31 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. What WHO’s recommendation for low sodium salt means for India
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Historical Role of Salt in Public Health
- Salt was introduced in India in the 1950s with iodine fortification, successfully combating iodine deficiency.
- This helped prevent hypothyroidism and other health issues, improving public health over generations.
| WHO’s New Guidelines on Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) |
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Impact of Salt on the Human Body
- Sodium retains water in the body, increasing blood volume and pressure.
- Reducing salt lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes.
- Hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis, vascular stiffness, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Potassium helps improve vascular function, reducing arterial stiffness.
Global and Indian Health Concerns
- High sodium intake is responsible for 1.9 million deaths globally each year.
- Studies show that reducing salt intake by 4.4g/day lowers systolic blood pressure by 4mmHg and diastolic pressure by 2mmHg.
Initiatives to Reduce Salt Intake
- Sapiens Health Foundation has launched the ‘Losalter Group’ to raise awareness and train physicians.
- Experts suggest that reducing salt intake requires action from individuals, the government, and the food industry.
Challenges in Implementing Low-Sodium Salt Alternatives
- Low-sodium salt options are costlier than regular salt, making them less accessible.
- Experts suggest government intervention to regulate pricing and ensure proper display of these alternatives in stores.
Concerns About Potassium-Based Substitutes
- Potassium-enriched salts are beneficial but may be harmful to people with kidney diseases.
- Experts warn about the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to undiagnosed kidney issues in India.
Conclusion
- Reducing sodium intake is essential for combating hypertension, heart disease, and stroke in India.
- Government policies, industry cooperation, and public awareness are key to promoting low-sodium salt alternatives while ensuring safety for all.
| Practice Question: Discuss the health implications of high sodium intake in India and evaluate the feasibility of implementing low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) as recommended by the WHO. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. ECB cuts rate again as eurozone falters
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)
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Economic Challenges in the Eurozone
- The eurozone economy has been facing stagnation, with little to no growth in recent months.
- Major economies like Germany and France have experienced economic contractions, adding to concerns.
- High energy costs and a slowdown in manufacturing have significantly weakened overall economic performance.
| What is Eurozone? |
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The Eurozone, officially called the euro area, is a group of 20 European Union (EU) member states that have adopted the euro (€) as their common currency.Inflation and Future Outlook
- Inflation remains slightly above the central bank’s target, causing concerns among policymakers.
- Despite the rise, experts anticipate inflation to decline in the coming months.
- The central bank is expected to continue reducing interest rates to support economic recovery.
Uncertainty Due to U.S. Policies
Policymakers are closely monitoring global trade developments to assess future risks.
The possibility of new trade tariffs from the United States has created economic uncertainty.
Potential tariffs on European imports could negatively impact trade and economic stability in the eurozone.
3. Yamuna Water Dispute: Political Row Over Ammonia Pollution in Delhi’s Supply
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 18)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Analysis of the news:
What is Ammonia?
- Ammonia is a colourless, gaseous chemical with a sharp odour, highly soluble in water. It is widely used in industries, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Major sources of ammonia pollution include industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
- It can also form naturally due to organic matter degradation. Prolonged exposure can cause severe internal organ damage due to its corrosive properties.
Impact of Ammonia on Delhi’s Water Supply
- Industrial units and sewage discharges in Haryana’s Panipat and Sonipat districts pollute the Yamuna before it reaches Delhi at Wazirabad.
- This reduces dissolved oxygen levels to zero, especially in winter when freshwater flow is minimal.
- High ammonia levels hinder the efficiency of water treatment plants, leading to water shortages in the capital.
Government Responses and Challenges
- Delhi’s water treatment plants use chlorine to neutralize ammonia, requiring 11.5 kg per litre per hour for one ppm of ammonical nitrogen.
- However, treatment plants cannot handle ammonia levels beyond one ppm, leading to water disruptions.
- Despite multiple discussions, Delhi and Haryana have not found a permanent solution.
- Delhi proposed an in-situ ammonia treatment plant in Wazirabad in March 2023, but it remains incomplete.
- Haryana is also yet to finalize a pipeline to prevent pollutant mixing.
Conclusion
- The recurring issue of ammonia pollution in the Yamuna highlights both environmental and political challenges in Delhi’s water management.
- While short-term measures like chlorine treatment help mitigate the crisis, the lack of a long-term solution continues to disrupt the capital’s water supply.
- Effective coordination between the Delhi and Haryana governments, along with infrastructure upgrades, is crucial to ensuring safe and sustainable water for Delhi’s residents.
| Practice Question: The recurring issue of ammonia pollution in the Yamuna highlights the challenges of inter-state water management in India. Discuss the causes, impact, and possible solutions to ensure a sustainable and safe water supply for Delhi. (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Stampede
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 18)
| Topic: GS3 – Disaster Management |
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Analysis of the news:
Causes of Stampedes
- Stampedes are caused by structural weaknesses, poor crowd control, unexpected surges, and inadequate security.
- The NDMA report highlights factors such as excessive crowding beyond capacity, lack of proper barricading, poorly planned entry/exit points, and weak coordination among stakeholders.
- Sudden panic or excitement also accelerates crowd movement, leading to crushing and suffocation.
Role of Crowd Behavior
- Crowd psychology plays a critical role in stampedes. Individuals often follow the actions of others, leading to a chain reaction.
- Poorly managed control measures, such as misdirected police actions, can escalate chaos.
- The NDMA suggests that a community-based crowd management approach is more effective than force-based control.
Lessons from Past Stampedes
- Previous incidents, like the 2003 Nashik Kumbh and the 2005 Kalubai Yatra, reveal common failures: inaccurate crowd estimates, inadequate infrastructure, narrow and unsafe pathways, and lack of coordination among authorities.
- The presence of vendors, poor security, and illegal electrical connections also contributed to disasters.
Strategies for Crowd Control
- Effective crowd management requires a balance between controlling inflow, regulating movement, and ensuring safe dispersal.
- Authorities must assess past crowd patterns, enforce mandatory registrations, and use technology for monitoring.
- Infrastructure improvements like staging points, clear pathways, and public announcements can significantly reduce risks.
Need for Proactive Planning
- The NDMA stresses proactive and holistic planning for religious events. Where infrastructure expansion is not possible, improving waiting areas and regulating entry through online registration can help.
- Comprehensive information dissemination and coordination between stakeholders are crucial in preventing future stampedes.
| What are the Impact of these Stampedes? |
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Stampedes at religious gatherings in India have significant impacts on local communities. Mentioned below are some of the major impacts. 1. Trauma and Loss- Witnessing a stampede tragedy and the resultant deaths and injuries causes immense trauma, especially for those who lost loved ones. For ex- Deadly stampede killing 121 people in Hathras. 2. Economic Hardship- The majority of victims in such stampedes come from lower castes and poor backgrounds. Their deaths leave families without primary breadwinners, causing economic hardship in the community. Also the cost of funerals and medical expenses further strain already limited resources. 3. Erosion of Trust- Repeated stampedes at Indian religious festivals due to similar failures further undermine faith in the ability of organizers to keep devotees safe. For ex- Gross negligence like poor planning, with insufficient exits, inadequate crowd control, and lack of emergency preparedness, by organizers and authorities erodes trust in religious institutions. 4. Loss of Social and Human Capital- Many young children and women are the victims of these stampede tragedies. This leads to loss of the productive social and human capital of the country. |
| Practice Question: Frequent stampedes at religious gatherings in India highlight systemic failures in crowd management. Analyze the key causes and suggest effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. (150 Words /10 marks) |
5. India Lights Up India Gate to Mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2097724®=3&lang=1 )
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What are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?
- Definition: Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Prevalence: These diseases affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide, mainly in low-income countries.
- Types: NTDs include conditions like Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Schistosomiasis, Trachoma, Guinea Worm Disease, and Soil-transmitted helminths.
- Impact: NTDs cause severe disability, disfigurement, and long-term health issues, often leading to stigma and social exclusion.
- Neglect: They are often overlooked in global health agendas and receive limited funding for research, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Solutions: Mass drug administration (MDA), community engagement, and improved sanitation are critical for control and elimination.
Prelims Facts
1. EU tracks bird flu virus variants over rising threat to humans
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
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Tracking Bird Flu Variants
- European health agencies are monitoring bird flu virus mutations that may increase the risk of spreading among humans.
- Experts have identified 34 genetic mutations that could raise the possibility of human infections.
- Authorities are using genetic analysis and case studies to assess current risks and provide recommendations.
Menstrual Health Challenges in South Asia
- About 20% of women and girls in South Asia refrain from daily activities during menstruation.
- Teenagers aged 15-19 are the most affected by menstrual restrictions.
- Researchers suggest that menstrual discomfort may contribute to gender inequalities.
- Using hormonal contraceptives has been linked to fewer activity restrictions during menstruation.
Climate Change and Salmonella Outbreaks
- Warmer temperatures, humidity, and longer daylight hours increase the spread of Salmonella bacteria.
- The bacteria cause food poisoning, leading to fever, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
- The findings emphasize the role of climate in foodborne disease outbreaks and highlight the need for preventive measures.
2. Ukraine struggles to protect its last coal reserves from Russia’s grasp
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)
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Places in news:
- Pokrovsk: Once a thriving mining hub in Ukraine, Pokrovsk is located above the country’s largest coal reserves. It is now under threat from Russian advances, with its strategic mines vital to Ukraine’s economy. The area has suffered extensive destruction, and its population has dwindled from 82,000 to about 10,000 due to the ongoing war.
- Udachne: A village near Pokrovsk, once home to many miners working in the Pokrovsk Coal mines. With the mines shut down, many workers have relocated, while others remain in limbo in largely deserted areas.
- Donetsk Region: A historically significant industrial area in eastern Ukraine, Donetsk is a focal point of the ongoing conflict. The region, rich in coal mines, is at the center of Russia’s attempts to annex Ukrainian territory. The capture of key mining cities like Pokrovsk would deal a heavy blow to Ukraine’s economy and military.
3. Shubhanshu Shukla to pilot NASA’s Axiom-4 mission to ISS
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)
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Axiom-4 Mission:
- Mission Overview: Axiom-4 is a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) organized by Axiom Space.
- Crew: The mission will include four astronauts, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serving as the pilot.
- Launch Site: The mission will be launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
- Duration: The mission will involve a stay on the ISS for a specified period, allowing crew members to engage in various scientific and research activities.
- Significance: This mission is notable for being the first time an Indian astronaut will travel to the ISS, marking a milestone for India’s space exploration.
- Gaganyaan Connection: Shubhanshu Shukla is also one of the astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
4. Chinese New Year 2025
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 18)
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Analysis of the news:
Lunisolar Calendar System
- Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese follow a lunisolar system, integrating both solar and lunar cycles.
- The year starts with the second or third new moon after the winter solstice, requiring adjustments like an extra 13th month every three years to align with seasonal changes.
Fortune-Telling and Zodiac Signs
- The Chinese calendar follows a 60-year cycle, combining Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Five Elements, Yin-Yang forces, and the 12 zodiac animals. 2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and personal growth.
Mythical Origins and Legends
- The festival’s origins trace back to the legend of Nian, a beast that terrorized villages until people discovered its fear of loud noises and the color red—leading to traditions of fireworks, red decorations, and festive lights.
- The zodiac’s origin story comes from a race held by the mythical Jade Emperor, determining the order of the 12 animals.
New Year Celebrations
- The festival, observed between January 21 and February 20, involves house cleaning to remove bad luck, family feasts, symbolic foods like dumplings (wealth) and fish (abundance), and the exchange of red envelopes (hóngbāo) for prosperity.
- Superstitions like avoiding negative words and not sweeping on New Year’s Day are strictly followed.
Global Celebrations
- Chinese New Year is observed worldwide, including in Vietnam (Tết) and Korea (Seollal), with major celebrations in cities like San Francisco, Melbourne, and Singapore, uniting over two billion people in cultural festivities.
5. Polar Bear Fur’s Anti-Icing Secret Could Lead to Eco-Friendly Alternatives to “Forever Chemicals”
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 18)
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Analysis of the news:
Polar Bear Fur and Anti-Icing Properties
- This discovery could lead to environmentally friendly alternatives to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), also known as “forever chemicals,” commonly used in products like ski skins, nonstick cookware, and water-resistant clothing.
Study Methodology
- Researchers tested polar bear fur from Svalbard, Norway, and compared its resistance to ice with human hair.
- After washing samples to remove sebum, they found that unwashed polar bear fur had ice-resistant properties comparable to fluorinated ski skins, which contain harmful PFAs.
- This highlights the potential for sebum in polar bear fur to be used in anti-icing applications without the environmental and health risks associated with PFAs.
Chemical Composition of Polar Bear Sebum
- Polar bear sebum differs from human sebum by lacking squalene but containing cholesterol and other fatty acids, possibly unique to polar bears.
- While these properties contribute to the fur’s resistance to ice, further studies are needed to confirm if this composition is exclusive to polar bears or found in other species as well.
Potential for Environmentally Friendly Coatings
- The findings suggest that naturally sourced coatings, modeled after polar bear fur’s sebum, could replace harmful PFAs in various products.
- This breakthrough could pave the way for more sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives in industries reliant on non-degradable chemicals like PFAs.
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