Current Affairs 19 October 2024

CONTENTS

1. Fortified Rice
2. Dual Environmental Threats to Eastern Tropical Pacific Coral Ecosystems
3. Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme
4. What are Auroras?
5. iDEX initiative
6. Hand-in-Hand Initiative
7. SARTHI System

 Fortified Rice

Context

The Centre defended its initiative to supply fortified rice, aimed at combating micronutrient deficiencies, amid safety concerns and claims that it benefits multinational companies.  The Union Food Ministry emphasized that iron-fortified rice is safe, following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and is globally recognized. 

Relevance:

GS III- Indian Economy, Public distribution system

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is rice fortification?
2. Need of rice fortification
3. What are the standards for fortification?
4. Advantages
5. Issues with fortified food

What is rice fortification?

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines fortification as “deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefit with minimal risk to health”.
• The cooking of fortified rice does not require any special procedure.
• After cooking, fortified rice retains the same physical properties and micronutrient levels as it had before cooking.
• Fortified rice will be packed in jute bags with the logo (‘+F’) and the line “Fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12”.
• Various technologies are available to add micronutrients to regular rice, such as coating, dusting, and ‘extrusion’.
• The last mentioned involves the production of fortified rice kernels (FRKs) from a mixture using an ‘extruder’ machine.
• It is considered to be the best technology for India.
• The fortified rice kernels are blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice.

Need of rice fortification

• India has very high levels of malnutrition among women and children.
• According to the Food Ministry, every second woman in the country is anaemic and every third child is stunted.
• Fortification of food is considered to be one of the most suitable methods to combat malnutrition.
• Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about two-thirds of the population.
• Per capita rice consumption in India is 6.8 kg per month.
• Therefore, fortifying rice with micronutrients is an option to supplement the diet of the poor.

What are the standards for fortification?

• Under the Ministry’s guidelines, 10 g of FRK must be blended with 1 kg of regular rice.
• According to FSSAI norms, 1 kg of fortified rice will contain the following: iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram), and vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram).
• Rice may also be fortified with zinc (10 mg-15 mg), vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE), vitamin B-1 (1 mg-1.5 mg), vitamin B-2 (1.25 mg-1.75 mg), vitamin B-3 (12.5 mg-20 mg) and vitamin B-6 (1.5 mg-2.5 mg) per kg.

Advantages

• Fortified staple foods will contain natural or near-natural levels of micro-nutrients, which may not necessarily be the case with supplements.
•  It provides nutrition without any change in the characteristics of food or the course of our meals.
•  If consumed on a regular and frequent basis, fortified foods will maintain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and more effectively than will intermittently supplement.
•  The overall costs of fortification are extremely low; the price increase is approximately 1 to 2 percent of the total food value.
•  It upholds everyone’s right to have access to safe and nutritious food, consistent with the right to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger

Issues with fortified food

• Fortification and enrichment upset nature’s packaging. Our body does not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently compared to nutrients naturally occurring.
• Supplements added to foods are less bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient your body is able to absorb and use.
• They lack immune-boosting substances.
• Fortified foods and supplements can pose specific risks for people who are taking prescription medications, including decreased absorption of other micro-nutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk.

-Source: The Hindu

Dual Environmental Threats to Eastern Tropical Pacific Coral Ecosystems

Context:

A recent study by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry reveals that mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Eastern Tropical Pacific are under siege from both warm water-induced bleaching and cold-water exposure. Published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the findings underscore the escalating risks threatening the health and functionality of these vital reefs.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
2. About Coral Reefs

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Definition and Location

• Mesophotic coral ecosystems are located in the warm waters of tropical and subtropical regions, specifically at depths ranging from 100 to 490 feet below the ocean’s surface.

Ecological Significance

• These ecosystems are primarily composed of corals, sponges, and algae, which collectively contribute to the structural complexity of the habitat.
• Mesophotic coral ecosystems are crucial for the health of shallower coral reefs, offering refuge and breeding grounds for a variety of fish species, which rely on these deeper waters for spawning, breeding, and feeding.

Biomedical Potential

• The unique organisms found within mesophotic corals are known for their specialized defense mechanisms, which are being studied for potential applications in creating new natural health products.

Research Challenges and Advances

• Previously, the exploration of these ecosystems was restricted by technological limitations, as they were too deep for traditional scuba diving yet not deep enough to necessitate the use of sophisticated deep-sea diving equipment.
• Recent developments in underwater technology have now bridged this gap, enabling more detailed study and understanding of these ecologically important areas.

About Coral Reefs

• Indonesia has the largest coral reef area in the world and the Great Barrier Reef of the Queensland coast of Australia is the largest aggregation of coral reefs.
• India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Chagos have the maximum coral reefs in South Asia.
• Coral Reefs protect humanity from natural calamities acting as a barrier, provide revenue and employment through tourism and recreation and also provide habitats for fishes, starfish and sea anemones.
• Coral blocks are used for buildings and road construction, the lime supplied by corals is used in cement industries and coral reefs may also be used in jewellery.
• India has four coral reef areas:
  • Gulf of Mannar,
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
  • Lakshadweep islands
  • Gulf of Kutch.

Risks and threats to coral reefs

• Due to anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing methods and pollution from domestic and industrial sewage.
• Due to increased sedimentation, over-exploitation and recurring cyclones.
• Coral diseases such as black band and white band due to infectious microorganisms introduced by the human population that live on the coastal regions.

-Source: Down To Earth

Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme

Context:

The Centre has decided to extend providing benefits of Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme to all subscribers of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and their family members till further notice.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme

Introduction to EDLI

• The EDLI scheme was initiated in 1976 by the Government to extend social security benefits to private sector employees who traditionally did not receive such benefits from their employers.
• It is managed by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and offers term life insurance coverage for its members.

Coverage and Integration

• The scheme encompasses all organizations under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
• EDLI operates in conjunction with the EPF and the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).

Benefits and Features

• Determination of Benefits: Benefits are calculated based on the employee’s last drawn salary.
• Payouts: Upon the death of an EPF member during their period of employment, the registered nominee receives a lump-sum payment.
• Nominee Consistency: The nominee for EDLI is the same as that registered under the EPF Scheme.
• Assured Benefits:
  • Maximum Benefit: Up to Rs 7 lakh is payable to the nominee or legal heir if the member dies while in service.
  • Minimum Benefit: At least Rs 2.5 lakh is payable if the deceased was continuously employed for 12 months prior to death.
• Cost: The insurance benefit is provided free of cost to PF/EPF account holders.

Contributions and Enrollment

• Employer Contribution: Employers contribute 0.5% of an employee’s monthly wages, up to a salary cap of Rs 15,000. There are no contributions required from employees.
• Auto-enrollment: All PF members are automatically enrolled in the EDLI scheme.
• Direct Credit: Benefits are directly transferred to the bank accounts of the nominees or legal heirs.

-Source: The Hindu

What are Auroras?

Context:

Recently, auroras were sighted in lower-latitude regions (below 66.5 degrees north and south latitudes) like India (Hanle and Merak in Ladakh), Mexico and Germany. 

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Formation of Auroras
2. Carbon Dioxide Aurora

Formation of Auroras:

• Auroras are formed when charged particles ejected from the sun’s corona create solar wind, which interacts with Earth’s ionosphere.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called the northern lights or aurora borealis, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they are known as the southern lights or aurora australis.
• The asymmetry of auroras between hemispheres is influenced by the interference between the sun’s magnetic field and Earth’s magnetic field.
• The commonly observed green and red auroras occur between 100 to 250 kilometers above the planet’s surface due to the excited state of atomic oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide Aurora:

• When charged particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with various atoms and molecules, including carbon dioxide.
• Carbon dioxide, known for its role as a greenhouse gas in the lower atmosphere, also exists in trace amounts in the upper atmosphere.
• Around 90 kilometers above Earth, carbon dioxide molecules become excited during an aurora, leading to the emission of infrared radiation.
• This results in a higher presence of infrared radiation in the atmosphere compared to typical levels.

-Source: Indian express

iDEX initiative

Context:

The Ministry of Defence is seeking more funds to continue its iDEX scheme, a central sector scheme which started in 2021, as 90% of the approved budget for 2021-26 has already been used.  

Relevance:

GS III- Defence

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
2. Main objectives of iDEX

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is an initiative taken by the government, launched in 2018, to contribute towards modernization of the Defence Industry.
• iDEX aims to promote innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries (which includes MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia).
• iDEX will provide the engaging industries with funding and other support to carry out Research & Development.
• iDEX will be funded and managed by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), and will function as the executive arm of DIO.
• iDEX has partnered with leading incubators in the country to provide hand holding, technical support and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.

Main objectives of iDEX

• To frame ‘corporate Venture Capital’ models for Indian Defence needs thereby identifying emerging technologies, connecting innovators with military units, facilitating co-creation of new and appropriate technologies and so forth into weapon systems used by Indian Armed Services. 
• To deliver military-grade products thereby solving the critical needs of the Indian defence set-up by developing or applying advanced technologies.
• To devise a culture of innovation in the Indian Defence and Aerospace by engaging startups and innovators for co-creation and co-innovation.

-Source: The Hindu

Hand-in-Hand Initiative

Context:

Recently, the Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Director-General opens the third Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Hand-in-Hand Initiative

Introduction to the Initiative

• Launched in 2019, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative is spearheaded by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
• The initiative targets regions where poverty and hunger are most severe, and where national capacities are often hindered by both natural and man-made challenges.

Goals and Objectives

• Core Aims: It aims to eradicate poverty (SDG1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and diminish inequalities (SDG10) through the transformation of agricultural systems.
• Strategic Approach: Utilizes geospatial, biophysical, and socio-economic data alongside advanced analytics to identify areas where agricultural and environmental management can effectively reduce poverty and hunger.
• Intervention Zones: Focuses on developing value chains for key commodities, enhancing agro-industries, and fostering efficient water management and precision agriculture practices.

Membership and Reach

• As of now, 72 countries are active participants in this initiative, collaborating on various developmental projects.

About the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

Foundation and Purpose

• FAO was established in October 1945, making it one of the oldest specialized agencies of the United Nations dedicated to defeating global hunger.
• The agency is committed to improving nutrition, increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing the quality of life in rural areas, and promoting global economic growth.

Membership and Structure

• Currently comprises 194 member states along with the European Union.
• Based in Rome, Italy, FAO operates worldwide with numerous country offices.

-Source: Financial Express

SARTHI System

Context:

Recently, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) has introduced Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence (SARTHI) system.

About SARTHI System:

• This is an innovative solution which deals with the reduction of post-harvest losses in perishable food transportation.  
• Features
• It possesses two compartments intended to store fruits and vegetables at different temperatures, hence covering their specific storage requirements.
• It is an integration of IoT and real-time monitoring.
• The captured information by sensors via IoT can be transmitted through the cloud and downloaded on a smart phone app to come up with the real-time quality parameters and physiological changes occurring during the process of transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Sensors for temperature, humidity, ethylene, and levels of CO2 to get communicated with mobile application to evaluate qualities.
• It houses a solar-powered air-handling unit that offers temperature regulation when the truck is stationary.

Benefit:

• This design helps to manage shelf life and prevent losses from chilling injury or moisture loss.
• This technology can enable the transporters to make informed decisions like rerouting produce towards closer markets in case spoilage takes place, hence reducing energy wastage and reduced carbon footprints.

-Source: The Hindu