News in Shorts: 04 January 2024

Methylcobalamin

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified the use of methylcobalamin in health supplements, medical products, and nutraceuticals.

What is Methylcobalamin?

• Methylcobalamin (MeCbl or MeB12) is a form of vitamin B12.
• It differs from cyanocobalamin as the cyano group is replaced with a methyl group.
• It contains an octahedral cobalt(III) center and forms bright red crystals.

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Current Regulations on Vitamin B12

• Permitted Forms:
  • FSSAI allows cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin.
  • Methylcobalamin is permitted under specific conditions.
• Dosage Limit:
  • Vitamin B12 levels in products must not exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), except for:
    • Food for Special Medical Purposes.
    • Food for Special Dietary Use.
  • Higher levels require prior FSSAI approval.

Health Importance of Methylcobalamin

• Role in the Body:
• • Essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological health.
  • Deficiency can cause severe health issues requiring supplementation.

What causes Vitamin B12 deficiency?

• Dietary Deficiency : Lack of animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy, especially in vegetarians and vegans.
• Poor Absorption : Conditions like pernicious anemia or reduced stomach acid hinder B12 absorption.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diseases like Crohn’s or celiac affect nutrient absorption.
• Medication Interference: Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, metformin, or H2 blockers impairs absorption.
• Age-Related Decline: Reduced stomach acid in older adults limits B12 absorption.
• Alcohol Consumption: Damages stomach lining, affecting nutrient uptake.

Vitamin B12 Sources

• Fortified cereals, liver, trout, salmon, tuna, haddock, egg

Project VISTAAR

Context: IIT Madras and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Project VISTAAR.

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About Project VISTAAR

• Full Form: Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources.
• Aim: To enhance the efficiency and outreach of the agricultural extension system through digitalisation.
• Key Features of the Initiative
  • Integration of Agri-Startup Data
    • Over 12,000 agri-startups are listed on IIT Madras’ startup information platform. Enables farmers to easily connect with innovative solutions from startups.
  • Comprehensive Advisory Services
    • Covers key areas such as:
      • Crop production techniques.
      • Marketing strategies.
      • Value addition processes.
      • Supply chain management.
  • Access to Government Schemes
    • Farmers can easily access information about agriculture-related government schemes and rural development initiatives.
  • Accurate and Timely Information
    • Provides farmers with precise, relevant, and timely data to aid better decision-making.
    • Supports sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Pig-Butchering Scam

Context: The article discusses cyber fraud in which people are exploited in online investment opportunities especially in cryptocurrency and stock. 

What is a pig-butchering scam?

• The term “Pig-Butchering Scam” originates from China in 2016,.
• known as “sha zhu pan” in Mandarin, meaning “killing pig game.”
• It involves cybercriminals luring victims with fake online identities and fabricated online investments.
• It targets vulnerable individuals, such as unemployed youths, housewives, and students.

How Cybercriminals Lure Victims

• Platforms Used: Scammers target victims via social media, dating apps, and deceptive messages.
• Techniques:
  • Use of Google services, Facebook ads, and sponsored advertisements.
  • Building trust through ‘friendship‘ before promoting online investments, especially in cryptocurrency trading.
• The ‘Slaughter’: When victims try to withdraw money, they discover their funds are stolen, often irretrievable due to blockchain transactions.

About Island Development Agency (IDA)

Context:  Recently, the Union Minister of Cooperation chaired the 7th meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi.

About IDA

• Constitution: Established in 2017 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to oversee the holistic development of islands.
• Leadership:
  • Chairman: Home Minister of India.
  • Convener: CEO of NITI Aayog.
• Members:
  • Secretary of Tourism, Tribal Affairs, Environment, Home Affairs, and the Cabinet Secretary.
• Mandate:
  • NITI Aayog is tasked with steering the sustainable and holistic development of islands.

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‘Faral Sakhi’ Initiative

Context: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched a flagship initiative, ‘Faral Sakhi,’ aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.

About Faral Sakhi Initiative

• It was launched by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).
• Aims: To empower women entrepreneurs in traditional snack production through training, support, and market access.