ANAEMIA IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIETY: THE HINDU
Anaemia, a widespread health concern in India, has been traditionally linked to iron deficiency. However, recent studies highlight additional factors, such as vitamin deficiencies and environmental influences, that contribute to the condition.
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Context: Anaemia Prevalence in India
- Women (15–49 years): Anaemia prevalence was 41.1%, lower than 60.8% recorded in NFHS-5.
- Adolescent Girls (15–19 years): Anaemia affected 44.3%, a decrease from 62.6% in NFHS-5.
Study Highlights
- Research Team: Conducted by experts from St. John’s Medical College and the National Institute of Nutrition.
- Sample Size: Involved 4,500 individuals across eight Indian states.
- Published: Findings appeared in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Causes of Anaemia
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, and folate in diets.
- Environmental Factors: Air pollution may affect haemoglobin levels.
- Health Issues: Blood loss due to infections or diseases like malaria and hookworm.
Variance in Testing Methods
- The study employed venous blood draws, leading to potentially lower anaemia estimates than the NFHS, which used capillary blood samples.
Reasons for High Anaemia Prevalence
- Nutritional Deficits: Limited access to iron-rich foods like meat, legumes, and leafy vegetables.
- Infections and Malnutrition: Diseases like tuberculosis and poor maternal nutrition exacerbate the problem.
- Economic and Cultural Barriers: Poverty and socio-cultural restrictions limit dietary diversity for women and children.
Challenges in Addressing Anaemia
- Healthcare Access: Rural areas lack diagnostic and treatment infrastructure.
- Low Awareness: Limited knowledge about balanced diets and anaemia prevention.
- Economic Constraints: High costs of supplements and nutritious foods hinder progress.
Way Forward
- Nutrition Education: Campaigns promoting balanced diets and iron-rich foods.
- Iron Supplementation: Strengthening government initiatives like school-based fortification programs.
- Healthcare Improvements: Enhancing rural healthcare and increasing anaemia screenings.
- Addressing Socio-economic Issues: Alleviating poverty, improving sanitation, and ensuring food security.
Conclusion
Addressing anaemia requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on nutrition, healthcare access, and socio-economic upliftment to combat its root causes.
Practice Question:
Which of the following statements about anaemia and blood-related conditions is/are correct?
- Anaemia is primarily caused by a deficiency of iron in the diet.
- Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can also contribute to anaemia.
- Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition affecting the shape of red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia.
- Anaemia can result from exposure to air pollution and chronic blood loss.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia globally.
- These nutrients are essential for red blood cell formation, and their deficiency can result in megaloblastic anaemia.
- Abnormally shaped red blood cells in sickle cell disease are prone to breaking down, causing anaemia.
- Air pollution can impair blood oxygenation, and chronic blood loss (e.g., due to gastrointestinal issues) depletes iron stores, leading to anaemia.
BOOSTING CONSUMPTION TO FIX THE ECONOMY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
RBI officials emphasize addressing sticky food inflation and creating higher disposable incomes to spur private investments and consumer demand.
Key Highlights
Current Economic Challenges
- Slow Growth in Investments: Private capital expenditure (capex) remains stagnant, and government capex has decreased.
- Weak Manufacturing Performance: Manufacturing and investment sectors are the main drags on economic growth.
- Persistent Food Inflation: Food inflation remains high, driven by rising rural wages and corporate salaries.
RBI’s Recommendations
- Boost Consumption: Rekindle consumer demand by increasing disposable incomes, particularly for the middle class.
- Monitor Food Inflation: Keep a close watch on the “second-order effects” of sticky food inflation, as it affects broader economic trends.
- Encourage Private Investment: Improving consumer demand is critical to triggering a boom in private investments.
Trends in Consumption
- Private Final Consumption: A positive factor in the economy, largely supported by e-commerce and quick commerce (q-commerce).
- Impact on Small Businesses: The rise of e-tailers and q-commerce may challenge traditional mom-and-pop stores, necessitating policies fostering fair competition.
Global Economic Outlook
- Uncertain Global Economy: The global environment in 2025 is expected to be unpredictable, limiting room for monetary easing.
- Inflationary Pressures: Although disinflation may provide relief to households, new inflationary risks like uncertainty and fluctuating interest rates loom ahead.
Conclusion
Addressing inflation, boosting disposable incomes, and rekindling consumer demand are essential steps to revive India’s economic growth. These measures, coupled with enhanced private investments, can restore confidence and strengthen the economy amidst global uncertainties.
Practice Question:
Which of the following are possible impacts of declining consumption expenditure on an economy?
- Decrease in aggregate demand.
- Slowdown in economic growth.
- Increase in private sector investment.
- Reduction in government tax revenues.
- Rise in unemployment levels.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1, 2, 4, and 5 only
- 1, 3, and 5 only
- 2, 4, and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Answer: A
Explanation:
- 1. Decrease in aggregate demand: A fall in consumption expenditure directly reduces aggregate demand, impacting economic activity.
- 2. Slowdown in economic growth: Lower demand leads to reduced production and economic growth.
- 3. Increase in private sector investment: Unlikely, as reduced consumption signals lower demand for goods and services, discouraging investment.
- 4. Reduction in government tax revenues: With less spending, indirect taxes like GST decline, reducing government revenue.
- 5. Rise in unemployment levels: Businesses cut production due to reduced demand, leading to layoffs and higher unemployment.
INDIA’S REAL GROWTH RATE AND FUTURE ECONOMIC FORECAST
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s economic growth for 2024-25 is estimated at 6.4% (real GDP) and 9.7% (nominal GDP). While lower than the previous year’s growth, this aligns with India’s potential growth rate and reflects current challenges and opportunities.
Growth Overview for 2024-25
- Real GDP Growth: Estimated at 6.4%, slightly below RBI’s projection of 6.6%.
- Nominal GDP Growth: Projected at 9.7%, lower than the Union Budget’s expectation of 10.5%.
- Sectoral Performance: Manufacturing growth dropped sharply from 9.9% in 2023-24 to 5.3% in 2024-25. Gross Value Added (GVA) growth declined to 6.4% from 7.2% the previous year.
Reasons for Lower Growth in 2024-25
- Government Capital Expenditure: Capital spending was limited to ₹5.14 lakh crore (46.2% of the budget target) in the first eight months. A shortfall in government investment dampened overall growth.
- Global Factors: Limited improvement in global economic conditions, adding uncertainty. India is heavily reliant on domestic demand to sustain growth.
Growth Prospects for 2025-26
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation: Stabilized at 33.4%, expected to remain at this level.
- Real GDP Growth: Forecast at 6.5%, based on an Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) of 5.1.
- Government Investment: Capital expenditure must increase by at least 20% over revised 2024-25 estimates. Enhanced public investment can stimulate private sector spending.
Medium- to Long-Term Growth Forecast
- Potential Growth Rate: India’s real GDP growth is projected at 6.5% over the next five years.
- Nominal GDP Growth: Expected to range between 10.5% and 11%, with inflation around 4%.
- Developed Country Aspirations: Sustaining 6.5% real growth and nominal growth of 10.5%-11% could enable India to achieve developed nation status in about 25 years.
Conclusion
While the 6.4% growth for 2024-25 is below last year’s figure, it aligns with India’s long-term potential. The focus should remain on increasing government investment and fostering domestic demand to achieve sustainable growth.
Practice Question:
Which of the following statements correctly differentiate real growth and nominal growth of an economy?
- Real growth accounts for inflation, while nominal growth does not.
- Nominal growth is calculated at current market prices, whereas real growth is measured at constant prices.
- An economy experiencing high inflation may have a higher nominal growth rate compared to real growth.
- Real growth and nominal growth are always equal in an inflation-free economy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1, 2, and 3 only
- 1, 3, and 4 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Real growth adjusts for inflation to reflect the actual increase in economic output.
- Nominal growth includes price level changes, while real growth is based on fixed base year prices.
- Inflation inflates nominal values, leading to a gap between nominal and real growth.
- Without inflation, there is no difference between current and constant price calculations.
INFLATION TRENDS IN DECEMBER 2024
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Inflation in December 2024 eased slightly to 5.22%, a four-month low, but remained a concern for Indian households due to persistently high food prices. The data holds significance ahead of the 2025-26 Union Budget and the RBI’s monetary policy review.
Key Highlights of Inflation
Overall Inflation Trends
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped to 5.22% from November’s 5.5%.
- The decline was primarily driven by a reduction in food inflation, although it remained elevated.
Food Inflation
- Food price inflation reduced from 9% in November to 8.4% in December.
- Vegetable prices saw some cooling, with inflation falling from 29.3% to 26.6%, but costs were still significantly higher than last year.
- Other food items witnessed price hikes:
- Edible oils: Inflation surged to a 33-month high of 14.6%.
- Potatoes: Prices rose by a staggering 68.2%.
- Eggs, meat, and fruits: Continued to see increasing inflation.
Factors Influencing Inflation
- Wholesale Price Trends: Wholesale price inflation gained momentum, indicating a potential pass-through of higher costs to retail prices.
- Global and Domestic Pressures: Rising global oil prices contributed to inflationary pressures. Depreciation of the rupee against the dollar heightened the risk of imported inflation.
- Impact on Households: Persistent high food prices impacted household budgets and inflation expectations.
Policy Implications
- The government and industry are advocating for rate cuts to boost economic growth.
- The RBI remains cautious, aiming for sustained alignment to its 4% inflation target before considering a rate reduction.
- Tangible measures in the upcoming Budget, including clarity on the fiscal deficit path, may support efforts to manage inflation and stimulate growth.
Conclusion
Policymakers must adopt a balanced approach, addressing inflation while supporting economic growth, especially in the face of global and domestic challenges.
INDIA’S VISION FOR MOBILITY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized making India a global hub for mobility at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Key focus areas include electric mobility, renewable energy, and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Government Initiatives in Mobility
Investment in Infrastructure
- ₹11 lakh crore allocated in the previous year’s Budget for infrastructure development.
- PM Gati Shakti programme aims at seamless multi-modal connectivity.
- National Logistics Policy to reduce logistics costs and enhance global competitiveness.
Promoting Electric Mobility
- Initiatives under the National Electric Mobility Mission focus on electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel, and biofuels.
- Green Hydrogen Mission launched to develop cleaner energy solutions.
- Production-linked incentives worth ₹18,000 crore introduced for advanced chemistry cell battery storage.
Focus on Renewable Energy
- Emphasis on solar power to support clean energy transition.
- Promotion of domestic manufacturing of EVs and green technologies.
Highlights from the Bharat Mobility Global Expo
- Maruti Suzuki’s Electric Vehicle Launch: Introduced its first battery EV, the E Vitara, with production beginning soon in Gujarat.
- Hyundai’s EV Launch: Unveiled the Creta Electric, its first mass-market EV SUV in India.
Conclusion
The government’s push for electric mobility, renewable energy, and innovative technologies underlines India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions.
ISRO’S SPADEX MISSION AND THE ROLE OF SPACE WEATHER
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
ISRO achieved a milestone with its first satellite docking mission, SpaDeX, showcasing India’s advancements in space technology. The success was supported by favourable space weather conditions.
What is Space Weather?
- Space weather originates from the Sun’s activity, including solar winds made of charged particles.
- Solar winds emerge from the Sun’s corona and can travel at immense speeds, impacting the solar system.
- Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with heightened activity marked by increased sunspots.
- The current solar cycle began in 2019 and entered a peak phase in November 2023.
Impact of Space Weather on Space Missions
- Exposure to Space Weather: Unlike Earth, satellites and spacecraft are directly exposed to space weather effects.
- Challenges During Severe Activity: High-energy radiation from solar flares can disrupt sensors and control systems. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and strong solar winds can cause communication failures and positional errors.
- Criticality for Docking Missions: Docking requires precise alignment and minimal relative velocity between spacecraft. Disturbed space weather increases uncertainty and operational challenges.
Key Features of SpaDeX Mission
- Mission Details: ISRO launched two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into low-Earth orbit.
- The spacecraft were initially separated by 20 km, then gradually brought closer for docking.
- Docking Process: Sequential manoeuvres reduced the distance to 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m. Final docking occurred with precise alignment on January 18, 2025.
Role of Favourable Space Weather in SpaDeX
- Days before the docking had reduced solar activity, with fewer sunspots and magnetic disturbances.
- Analysis showed a stable near-Earth space environment, minimizing risks for the mission.
Conclusion
The SpaDeX mission demonstrates ISRO’s technological expertise and marks a step forward for future missions like India’s space station. Favourable space weather played a vital role in ensuring its success.
UNICEF’S PROSPECTS FOR CHILDREN IN 2025 REPORT
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The UNICEF report sheds light on the critical challenges children face globally, such as conflicts, debt burdens, climate change, and digital inequality, and calls for enhanced focus on protecting their rights and well-being.
Key Insights from the Report
Impact of Conflicts
- Over 473 million children lived in conflict zones in 2023, a significant rise since the 1990s.
- These children face challenges like displacement, hunger, disease, and psychological trauma, requiring urgent protective measures.
Debt Crisis and Children
- Nearly 400 million children reside in heavily indebted nations, limiting essential investments in education and healthcare.
- A 5% rise in external debt for low- and middle-income nations could reduce education budgets by $12.8 billion.
- In some low-income countries, debt servicing costs surpass spending on health and education, exposing 1.8 billion children to economic vulnerabilities.
Climate Change Impact
- Only 2.4% of global climate finance supports child-focused programs.
- This underfunding undermines vital services, leaving children vulnerable to climate-related crises.
Digital Inequality
- In Africa, only 53% of youth have internet access.
- Nine out of ten adolescent girls in low-income countries lack online connectivity, limiting their opportunities.
About UNICEF
- Foundation: Established in 1946 to support children affected by World War II.
- Mandate: To safeguard the rights of children and youth worldwide, regardless of their nation’s past.
- Global Presence: Operates in over 190 countries and territories.
- Funding: Relies entirely on voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, and private organizations.
- Recognition: Received notable awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize (1965) and Indira Gandhi Prize (1989).
- Reports: Publishes The State of the World’s Children.
- Key Initiatives:
- Developed Children’s Rights and Business Principles in partnership with Save the Children.
- Introduced the Data Must Speak Initiative (DMS) to improve education access.
Way Forward
- Child-Cantered Climate Financing: Invest in healthcare, education, and mental well-being for children during crises.
- Inclusive Policies: Develop systems that prioritize children’s rights and address inequality.
- Digital Equity: Bridge digital divides by integrating child rights into technology policies.
Constitutional Provisions for Child Protection in India
- Article 15(3): Empowers the State to make special provisions for children.
- Article 21A: Guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.
- Article 23 & 24: Prohibit trafficking, forced labor, and hazardous child labor.
- Article 39(e) & (f): Ensure children’s welfare and protection from exploitation.
- Article 45: Promotes early childhood care and education.
- Article 47: Directs the State to improve public health and nutrition.
- Article 51A(k): Mandates parents to ensure education for children aged 6-14.
Conclusion
The UNICEF report highlights urgent challenges facing children and underscores the need for global collaboration to protect their future through inclusive, rights-focused, and sustainable strategies.
RUSSIA-IRAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TREATY
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Russia and Iran have signed a strategic treaty to deepen cooperation in trade, military, science, and culture, aimed at countering Western sanctions and geopolitical pressures.
Key Objectives of the Treaty
- Boost Economic and Trade Relations: Overcome technical hurdles in gas exports and transport corridors. Enhance mutual trade and commerce.
- Strengthen Military and Technological Collaboration: Focus on joint efforts in military technology. Counter the impact of Western-imposed sanctions.
- Promote Regional Stability: Work together to reduce external interference, particularly from the U.S.Align on strategies for peace in West Asia.
Context and Necessity
- Western Sanctions: Both nations are heavily impacted by U.S.-led sanctions. The treaty offers a way to alleviate economic and technological constraints.
- Geopolitical Alignment: Shared opposition to U.S. dominance in the region. Common goals in West Asia and related strategic interests.
- Previous Collaborations: Historical ties include joint nuclear projects and mutual support in conflicts like Syria and Ukraine.
Significance of the Treaty
- Economic Resilience: The agreement provides a platform to bolster trade and reduce reliance on Western-controlled systems.
- Military Strength: Joint efforts aim to enhance defence capabilities against external threats.
- Strategic Alliance: Deepened cooperation underscores a shared agenda to counter Western influence.
Conclusion
The Russia-Iran treaty highlights a growing partnership amid shared challenges from sanctions and geopolitical pressures, signalling a shift towards enhanced regional collaboration and resistance to Western dominance.