Distribution: weekly

Project to monitor animal health launched

Why in the News?

The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative in New Delhi.

What is the primary aim of the Animal Health Security Project?

The Animal Health Security Project aims to strengthen India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, reducing zoonotic disease risks through enhanced surveillance, laboratory systems, and regional collaboration.

What are the objectives of the Animal Health Security Project?

Prevention, Detection, and Response: Enhance India’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, minimizing risks of pathogens transmitting from animals to humans.
Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve and integrate animal disease surveillance and early warning systems to promptly identify potential threats.
Laboratory and Vaccine Infrastructure: Upgrade and expand laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities to ensure preparedness.
Data Systems and Analytics: Strengthen interoperable data systems and analytics capabilities to support informed decision-making and risk communication.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation for transboundary animal disease control through cross-border collaborations.

How is the project funded and what is its timeline?

The project is funded by the Pandemic Fund established by the G20 countries, which aims to help low- and middle-income countries improve their pandemic preparedness.
- The fund’s first round raised $2 billion, and India’s project received a $25 million grant.
The project will be implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Timeline: Expected to conclude by August 2026.

Why is this project necessary for India?

Zoonotic Disease Threat: About two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic (transmitted from animals), with recent examples including COVID-19. India’s large population of 536 million livestock makes it vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks.
Public Health Impact: With five of the six major global public health emergencies in recent decades being zoonotic, the project is crucial for India’s pandemic prevention and public health security.
Vulnerable Population Protection: By addressing animal health threats, the project aims to protect the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations reliant on livestock.

Way forward:

Strengthen Coordination Across Sectors: Enhance collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental sectors to create an integrated response to zoonotic threats, ensuring swift data sharing and response mechanisms.
Sustain Capacity Building and Infrastructure Investments: Ensure continued investment in laboratory networks, vaccine production, and training to maintain preparedness, and bolster resilience against emerging animal-to-human diseases beyond the project’s timeline.

Mains PYQ:

Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

November 8, 2024

India should be part of RCEP, CPTPP: NITI Aayog CEO

Why in the News?

According to NITI Aayog CEO, India should join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

What are the implications of India joining RCEP and CPTPP?

Enhanced Trade Opportunities: Joining RCEP and CPTPP could significantly boost India’s trade by providing access to larger markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions.
- These agreements encompass a wide range of goods and services, potentially increasing India’s exports, especially from its Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 40% of exports.
Integration into Global Supply Chains: Participation in these trade blocs would facilitate India’s integration into global supply chains, allowing it to benefit from the ‘China plus one’ strategy that many countries are adopting to diversify their supply sources away from China.
- This could enhance India’s manufacturing sector and attract foreign investment.
Regulatory Alignment: Being part of these agreements would necessitate aligning India’s regulatory frameworks with international standards, which could improve the business environment and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).

How does India’s current tariff structure affect its competitiveness in global trade?

India’s current tariff structure is characterized by relatively high average tariffs compared to other major economies. For instance:

Average Tariffs: India has an average applied tariff of approximately 13.8%, which is higher than that of China (9.8%) and the U.S. (3.4%) but lower than some other countries when considering trade-weighted averages.
High Bound Tariffs: Many of India’s bound tariff rates on agricultural products are among the highest globally, ranging from 100% to 300%, creating significant barriers for foreign exporters.

What are the risks associated with joining RCEP, particularly concerning competition with China?

Increased Competition with China: One of the primary risks of joining RCEP is the potential for increased competition with Chinese firms, which may have cost advantages due to economies of scale and established supply chains.
Pressure on Domestic Industries: Opening up to international competition might pressure local industries, particularly in sectors where they are less competitive compared to their counterparts in member countries.
- This could lead to job losses and require significant adjustments within certain sectors.
Easy geopolitical Impact on the economy: Increased reliance on trade agreements may expose India to external economic fluctuations, particularly if global demand shifts or if geopolitical tensions impact trade dynamics within these blocs.

Way forward:

Selective Tariff Reductions and Safeguards for Sensitive Sectors: India should negotiate phased tariff reductions and secure safeguards for vulnerable sectors like agriculture and small manufacturing.
- This approach would protect local industries while allowing gradual integration into RCEP and CPTPP markets.
Strengthening Domestic Industries and MSMEs: India can boost competitiveness by enhancing MSME support through targeted subsidies, infrastructure improvements, and technology upgrades. Strengthening these sectors will help India leverage new market access and build resilience against foreign competition.

Mains PYQ:

Q Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC IAS/2016)

November 8, 2024

[pib] CARICOM (Caribbean Community)

Why in the News?

The second meeting of the India-CARICOM Joint Commission took place virtually on November 6. The first meeting was held in Georgetown, Guyana on June 2, 2015.

About Caribbean Community (CARICOM):

	Details
Establishment	Established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
Main Objectives	• Promote economic integration and cooperation among member states. • Ensure equitable sharing of integration benefits. • Coordinate foreign policy among member states.
Membership	15 Full Members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Associate Members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands. Observers: Aruba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela.
Leadership	Chairmanship rotates every 6 months among the Heads of member states.
Administrative Structure	CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, serves as the main administrative body, led by the Secretary-General.
Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)	Established in 2007, the CCJ acts as the final appellate court for CARICOM members and addresses regional trade disputes.
Key Initiatives	• Single Market and Economy (CSME) • Coordination in foreign policy • Development cooperation • Cultural exchange and integration
Significance	CARICOM serves as a vital platform for regional collaboration, enhancing economic growth, political stability, and cultural unity among Caribbean nations.

November 8, 2024

Horn of Africa

Why in the News?

According to a joint report by the UN and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), at least 65 million people are food insecure in the Horn of Africa.

Food Insecurity in Horn of Africa Region:

Of the 65 million affected, 36 million reside in IGAD member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

Main Causes:

Extreme weather and climate change are primary drivers of food insecurity, leading to severe conditions.
Conflict has also destroyed infrastructure and sources of food and income, worsening the situation.

About the Horn of Africa:

	Details
Location	A peninsula in northeastern Africa, extending into the Arabian Sea.
Geographical Composition	Comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Population	Approximately 115 million people.
Area	Covers about 2 million square kilometers.
Geographical Features	Includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. Significant areas include the Ethiopian Plateau, Ogaden Desert, and Eritrean and Somalian coasts.
Historical Name	Known as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land in ancient times.
Significance	Known for diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity. Strategic importance due to proximity to oil-producing regions in the Middle East.
Key Bodies of Water	Lies to the south of the Gulf of Aden and along the southern boundary of the Red Sea. Grand Renaissance Dam: Under construction by Ethiopia on the Nile River, impacting regional water dynamics.
Shipping Routes	Major shipping routes pass through the Red Sea, with Djibouti serving as a critical maritime hub for international trade.
Climate	Characterized by a mix of arid, semi-arid, and temperate climates, influencing agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

Geopolitical and strategic importance for India:

The Horn of Africa is located near the Middle East, a region vital for global oil production.
- Around 40% of Middle Eastern oil flows through the Red Sea shipping lanes adjacent to the Horn, making it a critical point for energy security.
Djibouti and the surrounding areas control access to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.
Several countries, including the US, France, and China, have established military bases in Djibouti to secure their interests in this strategic region.
China’s presence in Djibouti and other Horn of Africa nations aligns with its “string of pearls” strategy, which aims to secure military and economic footholds around India.
The Horn region serves as a gateway to Africa for Indian investments in infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors.
The region, particularly Somalia, poses threats from Pirates and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.

PYQ:

[2016] Consider the following statements:

The India-Africa Summit
held in 2015 was the third such Summit
was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

November 8, 2024

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme named PM Vidyalaxmi to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.

About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:

	Details
Objective	To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
Eligible Students	Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions.
Annual Family Income Criteria	Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies.
Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings	• Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists. • State government-run institutions ranked 101-200. • All Central government-governed institutions.
Loan Amounts	• Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee. • For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period.
Target Beneficiaries	Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions.
Financial Outlay	₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
Expected Impact	Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration.
Application Process	Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits.
Payment Processing	Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets.
Significance	Aims to enhance access to higher education for meritorious students, reducing financial barriers.

PYQ:

[2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

November 8, 2024

Why the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the UP Madarsa Act, 2004?

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 (Madarsa Act), except for the provisions related to higher education.

What were the grounds for the SCt’s decision to uphold the UP Madarsa Act?

Applicability of Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court clarified that the basic structure doctrine, which is typically applied to constitutional amendments, does not apply to ordinary legislation like the Madarsa Act.
- The court emphasized that a law can only be struck down for violating fundamental rights or legislative competence, not for infringing on the basic structure of the Constitution.
State Regulation of Education: The court affirmed that states have the authority to regulate educational institutions, including madrasas, as long as such regulations are reasonable and do not infringe on minority rights.
Right to Education: The Supreme Court referenced its previous rulings regarding minority institutions’ rights to provide religious education while managing their administration.
- It concluded that the Madrasa Act does not violate the right to free and compulsory education under Article 21A, as it allows madrasas to offer religious instruction alongside secular education.

About Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 (Madarsa Act):

The Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasas Education Act, 2004 (Madarsa Act) provides a legal framework for the operation and regulation of madrasas in the state.
It aims to standardize education in these institutions by integrating both religious and secular curricula, primarily following the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines.
The Act established the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, which is responsible for preparing course materials, conducting examinations, and overseeing educational standards from the ‘Maulvi’ level (equivalent to Class 10) to ‘Fazil’ (equivalent to a Master’s degree).

How does this ruling affect the regulation of madrasa education and its alignment with secular principles?

Regulation of Madarsa Education: The ruling empowers the state to regulate madarsa education, ensuring that it meets certain standards without compromising its religious identity.
- It ensures that madrasas can continue to provide Islamic education alongside secular subjects, but within a structured and monitored environment that does not undermine the state’s authority over educational standards.
Alignment with Secularism: The SC’s judgment does not force madrasas to secularize completely. Instead, it recognizes the coexistence of religious and secular education within the institution’s framework, reflecting India’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom and secularism.
- By upholding the law, the SC suggested that the government can promote secular education while respecting the rights of minority institutions to impart religious education.

Implications of Striking Down Higher Education Provisions:

Conflict with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act: The SC struck down provisions that allowed the Madarsa Board to grant higher education degrees (such as Kamil and Fazil), ruling that such powers conflicted with the UGC Act, which reserves the authority to grant degrees to universities recognized under central or state law.
- This decision limits Madarsas’ ability to independently issue degrees for advanced religious education.
Impact on Madarsa Students: Students seeking degrees like Kamil (bachelor’s equivalent) or Fazil (master’s equivalent) from Madarsas will no longer receive these credentials through the Madarsa Board.
- This may affect the formal recognition of madrasa graduates, limiting their ability to pursue higher education or professional opportunities that require university-recognized degrees.
Alignment with National Educational Standards: The SC’s decision brings madrasas in line with the UGC Act, ensuring that degree-awarding powers are centralized within recognized institutions. This promotes uniformity and compatibility with the broader national education system.

Way forward:

Collaborate with Recognized Universities: Madarsas can partner with recognized universities to offer degrees for advanced religious studies, ensuring compliance with the UGC Act while retaining the essence of religious education.
Integrate Secular and Religious Education Standards: To enhance educational outcomes, the government could provide support for curriculum development in madrasas, balancing religious teachings with secular subjects in alignment with national educational standards.

Mains PYQ:

Q The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2022)

November 7, 2024

The demand for greater autonomy for Eastern Nagaland districts

Why in the News?

After months of inactivity, the Nagaland government announced last week that it is now prepared to submit its feedback on the Centre’s draft Memorandum of Settlement, which proposes greater Autonomy for the state’s six eastern districts.

What are the historical and socio-economic factors driving the demand for greater autonomy in Eastern Nagaland?

Historical Background: The six eastern districts—Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang—were part of an area historically set apart for special governance.
- After Nagaland’s creation from Assam in 1963, these districts were administered differently due to their relative lack of infrastructure and resources.
16-Point Agreement & Article 371(A): Nagaland was formed with special provisions, including Article 371(A), to protect Naga customs and address unique challenges in the “Tuensang region” (now the six eastern districts).
- Initially, a regional council governed these districts, reflecting an early recognition of their distinct needs.
Development Deficit: Despite Article 371(A), these districts continue to face significant development challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities.
- This lack of development fuels the demand for separate governance, as the existing state-level administration is perceived to overlook their needs.

Note: Article 371(A) grants special provisions to Nagaland, protecting its cultural practices, land, resources, and customary laws from parliamentary laws.

How does the proposed ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ differ from existing governance structures, and what specific powers would it entail?

The “Frontier Nagaland Territory” is a unique model of autonomy within the state of Nagaland. Key points of the proposed arrangement include:

Separate Legislature, Executive, and Financial Powers: This proposed setup would give the region greater control over local legislative decisions, executive functions, and financial resources.
Regional Council: The regional council for Eastern Nagaland would manage local issues and is in line with the provisions of Article 371(A) but would expand these powers further.
Headquarters in East Nagaland: Unlike current governance structures that are centered in the state capital Kohima, this arrangement suggests an independent headquarters within East Nagaland, giving local leaders more direct control over the region’s administration.

What role do local organizations like the ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization) play in advocating for this autonomy?

Driving the Demand: ENPO has been the primary advocate for autonomy since its 2010 memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office. The group argues for a separate state or enhanced autonomy based on longstanding neglect and developmental disparities.
Political Leverage: ENPO’s influence is evident in their strategic actions, such as boycotting the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections to pressure both the state and central governments. This boycotting tactic has effectively highlighted the intensity of the demand and brought national attention to the issue.
Insistence on Direct Negotiations: ENPO maintains a strong stance on discussing autonomy only with the central government, not with the state, which underscores its dissatisfaction with the state administration’s handling of Eastern Nagaland’s interests.

How might their demands influence state and central government responses?

Central Government’s Response: The Centre has shown some willingness to explore a “mutually agreed solution,” as seen in the draft Memorandum of Settlement and repeated assurances to the ENPO.
- This indicates that the central government may consider some form of autonomy, though it balances this with state interests.
State Government’s Position: The state government, which initially delayed providing input on the proposal, has now agreed to submit its comments, likely to avoid further regional dissent.
- However, it is navigating a complex situation where conceding autonomy could impact its overall governance framework.
Further Deliberation and Possible Compromises: Both the Centre and the state are expected to engage in detailed negotiations with the ENPO and other stakeholders.
- The discussions will likely center on balancing the autonomy demands with the broader interests of Nagaland, seeking to avoid full separation while addressing developmental grievances.

Way forward:

Strengthen Local Governance and Infrastructure: Need to establish a robust framework for local governance with dedicated funds and authority to address the developmental deficits in Eastern Nagaland, ensuring that the “Frontier Nagaland Territory” arrangement grants meaningful legislative, executive, and financial autonomy to meet the unique needs of the region.
Inclusive Dialogue and Regular Consultations: Facilitate ongoing, inclusive dialogues among the Centre, state government, ENPO, and local representatives to address concerns transparently and collaboratively.

Mains PYQ:

Q Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. 10 marks-200 words (UPSC CSE 2013)

Q The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has heen a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022)

Q “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (UPSC CSE 2022)

November 7, 2024

Europe’s Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

Europe's Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

Why in the News?

India is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 Mission in December from the Sriharikota spaceport.
- The mission will use ISRO’s PSLV rocket to place two satellites in orbit, designed to study the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.

About Proba-3 Mission:

	Details
Mission Name	PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3)
Objective	Study the Sun’s corona by creating an artificial eclipse with precision formation flying of two satellites
Launch Date and Location	December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota spaceport, India, via ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket
Orbit	Highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period
Satellites	Two satellites: Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg) and Occulter spacecraft (200 kg)
Alignment Precision	Millimeter-level alignment to block the Sun’s light and allow continuous corona observation
Key Scientific Goals	Observe solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to improve space weather forecasting
Unique Features	First ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, using smaller, agile satellites for cost-effective observation
International Collaboration	Jointly developed by ESA and ISRO, with contributions from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
Communication Support	Managed via antenna in Santa Maria (Azores) and ground station in Redu (Belgium)
Significance	Advances solar research and international collaboration; enhances space weather insights, supporting infrastructure on Earth

PYQ:

[2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

November 7, 2024

How Vitamin D deficiency can trigger autoimmune conditions?

Why in the News?

Recent research conducted by scientists at McGill University has shed light on the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining thymus health and its implications for immune function.

About Autoimmune Conditions:

Autoimmune conditions refer to disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, viewing them as foreign.
Vitamin D plays a role in regulating immune responses and promoting immune tolerance—the body’s ability to avoid attacking its own cells.
It influences T-cells (a type of immune cell) to recognize and tolerate the body’s own tissues rather than attacking them.
The thymus gland trains T-cells to avoid attacking healthy cells. A deficiency in Vitamin D may cause the thymus to age prematurely, reducing its ability to regulate T-cells properly.
- Vitamin D affects certain genetic pathways related to immune function.
- Variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may also predispose some individuals to autoimmune diseases, and these individuals might be more sensitive to Vitamin D levels.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are essential for bone health.
It supports muscle movement, nerve function, and immune system responses. Due to its synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, it is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
The body naturally produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
Sources of Vitamin D:
- Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in Vitamin D.
- Cod liver oil: A concentrated source, providing 400–1,000 IU per teaspoon.
- Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello contain Vitamin D if exposed to UV light.
- Fortified Foods: Milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals often have added Vitamin D.
- Egg yolks: Contain a small amount of Vitamin D.
- Common forms include Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), especially useful in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited.

Significance of Vitamin D

Bone Health: Essential for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
Muscle and Nerve Function: Supports muscle contractions and nerve signaling between the brain and body.
Immune System: Enhances immune defenses, helping to fight off infections by viruses and bacteria.
Brain Health: May play a role in maintaining cognitive health, especially with aging.
Inflammation and Pain: Helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
Blood Pressure: Linked to regulating blood pressure; deficiency is associated with hypertension.

Impacts of Vitamin D Deficiency

Increases the risk of rickets in children (softening of bones) and osteoporosis in adults.
Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate thymus aging, leading to immune dysfunction and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
Deficiency has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and chronic pain.
Can include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and depression.
In severe cases, deficiency may cause impaired bone growth and fracture susceptibility.

PYQ:

[2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

(a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.

(b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.

(d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process.

November 7, 2024

[pib] Development of Tuna Cluster in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Why in the News?

The Department of Fisheries has notified the creation of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The A&N Islands offer significant opportunities for fisheries development with approximately 6.0 lakh square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This region has rich sea resources, particularly Tuna and Tuna-like species, with an estimated potential of 60,000 metric tons.
The islands’ location near Southeast Asia enables efficient sea and air trade, and the pristine waters support sustainable fishing.

About Tuna Species and its Significance

Tuna are large, fast-swimming fish belonging to the Thunnini tribe within the Scombridae family.
Known for their streamlined bodies and remarkable agility, tuna are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
There are over 15 species of tuna, with some of the most well-known being Bluefin, Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, and Skipjack.
Tuna can grow quickly and live for several decades, with species like Bluefin reaching over 450 kg in weight.
It is one of the most popular and valuable fish in the global seafood market, highly sought after for its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Species like Bluefin tuna are particularly valuable, often fetching high prices in markets, especially in Japan for dishes like sushi and sashimi.
It is rich in protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction.
It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, B12, iron, and selenium.

PYQ:

[2013] The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where

(a) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet

(b) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea

(d) Continental shelf is undulating

November 7, 2024