1. Diabetes - Growing Epidemic in India
Key Statistics
- Global prevalence:
- Diabetes cases increased from 200 million in 1990 to 800 million in 2022.
- Global adult prevalence rose from 7% (1990) to 14% (2022).
- India’s status:
- Highest diabetes cases globally: 212 million in 2022.
- 133 million people over 30 years remain untreated.
- China’s prevalence: 148 million.
Factors for Rising Diabetes in India
- New diagnostic methods: Includes individuals with elevated fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c ≥6.5%.
- Lifestyle factors:
- Unhealthy diets: High-calorie, carbohydrate-rich, and saturated fats, Sedentary lifestyle.
- Tobacco usage:
- Smoking increases diabetes risk by 30%-40%.
- Nicotine impacts insulin production and induces insulin resistance.
Impact of Diabetes
- Increased cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
- Long-term complications: Insulin resistance and reduced beta-cell function.
Gestational Diabetes
Crucial to manage diabetes during pregnancy: Prevents future risk in both mothers and children.
India’s Challenges
- Undiagnosed cases: 133 million remain untreated.
- WHO 2030 target:
- 80% of people with diabetes should be diagnosed.
- 80% of diagnosed cases should achieve good glycemic control.
Key Recommendations
- Tobacco control: Avoid all forms to reduce diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
- Public health initiatives: Promote healthy diets and active lifestyles.
Policy interventions: Focus on mass diagnosis and treatment programs to meet WHO goals.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Its Role in Global Warming
CONTEXT: India’s CO₂ Emissions: Projected increase by 4.6% in 2024, reaching a record high of 3.74 billion tonnes. This is a rise of 58% since 2005, making India a significant contributor among major economies.
What are Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)?
- GHGs are atmospheric gases that trap heat, contributing to global warming.
- Key GHGs: CO₂, Methane (CH₄), Water Vapour, and others.
- CO₂: Forms 76% of global GHG emissions. It Released through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
Mechanism of GHGs
- Trapping Infrared Radiation:
- Sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface and is reflected back as infrared radiation (heat).
- GHGs absorb this radiation, warming the planet.
- Impact of CO₂:
- Most abundant and long-lasting GHG in the atmosphere.
- Concentration steadily rising due to human activities.
Why is CO₂ a Major Contributor?
- Scientific Consensus:
- Studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlight CO₂’s dominance in global warming.
- Radiative Forcing (RF): CO₂ has the highest positive RF, meaning it traps the most heat compared to other GHGs.
- Comparison with Other GHGs:
- CH₄ (Methane): Shorter atmospheric lifespan but more potent than CO₂.
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): 1,000 times more potent but less prevalent.
- Abundance: CO₂ remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, unlike CH₄ and other gases, which break down faster.
Historical Trends
- Pre-Industrial Levels: CO₂ concentration remained steady for over 1,000 years.
- NASA Data: Drastic increase since the Industrial Revolution. Atmospheric CO₂ has risen by 50% since the industrial era.
Impacts of Rising CO₂
- Increased global temperatures.
- Amplification of extreme weather events.
- Contribution to sea level rise and ecosystem disruptions.
Recommendations to Mitigate CO₂ Emissions
- Transition to Clean Energy: Shift from fossil fuels to renewables like solar and wind.
- Forest Conservation: Prevent deforestation and encourage afforestation.
- International Cooperation: Adherence to global agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Carbon Sequestration: Technological advancements in capturing and storing CO₂.
3. Centre's Initiative to Make Andaman and Nicobar Islands a Tuna Export Hub
Background
- Increase in Tuna Exports:
- Tuna export from India increased by 83% in 2023-24, totaling 51,626 tonnes, earning $87.96 million.
- Indian Ocean: The second largest tuna region, producing 21% of the world’s tuna.
- Potential of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The islands are located in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in tuna species but underutilized.
Global Tuna Market
- Estimated market size: $41.94 billion.
- Tuna varieties include yellowfin, skipjack, big-eye, and neritic tuna.
Government’s Plans
- Concept Note by Union Fisheries Department: Identified 64,500 tonnes of annual tuna potential in the region.
- Challenges Addressed:
- Lack of infrastructure.
- Limited access to modern fishing technology.
- Inadequate fish processing and storage facilities.
- Steps Taken: Organized investors’ meetings to foster collaboration between business communities and fisheries stakeholders in Andaman, mainland India, and Southeast Asia.
- Focus on Technology: Promote modern fishing technologies to optimize tuna harvest and exports.
Significance
- Economic Growth: Development of Andaman and Nicobar as a tuna hub will boost India’s contribution to the global tuna market. Enhance livelihoods of local fishermen.
- Strategic Utilization: Leverage the Exclusive Economic Zone for sustainable fisheries.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Promotion: Strengthen fisheries infrastructure and create value chains for exports.
Alignment with Blue Economy Goals: Supports India’s broader Blue Economy Strategy under SDG Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
4. Centre Eases Norms for Soya Bean Procurement
CONTEX: The Centre relaxed norms for procuring soya bean under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) ahead of key state elections, including Maharashtra.
Key Changes in Procurement Norms
- Moisture Content Relaxation:
- Previous norm: Only soya bean with <12% moisture was eligible for procurement.
- New norm: Soya bean with up to 15% moisture can now be procured by states.
- Implementation:
- A one-time measure to address farmers’ grievances.
- Expenses or losses from procuring higher moisture stock will be borne by the respective state governments.
States Involved
Chief Secretaries of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka were directed to implement the relaxed norms.
Institutional Mechanism
- Central Nodal Agencies:
- NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India).
- NCC (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation).
- Role: These agencies will make payments to state-level procuring agencies, factoring in the adjusted value of moisture content.
- State Responsibility: States must ensure payment of full MSP to registered farmers for soya bean stocks procured under PSS.
Significance
- Support to Farmers:
- Eases distress due to climate-induced crop quality variations.
- Promotes inclusive procurement to address farmer grievances.
- Election Dynamics: Timed to influence rural constituencies in poll-bound states.
Agricultural Resilience: Reflects adaptive governance in response to post-harvest challenges.
