Current Affairs 31 January 2025

Content:

1. As number of births falls in Tamil Nadu, concerns rise about the elderly population
2. Extreme climate events impacting rain in southwest coast, says study
3. What WHO’s recommendation for low sodium salt means for India
4. EU tracks bird flu virus variants over rising threat to humans
5. INSV Tarini crosses most remote part of earth
6. Natural farming in Solan is a journey towards sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity
7. Guillain-Barré outbreak in Pune ‘human-made epidemic’, more than 5,000 cases expected: Experts

As number of births falls in Tamil Nadu, concerns rise about the elderly population

• Tamil Nadu’s live birth count dropped by 6.6% in 2024, falling below 9 lakh for the first time in at least five years.
• 2024 births: 8,42,412 vs. 2023 births: 9,02,306.
• The birth rate declined from 11.7 (2023) to 10.9 (2024).
• The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 1.4, much below the replacement level of 2.1.

Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)

Reasons for Declining Birth Rate

• Development indicators (e.g., education, healthcare, economic growth).
• Economic and social factors discouraging larger families.
• Successful government interventions in population control over the past decades.

Major Concerns

• Aging Population & Dependency Ratio:
  • Increasing elderly population requiring greater healthcare and social support.
  • Shrinking workforce, affecting economic growth and productivity.

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
  • MMR decline may slow down due to a lower number of births.

Expert Views

• Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam (Director, Public Health & Preventive Medicine):
  • Tamil Nadu is experiencing a trend similar to developed nations with falling birth rates.
  • Policy focus should shift towards higher-order births and addressing infertility issues.

• Dr. Jacob John (CMC, Vellore):
  • Tamil Nadu and Kerala have overshot their demographic transition, leading to below-replacement fertility.
  • The decline is not due to health issues but rather economic and social factors.

Way Forward

• Policy recalibration to encourage population stabilization at the replacement level.
• Support mechanisms for the aging population, including healthcare, pensions, and social security.
• Address economic disincentives to childbirth, such as high living costs and career constraints for parents.
• Encouraging balanced demographic transition while ensuring sustainable economic and social development.

Extreme climate events impacting rain in southwest coast, says study

Key Findings of the Study

• Increase in Extreme Rainfall Events:
  • The southwest coast is experiencing a rise in extreme rainfall events at a rate of 0.23 mm per season.
  • This suggests a long-term pattern of intensifying precipitation in the region.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment)

• Study Details:
  • Conducted by CUSAT, EUMETSAT, and the UK Met Office.
  • Published in the International Journal of Climatology.

• Primary Driver: Moisture Flux & Warming Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs)
  • Increased extreme rainfall events are linked to changes in moisture flux, particularly its thermodynamic component.
  • Southeast Arabian Sea SSTs have been rising, exceeding 28°C since 2014, which enhances moisture transport and rainfall.

Scientific Basis

• Moisture Flux & Monsoon Intensification:
  • Moisture flux plays a crucial role in determining monsoon rainfall variability.
  • Warming SSTs lead to higher evaporation rates, increasing atmospheric moisture.
  • This intensified moisture transport contributes to more extreme rainfall over the west coast.

Implications of Extreme Rainfall Events

• Increased Flooding Risks:
  • More frequent and intense rain spells raise the risk of flash floods and urban flooding in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.
  • Higher flood incidents could impact agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

• Impact on Coastal Ecosystems & Marine Life:
  • Rising SSTs may disrupt marine biodiversity, affecting fishing industries and coastal b.
  • Increased coastal erosion due to heavy rainfall can damage mangroves and wetlands.

• Climate Change & Monsoon Variability:
  • Persistent warming could alter monsoon patterns, making rainfall more erratic and unpredictable.
  • This could lead to water management challenges for both agriculture and urban planning.

Policy & Adaptation Measures

• Early Warning & Disaster Preparedness:
  • Strengthening flood forecasting systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Sustainable Water Management:
  • Implementing rainwater harvesting and enhancing groundwater recharge to mitigate water scarcity during dry periods.

• Coastal Protection Strategies:
  • Promoting mangrove restoration and coastal afforestation to reduce the impact of extreme weather.

• Climate Mitigation Efforts:
  • Reducing carbon emissions to limit further SST rise.
  • Expanding research on regional climate models for better forecasting.

What WHO’s recommendation for low sodium salt means for India

Context : WHO has issued new guidelines recommending low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS).

Relevance : GS 2(Health)

Key Recommendations by WHO

• These substitutes reduce sodium chloride (NaCl) content and incorporate potassium chloride (KCl).
• Aim: To bring daily sodium intake below 2g per person, reducing risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• Recommendations target household salt consumption but do not apply to packaged foods or restaurant-cooked meals.
• Excludes pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney disease, as high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) may be harmful.

Why Salt is Again a Public Health Focus

• Salt Fortification Success in India:
  • Iodized salt (introduced in the 1950s) successfully tackled iodine deficiency and related diseases like hypothyroidism.

• Salt’s Role in the Human Body:
  • Sodium increases water retention in blood vessels, raising blood volume and blood pressure.
  • High sodium intake is linked to hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Potassium helps improve vascular function, countering some of sodium’s negative effects.

Health Risks of Excessive Sodium Consumption

• Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs):
  • Major risk factor for atherosclerosis, leading to blocked arteries, heart attacks, and strokes.
  • Vascular stiffness: Excess sodium makes blood vessels less flexible, increasing the burden on the heart.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
  • High salt intake strains kidney function.
  • Excess sodium also increases protein leakage in urine, worsening kidney disease.

• Other Health Impacts:
  • Gastric cancer risk is linked to excessive salt intake.
  • Bone health deterioration due to calcium loss caused by excess sodium.
  • WHO states 1.9 million deaths annually are attributed to high sodium intake.

Indian Context: High Salt Consumption & Public Health Concerns

• Cultural dietary habits in India promote high salt consumption (added to cooked food, pickles, snacks).
• Studies show Indians consume far more sodium than WHO’s recommended 2g/day.
• 2013 British Medical Journal study:
  • Cutting sodium intake by 4.4g/day for 4 weeks reduced systolic BP by 4mmHg and diastolic BP by 2mmHg.

Challenges in Implementing Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS)

1. Affordability & Market Access:
   1. Low-sodium salt substitutes are costlier than regular table salt.
   1. Prof. Vivekanand Jha (George Institute for Global Health) suggests government intervention to reduce prices and increase availability.

• Consumer Awareness & Behavioral Change:
  • Majority of Indian households lack awareness of salt-related health risks.
  • The Sapiens Health Foundation has launched initiatives to train 300 physicians nationwide to spread awareness.

• Policy & Regulation Issues:
  • Signal labeling on food products could help consumers make healthier choices.
  • WHO recommends government-led initiatives to promote LSSS usage.

• Health Risks of Potassium Intake:
  • Potassium-rich salt substitutes are not suitable for people with kidney disease.
  • Large sections of the population remain undiagnosed for kidney ailments, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.

Potential Solutions & Policy Recommendations

• Subsidizing Low-Sodium Salt:
  • Government intervention can lower costs and increase adoption.

• Public Awareness Campaigns:
  • Similar to iodized salt campaigns, public messaging can educate consumers on the dangers of excess sodium.

• Stronger Food Labeling Laws:
  • Mandatory “high sodium” warning labels on packaged foods.

• Promoting Home-Based Salt Reduction Strategies:
  • Encouraging gradual reduction of table salt usage.
  • Substituting salt with herbs and spices to maintain flavor.

EU tracks bird flu virus variants over rising threat to humans

Context : The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority are monitoring bird flu virus variants.

Relevance : GS 2(Health )

• Concern: The virus could adapt to spread between humans, potentially causing future pandemics.
• Key findings: ECDC identified 34 genetic mutations that might increase the virus’s ability to infect humans.
• Recommendations: Based on genetic analysis and human case studies, the agencies outlined current risks and precautionary measures.

Menstruation Disrupts Daily Activities for 20% of South Asian Women

• Study published in The Lancet Global Health found that 1 in 5 South Asian women avoid regular activities during menstruation.
• Age group most affected: 15-19 years.
• Concerns:
  • Impacts quality of life and exacerbates gender inequalities.
  • Suggests menstrual symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding hinder participation in daily life.
• Findings: Contraceptive use, especially hormonal methods, reduces menstrual-related absences across all age groups.
• Policy Implication: The study provides new evidence for menstrual health research and interventions.

Climate Change Increases Salmonella Outbreak Risk

• University of Surrey research finds a strong link between weather conditions and Salmonella outbreaks.
• Salmonella: A bacteria causing food poisoning, commonly found in poor sanitation areas.
• Key Weather Factors Increasing Risk:
  • Warmer temperatures (above 10°C).
  • High humidity & dew point (7-10°C).
  • Longer daylight hours (12-15 hours).

• Significance:
  • Highlights climate change’s role in foodborne diseases.
  • Helps predict future outbreaks and design preventive strategies.

INSV Tarini crosses most remote part of earth

Mission Overview

• Navika Sagar Parikrama-II: Second edition of the all-women circumnavigation mission by the Indian Navy.
• Crew Members: Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A.
• Route: Sailing from Lyttelton Port, New Zealand, to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
• Vessel: INSV Tarini, an Indian Navy sailing vessel designed for oceanic expeditions.

Significance of Point Nemo

• Definition: The Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, the farthest point from any landmass.
• Location: South Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,688 km away from the nearest land.
• Extreme Isolation: Closest human presence is the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting at 400 km above Earth.
• Scientific Interest:
  • A convergence zone for ocean currents, making it vital for studying marine pollution.
  • Acts as a “spacecraft cemetery”, where decommissioned satellites and space debris are often directed.

Scientific Research Contribution

• Collection of Water Samples:
  • Samples taken from Point Nemo for analysis by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
  • Study of marine biodiversity, including rare microorganisms and deep-sea life.
  • Chemical analysis to detect pollutants, microplastics, and ocean acidification trends.
  • Contribution to global oceanographic studies on climate change and ocean health.

Strategic and Technological Implications

• Naval and Maritime Capabilities:
  • Strengthens India’s blue-water naval ambitions and oceanic expertise.
  • Demonstrates endurance and skill in handling long-haul maritime expeditions.
  • Enhances India’s soft power by highlighting women’s leadership in naval missions.

• Oceanic Surveillance & Research:
  • Potential insights for marine navigation, weather patterns, and deep-sea mining prospects.
  • Enhances India’s participation in international oceanographic collaborations.

Challenges and Risks

• Harsh Environmental Conditions:
  • Rough seas, unpredictable weather, and strong oceanic currents.
  • Extreme isolation means emergency assistance is difficult.

• Psychological and Physical Demands:
  • Small crew managing long-duration isolation and navigation challenges.
  • Maintaining vessel efficiency in extreme maritime conditions.

Broader Impact on India’s Maritime Goals

• Women Empowerment in Defence:
  • Showcases the increasing role of women in India’s naval operations.
  • Encourages gender inclusivity in India’s armed forces.

• Geostrategic Significance:
  • Strengthens India’s presence in global maritime expeditions.
  • Contributes to India’s commitment to marine conservation and scientific research.

Guillain-Barré outbreak in Pune ‘human-made epidemic’, more than 5,000 cases expected: Experts

Overview of the Outbreak

• More than 100 confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
• Two deaths reported, and 17 patients are on ventilators.
• Experts estimate over 5,000 cases of Campylobacter infection in the region.
• The outbreak is linked to contaminated water supply, carrying E. coli and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria.

Relevance : GS 2(Health )

Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

• Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
• Causes muscle weakness, numbness, and potential paralysis.
• Often triggered by bacterial infections, most commonly Campylobacter jejuni.
• Infection sources include contaminated food and water, poultry, and livestock waste.

Causes and Transmission Route

• Contaminated Water Supply:
  • Water samples indicate high E. coli levels, pointing to contamination from human/animal feces.
  • Acts as the primary transmission medium for Campylobacter infection.

• Food Contamination Hypothesis:
  • Experts suggest infected individuals may have consumed contaminated chicken or meat.
  • However, this alone cannot explain the large-scale outbreak.
  • Waterborne transmission remains the most probable cause.

Public Health and Government Failure

• Delayed Response:
  • Local authorities failed to act after detecting the first Campylobacter cases.
  • Clean water should have been immediately supplied, but contamination persisted.

• Weak Public Health Infrastructure:
  • In western nations, even three GBS cases would trigger an immediate outbreak response.
  • In India, government hospitals focus on treatment, lacking proactive infection tracing.

• Comparison to COVID-19 Crisis:
  • During COVID-19, NDMA (National Disaster Management Agency) handled outbreak control.
  • Experts question why NDMA is absent in managing the Pune crisis.

Medical and Economic Challenges

• Late Diagnosis and Treatment Impact:
  • Early intervention (within 2 weeks) improves recovery chances.
  • Delays can lead to lung complications and death.

• Treatment Methods & Costs:
  • IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) therapy (₹10,000-₹12,000 per injection for five days).
  • Plasmapheresis (blood purification) is another alternative.
  • Diagnosis requires bacterial tests and nerve conduction studies.

Broader Implications and Future Risks

• Rising Immune-Related Disorders:
  • Post-COVID, there was a rise in immune-triggered diseases, though unrelated to the Pune outbreak.
  • Seasonal infections (monsoon/winter) often act as GBS triggers.

• Urbanization and Hygiene Concerns:
  • Increased dining at crowded, unhygienic restaurants raises infection risks.
  • Despite improved sanitation, poor drinking water management remains a threat.

• Lessons for Public Health Policy:
  • Strengthening water safety monitoring and early disease detection is critical.
  • A scientific, independent public health system is needed to prevent future outbreaks.

Natural farming in Solan is a journey towards sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity

Overview of Natural Farming in Solan

• Location: Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, lies in two agro-climatic zones—sub-tropical low hills and sub-temperate mid hills.
• Current Agricultural Practices: Farmers rely on hybrid seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides to maximize returns, but these methods degrade soil health and increase production costs.
• Challenges: The current practices are vulnerable to climate change-induced variability and contribute to environmental degradation.

Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture)

Transition to Natural Farming

• Definition: A low-input, climate-resilient farming approach that eliminates artificial fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainability and ecological balance.

• Key Benefits:
  • Reduced Costs: Farmers can minimize expenses by using locally sourced, cost-effective inputs.
  • Soil Carbon Sequestration: The method enhances soil carbon storage, which helps mitigate climate change.
  • Water Conservation: Practices like mulching and crop rotation promote sustainable water management.
  • Biodiversity: Natural pest control methods and crop diversification foster biodiversity.

Core Principles of Natural Farming

• Jeevamrit: A cow dung and urine-based fertilizer that improves soil fertility and enhances microbial activity.
• Beejamrit: Natural seed treatment to prevent diseases.
• Ghanjeevamrit: A concentrated form of jeevamrit used in large-scale applications.
• Aachhadan: Mulching to protect the soil and conserve moisture.
• Whapsa: A method to restore the natural balance in the soil.
• Minimum Tillage: Ensuring soil structure remains intact to foster long-term productivity.

Impact of Natural Farming on Soil and Crops

• Soil Health: Natural farming practices improve soil structure, increase beneficial microbes, and reduce the prevalence of soil-borne diseases.
• Pest Control: By avoiding synthetic pesticides, farmers encourage the presence of natural predators, reducing pest populations.
• Crop Yields: While initial skepticism existed, evidence shows that natural farming leads to higher crop equivalent yields due to intercropping.

Farmers’ Adoption and Success Stories

• KVK Solan’s Role:
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Solan, in collaboration with YS Parmar University of Horticulture and ICAR-ATARI, has been instrumental in promoting natural farming.
  • KVK has set up demonstration models showcasing the effectiveness of natural farming in horticulture crops.
  • Over 12,000 farmers in Solan have adopted natural farming across 1,936 hectares.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

• Soil Fertility: By incorporating nitrogen-fixing crops and practicing crop rotation, natural farming increases soil nutrient levels, ensuring long-term productivity.
• Sustainability: Reduces the need for chemical inputs, which lowers costs and enhances self-sustainability in farming systems.
• Carbon Sequestration: Enhances soil carbon storage, helping reduce atmospheric CO2 and mitigating climate change.

Supporting Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Kushhal Kisan Yojna (PK3Y): Launched in 2018-19 by the Himachal Pradesh government, this scheme supports the transition to natural farming.
• KVK Solan’s Demonstrations: Through hands-on models and training, KVK Solan has provided farmers with a platform to experience the benefits of natural farming before adoption.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Skepticism: Initially, farmers were hesitant to adopt natural farming due to concerns over yield loss and lack of knowledge. However, successful examples have increased adoption.
• Training and Support: The continued role of KVK and other agricultural institutions is crucial in training farmers and showcasing practical results.
• Scaling Up: As the success of natural farming spreads, there is a need to scale up efforts to increase awareness, provide market access for organic produce, and ensure financial support for farmers transitioning to sustainable practices.