Context

India contributed $500,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF), underscoring its unwavering commitment to support multilateral efforts in the global fight against terrorism.

India Contributes $500000 to UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

• India’s Contribution to Fund: With its current contribution, India’s cumulative financial support to the trust fund now stands at $2.55 million.
  • India announced its contribution to the trust fund during the special meeting of the counter-terrorism committee held in New Delhi in October 2022 under India’s presidency.
• Significance of Fund: India’s contribution would support global programmes of United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) — Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
  • They are aimed at building capacities of the member states of eastern and southern Africa to combat the critical issues of financing of terrorism and prevent the movement and travel of terrorists.

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Counter-Terrorism Committee

• Background:  In the aftermath of the 11 September attacks against the United States in 2001, the Security Council established a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) of the Council. 
• Members: It consists of all 15 members of the Security Council, to monitor the implementation of the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001) and other resolutions. 
• Mandate: It focuses on the following areas:
  • Counter-terrorism strategies
  • Countering the financing of terrorism
  • Border security and arms trafficking
  • Law enforcement
  • Legal issues
  • Human rights
  • Integrating gender into counter-terrorism
  • Countering violent extremism and terrorist narratives
  • Information and communications technologies 

UN Security Council

• UN Organ: The UN Security Council is one of the six main organs of the United Nations. It was established by the UN Charter in 1945. 
  • The other 5 organs of the United Nations are—the General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
• Headquarter: NewYork
• Primary Responsibility: Maintaining international peace and security.
• Council Composition:
  • Membership: Consists of 15 Members (5 permanent, 10 non-permanent).
  • Five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
  • Non-permanent member: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
• Veto: A “No” vote from one of the five permanent members blocks the passage of the resolution.
• Presidency: The Security Council has a rotating Presidency, changing every month. (alphabetical Order).

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Context

A more powerful version of AlphaFold was unveiled recently.

AlphaFold

AlphaFold is an artificial intelligence technology that helps scientists understand the behavior of the microscopic mechanisms that drive the cells in the human body.

• Solution to Protein Folding Problem: An early version of AlphaFold, released in 2020, successfully solved the “the protein folding problem.”
  • Biologists spent decades trying to determine the precise shape of individual proteins. AlphaFold was fed with a string of amino acids that make up a protein and it could predict the three-dimensional shape within minutes. 
• AlphaFold Revolutionizing Biomedical Research: After its release, biologists began using it to accelerate drug discovery, find remedies for malaria and Parkinson’s disease, understand the coronavirus, and prepare for similar pandemics. 

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AlphaFold3

It is the new version of AlphaFold which extends the technology beyond protein folding. 

• Significance: It can predict the behaviour of other microscopic biological mechanisms, including DNA, where the body stores genetic information, and RNA, which transfers information from DNA to proteins.
  • It will potentially help to streamline the creation of new drugs and vaccines.

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Context

The Election Commission of India put on hold the disbursement of amounts under Rythu Bharosa Scheme till the completion of polling for the Lok Sabha election in the State.

• The EC stated that the state violated the conditions laid down for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by publicly speaking about ensuing disbursement under the scheme.

Rythu Bharosa Scheme

Rythu Bharosa Scheme also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS), it has been implemented from the year 2018-19 Kharif season onwards to take care of the initial investment needs of every farmer.

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• Benefits: The Scheme provides Investment Support for Agriculture and Horticulture crops by way of a grant of Rs. 5,000/- per acre per farmer each season for the purchase of inputs.
  • There is no cap on the number of acres, and most of the farmers are small and marginal. 
• Eligibility: 
  • The farmers must be residents of Telangana state
  • The farmers must own the agricultural land
  • All farmers are eligible, including small and marginal farmers and farmers cultivating the land in the forest (majority from Scheduled Tribe communities) having a Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document
  • Commercial farmers are not eligible under this scheme
  • Farmers working on a rental contract or tenant farmers are also not eligible under this scheme.

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Context

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organized a National Symposium and Industry Meet on ‘Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development’ in New Delhi.  

Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development

• The Defence Secretary also inaugurated the industry-partner exhibition, showcasing latest technologies and products developed by the various industry partners. 
• A symposium souvenir and Research & Development Construction Establishment Work Procedure 2024 were also released during the event.

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About the National Symposium and Industry Meet

• Participated by: It was a two-day event, with the participation from the Armed Forces, academia, industry and DRDO.
• Aim: To foster dialogue, exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies in infrastructure development in line with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Actions Required: 
  • Advancements: While the Armed Forces personnel are being provided with latest weapons/equipment, the private sector should contribute in bolstering the infrastructure set-up in the border areas. 
  • Timely Quality Products: Need for the industry to work together with the government, and focus more on the mass production of quality products in a time-bound manner. 
  • Collaboration: There is a need for the industry to collaborate with academia to enhance the skills of the workforce that can help realize a technology into a product.

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Context

Inscriptions dating back to various periods were found at the Sri Madhava Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu.

Temple submerged by Bhavanisagar dam

• Revelation of Major Trade Route: According to the inscriptions found at the temple, a major trade route connecting the Kongu region in western Tamil Nadu with southern Karnataka and Kerala had existed over 1,000 years ago. 
• Submerged Temple Revealed as Water Levels Drop: This temple largely remained submerged in the water-spread area of the Bhavanisagar dam in Erode district.
  • The temple, in a dilapidated state, is currently visible following the depletion of water level in the dam to less than 46 feet, as against the full reservoir level of 105 feet. 
• Ancient Village: A village named Thuravalur existed there over 1,000 years ago with a temple for Thondreeshwaramudiayar (Lord Shiva). 

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• • The area served as peruvali (a trunk road), and traders crossed River Bhavani and River Moyar to reach Wayanad in Kerala and various places in Karnataka. 
• Inscriptions Detailing Traders and Transportation: Inscriptions with the names of many traders reveal they were dealing in oil, clothes, cattle, and handicrafts, and they could have traveled on foot and used donkeys or horses for transport.

Sri Madhava Perumal Temple

Background: Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III (1292-1342), the last great king of the Hoysala Empire, ruled the region. He asked Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka, the general of the army, to rule the region. He constructed the Dhandanayaka Fort which was later renamed as Danaikan Fort. The fort, constructed 680 years ago, was destroyed of which only the damaged temple is visible now.

• Temple Construction: Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka’s son Veera Siddha Keththaya Dhandanayaka constructed the Sri Madhava Perumal Temple inside the fort. 
• An inscription found on a stone describes it as “Nilagiri Sadaranan Kottai”, and villages along the fort were called “Oduvanganadu”. 
• Important Events: The Battle of Sathyamangalam, fought between September 13 and 15, 1790, during the Third Anglo-Mysore War from 1790 to 1792 took place near the fort.

• • Later, the British brought the area under their control and the Nilgiris, which was part of the Mysore Province, was merged with the Madras Province.
• Idols Shifted to New Temples: The construction of the Bhavanisagar dam, the first major irrigation project in Tamil Nadu after independence, began in 1948 and was completed in 1955. .

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Context

A recent Report developed in partnership with Deloitte presents valuable uses of Earth Observation Data across economic growth, industries, technology, and climate sectors.

Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation 2024

• The Report is prepared by The World Economic forum in collaboration with Deloitte
• Objective: To nudge stakeholders in the EO ecosystem to start instituting EO data in their operations  for a more prosperous and resilient future for the planet by exploring strategic approaches to maximize EO’s global impact.

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Key Highlights of the Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation 2024

• Boost Economic Growth: Greater adoption of Earth Observation data and technology can boost global growth by adding up to $3.8 trillion to global GDP.
• Value Maximization: The global value of Earth observation data is projected to increase from $266 billion to over $700 billion by 2030.
• Carbon  Reduction: Earth Observation Data  has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.2 gigatonnes annually, which is equal to the emissions of 476 million cars.
• Regional Growth: The Asia Pacific region will be the leader  in capturing the value of EO, potentially reaching $315 billion by 2030 with  Africa and South America expected to experience the most substantial percentage growth in this regard.
• Beneficiary Sectors of EO data: Approximately 94% of the total value that Earth Observation Data  could offer by 2030 is projected to come from 6 sectors like agriculture, electricity and utilities, government, insurance, mining, oil and gas, and supply chain and transport.
• Efficiency in operations: EO data can help industries innovate, work more efficiently, and manage risks better worldwide.

What is Earth Observation (EO)?

Earth Observation is the process of collecting information about activities and characteristics on Earth which includes  physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic (human) systems.

• Technology used: It uses both remote sensing technologies (comprising a variety of sensors, satellites to measure reflected or emitted energy from distant environments)  and “in-situ” data sources (collected adjacent to the measuring instrument, like temperature readings by a thermometer).
• First EO satellite: The US Department of the Interior launched the Landsat program in 1972, which provided never-before-seen images of the Earth fundamentally changing the  geographic, cartographic and other Earth science disciplines. 
  • ISRO launched India’s first Earth observation Satellite named  IRS-1A in 1988.

Earth Observation Data Usage

• Precision agri/aquaculture: Enhancing regenerative practices, reducing input costs and monitoring in-season performance and yield. 
• Supply chain monitoring: Detecting changes to physical goods supply chains and their impacts on international commerce and ecological indicators. 
• For Build Back Better: Analyzing environmental changes to better direct emergency response and measure the extent of damages.
• Environmental impact monitoring: Providing a trusted, third-party source to measure environmental impacts and help verify certain environmental commitments and mandates. 
• Vulnerability analysis: Characterizing and assessing the risks posed by climate changes and other hazards that may materially impact people, infrastructure and operations.
• Early warning: Detecting disasters like floods and wildfires beforehand with more speed and accuracy to advance planning, response and recovery.  
• Site selection: Identifying operational sites for large-scale infrastructure with the best yield, efficiency and/or relative environmental impact.
• Consumer experience: Providing individual users value through information such as air quality or weather forecasts.

Benefits of Earth Observation Applications:

• Economic:

  • Productivity/ Revenue increase: By increasing the output and efficiency of assets and processes which will boost innovation in products and services to reach new customers or build new markets.
  • Cost avoidance:  Monitor natural hazards to better manage risk posed to infrastructure and operations, mitigating losses, comply with regulatory requirements and avoid associated penalties.

• Environmental:

  • Climate:  Monitor climate variables and emissions, which inform actions to mitigate climate change such as limiting GHG emissions and supporting carbon capture. 
  • Nature: Monitor ecosystems to inform actions that protect and strengthen natural habitats, biodiversity and overall ecological health. 
  • Sustainable Development: Earth Observation Data  can support 16 of the UN’s 17 SDGs especially those focused on climate and nature.

• Agriculture: 

  • Cropping: It gives farmers access to quality information about plant health that can improve decision-making for  application of inputs like fertilizers and water, leading to higher crop output.
  • Fishery management: Provides information on water quality and fish stocks to inform optimal aquaculture site management and harvesting 
  • Livestock management:  Helps farmers manage livestock more effectively, by enhancing grazing decisions and unlocking targeted interventions to increase pasture biomass.

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Challenges

• Limited awareness about Earth Observation Data and its usage and application amongst the targeted users
• A lack of specialised workforce who can interpret the EO data to the common people and integration with business policies.
• Difficulty in navigating the EO market as it requires technical and statistical skills.
• Lack of specific standards to making  EO data difficult  to use

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Context

Recently, The Delhi High Court emphasized the need of teaching minors about the concept of “virtual touch” alongside traditional notions of “good touch” and “bad touch.”

• Objective:  in today’s virtual world, this step will help them identify potential risks in cyberspace.

About Virtual Touch

Virtual touch technology creates a way to interact with digital content using hand movements like touching, even though it’s not real touch.

• Applications
  • Virtual reality: VR technology builds simulated environments using computers. 
    • It allows users to be fully immersed in a 3D experience
  • Augmented Reality (AR): This technology lets you see and interact with virtual stuff that appears to be right there in your surroundings, making the real world more interactive.
  • Gaming: Virtual Touch takes gaming to a new level. Players can control characters, objects, and menus with simple gestures, making gameplay smoother and more intuitive.
  • Smartphones and Tablets: The touchscreens you use on your phone or tablet rely on virtual touch. 

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• • • It helps people to navigate, type, and interact with apps using simple touches on the screen.
  • Haptic technology:  This technology is sometimes called kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch.
    • It  creates a sense of touch for users by using forces, vibrations, or motions.
• Technologies:
  • Gesture Recognition: Gesture recognition is a computer skill that uses math algorithms to understand and respond to human gestures.
  • Electrostatics: In some touchscreens, electromagnetic phenomena is used to detect the proximity of fingers without making direct contact. 
• Challenges
  • Fidelity Challenges: The replication  touch in virtual experiences, like in video games or virtual reality, it’s hard to make it feel just like real touch. 
    • Things like texture, temperature, and how hard or soft something feels are tough to copy accurately. 
      • This can make virtual stuff feel fake and not as engaging.
  • Hardware Limitations: Existing haptic technology relies on bulky devices or gloves.
    • These devices can hinder movement and user comfort.
    • To encourage more people to use this technology, there is need 
      • More advanced interfaces.
      • User-friendly designs.
      • Equipment that is easier to use and more comfortable.
  • Accuracy and Latency Concerns: There is a need of  Precise hand tracking and real-time response for seamless virtual touch experience. 
    • Delays or jittery movements can disrupt the sense of immersion and lead to frustration. 
  • Privacy and Security Issues: Virtual touch technology may collect and analyze hand movement data, posing privacy risks. 
    • Therefore, there is a need to establish clear guidelines and provide users with control over data collection are crucial for addressing privacy and security concerns.

Components of “Virtual Touch” Education:

• Teaching appropriate online behavior.
• Recognizing warning signs of predatory behavior.
• Understanding privacy settings and online boundaries.

Significance of “Virtual Touch Education”

“Education on Virtual Touch’ holds significance as it provides users, particularly minors, with essential knowledge and abilities to safely and responsibly maneuver through the expanding digital realm. Here’s why it’s crucial:”

• Ensuring Safe Online Navigation:

  • Virtual touch education provides users, especially minors, with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape securely and responsibly.
  • Users learn about setting online boundaries and appropriate behavior, helping them identify warning signs and steer clear of potentially risky online situations.

• Safeguarding Privacy:

  • Understanding the implications of virtual touch technology on data collection empowers users to make informed decisions regarding their privacy settings and the use of their personal information.
  • Users gain insight into how their data may be collected and utilized, enabling them to protect their privacy effectively.

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• Preventing Cyberbullying:

  • Recognizing inappropriate virtual touch interactions enables users to shield themselves from cyberbullying and online harassment.
  • By understanding what constitutes inappropriate behavior, users can take proactive measures to safeguard their well-being and maintain a positive online experience.

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Context

Constructed wetlands are emerging as a promising solution to purify water similar to naturally occurring wetlands. 

Managing India’s Industrial Wastewater: Challenges and Solutions

• Challenge of Managing Industrial Waste Water: Rapid development in India has brought about significant environmental challenges, particularly concerning the management of industrial wastewater. 
• Impact of Industrial Effluent Discharge: The discharge of untreated or inadequately treated industrial effluents into water bodies poses serious threats to ecosystems, public health and water security. 
  • With industries spanning diverse sectors such as manufacturing, textiles, chemicals and mining, the scale of pollution is considerable. 
• Inadequate of Traditional Treatment Methods: Traditional treatment methods often prove insufficient in tackling the array of pollutants present in industrial wastewater, necessitating a shift towards more comprehensive and nature-based solutions. 

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Constructed Wetlands

Constructed wetlands are engineered structures designed to replicate the functions of natural wetlands.  They consist of shallow basins decorated with wetland vegetation, such as reeds, rushes, and sedges. As wastewater passes through these basins, a sequence of physical, chemical, and biological processes occurs, efficiently removing contaminants and improving water quality.

• Nature’s Filtration System: Constructed wetlands replicate the functions of natural wetlands but are purposefully designed to efficiently treat wastewater.  They offer efficient treatment as well as environmental and economic benefits. 
  • They combine natural processes with human innovation, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatment methods.
  • They consist of carefully selected vegetation, soil, and water, strategically arranged to facilitate a smooth purification process.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: In contrast to the traditional concrete tanks, these wetlands promote biodiversity by incorporating a wide variety of life forms, including microorganisms, aquatic plants, and birds, to participate in the purification process.
  • Their roots oxygenate the soil, creating a favorable habitat for aerobic bacteria. As water flows through their complex root systems, nutrients are absorbed, and contaminants are trapped.
• Nutrient Absorption: The selection of plants holds paramount importance. The botanical superheroes, such as cattails, bulrushes, and sedges, play a crucial role as essential nutrient absorbers, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, acting as natural filters. 
  • Their roots provide favorable environments for bacteria, aiding in the decomposition of complex molecules into simpler compounds.
• Types of Constructed Wetlands: They are divided into two categories: subsurface flow (SSF) and surface flow (SF). 
  • SSF Wetlands: They direct wastewater through gravel beds or porous media, promoting microbial activity that degrades organic matter. 
  • SF Wetlands: They demonstrate their aesthetic appeal above the water’s surface, with gently flowing streams and lush vegetation. 

Benefits of Constructed Wetlands

• Cost-Effectiveness: In contrast to traditional treatment facilities, constructed wetlands frequently offer a more economical option for construction and upkeep. 
  • Their construction and maintenance entail minimal energy consumption and lower operational expenses, rendering them especially appropriate for settings with limited resources.
• Versatility: Constructed wetlands can be customised to address diverse forms of industrial wastewater, effectively managing a broad spectrum of pollutants and contaminants. 
  • These wetlands can be configured as either free-water surface or subsurface flow systems, chosen based on the particular needs of the location and the characteristics of the pollutants present.
• Environmental benefits: They function as habitats for a wide array of plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity conservation. 
  • They contribute to ecosystem services such as flood control and carbon sequestration, further enhancing their ecological significance.
• Scalability and adaptability: Constructed wetlands are flexible in their scalability, able to be adjusted to fit various industrial operations and spatial limitations. 
  • They are versatile, accommodating both centralised and decentralised wastewater treatment methods, thereby providing adaptability in their deployment.

Constructed Wetlands in India

• Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi: It aids in purifying sewage from nearby settlements while also providing a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, thus contributing to regional biodiversity conservation.
• Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Strategy, Chennai: These wetlands effectively treat sewage from local communities, alleviating the burden on centralized treatment facilities and significantly reducing pollutant levels.
• Kolkata East Wetlands, West Bengal: Designated as a Ramsar site, the wetlands play a vital role in treating wastewater from Kolkata offering livelihood opportunities for local communities engaged in fishing and agriculture.
• Palla village, Haryana: Located along the Yamuna river, it hosts a constructed wetland system that treats wastewater from Delhi before its discharge into the river. 
  • It helps enhance water quality in the Yamuna and mitigates pollution levels downstream, benefiting both human populations and aquatic ecosystems.
• Auroville, Tamil Nadu: It has implemented decentralized wastewater treatment systems, including constructed wetlands, to manage sewage generated within its premises. 
  • These systems align with Auroville’s principles of sustainability and ecological stewardship, highlighting the potential for community-driven approaches to wastewater management.
• Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan: It has constructed wetlands for treating wastewater from nearby villages. 
  • It addresses the sanitation needs of local communities but also aids in maintaining the ecological integrity of the reserve, supporting the conservation of wildlife habitats.

Challenges in the Indian Context

• Contaminants removed from the system are bound in the sediment and accumulate over time.
• Constructed wetlands require more land area than many other treatment options.
• Surface flow wetlands can attract mosquitoes and other pests.Unexpected disease or invasive species may disrupt habitat functions.
• Wetlands are not appropriate for treating some wastewater with high concentrations of certain pollutants.
• Complex chemical and biological processes can result in cycles of metal removal and release of those metals that are mobilized by reducing conditions which are often created in constructed wetlands.
• Wetlands require relatively large areas, which can make it difficult and expensive to gain land tenancy rights.
• Wastewater containing high volumes of contaminants, particularly metals, can have negative effects on plants and animals.

Difference Between Wetlands and Constructed Wetlands

Way Forward

• Clear Policies and Regulatory Frameworks: They are essential to encourage the adoption of constructed wetlands in industrial wastewater treatment. 
• Providing incentives and Subsidies: This can incentivize industries to invest in sustainable wastewater management practices.
• Raising Awareness and enhancing Technical Expertise among Stakeholders: This is vital for the successful implementation and operation of constructed wetlands.
• Continuous Monitoring and Research Efforts: These are necessary to evaluate the performance of constructed wetlands in diverse industrial settings. 
  • This includes optimising design parameters and addressing emerging challenges such as new contaminants and the impacts of climate change.
• Engaging local communities: Active participation from community members is essential for the success of constructed wetland projects.
  • Their role in the planning, design and management of constructed wetlands fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the long-term sustainability of these systems.

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Conclusion

Constructed wetlands present a possible remedy for combating industrial wastewater pollution in India. By leveraging the innate filtration capabilities of wetland ecosystems, these systems adeptly treat wastewater while also yielding supplementary environmental advantages. 

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Context

Recently , The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has developed biocontrol agent “Trichoderma Asperellum”  to combat ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati Varieties of Rice.

Foot Rot Disease

• It is also known as Bakanae disease.
• Causative Agent: ‘Fusarium verticillioides’
  • It is a soil-seed borne pathogen which spreads the infection through the root of the plant, and eventually leads to the colonization of the stem base.
• It affects Basmati rice crops particularly at the seedling stage, though it might also cause infection after transplantation in case infected seedlings are transplanted.
• Symptoms : Infected seedlings first turn pale yellow, then elongate and dry up, and eventually (usually) die.

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Preventive Management Strategies to Control Foot Rot Disease

• To prevent the disease from occurring and spreading, farmers resort to 
  • Early seedling treatment, 
  • Try to use disease-free seeds, and 
  • Destroy infected seedlings. 
• Timely seed nursery management : 
  • Seed sowing in the first fortnight of June, and transplantation in July. 
  • Sowing in May often leads to problems as the month’s high temperatures are favourable to the disease. 
• Well Drained Fields : Fields where the nursery is being set up must also be well-drained, with proper irrigation, to avoid the spread of foot rot.
• Current Practices : 
  • Seedlings are treated with ‘Trichoderma harzianum’ before sowing and transplantation. 
  • Seeds are also treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (carbendazim + mancozeb) before sowing. 
    • But these are the chemical treatments which are harmful for the soil, and can be toxic for consumers of the rice. 

Importance of New Biocontrol Agent  ‘Trichoderma Asperellum’

• It is an important development in rice farming techniques, bringing in a more sustainable strategy that will offer a non-chemical alternative to traditional pesticides.
• This transition ensures safer rice production, aligning with global standards for food safety.
• It will help in aiding in disease management while minimizing environmental harm.

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Context

Recently, the Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the apex health research body the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the revised Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs). 

The Lancet Study and State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report 2023

• A study on malnutrition published in The Lancet earlier this year said undernutrition continues to be high in India, but obesity has increased significantly over the last 30 years.
• As per State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report 2023 (published by Food and Agriculture Organization), 74% people in India can not afford a healthy diet.

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Crucial Insights on the Dietary Guidelines for Indians, Released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Issued Dietary Guidelines for Indians: Seventeen guidelines have been listed in it to meet the requirements of essential nutrients and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It also prescribed general principles such as reducing consumption of salt and highly processed foods (such as packaged chips, cookies, bread, ketchup, candy, etc.).

• The report quotes the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2019, which showed high prevalence of lifestyle conditions even in children. 
  • Around 5% of children of ages 5-9, and 6% of adolescents, were overweight or obese, almost 2% of children and adolescents were found to have diabetes, and another 10% had pre-diabetes.

About Healthy Diet

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a healthy diet is one that meets the nutritional needs of individuals at different stages of life and promotes overall health. 

• Nutrition: It is the science of food and nutrients and their action on our health.
• Physiological State: It refers to the state when nutrient needs increase because of normal physiological events such as pregnancy and lactation. 
• Components: According to WHO, components of a healthy diet are as follows:
• • Breastfeed: Exclusively breastfeed babies for the first 6 months and continue breastfeeding until 2 years and beyond. 
  • Energy: The intake of energy should balance energy expenditure. Eat at least 400g of fruits and vegetables a day.
  • Fat: Keep total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake, with a shift in fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats, and towards the elimination of industrial trans fats. 
  • Sugar: Limit intake of free sugars to less than 10% (or even less than 5%) of total energy intake. 
  • Salt: Keep salt intake to less than 5 g/day. 

• Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is one form of a healthy diet, since it consists of all the essential nutrients that would be optimal for overall functioning. 
  • It is thus common to use ‘balanced’ and ‘healthy’ diets interchangeably.
• Significance of a Balanced Diet:
  • Prevent Deficiencies: A balanced diet prevents nutrient deficiencies that can lead to various health problems. 
    • Examples: Lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy and is essential for collagen production  and iron deficiency leads to anaemia.
  • Prevent from Diseases: A balanced diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
  • Optimal Function: Different nutrients perform specific functions and their appropriate quantity is desirable for optimal functions of the body. 
    • Examples: Calcium is necessary for bone health and potassium is required for maintaining normal blood pressure.
  • Weight Management: A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight by providing the right mix of macronutrients and preventing overconsumption of unhealthy foods.

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Raised Concerns

• High Disease Burden: The guidelines say an estimated 56.4% of India’s total disease burden can be attributed to unhealthy diets. 
  • The prolonged intake of large amounts of protein powders or consumption of high protein concentrate has been associated with potential dangers such as bone mineral loss and kidney damage.
• Cholesterol Level: The survey found high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) in 37.3% of children ages 5-9, and 19.9% of pre-teens and teens ages 10-19.
  • Levels of good cholesterol were low in a fourth of all children and adolescents.
• Dual Nutrition Challenge: Incidence of micronutrient (zinc, iron, vitamins) deficiencies ranged from 13% to 30% of children between ages 1 and 19. 
  • While severe forms of undernutrition such as marasmus (a deficiency of macronutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins) and kwashiorkor (deficiency of proteins) have disappeared from the country, anaemia is prevalent at 40.6%, 23.5%, and 28.4% in children under age 5, ages 5-9, and 10-19 respectively.
• Faulty Dietary Pattern: The “faulty dietary pattern” in which unhealthy, highly processed, high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods have become more affordable and accessible than healthier alternatives, “contributes to deficiencies in iron and folic acid, resulting in anaemia and in the higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among population groups.
  • As per WHO estimates that by 2025, approximately 167 million people, adults and children will become less healthy because they are overweight or obese.
• Availability & Impact: Due to the limited availability and high cost of pulses and meat, a significant proportion of the Indian population relies heavily on cereals, resulting in poor intake of essential macronutrients (essential amino acids and essential fatty acids) and micronutrients.
  • Low intake of essential nutrients can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of insulin resistance and associated disorders from a young age.

Way Forward

• Avoid Unhealthy Practices: To avoid protein supplements for building body mass and restrict salt intake, minimise sugar and ultra-processed foods and read information on food labels to make informed and healthy food choices.
• Adopt General Dietary Principles: The recommended ideal diet charts for various groups of people takes into account both micronutrient deficiencies and diseases of overnutrition.
  • The guidelines recommend getting required nutrients from at least eight food groups, including vegetables, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, dairy, nuts, and oils. 
  • Consumption of cereals should be restricted, so they contribute only 45% of the total energy (instead of the 50-70% now). 
  • Instead, more proteins (pulses, meat, poultry, fish) should be consumed, making up 14% of the total daily energy (instead of only 6-9% now).
  • Salt consumption should be restricted to 5g a day, and strongly recommends against consuming highly processed foods that are typically high in fats, salt and sugar.
  • Sugar should be less than 5% of total energy intake and a balanced diet should provide not more than 45% calories from cereals, and millets and up to 15% of calories from pulses, beans and meat. 
  • Total fat intake should be less than or equal to 30% energy.
  • Achieving adequate levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and B12 is a challenge for vegetarians. The guidelines recommend consumption of flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, vegetables, and greens.
• Follow Group-Specific Guidelines:
  • Pregnant Women: Small frequent meals for those experiencing nausea and vomiting. The guidelines recommend consumption of lots of fruit and vegetables, especially those high in iron and folate content.
    • Focus on Children, Mothers: For mother and child, optimal nutrition from conception till the age of 2 years is linked to proper growth and development. It can prevent all forms of undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity.
  • Infants and Children: For the first six months, infants should only be breastfed, and must not be given honey, glucose, or diluted milk. There is no need to give water, even during hot months. After age 6 months, complementary foods must be included.
  • Elderly: The elderly should consume foods rich in proteins, calcium, micronutrients and fibre. 
    • Apart from pulses and cereals, with at least one-third as whole grains, at least 200-400 ml of low-fat milk or milk products, a fist full of nuts and oilseeds, and 400-500g of vegetables and fruit should be consumed. 
• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: A significant proportion of premature deaths can be averted by following a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and physical activity can prevent 80% of Type 2 diabetes cases, and significantly reduce the burden of heart disease and high blood pressure.
  • Exercise is important in order to maintain bone density and muscle mass.
  • Sustainable Nutrition and Agriculture: Nutrition is linked to the health of our planet. Sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for ensuring nutritious food while minimising environmental impacts.
    • Farmers’ Markets intervention is also required to increase the availability of fresh, locally sourced foods through farmers’ markets supporting both local agriculture and access to nutritious options.
• Education and Awareness: Nutrition education is the cornerstone of change.
  • In Schools: Nutrition education programs in schools need to be held to foster healthy habits from an early age. 
  • In Communities: It can include cooking classes, community gardens, and workshops on reading food labels to create nutritional and good health awareness.
  • In Healthcare Centres: Healthcare professionals need to provide guidance on managing chronic conditions through diet, ensuring patients understand how nutrition impacts their health.
• Policy Formulations & Strict Enactments: To address nutrition-related concerns, there is a need for a multi-pronged approach, in which governments and organisations need to play their crucial roles.
  • • Examples: Food Fortification programs to address specific nutrient deficiencies, such as, fortifying salt with iodine helps combat iodine deficiency disorders.
  • School Feeding Programs: Providing nutritious meals in schools to ensure children access to healthy food and also supports their learning and overall development.
  • Regulations on Food Labeling: Need for more clear and informative food labels to make healthier and more informed choices by consumers. 
  • Subsidised Healthy Food Programs: Government programs that provide financial assistance for purchasing nutritious foods is significant and desirable to bridge the gap for individuals facing economic challenges.
• Addressing Nutrition Disparities: Initiatives such as Community Gardens provide low-income communities with opportunities to grow their own fresh produce, promoting healthy eating habits and self-sufficiency.

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Recently, renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award 2024.

58th Jnanpith Award 2024

This is the second time the Jnanpith Award 2024 has been given to Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu. Goan writer Damodar Mauzo has received the prestigious award for 2022.

2024 Jnanpith Award Winners List

Here is the list of Jnanpith Award winners 2024;

About Gulzar

• Renowned for Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is celebrated for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of this era’s finest Urdu poets.

• • In poetry, he invented a new genre, ‘Triveni’, a non-muqaffa poem of three lines. 
• Earlier Achievements: Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.
  • One of his finest works includes the song “Jai Ho” for the film “Slumdog Millionaire”, which received an Oscar award in 2009 and a Grammy Award in 2010.

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Rambhadracharya

• He is the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot. He is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts, including four epics.
• Famous Literary Works: Śrīrāghavakṛpābhāṣyam, Bhṛṅgadūtam, Aṣṭāvakra.
  • He is a polyglot who speaks 22 languages, Rambhadracharya is a poet and writer in several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili.
    • He was named Giridhara Misra and lost his eyesight at the age of two months due to trachoma.
• Earlier Achievements: In 2015, he received the Padma Vibhushan award.
  • He is one of the four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect and has held this position since 1982.

About Jnanpith Award

• Establishment: In 1944.
  • It was instituted in 1961, and the first award was given in 1965. 
• Sponsored by: The cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith.
• Eligibility: The Award is open for only Indian citizens.
• The Highest Literary Award in India: The Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. 
  • It is given annually for the best creative literary writing to writers in any Constitutionally recognized 22 Scheduled Languages and, since 2013, in English.Honor: The prize carries a cash award of Rs 21 lakh, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati), the goddess of learning. 

Also Read: Padma Awards 2024, List Of Bharat Ratna Awardees 2024, Sahitya Akademi Award 2023

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Recently, the Embassy of Israel in India, in collaboration with a non-profit entity, has officially joined the ‘Million Miyawaki project’ as part of Earth Day celebrations.

About Million Miyawaki Project

• Deals With: “Million Miyawaki mission” is a community-led initiative aimed at improving air quality in Indian cities through mass afforestation in tight urban spaces.
• Aim: Under this project, efforts are made at planting a million trees in Delhi-NCR by creating ‘forest-like’ Miyawaki plantations of 600 trees each, with a variety of up to 30 different locally-sourced species.

What is a Miyawaki Technique?

Miyawaki is a technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1980s.

• Aim: To make more green areas in a small space by growing a dense forest in just ten years, which usually takes a hundred years.

Features Of Miyawaki Technique

• Cultivating multi-layered forests involves cultivating multi-layered forests that grow rapidly.
• This type of cultivation mimics the natural biodiversity of native forests.
• The method includes planting two to four varieties per square meter.
• In the cultivation process, only those largely self-sustaining plants are selected.
• It reduces the need for regular maintenance like fertilization and watering.

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Benefits of the Miyawaki Plantation

• Mitigation of the ecological impact of mining activities 
• Restoration of biodiversity
• Enhance ecosystem services
• Creation of carbon sinks
• Creating and offering livelihood opportunities for local communities 
• Promotion  of Sustainable development 
• In this technique, the interdependence among plants supports the growth of each other
  • It causes trees to grow much faster using this method compared to the conventional ways.
• This technique helps grow fully grown dense forests (20 feet high) in a short time (two years).
• It will help in revolutionizing the paradigm of urban afforestation by transforming small plots into mini-forests. 

Drawbacks of Miyawaki Technique

• Decreased Tree Variety: In this plantation method, some trees such as Timber trees are mainly preferred which causes a decrease in the variety of tree types found naturally.
• Suitability Limitation: This afforestation technique is suitable for suburban or urban areas with limited space but is unsuitable for tropical regions.
• Disruption of Natural Ecosystem: The natural wildlife movement is limited due to the narrow spaces between trees which disrupts the natural flow of the ecosystem.
• Uncertainty in Rainfall Impact: The effectiveness of rainfall brought by Miyawaki forest trees remains uncertain.

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Context

West Nile fever is spreading across the three districts of Kerala–Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur and, Kerala State government has recently issued a warning in the state regarding West Nile fever, a viral illness spread by mosquitoes.

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About West Nile Fever

This West Nile fever is caused by West Nile virus with a single-stranded RNA.

• • Natural hosts: Birds serve as the primary hosts for West Nile virus.

• First outbreak:  This fever was initially discovered in a female resident of the West Nile region of Uganda in 1937.

• West Nile Fever Symptoms: Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, or other mild symptoms. In rare cases, severe illnesses like encephalitis or meningitis can occur.

• Transmission: This fever Spread through Culex  mosquito bites

• • • It Can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses, and certain other mammals
    • Currently, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission.

• West Nile Fever Treatment: There is no vaccine or specific medicine available for humans against West Nile virus.

• • Most people infected with West Nile virus gain lifelong immunity and are protected from future infections. Those with weakened immune systems may have a less effective initial response or may lose immunity over time.

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Context

Carbon farming can help in restoring ecosystem health while improving agricultural productivity and soil health, and mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon storage in agricultural landscapes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

What is Carbon Farming?

Carbon farming combines the concepts of carbon and farming by implementing regenerative agricultural practices. The practice is easy to adopt across various agro-climatic zones. It can help ameliorate soil degradation, water scarcity, and challenges related to climate variability.

• Common Forms of Carbon Farming:  It includes rotational grazing, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, agro-ecology, livestock management, and land restoration.

• Optimal Conditions for Carbon Farming: Regions with long growing seasons, sufficient rainfall, and substantial irrigation provide the best conditions to sequester carbon, through vegetation growth. 
  • In regions with adequate rainfall and fertile soil, the potential for carbon sequestration through practices like agroforestry (integrating trees and shrubs with crops) and conservation agriculture (minimising soil disturbance) may be particularly high.

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Advantages of Carbon Farming

• Diversification of Farm Income: Agroforestry practices including silvopasture and alley cropping can diversify farm income by sequestering carbon in trees and shrubs. 
• Enhancement of Soil Health: Conservation agriculture can help minimize soil disturbance and enhance organic content, particularly in places with other intense agricultural activities.
  • Conservation agriculture techniques include  zero tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, and crop residue management (stubble retention and composting)

• Promoting Soil Fertility: Integrated nutrient management practices promote soil fertility and reduce emissions by using organic fertilizers and compost. 
• Ecosystem Resilience: Agro-ecological approaches such as crop diversification and intercropping have benefits for ecosystem resilience. 
• Reducing Methane Emissions: Livestock management strategies including rotational grazing, optimising feed quality, and managing animal waste can reduce methane emissions and increase the amount of carbon stored away in pasture lands.

What are the Challenges Related to Carbon Farming in India?

• Limited water availability: It can hinder the growth of plants, thus restricting the potential for sequestration through photosynthesis.
  • For example, practices like cover cropping, which require additional vegetation between main crop cycles, may not be viable due to the added water demand. 
  • Carbon farming can be challenging in hot and dry areas where the availability of water is limited, and prioritized for drinking and washing needs.
• Geographic Location: Geographic factors such as elevation, slope, and proximity to water bodies influence land use options and agricultural productivity. For instance, high-altitude regions may limit crop options due to colder temperatures, while coastal areas may face saltwater intrusion and soil salinity.

• Plant Selection for Carbon Sequestration: Selecting which plants to grow also becomes crucial because not all species trap and store carbon in the same amounts or in an equally effective manner. 
• Financial Constraints: The adoption of carbon farming practices may require financial assistance for farmers to overcome the costs of implementing them. 
  • In India, small-scale farmers may lack the resources to invest in sustainable land management practices and environmental services.
• Limited Policy Support: A lack of robust policy frameworks and insufficient community engagement restrict the widespread adoption of carbon farming practices, limiting its potential impact on climate change mitigation.

Global Initiatives to Boost Carbon Farming

Chicago Climate Exchange and the Carbon Farming Initiative, Australia: It demonstrates efforts to incentivise carbon mitigation activities in agriculture. The processes range from no-till farming (growing crops without disturbing the soil) to reforestation and pollution reduction.

Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project: It highlights the potential for carbon farming to address climate mitigation and adaptation and food security challenges in economically developing countries. 4 per 1000 initiative: It was launched during the COP21 climate talks in 2015 in Paris and aims at increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration through sustainable practices.

Indian Government Initiatives to Boost Carbon Farming in India

Green Credit Scheme: It aims to promote and support sustainable practices, including those in agriculture.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Three main objectives: 

• sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes
• adapting and building resilience to climate change
• reducing greenhouses gas emissions wherever possible 

What Are the Opportunities in India?

• Viability of Organic Farming: Grassroots initiatives and pioneering agrarian research in India are demonstrating the viability of organic farming to sequester carbon. 
  • In this regard, agro-ecological practices in India could yield significant economic benefits, with the potential to generate $63 billion in value from approximately 170 million hectares of arable land. 
• Suitability Across Geographic Regions: Regions with extensive agricultural land, such as the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Deccan Plateau, are well suited to adopt carbon farming whereas the mountainous terrain of the Himalayan region is less suited. 
• Coastal areas are prone to salinisation and have limited access to resources, thus limiting the adoption of traditional farming practices.
• Enhancing Food Security: Carbon credit systems can incentivise farmers by providing additional income through environmental services. 
  • Agricultural soils can absorb 3-8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent every year over 20-30 years. 
  • This can bridge the gap between feasible emissions reductions and the indispensable stabilisation of the climate.
  • Thus, carbon farming could also be a sustainable strategy to mitigate climate change and enhance food security in India.

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How Can India Promote Carbon Farming More Effectively?

India can encourage carbon farming more effectively through a variety of strategies, including:

• Legal Framework for Carbon Farming: Establish comprehensive carbon farming legislation to promote carbon sinks on agricultural lands, addressing climate crises and improving agricultural sustainability.
• Direct Incentives for Farmers: Provide direct incentives, such as tools and credit support, to encourage adoption of climate-friendly practices in the agriculture and forestry sectors.
• Utilizing Carbon Credits and Banks: Reward farmers with globally tradable carbon credits and establish carbon banks to incentivize carbon sequestration efforts and promote sustainable land management.
• Collective Engagement: Foster cohesive policies, public-private partnerships, precise quantification methods, and supportive financing mechanisms for scalable carbon farming implementation.
• Unlocking Soil Potential: Recognize soil’s potential as a potent carbon sink and harness it to meet Net Zero goals and drive decarbonization.

Conclusion

Scaling Carbon farming in India would require concerted efforts to address challenges of limited awareness, inadequate policy support, technological barriers, and an enabling adoption environment. Promoting carbon farming is in India’s interests to mitigate climate change while improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and creating economic opportunities for its adopters.

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