate is changing. We also have enough observed evidence to show that the bulk of this change is taking place because of human activity.

We can separate out very neatly those effects which are caused by nature -- and these could be sunspots, these could be volcanic activity -- and those activities which are human induced. So we can say now on the basis of scientific research and very sophisticated modeling activities exactly what the separation between these two drivers is. I think that's very, very clear.

We now find that there is more than a 90% chance that all the warming that has taken place in recent decades is the result of human action.

We have also made projections for the future, which show, for instance, there will be major precipitation changes. We also know that there will be major temperature increases and the impacts are not going to be uniform. There are some countries that are far more vulnerable than others, some regions where the impacts will be quite severe.

In the case of, say, the Indian subcontinent, we certainly are likely to see more extreme precipitation events. We are likely to see growing water scarcity. We know our glaciers are melting very rapidly. And that's likely to cause very serious problems at least for the northern part of the subcontinent.
Part 2 of the Interview: Climate Change: 'The science is first rate'
Will the Himalayan glaciers truly melt?

Look at the rate at which the glaciers are melting. There is enough documentary evidence, there's visible evidence. You don't even have to measure anything. You can see it taking place.
Sea-level rise is a reality and you know we need to be concerned about it. We have a large coastline. Agriculture is likely to be affected adversely.

So you know these are issues that are clearly going to have major implications for human activity across the globe and it is important for people, particularly those who are in the younger age group, to worry about some of these issues and start taking both adaptation measures as well as ensure that on a global basis, we can bring about effective mitigation of emissions of these gases.

So is this change universal?

Well, a good part of it really is because even if we had stabilised our emissions during the year 2000, climate change would continue for several decades. As a matter of fact, sea level rise, which really has the longest time scale, will continue for centuries. So we have to adapt while we may bring about action to mitigate emissions.

But you think we need to adapt to climate change as well as mitigate its consequences?
Absolutely. You need to do both. One or the other will not work. You need both.
What adaptation can we do in India?

Water management. We need to manage our water resources far more efficiently. Make sure that every drop of water, at least in economic activities, is used effectively.

I mean simple things like the kinds of toilets that we have over here, they are terribly inefficient in the use of water. Everywhere else in the world they have come up with designs that are far more efficient. With urbanisation and the demand for water growing in urban areas, these are things that are going to be critical.

In agriculture, we waste enormous amount of water, in industries we need to recycle water. There is a lot that can be done in the case of agriculture.

We need to come up with very location-specific solutions and how we may be able to counter the impact of climate change. Otherwise, agricultural yields will decline.
What about the energy scenario?

Well, there you really need global responses and global solutions. India is a very small part of the emissions problem. Even though our share is growing, it's still very, very small. I think action has to be taken first by the developed countries and I think that's absolutely critical. It is essential.

The European Union is trying to tackle climate change. The Bush administration, for long averse to taking any action, has finally stirred. What about India?
The government has to take the lead. We have to come up with a game plan, we have to come with a roadmap about what we need to do about climate change and, of course, predominantly it has to be an adaptation-based plan of action.

The number of cars that are on the roads is ridiculous. We have to think of a totally different plan of transport as opposed to what has been followed in the developed countries. It doesn't suit our conditions, locally or globally. So you know these are things that have to be thought through and you know we have to articulate them.

Has the government consulted you on what needs to done? The finance minister mentioned the constitution of an expert committee on climate change in his Budget speech. It has been a couple of months since and there has been no movement.

I haven't heard anything but you know on a regular basis we (The Energy Research Institute of which Dr Pachauri is the director-general) work very closely with the ministry of environment. We provide them regular inputs in the negotiations, in defining their own position as far as climate change is concerned. We have a good relationship in terms of providing advice and analytical inputs to the government.

online available at- http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/06inter.htm

'Climate change reports not diluted'

'Climate change reports not diluted'

June 04, 2007

Not too many Indians are aware that at the heart of the global debate on climate change is an Indian. Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri is chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, established by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Environment Programme, to investigate global warming and its consequences for Earth.

This year's IPCC reports have startled world leaders out of denial mode. No longer, it appears, can climate change be dismissed by policy-makers as a monstrous crank theory conceived by a renegade scientific community.

At this week's G-8 summit in Germany, climate change and the threat it poses to the future of humanity will be one of the main subjects of discussion, treated almost on par with that other horrific challenge to the way we live, terrorism.

In an extensive interview to rediff.com's Nikhil Lakshman, Dr Pachauri -- who heads the The Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi and is arguably India's leading enviromental scientist -- discusses the IPCC reports and what we ordinary folk need to do to preserve our planet from the dangers of global warming. A week-long series:

Are you satisfied that this year's IPCC reports have adequately conveyed the consequences and dangers of climate change?

I think they have because there has been an enormous amount of interest on the part of the media, and as a result I am sure our message and the essential findings of the reports have been conveyed widely across the world.

I feel generally satisfied but then this is only the start of a process which has to continue because let us face it, people have very short memories and right now, of course, the reports may create a bit of a stir. But over time people will forget about it and it will be business as usual. We have to think of some means by which one can keep reinforcing the message effectively.

Would you have been happier if the reports had been presented in the form they had been drafted by the scientists, because if you look at the American newspapers, for instance, there has been a lot of criticism about the way some countries watered down the conclusions?

No, I don't think they watered it down. The whole process of the IPCC is such that the summary for policy-makers is approved literally word by word by the governments. They (the government) have the immediate right to ask questions about every finding, every single piece of assessment that is contained in the reports.

The authors (of the reports) are present there and they have to answer those questions. They have to provide references, they have to provide a basis for why a particular conclusion has been arrived at. Often, to be quite honest, the kinds of suggestions that you get from the government representatives actually improves the quality of the reports.

So what we are really getting is a reality check on the part of the people who are involved in policies. And there are two benefits, one which I said you provide something in the report that is totally defensible and if it is not defensible then the authors decide to drop it. Secondly, I think what happens as a result is that you get a buy-in from the governments.

Once a government has approved a report then they necessarily have to accept ownership of it. Therefore, when it comes to any follow-up, no government can deny accepting the IPCC report. Because acceptance has been ensured through the process. So I don't think it (the IPCC reports) were watered down. Yes, there are always some modifications, and that is why we discuss these things for a period of four days or longer, which happened in this case.

Please describe to us the days leading to the presentation of the reports and the all-night discussions between the scientists and the policy-makers and your role in bringing about a satisfying conclusion.

Basically, you go through every sentence, line by line, you go through every word literally and as we go around the text, then people are free to discuss, debate, question what is there in the draft report. Then you sort of change it online if there is a need to do so. And since it is line by line you are talking about a 20, 21 page report.

Obviously, it takes all of four days and in this case it took longer because we worked right through the night. There were a few tricky issues and there you run into differences of opinion.

You then set up what is known as a contact group and that contact group meets outside sessions. And people who have very strong views about a particular issue participate in this contact group and we try to come up with any resolutions of any differences that arise.

How many countries were involved in this?
I think in Brussels, we had 114 countries.

And how many scientists?

There were the coordinating lead authors. I would say maybe 20, 25 which is the representative of the total number of scoentists who participated in the report.

And the policy-makers who took part in these discussions were also well informed individuals?
Oh yes! Because you know we go through a process of reviews of the draft. The drafts are sent out to governments and to experts for their review. And these are governments who have read the drafts, send in their comments and are totally familiar with the text. So essentially they are people who know what they are talking about.

So you wouldn't agree with the criticism that countries like China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States actually diluted the report?

I wouldn't want to name any countries but you know there are always some countries are always a little more active than others. I don't think there has been any case, so I wouldn't use the word 'dilution'.

If you can't really find cogent reasons for defending what you have said, then clearly you just have to drop it. But what I'd like to say is that there has been no material change or alteration in the report as such. There might be some minor things that have changed but the basic thrust of the report has remained just as it was.
I read that some scientists are so displeased

with the process that they have vowed not to be involved in IPCC discussions again.

I said elsewhere -- it was reported also -- that after you have a 24-hour session literally, and at the end of it, somebody asks me, "Would you work for the IPCC again?" my instinct would be to say, "To hell with it! I am not interested." It is strenuous, it is a tough process and obviously people do get flustered, they lose their cool, they lose their tempers so if somebody walks out and says that they'll never work for the IPCC again, it really doesn't mean very much, it doesn't amount to anything.

In some sense you can say it's a lover's tiff, nothing more than that.
As chairman of the IPCC, what is your role?

The co-chairs of the working groups essentially run the meetings. I am there only to facilitate things if we run into any problems, if we run into any difficulties. I am there to understand what kind of roadblocks are coming in the way and how one might be able to remove them.

The overall IPCC meeting I chair myself. When the synthesis report is presented, which will be in November, I would chair that meeting so I will be at the receiving end.

With the working group report, it is the co-chairs of the working group who are the ones responsible for producing that report so they are the best ones to handle that session and defend everything as far as that report is concerned.

So, you are essentially a builder of consensus?

I am there to see that the process moves along established lines and if we run into any problems I'd like to see that we sort out those problems.

online available at- http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/04inter.htm

Tobacco Corporations

Especial Indepth op-ed on World No Tobacco Day in India's National News Paper, Voice of Lucknow on Tobacco Corporations.

By- Amit Dwivedi

June 1, 2007

Status of Farmers in India

Indepth op-ed Article on Status of Farmers in India in Voice OF Lucknow India's National News Paper.

By- Amit Dwivedi

4 June, 2007

Budget must increase taxes levied on tobacco

Budget must increase taxes levied on tobacco

Whether it be the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the creation of yet more districts, or Universal Secondary Education, there seems no end to the many and varied demands being made on the Ugandan government’s limited revenue base. It takes a brave person to be Minister of Finance.

So, we take this opportunity, on the World Health Organisation’s “World No Tobacco Day”, to remind Mr Ezra Suruma that he can reduce the growing gap between government expenditure and government revenue by increasing excise duty on cigarettes, which would at the same time reduce smoking-related deaths and illnesses, thereby increasing Ugandan life expectancy.

This tax increase would indeed be a marriage made in heaven between the Ministries of Finance and Health. So, we wonder why Mr Suruma has taken so long to implement such an obviously welcome measure.

We trust that his forthcoming budget will make amends by including a substantial increase in tobacco excise duty. And he will have a very strong argument to make his case to the tobacco companies if one can recall that in last year’s budget, taxes were increased on mineral water but not on cigarettes. The contradiction therein is blatantly apparent.

That the forthcoming budget should be tough on tobacco receives added support from two quarters. Firstly, Vice President Bukenya, in a recent visit to West Nile, said that tobacco growing should be abandoned in favour of other cash crops, as tobacco had made the people poorer.

Secondly the Ugandan Cabinet has supported the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and the country’s formal ratification will take place very shortly. The FCTC is the world’s first global public health treaty.

It aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco through comprehensive tobacco advertising bans, price and tax increases, big graphic health warning labels on tobacco products, measures to protect people from secondhand smoke and alternative crops for tobacco farmers.

Kenya, long ago, and Tanzania, recently, have ratified the FCTC, so it is a straightforward matter for tax policies to be harmonised within the East African Community and achieve a goal of the FCTC – regular and substantial increases in tobacco taxation.

So, on budget day we shall be expecting to hear good news from Mr Suruma; we expect you to increase excise duty on cigarettes.

Online at: http://www.monitor.co.ug/oped/oped05311.php