Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Soil Micronutrients
Mains level: Mother nutrition
Central Idea
- A new study has underscored the significant connection between soil micronutrients and human nutritional outcomes, particularly among children and adult women.
- The research, titled “Soil Micronutrients Linked to Human Health in India,” emphasizes that soil deficiency in key nutrients contributes to nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations.
What are Soil Micronutrients?
- Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
- These micronutrients play crucial roles in various physiological and biochemical processes within plants.
Types of Micronutrients
|
Role in Plants |
Deficiency Symptoms |
| Iron (Fe) |
Chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis |
Chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves |
| Manganese (Mn) |
Photosynthesis, enzyme activation |
Interveinal Chlorosis, poor fruit dev. |
| Zinc (Zn) |
Enzyme activity, protein synthesis |
Stunted growth, small leaves |
| Copper (Cu) |
Enzyme activity, chlorophyll formation |
Leaf wilting, reduced growth |
| Molybdenum (Mo) |
Nitrogen fixation, enzyme activity |
Poor growth, yellowing of leaves |
| Boron (B) |
Cell wall formation, auxin synthesis |
Distorted growth, reduced fruit dev. |
| Chlorine (Cl) |
Osmotic balance, photosynthesis |
Osmotic imbalance, leaf damage |
| Nickel (Ni) |
Enzyme cofactor |
Specific deficiency symptoms |
Soil Micronutrients and Health Correlation
- Soil-Zinc Relationship: The study indicates that districts with higher soil zinc content exhibit lower rates of child stunting and underweight, signifying the importance of soil zinc in nutritional outcomes.
- Height and Soil Zinc: Soil zinc availability corresponds to an increase in the height of women, suggesting a relationship between micronutrient-rich soil and human growth.
- Soil Iron and Anemia: The study highlights a strong connection between soil iron availability and anemia among women, as well as haemoglobin levels in both children and women.
Implications for India
- Soil Nutrient Deficiency: The study holds significance for India, where over 35% of soil is deficient in zinc and around 11% is deficient in iron.
- Micronutrient Deficiency: India faces significant micronutrient deficiency issues, with roughly one-third of the global population experiencing these deficiencies. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia in the country.
Addressing Malnutrition and Stunting
- Malnutrition and Stunting: With a child stunting rate of approximately 39%, malnutrition is a leading risk factor for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) loss, as per the Lancet’s Global Burden of Disease Study.
- Study Insights: The researchers’ study reveals that a one standard deviation increase in satisfactory soil zinc is associated with a reduction in stunting and underweight among children.
Implications for Policy
- Mitigating Anaemia: The study suggests that soil mineral availability could serve as a valuable tool for mitigating the widespread prevalence of anaemia in the population.
- Wealthier Households: The link between soil zinc availability and childhood stunting is particularly notable in wealthier households, potentially due to additional health constraints that poorer households face.
Way forward
- Soil Enrichment and Agricultural Practices: Implement soil enrichment strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies. Promote sustainable farming practices to enhance soil health and nutrient content.
- Nutrient-Fortified Crops: Invest in research for nutrient-fortified crops rich in essential micronutrients. Encourage the cultivation and consumption of these crops to boost dietary intake.
- Nutritional Education: Launch awareness campaigns about balanced nutrition and micronutrient importance. Educate communities on the role of micronutrients in maintaining good health.
- Women’s Health Programs: Establish tailored health programs for women during pregnancy and lactation. Ensure access to supplements like iron to combat anaemia.
Conclusion
- The study’s findings reaffirm the crucial link between soil micronutrients and human health outcomes, particularly in the context of child stunting, underweight, and anaemia.
- With India grappling with both soil nutrient deficiency and widespread micronutrient deficiencies among its population, this research provides insights that could inform targeted policy interventions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nabhmitra
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The ISRO Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) has developed ‘Nabhmitra,’ a groundbreaking device designed to enhance the safety of fishermen during their maritime activities.
About Nabhmitra
- Nabhmitra employs satellite-based communication for seamless messaging services while at sea.
- Weather alerts, cyclone warnings, and other critical information will be conveyed in the local language.
- Fishermen can send distress messages during emergencies, such as capsizing or fires.
- The device features an emergency button that enables direct communication with the control center.
- Upon pressing the emergency button, the control center receives the alert along with the boat’s location. Simultaneously, the boat’s crew receives a response message from the control center.
Benefits of Nabhmitra
- Nabhmitra enhances the safety of fishermen by providing swift communication during emergencies.
- Fishermen receive timely weather and cyclone alerts, aiding them in making informed decisions.
- The device provides information about shipping channels, maritime boundaries, and fishing fields.
- In the event of accidents or crises, the device streamlines communication between boats and authorities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: REITs and InvITs
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently approved crucial changes to the regulations governing real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs), aimed at enhancing their appeal to investors.
- These investment vehicles function similarly to mutual funds, pooling capital to invest in real estate or infrastructure projects.
What are REITs and InvITs?
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) |
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) |
| Structure |
Investment trusts owning real estate properties |
Investment trusts owning revenue-generating infrastructure projects |
| Regulation |
Regulated by SEBI |
Regulated by SEBI |
| Assets |
Commercial real estate properties (no residential) |
Operational infrastructure projects |
| Units |
Units issued to investors, traded on stock exchanges |
Units issued to investors, traded on stock exchanges |
| Distribution |
Mandatory distribution of a significant portion of income as dividends |
Mandatory distribution of a certain percentage of cash flows as dividends |
| Tax Benefits (Dividends) |
Dividend distribution exempt from DDT |
Dividend distribution exempt from DDT |
| Taxation (Investor’s Dividends) |
Taxable as per investor’s income tax slab |
Taxable as per investor’s income tax slab |
| Asset Focus |
Commercial properties: office buildings, malls, etc. |
Operational infrastructure projects |
| Purpose |
Income generation and capital appreciation |
Income generation and capital appreciation |
| Project Type |
Income-generating properties |
Operational brownfield projects |
| Examples in India |
Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT |
IndiGrid Trust, IRB InvIT Fund, Sterlite Power Grid Ventures InvIT |
Importance of REITs and InvITs
- Investment Pooling: REITs and InvITs operate as investment pooling vehicles, allowing sponsors to invest in real estate or infrastructure projects.
- Affordable Ownership: REITs offer retail investors access to income-generating real estate properties that would otherwise be unaffordable.
- Direct Investment: InvITs enable both individual and institutional investors to directly invest in infrastructure projects, spanning transport, energy, and communication sectors.
Performance of REITs and InvITs
- Growing Popularity: Since their launch in 2019, REITs have gained traction, demonstrating resilience during challenges such as the pandemic.
- Rising Interest: InvITs have a broader scope, with multiple listings, including IRB InvIT Fund and Embassy Office Parks Reit.
- Assets Under Management: As of the beginning of 2023, REITs and InvITs registered with Sebi managed assets exceeding ₹3.5 trillion.
Sebi’s Amendments Explained
- Unit Holder Nomination Rights: Sebi has granted board nomination rights to unit holders of InvITs and REITs, allowing them greater influence.
- Minimum Unit Holding Change: The minimum unit holding requirement for sponsors has been revised, enhancing flexibility.
- “Self-Sponsored Investment Managers”: Sebi introduced the concept of self-sponsored investment managers, enabling them to assume Reit sponsor responsibilities.
Importance of the Changes
- Enhanced Corporate Governance: These amendments are designed to bolster corporate governance and streamline the functioning of InvITs and REITs.
- Retail Unit Holder Rights: The changes empower retail unit holders by giving them a voice and ensuring accountability through the Stewardship Code.
- Sponsor Commitment: Sponsors are now required to maintain a minimum number of units throughout the lifespan of the Reit or InvIT.
- Self-Sponsored Investment Managers: This concept provides flexibility for Reit sponsors and potential exit options.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Preventive Detention
Mains level: Issues with Preventive Detention
Central Idea
- Ahead of a religious procession, a few people were taken into preventive custody (preventive detention) in Haryana.
What is Preventive Detention?
- Arrest occurs when an individual is charged with a crime.
- Preventive Detention involves detaining individuals to prevent them from engaging in actions that could disrupt law and order, without them being charged with a specific crime.
Preventive Detention in Indian Law
- Detention without Magistrate’s Order: Police officers can arrest individuals without a magistrate’s order or warrant if they suspect potential criminal behavior.
- Preventive Detention Law, 1950: This law permits arrest and detention if an individual’s freedom threatens national security, foreign relations, public interests, or the country’s well-being.
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1968: UAPA empowers the state to imprison individuals who question Indian sovereignty territorially or belong to organizations declared illegal.
Constitutional Safeguards and Exceptions:
- Article 22(1) and 22(2): These constitutional provisions ensure that arrested persons are informed of the charges, can seek legal representation, and are presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.
- Article 22(3): However, these safeguards do not apply to enemy aliens or persons arrested under specific laws for preventive detention.
Preventive Detention Statistics
- Increasing Trend: The NCRB report reveals a surge in preventive detentions, with over 24,500 individuals detained at the end of 2021 – the highest number since 2017.
- National Security Act (NSA): Among these detentions, over 483 were under the National Security Act, with almost half still detained by the end of 2021.
- Historical Perspective: In 2017, 67,084 people were detained preventively, out of which 48,815 were released within six months, while 18,269 remained in custody.
Concerns and Legal Perspectives
- Increasing cases: The number of preventive detentions has been rising since 2017, with a significant surge in 2021.
- Supreme Court’s Stand: The Supreme Court has emphasized that preventive detention is only justifiable to prevent public disorder and should not replace ordinary laws for maintaining law and order.
- Balancing Civil Liberties: While preventive detention serves to curb anti-social and subversive elements, concerns arise about potential abuse, arbitrariness, and violations of civil liberties.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Flood Plains
Mains level: Flood Plains Management
Central Idea
- Punjab has been grappling with severe floods for over a month, predominantly affecting villages along rivers like Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar.
- These areas, known for their fertile flood plains, have been hit the hardest due to floods exacerbated by encroachments and construction.
Flood Plains and their Significance
- Flood plains adjacent to rivers serve as natural defences against inland flooding. Maintained without concrete encroachments, they absorb excess water, safeguarding other regions.
- Properly managed flood plains also aid in recharging groundwater levels and maintaining the water table.
What is Zoning of Flood Plains?
- Zoning of flood plains refers to the practice of categorizing and regulating different areas within flood-prone regions based on their vulnerability to flooding and the intensity of flood events.
- This aims to manage land use and construction activities in these areas to minimize the risks associated with flooding, protect communities and infrastructure, and maintain the natural functions of flood plains.
- It involves designating specific zones within flood-prone regions and establishing regulations and guidelines for development, construction, and land use in each zone.
Current Scenario: No Zoning in Punjab
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): NGT guidelines state that construction should not occur within 500 meters of a river’s central lining.
- Punjab’s Lag: Despite NGT’s directives and the need for floodplain zoning, Punjab has yet to initiate the process. Encroachments persist, putting riverside villages at perpetual risk.
Impact of Inaction: People and Ecosystems Affected
- Risk to People and Property: Unregulated construction leads to increased flood risks further inland, causing greater harm during floods.
- Environmental Impact: Concretization of flood plains delays water drainage and affects soil fertility and quality.
Flood Prone Districts and National Issue
- Districts at Risk: Many districts including Ropar, Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Patiala, and more fall within flood plains, magnifying the need for preparedness.
- Nationwide Challenge: While only four states have adopted flood plain zoning in principle, implementation has been insufficient. Even those that adopted zoning have not effectively delineated and demarcated flood plains.
Activists’ Advocacy
- Activists’ Concerns: Environmental activists and NGOs in Punjab have been advocating for flood plain zoning to mitigate risks.
- Urgent Implementation: Immediate initiation and completion of flood plain zoning are crucial to safeguard lives, property, and ecosystems from devastating floods.
Conclusion
- The recent floods in Punjab underline the urgency of flood plain zoning to avert catastrophe.
- By adopting effective zoning measures, the state can shield its citizens and environment from the damaging impacts of unchecked construction and flooding.
- It is imperative that Punjab takes swift action to implement flood plain zoning and thereby protect its vulnerable regions from the perpetual threat of floods.
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