Month: May 2023

Categories
Economics

Consolidating Approaches for Global Challenges in the Indo-Pacific at the G-7 Japan Summit

The G-7 Hiroshima Summit, hosted by Japan, is a notable event because it is Japan’s first summit since 2008. The goal for Japan was to navigate the Indo-Pacific’s complex geopolitical terrain, strengthen ties, and manage security risks in a region critical to global fortunes.

Hiroshima hosts the G7 Summit

  • Hiroshima hosted the 49th annual G7 Summit. In its capacity as G7 President, Japan hosted the summit.
  • The Japanese Prime Minister invited Prime Minister Modi to join the conference.
  • On the second day of the summit, the attending leaders released a leaders’ communiqué. The communiqué will be officially adopted at the end of the summit on the 21st.
  • Current members include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Japan’s Difficulties

  • Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Japan is profoundly concerned about Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, which endangers regional stability. The dispute, which has been ongoing for more than a year, shows no signs of abating, and Japan is closely monitoring the situation due to the potential influence on its national security strategy.
  • Japan is constantly monitoring China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, both militarily and geopolitically. China’s military modernization plans, territorial conflicts in the East and South China Seas, and expanding influence all pose serious threats to Japan’s security and regional stability.
  • Military Pressures on Taiwan: Japan is concerned about China’s increasing military pressures on Taiwan, which has the potential to exacerbate tensions and spark a regional conflict. Given Japan’s physical proximity to the region, ensuring Taiwan’s peace and stability is critical for Japan’s national security interests.
  • North Korea’s Nuclear Posturing: North Korea’s erratic nuclear posturing and nuclear weapons programme are huge security worries for Japan. North Korea’s missile launches and nuclear threats not only endanger Japan, but also contribute to regional instability.
  • Economic and technological resilience: Japan faces difficulties in assuring economic security, particularly in light of global supply chain insecurity and the influence of sensitive technology. Reviving and strengthening its chip industry, as well as expanding scientific and technology collaborations, are critical for Japan’s economic and technological sustainability.
  • Climate Change Impacts: As an island nation, it is especially exposed to the effects of climate change, including as coastline erosion, increasing flooding, and food security risks.
  • Sensitive Technology Regulation: Japan faces the difficult task of regulating sensitive technology in order to protect national security without limiting innovation and economic growth. Striking a balance between encouraging technological innovation and protecting against potential hazards and misuse is a task that Japan must overcome.

Significance of the India-Tokyo Partnership

  • Strategic Cooperation: The collaboration between New Delhi and Tokyo is crucial from a strategic standpoint. Their collaboration as two major democracies in the Indo-Pacific region aids in tackling shared challenges and advancing common interests.
  • Bilateral Defence Ties: India and Japan’s defence cooperation has grown substantially in recent years. Regular cooperative military exercises, intelligence exchange, and defence technology collaboration all help to boost each country’s defence capabilities.
  • Economic Cooperation: India and Japan have engaged in extensive economic cooperation. Their collaboration spans several industries, including infrastructure development, technology, trade, and investment. Joint Indo-Pacific projects enhance connectivity, economic growth, and long-term development.
  • Regional Connectivity: India and Japan’s collaboration is critical to improving regional connectivity. Initiatives such as the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor (IPEC) aim to connect infrastructure and boost regional trade and investment.
  • Shared ideals and Interests: Democracy, the rule of law, and respect for international conventions are shared ideals between India and Japan. Their alliance is founded on common interests, including as a free and open Indo-Pacific, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order.
  • Counterbalancing China’s Influence: The alliance between New Delhi and Tokyo serves as a counterbalance to China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries are concerned about China’s aggression and want to maintain a rules-based order while still promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  • Middle Power Diplomacy: India and Japan’s relationship is an example of middle power diplomacy. By joining together, they can increase their respective influence and foster regional stability and collaboration. Their collaboration serves as a paradigm for other middle powers attempting to handle global issues collaboratively.

In the future: Shinzo Abe’s Legacy Advancement

  • Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships: Like Shinzo Abe, current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can prioritise alliance and partnership strengthening. This involves strengthening connections with critical allies like the United States, Australia, and India, as well as extending collaboration in sectors like security, trade, and technology.
  • Network Building and Diplomatic Partnerships: Prime Minister Kishida can follow in the footsteps of Shinzo Abe by actively participating in network building and cultivating diplomatic partnerships around the world. Reaching out to countries in the Indo-Pacific area and beyond to develop collaboration, improve understanding, and build a network of like-minded states is part of this.
  • Regional Leadership in the Indo-Pacific: Japan plays a critical role in setting the Indo-Pacific region’s strategic outlines. Prime Minister Kishida may build on Shinzo Abe’s efforts to strengthen Japan’s leadership by actively participating in regional forums and initiatives including the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States), ASEAN, and the Indo-Pacific initiatives.
  • Economic Engagement and Trade projects: Shinzo Abe has played an important role in extending Japan’s economic engagement with the rest of the world through projects such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Prime Minister Kishida can continue to promote free trade, pursue economic cooperation agreements, and support programmes that promote economic growth and creativity.
  • Shinzo Abe was an active participant in global governance, lobbying for reform in international institutions and promoting Japan’s candidature for key positions. Prime Minister Kishida may carry on this tradition by actively participating in global forums, promoting international reforms, and contributing to the formation of global norms and regulations.

@the end

The G-7 Summit in Hiroshima provided a forum for Japan to solidify approaches to urgent global concerns. Furthermore, India and Japan’s growing relationship adds to middle-power diplomacy by supporting a rules-based system and fighting unilateral moves to alter regional dynamics. The summit reaffirmed Japan’s role as a critical security actor and its willingness to actively shape the global order.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/at-hiroshima-japans-moment-to-reinforce-partnerships/article66905043.ece
Categories
Governance

Breaking the Taboos of Menstrual Health in Urban India

In a recent incidence in Maharashtra, a guy mistook period stains on his sister’s clothes for evidence of a sexual relationship, demonstrating the prevalence of menstrual ignorance in urban India. Despite living in the open, girls and women suffer period-related issues due to shame, stigma, and discrimination.

What exactly is menstruation?

  • Menstruation, often known as a period, is the normal vaginal bleeding that happens as part of a woman’s monthly cycle.
  • It is a typical stage of development for girls and women who have reached puberty.
  • Every month, the body of a girl or woman prepares for pregnancy.
  • If no pregnancy develops, the body eliminates the uterine lining.
  • Menstrual blood is made up of blood and tissue from inside the uterus.
  • A period can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days depending on the individual.

Menstrual Hygiene Barriers in Cities

  • Inadequate Awareness: Low-income urban women have a limited understanding of menstruation and menstrual health, which leads to poor hygiene management and practises.
  • Limited Access to Menstrual Products: While menstrual products are more readily available in cities, they are sometimes covered in paper or black plastic bags, adding to the accompanying shame and stigma.
  • Inadequate Toilet Facilities: Toilet facilities in low-income slums, pavement dwellers, educational institutions, and workplaces are not easily accessible, safe, clean, or convenient.
  • Poor Waste Management: Improper disposal of menstrual waste endangers sanitation workers’ health and dignity by forcing them to filter through waste without proper protection.

Actions for Improvement

  • Consistent efforts should be made to improve period awareness, address detrimental societal norms, and challenge gender stereotypes around menstruation.Menstrual Product Availability: Reusable and disposable menstrual products should be made more accessible through retail outlets, government schemes, social entrepreneurs, and NGOs, allowing people to pick the items they like.
  • Female-Friendly Toilets: Initiatives such as ‘She Toilets’ and ‘Pink Toilets’ should be expanded to provide safe, private, and clean facilities with needed amenities for period management.
  • Menstrual trash Management: Innovative solutions such as placing dustbins and incinerators in female restrooms, as well as trash segregation programmes such as the ‘Red Dot Campaign’ and ‘PadCare Labs,’ can help with waste management.

Moving Forward: Closing the Gaps

  • Getting to Marginalised Groups: Efforts should be undertaken to reach those living in unregistered slums, on city streets, in refugee camps, and in other vulnerable urban locations. Outreach programmes, community participation, and collaborations with local organisations can all help to give accurate information, menstruation products, and improved facilities.
  • Workplace Support: Both official and informal workplaces must attend to the menstruation needs of working women. This can involve providing clean and private restrooms, guaranteeing period product availability, and advocating supportive workplace practises that meet menstrual health needs.
  • Menstrual Waste Management Innovations: It is critical to continue to support novel menstrual waste management solutions. This covers both safe and effective disposal options, such as incineration or ecologically friendly alternatives, as well as scalable approaches that may be used in a variety of metropolitan settings.
  • Engaging Men and Boys: Promoting gender equality and shattering menstruation taboos necessitates the involvement of men and boys as allies and advocates. Educating children about menstruation health, addressing gender stereotypes, and cultivating supportive attitudes can all contribute to the creation of an accepting and inclusive workplace.
  • Strong research and data collecting on menstruation health in urban areas are critical for evidence-based interventions and policy design. Data collection on facility access, product usage, hygiene practises, and health outcomes can help direct targeted initiatives and track progress.
  • Partnership Development: Collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business sector entities, and community-based organisations is critical for comprehensive and long-term solutions.
  • Education and Public Awareness: It is critical to continue raising awareness regarding menstruation health. Comprehensive menstrual health education in schools, community workshops, and media efforts to dispel myths, question social conventions, and encourage good attitudes towards menstruation are all part of this effort.
  • Advocating for supporting policies at the local, regional, and national levels can aid in bridging structural gaps. This includes campaigning for menstruation health as a public health priority, guaranteeing financial allocations for menstrual health projects, and incorporating menstrual health into broader health, education, sanitation, and gender equality policies.

@the end

As the globe commemorates menstruation Hygiene Day (May 28), it is critical to recognise menstruation health as fundamental to personal health, public health, and human rights for everyone. Urban India must break down barriers, raise knowledge, improve access to products and services, and promote effective waste management. We can enable girls and women to navigate public spaces with dignity and safeguard their general well-being by addressing these challenges.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408698/
Categories
Highlights from Newspaper

Important articles @ The Hindu—30 May, 2023

Important articles for UPSC

Front Page

Science

Business

  • January-April imports from China rise 4.6% to $37.86 bn
    • Syllabus GS-2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
    • Read about India – China Relationship, Major exports and Imports between the countries, issue of trade imbalance, solutions to cut down chinese imports

World

News

Text & Context

Opinion

Editorial

Categories
Highlights from Newspaper

Important articles @ The IndianExpress— 30 May, 2023

Important articles for UPSC

Front Page

  • Das cautions banks against hiding stress, governance issues
  • Amit Shah in Manipur, to review security, hold talks with Kukis, Meiteis

Govt & Politics

  • PM congratulates Turkey President on re-election

Express Network

  • ISRO launches first of five second gen navigation satellites
  • Odisha launches new credit linked housing scheme for the rural poor

Editorial

  • The challenge of change
  • A depleting force
  • Imphal SOS
  • Slow and Slower

Ideas Page

  • Keep the Policy and promise

Express Network

  • CAG Murmu reelected as WHO external auditor for 4 year term

World

  • China announces plan to land astronauts on moon by end of 2030
  • S Korea hosts first summit with Pacific islands leaders
  • Amid rising ocean threats in NYC new study says city sinking

Explained

  • Many groups, deep faultlines : History of insurgency in Manipur

Economy

  • Privatisation of PSBs to happen as per schedule

Categories
Environment & Biodiversity

Improving Agricultural Research and Development to Prepare for Climate Change

The G-7 Summit 2023, which was recently held in Japan, emphasised the urgent need to combat climate change and set aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  India, which has the largest agricultural workforce (45.6 percent in 2021-22) among G20 countries, has considerable hurdles.  Policymakers must prioritise agricultural research, development, education, and extension (ARDE) to offset the damage and assure food and nutritional security.

The Importance of ARDE

  • Agricultural Research Development, Education, and Extension (ARDE) plays a critical role in tackling the issues confronting the agriculture industry, particularly in the context of climate change.
  • Climate Resilience: Scientists and specialists can identify crops and kinds that are more tolerant to changing climatic circumstances, such as drought, heatwaves, or extreme rains, through research and development initiatives. This allows farmers to adapt to climate change and mitigate its negative effects on crop yields and agricultural output.
  • Resource Efficiency: It tries to optimise the use of vital resources such as water, soil, and energy by focusing on research and innovation. Precision farming techniques, efficient irrigation systems, soil management practises, and long-term pest and disease control are all part of this. Such developments aid in the conservation of resources, the reduction of input prices, and the reduction of agriculture’s environmental footprint.
  • Enhanced Productivity entails the development of high-yielding crop varieties, the improvement of agronomic practises, and the dissemination of information and best practises through education and extension programmes. Farmers may raise yields, improve crop quality, and contribute to food security and economic growth by using these improvements.
  • ARDE promotes organic farming while lowering dependency on chemical inputs, minimising soil degradation, protecting biodiversity, and encouraging sustainable agriculture. It promotes the transition to more sustainable and ecologically friendly agricultural systems through research and teaching, assuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
  • Innovation and Technology Adoption: It promotes the discovery and distribution of cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture, genetic engineering, biotechnology, and smart farming solutions by investing in research and development. These innovations assist farmers in increasing efficiency, reducing losses, and increasing profitability.
  • They are concerned with distributing research findings, best practises, and agricultural information to farmers, rural communities, and agricultural stakeholders. ARDE provides farmers with the skills and information they need to make educated decisions and enhance their farming practises by expanding the knowledge base and creating capacity.

Climate change adaptation issues in India

  • Extreme Weather Events: India is extremely vulnerable to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These catastrophes can inflict severe damage to infrastructure, crops, and livelihoods, affecting community resilience overall.
  • Scarcity of Water and Stress: Climate change worsens water scarcity in many parts of India. Water supply for agriculture, home usage, and industry is impacted by changes in rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, and rising temperatures. This complicates irrigation, drinking water supply, and general water management.
  • Agriculture and Food Security: India’s agricultural industry is critical to food security and rural communities. Climate change, on the other hand, threatens crop yields, productivity, and quality. Crop growth and food production can be impacted by erratic rainfall, increased pests and diseases, and dramatic temperature swings, posing food security challenges.
  • Coastal Vulnerability: Because India has a long coastline, it is particularly sensitive to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. Infrastructure, settlements, agriculture, and ecosystems are all under peril in coastal areas. Sea-level rise caused by climate change raises the risk of saltwater intrusion, harming freshwater sources and agriculture in coastal areas.
  • Climate change has an impact on the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, as well as heat-related ailments. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns can have an influence on disease vector dispersion and public health systems, especially in impoverished populations with limited access to healthcare.
  • Climate Change Threatens India’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Climate change threatens India’s diverse biodiversity and ecosystems. Climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and habitat loss pose hazards to habitats, species, and vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. This has the potential to upset ecological equilibrium and jeopardise natural resources critical to human well-being.
  • Infrastructure Resilience: Adapting to the effects of climate change will be difficult for India’s infrastructure systems, which include transportation networks, electricity grids, and urban settlements. Infrastructure flaws can cause service disruptions, increased repair and maintenance costs, and stifled economic growth.
  • Inequalities: The effects of climate change may increase existing socioeconomic inequalities in India. Climate hazards disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, such as small farmers, tribal populations, and marginalised groups, due to low resources, lack of access to information, and weak adaptation capacities.

Policy Changes to Promote Climate Resilience

  • National Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change: It is critical to develop a comprehensive national plan centred on climate change adaptation. Priority sectors, susceptible regions, and specific adaption strategies should be identified in this approach.
  • Climate Change Considerations: It is critical to incorporate climate change considerations into sectoral policies and plans. Climate resilience must be incorporated into agricultural, water management, urban planning, infrastructure development, and coastal zone management strategies.
  • Strengthening Institutional Frameworks: It is critical to establish strong institutional frameworks and coordinating systems for climate adaptation. This includes strengthening the capacity of key government ministries, local governments, and organisations to effectively undertake adaptation measures.
  • Developing and Strengthening Climate Information Systems: Improving meteorological services, climate monitoring networks, early warning systems, and climate data management are all part of developing and strengthening climate information systems. Climate information that is easily accessible and trustworthy assists policymakers, communities, and sectors in effectively planning and responding to climate hazards.
  • Encouragement of Nature-Based Solutions: Promoting nature-based solutions can improve climate resilience. This includes the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves, which provide critical ecosystem services. Nature-based solutions help with flood management, water regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity protection, all of which help with climate change resistance.

Resolving Funding and Allocation Inequities

  • Experiments at a Larger Scale: Increased funding for ARDE is critical for properly addressing climate change challenges. While total ARDE spending has increased, research intensity (ARDE as a % of agri-GDP) has decreased. More finances must be allocated to scale up trials and ideas in sustainable agriculture.
  • Allocation by Sector: The current allocation of ARDE is skewed towards crop husbandry, ignoring sectors such as soil, water conservation, forestry, animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries. This imbalance must be addressed in order to encourage holistic agricultural research and development.

@the end

As global temperatures rise and the effects of climate change become more severe, closing remaining gaps in agricultural research and development becomes critical. Increased investment in ARDE, realignment of expenditures and policies, and an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practises are required to strengthen India’s agriculture sector’s climate resilience. By putting these steps first, India can ensure food and nutritional security while minimising the effects of climate change.

Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climate-smart-agriculture
Categories
Highlights from Newspaper

Important articles @ The IndianExpress— 29 May, 2023

Important articles for UPSC

Front Page

  • New Parliament building will become basis for creation of a new India : PM
  • Fresh violence breaks out in Manipur; CM says 40 Kuki militants killed by forces so far

Parliament Opening

  • New Bhavan , New Journey

Editorial

  • Nutrition in a warmer world
  • Ringing in the new letting the light in

Ideas Page

  • The new Parliament will give new energy and new strength to the world’s largest democracy

World

  • Erdogan wins Turkey’s runoff polls, add 5 years to his two decade rule
  • President Biden & Mccarthy reach tentative US debt ceiling agreement

Explained

  • Navic launch : why regional navigation system matters
  • Symbolism of the Sengol
  • Model Prisons Act 2023

Economy

  • We’re hoping to launch a big pipeline of projects in energy and climate
  • Digital India Bill draft in early June : What to expect
  • PLI scheme : Commitments cross initial plans of Rs 1.97 akh crore

Categories
Highlights from Newspaper

Important articles @ The Hindu—29 May, 2023

Important articles for UPSC

Front Page

Science

World

News

Text & Context

Opinion

Editorial

Categories
Science & Tech

Narco Analysis Test

  • Wrestlers at Jantar Mantar have shown a willingness to submit to a narco analysis test.
  • One of them stated that the Supreme Court should oversee the test.
  • A chemical called sodium pentothal is administered into the accused’s body during a ‘narco’ or narcoanalysis test.
  • This induces a hypnotic or drugged state in which the accused’s imagination is suppressed.
  • In this hypnotic state, the accused is thought to be incapable of lying and is expected to reveal genuine information.
  • Sodium pentothal or sodium thiopental is a short-acting, short-duration anaesthetic used to sedate patients during surgery.
  • It belongs to the barbiturate class of medicines, which act as depressants on the central nervous system.

Difference Between Polygraph Exams

  • It is critical to distinguish narco-analysis exams from polygraph examinations since they serve different goals.
  • Polygraph exams identify lies by measuring physiological reactions such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and sweat gland activity while the defendant is being questioned.
  • In contrast, narco-analysis tests use medications to generate a hypnotic state in order to undermine the subject’s resolve to lie.

Justifications for using such tests

  • In recent decades, law enforcement organisations have sought to use these tests in investigations, which are sometimes viewed as a “softer alternative” to torture or “third degree” methods of extracting information from suspects.
  • However, neither treatment has been scientifically confirmed to have a 100% success rate and remains controversial in the medical world.

Limitations on these tests

  • There will be no self-incrimination: Under Article 20(3) of the Constitution, the Bench considered international human rights norms, the right to a fair trial, and the right to self-incrimination.
  • Cooperation of the accused: In ‘Selvi & Ors vs. State of Karnataka & Anr’ (2010), a Supreme Court Bench led by the then-CJI ordered that no lie detector tests should be given “except with the accused’s consent.” According to the court, the subject’s consent shall be recorded in front of a judicial magistrate.
  • Legal representation for such convicts: Those who volunteer must have access to a lawyer and must have the physical, emotional, and legal repercussions of the test explained to them by police and the lawyer.
  • Guidelines are in place: It stated that the National Human Rights Commission’s ‘Guidelines for the Administration of a Polygraph Test on an Accused’, published in 2000, must be rigorously observed.

Court Cases and Examples

  • The Supreme Court denied a petition to produce narco-test findings in the case of Aarushi Talwar, citing a 2010 order, as an attempt to delay the trial processes.
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intended to conduct narco-analysis tests on a former Punjab National Bank (PNB) employee engaged in an alleged fraud case in 2019, but the manager refused.
  • A Delhi court allowed a narco test on murder defendant Aaftab Poonawalla last year after he willingly volunteered and accepted the potential repercussions.

Legal Position Prior to Supreme Court Decision

  • The Madras High Court ruled in 2006 that scientific tests might be employed by investigative agencies when the accused refused to tell the truth because they did not violate testimonial compulsion.
  • Similarly, the 2008 Delhi High Court decision in “Sh. Shailender Sharma vs State & Another” acknowledged the need for extensive investigations and stated that narco-analysis tests are constitutionally sound.

Can the outcomes of these tests be regarded as “confessions”?

  • Not a confession: Because persons under the influence of drugs do not have the ability to choose how they respond to questions.
  • Assumed as proof: However, any information or material discovered as a result of such a voluntary test can be accepted as evidence.
  • Investigative support: During the course of the exam, it exposes the location of, instance, a tangible piece of evidence (which is frequently something resembling a murder weapon).

Way Forward

  • Consider both the benefits and ethical problems when evaluating the demand for and implications of narco analytical testing in legal procedures.
  • Participate in a broader conversation about the forced intrusion into an individual’s mental processes and the implications for human dignity and rights.
  • Investigate alternative means of acquiring evidence while maintaining constitutional rights.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/what-narco-test-aaftab-poonawalla-8274371/
Categories
Science & Tech

The Fortified Rice Debate

The Union Food Ministry disputed the Opposition’s charges about the distribution of Fortified Rice through fair price stores.

What exactly is Fortified Rice?

  • The practise of fortifying normal rice with critical elements to alleviate nutritional deficits in populations who rely primarily on rice as a staple food is referred to as fortification.
  • These additional nutrients are intended to boost rice’s nutritional value and fight specific deficits found in certain regions or demographic groups.
  • The rice grains are fortified by covering them with a nutrient-rich powder or premix.
  • The nutrients added to fortified rice vary, but generally include:
  • Iron: Iron is frequently added to reinforced rice to alleviate iron deficiency anaemia, a global nutritional concern.
  • Vitamins: To treat specific vitamin deficiencies in target populations, essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B-complex (containing thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid), and vitamin D may be incorporated in fortified rice.
  • Minerals: Other minerals, such as zinc, calcium, and iodine, may be included into fortified rice, based on the target population’s specific nutritional needs and inadequacies.

Fortification is required

  • According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-21, 57% of women in the reproductive age range (15-49) are iron deficient.
  • Furthermore, studies have indicated that around one-fifth of youngsters (0-5 years) who do not have access to a nutritious and diverse diet are vitamin-A deficient.
  • Vitamin D insufficiency is known as a silent epidemic.

Benefits provided

  • Health: Fortified staple foods will have natural or near-natural levels of micronutrients, whereas supplements may not have.
  • Taste: It offers nutrients without altering the properties of food or the sequence of our meals.
  • Nutrition: Fortified foods, when ingested on a regular and frequent basis, will sustain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and effectively than sporadic supplementation.
  • Economical: The overall costs of fortification are quite modest; the price increase is just about 1 to 2 percent of the whole food value.
  • Society: It defends everyone’s right to safe and nutritious food, which is consistent with the right to adequate food and everyone’s fundamental right to be free from hunger.

Concerns about fortified foods

  • Nature’s packing is thrown off by fortification and enrichment. When compared to naturally occurring nutrients, our bodies do not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently.
  • Bioavailability: Food supplements are less bioavailable. The proportion of a nutrient that your body can absorb and use is referred to as bioavailability.
  • Immune deficiencies: They are deficient in immune-boosting chemicals.
  • Overnutrition: For patients using prescription medications, fortified meals and supplements can bring unique hazards such as impaired absorption of other micronutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk.

Possible health risk

  • Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, and malaria are disorders in which the body already has an excess of iron, whereas TB patients are unable to absorb iron.
  • Consumption of iron-fortified meals by individuals with certain disorders can impair immunity and organ functionality.

Justification for Fortified Rice by the Ministry

  • The Ministry highlighted several studies to back up its claim that eating enriched rice leads to a considerable increase in haemoglobin levels and a decrease in the prevalence of anaemia.
  • Since 1958, seven nations, including the United States, have embraced rice fortification, demonstrating its usefulness as a public health intervention.
  • An ongoing review is being carried out by NITI Aayog in conjunction with the Indian Council of Medical Research to analyse the impact and effectiveness of fortified rice.
  • To acquire complete data and insights, evaluation studies concentrating on pilot districts are under underway.

Way Forward

  • Collaborative efforts should be prioritised between the Ministry, NITI Aayog, and other relevant institutions to conduct a complete and independent evaluation of the fortified rice programme.
  • Transparent sharing of evaluation results and findings is essential for building trust and addressing any potential flaws or areas for development.
  • Incorporating input and recommendations from stakeholders will be beneficial in improving the program’s execution and impact.
  • Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness should be prioritised, allowing for rapid modifications and enhancements.
Source: https://www.reporters-collective.in/trc/despite-internal-red-flags-and-uncertain-science-modi-govt-serves-fortified-rice-to-indias-poor
Categories
Governance

The Model Prisons Act 2023 will replace British-era legislation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has drafted the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ to replace the out-of-date Prisons Act of 1894.

2023 Model Prisons Act

  • The new act’s primary goal is to reform and rehabilitate offenders while also overhauling prison administration.
  • The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), a policing think tank, was entrusted with examining the legislation and drafting a new version.

Characteristics of the Act

  • The model statute includes measures for punishing convicts and jail officials who use prohibited objects in jails, such as cell phones.
  • It creates and operates high-security jails, open jails (both open and semi-open), and provisions to safeguard society from hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
  • The statute gives prisoners with legal aid and includes provisions for parole, furlough, and early release as rewards for good behaviour.

A New Prisons Act is Required

  • Laws that are out of date: Existing laws, such as the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950, are out of date and must be revised.
  • Better prison administration: The MHA identified various shortcomings in the current statute and emphasised the importance of a correctional focus in prison administration.
  • Prisoner rehabilitation: The present Prisons Act of 1894 lacks a focus on prisoner reform and rehabilitation.
  • The act also includes the use of technology in jail management and emphasises the physical and mental well-being of convicts.

Existing laws must be reviewed and integrated.

  • The MHA has also evaluated the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950.
  • These acts’ relevant sections have been included into the Model Prisons Act 2023.
  • State and union territory governments are urged to adopt the model act in their jurisdictions, with necessary revisions and repeal of the existing three statutes.

The Model Act’s Focus Areas

  • Prisoner segregation: The act emphasises prisoner security assessment and isolation, personalised sentence planning, and grievance redressal.
  • Prison development board: It recommends the formation of a prison development board with the goal of promoting an attitude change towards convicts.
  • Gender segregation: The act provides for separate housing for women convicts, transgender people, and other particular groups.
  • It emphasises the use of technology in jail administration, such as video-conferencing with judges and scientific and technological initiatives.

Important Takeaways

  • Changing Views on Prisons: The declaration recognises that prisons are today viewed as reformative and correctional institutions around the world.
  • Prisons are no longer viewed only as places of retributive deterrence, but as facilities where offenders can be reformed and rehabilitated as law-abiding citizens.

Considerations for Indian prison reform

  • Overpopulation and Understaffing: Addressing prison overpopulation by looking into alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent criminals, such as diversion programmes and community-based sentencing.
  • Legal Aid and Access to Justice: Ensuring that convicts have access to legal representation and legal aid in order to defend their rights and ensure fair trials. Raising inmates’ awareness of their legal rights and alternatives for remedy.
  • Prison Healthcare: Improving healthcare services within jails, such as mental health and substance addiction treatment programmes.
  • Women and Children in Prisons: Developing gender-responsive policies and separate housing for female convicts to ensure their safety, privacy, and access to reproductive health care.
  • Collaboration with community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and vocational training institutes to facilitate the reintegration of released inmates into society.
  • Technology and Digital Solutions: Using technology to improve jail administration, record keeping, and communication methods.

@the end

  • The Model Prisons Act of 2023 prioritises rehabilitation and recognises convicts’ ability to become law-abiding citizens.
  • The act lays the groundwork for a more equitable and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
  • It prioritises inmates’ well-being and tries to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-prepares-model-prisons-act-2023-to-replace-british-era-law/article66843951.ece
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