Concerns Over Consuming Ultra-Processed Food

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, a report released by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations found that India’s Ultra-Processed Food Sector grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.37 % in retail sales value from 2011 to 2021.

What is Ultra Processed Food?

• About:
  • Processed food usually has salt, sugar and fat added to it. Food is considered ultra-processed if five or more ingredients have been added to the original product.
  • These other ingredients are usually flavour and taste enhancers, emulsifiers and colours, and all of them are meant to improve shelf life and taste or make the food convenient to eat.
    • For instance, atta in raw form is unprocessed. Dalia, with salt and sugar added, is processed food. If we make cookies out of atta and add a lot of other things, it is ultra-processed.
• Concerns:
  • Salt, sugar and fat are commonly added to all processed food. Such foods are not healthy to consume regularly or in large quantities.
  • They can cause obesity, hypertension, cardiac issues and lifestyle diseases. The artificial chemicals added to ultra-processed food have a negative impact on gut health.
  • Any imbalance in gut health can lead to a host of problems, from neurological issues and stress to mood swings and obesity.
  • Most ultra-processed foods use taste enhancers, so people automatically get addicted to them.
    • On top of that, the natural food is broken down to such an extent that it gets absorbed very quickly by the body.
  • The effect of high doses of simple sugar is that the body releases insulin, which makes you feel hungry and want to eat more food. That is why we say sugar is addictive.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Temporary Disruption and Rebounded:
  • The Covid-19 Pandemic caused a temporary disruption, causing the annual growth rate of the Indian ultra-processed food sector to plummet from 12.65% in 2019 to 5.50% in 2020.
    • However, the sector rebounded remarkably, with an 11.29% growth recorded in 2020-2021.
• Dominant Categories and Sales Volume:
  • The most popular ultra-processed food categories include chocolate and sugar confectionery, salty snacks, beverages, ready-made and convenient foods, and breakfast cereals.
    • In terms of retail sales volume from 2011 to 2021, beverages held the highest share, followed by chocolate and sugar confectionery and ready-made and convenience foods.
• Health Consciousness and Changing Consumption Patterns:
  • Health-conscious consumers shifted away from carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages to fruit and vegetable juices during the pandemic, potentially due to their perceived immune-boosting properties.
    • However, these alternative beverages may also contain high levels of free sugars.

What are the Recommendations?

• Stricter Advertising and Marketing Regulations:
  • The report underscores the necessity for stricter advertising and marketing regulations, particularly concerning products like sweet biscuits that are popular among children.
    • The high salt content in salty snacks poses risks to consumers' health, making it crucial to address through regulations.
• Clear Definition of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) Foods:
  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) should collaborate with stakeholders to establish a clear definition of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods.
  • Linking the tax structure with the definition of HFSS foods through the GST Council can incentivize healthier and reformulated options by imposing higher taxes on products exceeding recommended levels of fat, sugar, and salt.
• Comprehensive National Nutrition Policy:
  • There is a need for a robust national nutrition policy addressing both under- and over-nutrition, with well-defined objectives and targets, after thorough consultations with stakeholders.
    • Existing policies like Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 lack comprehensive coverage of overnutrition and diet-related diseases.
• Nutritional Transition and Long-Term Goals:
  • The report calls for a shift towards a healthier lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and increasing the intake of whole grains.
  • Low intake of whole grains has been identified as a primary dietary risk factor for noncommunicable diseases in India.

Stalled Real Estate Projects in India

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, a committee chaired by former National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) CEO Amitabh Kant, formed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has put forward a series of recommendations to address the issue of stalled legacy real estate projects in India.

• The committee's formation was recommended by the Central Advisory Council under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
• According to the Indian Banks’ Association, more than 4.12 lakh “stressed dwelling units” exist across India, of which around 2.4 lakh units are located in the National Capital Region (NCR), mainly in Noida and Greater Noida.

What are the Key Recommendations?

• Model Package for Stalled Projects:
  • Introduction of a "model package" designed for stalled projects in specific regions, starting with Noida and Greater Noida.
    • Other states are encouraged to develop similar packages tailored to their respective stalled projects.
  • The key components of the model package may include:
    • Zero Period:
      • The concept of a "zero period" that takes into account disruptions caused by factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and court orders.
      • During this period, developers would be exempted from interest and penalty payments, acknowledging the unforeseen challenges that led to project delays.
    • Partial Surrender Policy:
      • Inclusion of a partial surrender policy within the model package.
      • Developers were granted the option to surrender a portion of the land associated with the project.
      • Aims to offer flexibility in project planning and execution while optimizing resource utilization.
• Subsidized Interest Rates:
  • Suggestion of a "subsidized interest rates or guarantee scheme" similar to those benefiting the MSME sector.
  • Designed to incentivize financial institutions to provide funding for stalled real estate projects.
  • Aims to improve liquidity and funding access for developers struggling with stalled projects.
• Establishment of a "Guarantee Fund":
  • Proposal for the creation of a dedicated "guarantee fund" analogous to the one established for the MSME sector.
  • Aimed at enhancing financial support and investor confidence in the real estate sector.
  • The MoHUA is tasked with drafting the fund scheme and forwarding it to the Ministry of Finance.
• Expansion of Fast-Track NCLT Benches:
  • The committee has also suggested the creation of five additional fast-track benches at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) so that all pending Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) real estate cases can be disposed of on a “priority basis”.

What are the Challenges Related to Stalled Real Estate Projects in India?

• Funding Shortages:
  • Lack of timely funding due to high-interest rates and strict lending norms.
  • Reduced cash flows and revenues from low demand in the real estate market.
  • Difficulty in securing funds from alternative sources like private equity or foreign investors.
  • Results in project delays, cost overruns, compromised quality, and dissatisfaction.
• Regulatory Complexities:
  • The multiplicity of regulations and approvals at central, state, and local levels.
    • Time and cost escalations, uncertainty, litigation, and barriers to entry.
• Legal Disputes:
  • Boundary disputes affecting land ownership and sovereignty.
  • Land acquisition and compensation conflicts with stakeholders.
  • Project disruptions, damages, judicial interventions, and trust issues.
• Market Slowdowns:
  • Economic downturns affect buyer’s purchasing power.
  • Disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
  • Policy changes create market uncertainty.
  • Resulting in low demand, unsold units, falling prices, and reduced investments.

Way Forward

• Exploring innovative financing models, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), and peer-to-peer lending, can provide an alternative source of funding. These models can democratize investment and inject capital into projects.
• Incorporate sustainable and green building practices to attract environmentally conscious buyers and investors. These designs not only resonate with modern preferences but also lead to long-term cost savings.
• Leverage the potential of Public–private partnership (PPPs) to revitalize stalled projects. Collaborating with government entities can provide access to land, infrastructure, and regulatory support.
• Repurpose stalled projects into multifunctional spaces. Transform vacant buildings into creative hubs, cultural centers, or community spaces that thrive on versatility.
• Develop regulations that adapt to changing market conditions and technologies. This flexibility prevents projects from becoming outdated due to evolving trends and demands.

Missing Public Information on RTI Online Portal

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Union government's RTI Online portal has encountered a situation where a significant amount of public information, including past applications and responses, has gone missing.

• The portal is undergoing maintenance with the aim of restoring the vanished archival data. This incident underscores the challenges associated with upholding accountability within the framework of the RTI Act.

What is the Right to Information (RTI) Act?

• About:
  • The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a legislative framework that empowers Indian citizens to access information held by public authorities. Enacted in 2005, the act aims to promote transparency, accountability, and participation in government processes.
    • It replaced the Freedom of Information Act 2002.
    • Earlier Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), an NGO, in Rajasthan that forced the state government to pass the right to information Act in 1997.
  • According to Section 22 of RTI Act, the provisions of this Act will be effective regardless of any contradictions with the Official Secrets Act of 1923, existing laws, or any agreements established through laws other than this Act
• Constitutional Backing:
  • The RTI Act is derived from the Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression.
    • In Raj Narain vs the State of Uttar Pradesh case, the Supreme Court ruled that Right to information will be treated as a fundamental right under article 19.
• Time period:
  • In normal course, information to an applicant is to be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public authority.
  • If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours.
    • In case the application is sent through the Assistant Public Information Officer or it is sent to a wrong public authority, five days shall be added to the period of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be.
• Exempted Information:
  • Sec 8 (1) of RTI Act talks about which information is exempted under RTI, it includes information related to national security, strategic matters of the state, foreign relation, incitement to offenses etc.
• Implementation:
  • The Public Information Office (PIO) is a pivotal component of the RTI Act’s implementation.
    • A PIO is a designated officer within a public authority who acts as a bridge between citizens seeking information and the government organization holding that information.
• Appellate Authority and Mechanism:
  • If a citizen's RTI request is denied or they are not satisfied with the response provided by the PIO, they can appeal to the First Appellate Authority within the same public authority.
  • If the citizen is still dissatisfied with the decision of the First Appellate Authority, they can file a second appeal to the Central or State Information Commission.

What are the Issues Associated with RTI in India?

• Pendencies of Cases: At present, more than 3 lakh complaints or appeals are pending with various information commissions across India.
  • In addition, there are significant vacancies in the positions of Information Commissioners (ICs) and State Information Commissioners (SICs).
• Misuse of RTI Act: Some people use the RTI Act for frivolous, vexatious, or personal motives, rather than for public interest. This leads to wastage of time and resources of the public authorities and hampers their work efficiency.
• Excessive Exemptions: The act provides for exemptions to protect sensitive information. However, there have been instances where these exemptions have been misused to deny legitimate requests for information.
• Right to Information vs. Right to Privacy Laws: The tension between the RTI Act and emerging data protection and privacy laws raises questions about the hierarchy of these rights and the potential conflicts between them.

Way Forward

• Open Data Ecosystem: There is a need to establish a comprehensive open data ecosystem where relevant government datasets are available to the public in readable formats.
  • This could bring down the cases of RTI and enable citizens, researchers, and journalists to access and analyze data more effectively.
• Blockchain for Data Security: There is a need to explore the use of blockchain technology to create an immutable and transparent record of government actions and decisions related to RTIs, ensuring accountability and preventing data tampering.
• Transparency Index for Authorities: There is a need to develop a transparency index that rates public authorities based on their responsiveness to RTI requests, fostering healthy competition for better accountability.
• AI-Assisted Responses: There is a need to implement AI-powered systems to categorize and process RTI requests, making the response process more efficient while ensuring accurate information retrieval.

Advisory Board on Banking and Financial Frauds

Source: BL

Why in News?

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has reconstituted the Advisory Board on Banking and Financial Frauds (ABBFF) to fortify the examination of bank fraud cases.

What is the Advisory Board on Banking and Financial Frauds (ABBFF)?

• About:
  • ABBFF serves as the first-level examination body for bank fraud cases before they are referred to investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
    • ABBFF is empowered to conduct periodic fraud analysis within the financial system.
  • It offers insights and policy recommendations related to fraud prevention and management to regulatory bodies like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and CVC.
• Composition and Tenure:
  • The reconstituted ABBFF board includes the Chairman and four other members, each contributing their expertise to fraud-related matters.
  • The Chairman and Members of ABBFF hold their positions for a tenure of two years.
• Mandatory Referrals and Advisory Role:
  • All public sector banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions are required to refer fraud cases exceeding Rs. 3 crore to ABBFF before initiating criminal investigations.
  • The advice provided by ABBFF regarding criminality and malafide (acting in bad faith or with dishonest intentions) involvement of officials must be considered by the competent authority.
  • ABBFF's purview extends to providing advisory support for cases referred by the CVC or the CBI.
• Omission of "Sun Set Clause":
  • Notably, the concept of a "sunset clause," which could have limited actions against bankers for credit decisions after a specified period, has not been included in ABBFF's functioning.

Khanan Prahari to Combat Illegal Coal Mining

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Coal has launched the Khanan Prahari mobile app, revolutionizing the fight against illicit coal mining activities.

What is Khanan Prahari?

• About:
  • This innovative app allows citizens to take an active role in reporting incidents of illegal coal mining through the submission of geo-tagged photographs and textual information.
    • The corresponding web portal called as Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) has been developed in association with the Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Application & Geoinformatics, Gandhinagar, and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi.
  • This comprehensive approach not only leverages cutting-edge technology but also emphasizes public participation in addressing this critical issue.
    • A total of 483 complaints have been lodged through the Khanan Prahari mobile app, reflecting the public's active involvement.
• Features:
  • Reporting Incidents: Users can easily report incidents of illegal mining by taking photographs and providing comments on the incident.
  • Confidentiality: The user's identity is kept confidential, ensuring privacy and security.
  • Complaint Tracking: Complainants receive a complaint number, which they can use to easily track the status of their reported complaints.

What is the Status of Coal Mining in India?

• About Coal:
  • India is the world's second largest coal producer and 5th largest country in terms of coal deposits.
    • Coal is a type of fossil fuel found in the form of sedimentary rocks and is often known as 'Black Gold'.
  • However, some parts of its coal requirement are met through imports as the country is also among the major consumers. India's coal imports increased by 30% in the 2022-23.
• Major Coal Producing States:
  • Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Timeline Related to Coal Mining in India:
  • India has a rich history of coal mining spanning about 220 years, originating in 1774 with the East India Company in the Raniganj Coalfield.
    • The growth was slow initially, but steam locomotives in 1853 boosted production.
  • Post-independence, the National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1956 for systematic coal industry growth.
    • Nationalization of coal mines occurred in two phases, starting with coking coal mines in 1971-72 and non-coking mines in 1973.
    • This step aimed to address issues of unscientific mining practices and poor labor conditions. Nationalization continued until the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973.
  • Post-nationalization, India faced minimal demand-supply gaps until 1991. Liberalization reforms in 1993 allowed coal mine allocation for captive consumption.
    • The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 enabled coal mine allocation through auctions. In 2018, private firms were allowed into commercial coal mining.

Mizoram Pioneers Digital Health Revolution

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The National Health Authority (NHA) has unveiled the "100 Microsites" project, aimed at accelerating the adoption of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across India.

• Mizoram has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first state to operationalize an ABDM Microsite in its capital city, Aizawl.

What are ABDM Microsites?

• About:
  • The ABDM Microsites are geographically defined regions where targeted outreach initiatives are conducted to onboard small and medium-scale private healthcare providers.
    • The Microsite project aims to ensure that all healthcare facilities, including private clinics, small hospitals, and labs, become ABDM-enabled and offer digital health services to patients.
    • An interfacing agency under this program will have an on-ground team to reach out to the healthcare providers in the area.
• Implementation:
  • The implementation of these microsites is primarily led by the State Mission Directors of ABDM, supported by the NHA's financial resources and comprehensive guidance.
• Benefits:
  • Patients can benefit from digital services such as online appointments, e-prescriptions, e-reports, e-bills, e-consent, e-referrals, and e-feedback at these facilities.
    • Health records generated within these ABDM-enabled facilities can be seamlessly linked to their Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs).
    • Furthermore, these records are accessible and shareable through any ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) application on mobile devices, ensuring that patients have access to their health information at their fingertips.
• Current Progress:
  • Mizoram's groundbreaking achievement is not in isolation; other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, are also making substantial strides in implementing ABDM Microsites.
  • This collective effort signifies a nationwide movement towards achieving comprehensive healthcare digitization.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Nataraja Statue Headed to G20 Summit Venue in Delhi

A towering 28-feet Nataraja bronze sculpture, believed to be the world's tallest, is en route to the G20 summit venue in New Delhi, adding a cultural touch to the event.

• The Nataraja statue, weighing 19 tonnes, is composed of eight metals, including gold, silver, lead, copper, tin, mercury, iron, and zinc (Ashtadhatu). It hails from Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu. The statue represents Lord Shiva (Nataraja) dancing.
• Swamimalai is believed to be one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, known as the Padai Veedugal (Battle Camps) of Lord Murugan. It is also renowned for its Swamimalai Bronze Icons (Logo), which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Nataraja statue crafted using the 'lost-wax' casting method, it follows the Chola tradition, with molten bronze poured into clay molds.
• Chola bronzes hold an esteemed place in the art world for their unique beauty and craftsmanship.

Read more: India to host G20 Summit in 2023

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Echolocation

• Echolocation is a technique used by animals and devices to understand their surroundings Emitting high-frequency sound pulses, they listen for echoes to gauge distances and locate objects.
  • Echolocation is a technique used by bats, dolphins and other animals to determine the location of objects using reflected sound.
  • This allows the animals to navigate, hunt, recognize allies and adversaries, and steer clear of obstacles even in complete darkness.
• Inspired by nature's echolocation, humans developed sonar (sound navigation and ranging) and radar (radio detection and ranging) technologies.
  • Sonar is widely used for underwater navigation and communication, while radar finds applications in aviation, weather forecasting, and military operations.
• More recently, engineers have used echolocation to develop smartphone apps that can create a map of a room to help people with visual impairments navigate their environs better.

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Durand Cup 2023

• The Durand Football Tournament was started at Shimla in 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, who was the Foreign Secretary to the Govt of India.
• Durand is the third oldest football tournament in the world and the oldest in Asia and India.
• The ongoing 132nd edition (3rd August to 3rd September 2023) is organized by India's Armed Forces.
• The tournament format comprises two stages: the group stage and the knockout rounds.
• The Durand Cup tournament is unique wherein the winning team walks away with three trophies, i.e. the Durand Cup (a rolling trophy and the original prize), the Shimla Trophy (also a rolling trophy and first given by the residents of Shimla in 1904) and the President's Cup (for permanent keep and first presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, in 1956).

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IAF Joins Ex BRIGHT STAR-23

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, a multilateral, tri-service exercise hosted biennially at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt.

• It marks the IAF's debut in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23, this multinational event features participation from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar.
• Beyond the exercise's primary objective of refining joint operation planning and execution, the event fosters international bonds and bolsters strategic relations among participating nations.

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Neeraj Chopra Clinches Gold in World Athletics Championships 2023

Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra has once again etched his name in history, seizing the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. He achieved a remarkable throw of 88.17m.

• Before his recent victory in Budapest, Neeraj Chopra had already claimed the distinction of being the first Indian track and field athlete to clinch gold at the Olympics (Tokyo 2020), secure the Diamond League title (2022), and conquer the junior world championships (2016).

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Significant Declarations: Shiv Shakti, Tiranga, and National Space Day 

Recently, Indian Prime Minister offered his felicitations to the ISRO scientists for their remarkable achievement of Chandrayaan-3 and announced that August 23 would be commemorated as the ‘National Space Day’ in India.  

• Also, the touchdown site of Vikram Lander has been named as ‘Shiv Shakti’ and the crash site of Chandrayaan-2’s lander in 2019 as 'Tiranga’. 

Read more: Chandrayaan-3