18 January 2025 : The Hindu Analysis (Daily Current Affairs)

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1. Research questions ‘iron deficiency’ as key cause of anaemia in India

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)

Topic: Social Justice – Health

Context

• A study indicates that iron deficiency may not be the sole contributor to anaemia in India, with factors such as vitamin B12 deficiency and air pollution also identified as potential influences.

Anaemia in Women and Adolescents

• The prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15-49 is 41. 1%, a decrease from the 60. 8% reported in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Among adolescent girls aged 15-19, 44. 3% are anaemic, compared to 62. 6% in NFHS-5.

Study Overview

• Researchers from institutions, including St. John’s Medical College and the National Institute of Nutrition, conducted the study, which is published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and involved testing 4,500 individuals across eight states.

Possible Causes of Anaemia

• The study proposes additional contributors to anaemia beyond iron deficiency, such as:
• Vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies.
• Blood loss.
• Environmental factors such as air pollution.

Difference in Testing Methods

• The study utilized venous blood draws for testing, which may result in lower estimates of anaemia compared to the NFHS, which employed capillary blood collections.
• This study offers important insights into the prevalence of anaemia and its potential causes, particularly regarding women and adolescents.

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Anaemia in India

• Nutritional Deficiencies: A scarcity of iron-rich foods, such as meat, leafy green vegetables, and legumes, contributes significantly.
• Infections: Parasitic infections, including hookworm, malaria, and tuberculosis, lower iron levels, exacerbating anaemia.
• Malnutrition: Inadequate maternal nutrition and poor complementary feeding practices for infants and young children increase vulnerability to anaemia.
• Economic and Social Factors: Low socioeconomic status and food insecurity, especially in rural regions, limit access to diverse and nutritious diets.
• Cultural Beliefs: Certain socio-cultural practices in some areas restrict the consumption of iron-rich foods, particularly for women and children.

Challenges in Combatting Anaemia:

• Inadequate Healthcare Access: A lack of proper healthcare infrastructure in many rural areas hampers the diagnosis and treatment of anaemia.
• Limited Awareness: There is a significant lack of public understanding regarding the importance of iron-rich diets and the underlying causes of anaemia.
• Economic Constraints: Financial barriers to acquiring nutritious food and supplements impede efforts to reduce anaemia.

Way Forward:

• Nutrition Education: Implementing public awareness campaigns emphasizing the significance of a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods is crucial.
• Iron Supplementation: Expanding government initiatives for iron supplementation and fortification programs within schools and communities can help alleviate deficiencies.
• Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare access in rural areas and conducting regular screenings can assist in the early detection and treatment of anaemia.
• Promoting Socio-economic Development: Addressing poverty, enhancing sanitation, and ensuring access to nutritious food are vital for tackling the root causes of anaemia.

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2. UNICEF’s Prospects for Children in 2025 Report

Topic: Social Justice

Context

• The UNICEF report addresses the complex challenges faced by children worldwide.

Analysis of the news:

About UNICEF:

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946, following World War II.

• Mandate: To assist children and young people whose lives and futures are jeopardized, irrespective of their country's involvement in the war.
• UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, advocating for the rights of every child.
• Funding: UNICEF's efforts are entirely financed through the voluntary contributions of millions worldwide, alongside support from government, civil society, and private sector partners.
• Awards: It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965, the Indira Gandhi Prize in 1989, and the Princess of Asturias Award in 2006.
• It publishes significant reports: The State of the World’s Children and related documents.

Global Initiatives: 

• In 2012, UNICEF collaborated with Save the Children and The United Nations Global Compact to establish the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, which now inform UNICEF’s guidance to companies.
• UNICEF’s Data Must Speak Initiative (DMS) assists countries in optimizing existing data to enhance educational access and improve learning outcomes for all.

Headquarters: It is headquartered in New York City.

Key Highlights of the UNICEF Report on Children’s Challenges

Impact of Conflict on Children

By 2023, over 473 million childrenone in six globallyreside in conflict zones, an increase from 10% in the 1990s to 19% today.

• These children encounter significant risks, including displacement, hunger, disease, and psychological trauma, underscoring the immediate need for protective measures.

Debt Crisis and Its Impact on Children

• Approximately 400 million children live in countries burdened by heavy debts, limiting investments in vital areas such as education, healthcare, and social services.
• A 5% rise in external debt for low- and middle-income nations could reduce education budgets by $12. 8 billion.
• In various low-income countries, debt servicing significantly overshadows expenditures on health and education, placing 1. 8 billion children at risk of poverty and economic instability.

Climate Change Impact

• Only 2.4% of global climate finance is allocated to child-responsive initiatives, weakening crucial social services such as healthcare and education. 
• This underinvestment in children during climate crises underscores the need for targeted financing to protect their future.

Digital Inequality

• Although Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is revolutionizing service delivery, a digital divide remains.
• In high-income countries, the majority of youth (15-24 years) have internet access; however, in Africa, only 53% are connected, with adolescent girls and children with disabilities facing greater disadvantages.
• Nine out of ten adolescent girls in low-income countries remain offline, restricting their opportunities.

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Way Forward

• The report advocates for increased funding for climate recovery, emphasizing child-responsive healthcare, education, and psychological support during crises.
• It calls for the establishment of inclusive systems that champion children's rights and the integration of child rights into digital initiatives to address inequality gaps.

Constitutional Provisions for Child Protection in India

• Article 15(3) – Special Provisions for Children: This article grants the State the authority to create special provisions for children.
• Article 21A – Right to Education: This article ensures free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14 years.
• Article 23 – Prohibition of Trafficking and Forced Labor: This article forbids human trafficking, forced labor, and bonded labor.
• Article 24 – Prohibition of Child Labor: Article 24 bans the employment of children under 14 years in hazardous occupations and industries.
• Article 39(e) and (f) – Directive Principles for Child Welfare: Article 39(e) instructs the State to prevent children from being compelled by economic necessity to engage in work inappropriate for their age or strength. Article 39(f) mandates the State to provide children with opportunities and facilities for healthy development in environments of freedom and dignity, and to safeguard them against exploitation and moral and material neglect.
• Article 45 – Provision for Early Childhood Care and Education: This article instructs the State to strive to provide early childhood care and education for all children until the age of six.
• Article 47 – Duty of the State to Raise Nutrition Levels: This article compels the State to enhance nutrition levels, improve living standards, and promote public health, thereby addressing issues such as malnutrition, anemia, and health disparities among children.
• Article 51A(k) – Fundamental Duty of Parents: This provision establishes it as a fundamental duty of parents or guardians to ensure educational opportunities for their children aged 6 to 14 years.

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Facts

1. Russia, Iran sign treaty to deepen ties in the face of Western curbs

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)

Context

• Russia and Iran have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, military, science, and culture, against the backdrop of increasing Western sanctions and geopolitical challenges.

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen economic and trade relations by addressing technical challenges related to gas shipments and transport corridors.
• Enhance military and technological collaboration, particularly in light of Western sanctions.
• Promote regional stability through mutual cooperation, countering external interference, especially from the U. S.

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Context and Necessity:

•  Sanctions: Both nations are contending with significant Western sanctions, underscoring the necessity for closer ties.
• Geopolitical Alignment: Russia and Iran have aligned interests in resisting U. S. influence in the region, particularly in West Asia.
• Past Cooperation: Their historical relationship includes collaborative nuclear energy projects and mutual support in Syria and Ukraine.

Significance:

• The treaty is seen as a strategic move to secure economic and military support amid growing external pressures, especially from the U.S.

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2. Rights situation is ‘worsening’ in Central Asia: HRW

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)

Context

• Human Rights Watch has condemned the deteriorating human rights conditions in Central Asia, emphasizing the increased repression of activists and journalists in 2024.
• HRW indicates that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are governed by authoritarian regimes.
• Turkmenistan is noted as the most reclusive and among the most closed countries globally.

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Human Rights Watch:

• Human Rights Watch is an independent international organization dedicated to defending human rights worldwide.
• Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, the organization conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues, exposing abuses and exerting pressure on those in power to uphold human rights.
• HRW represents a broad range of individuals whose rights are violated, including refugees, children, migrants, and political prisoners. It publishes annual reports and briefings on human rights conditions in approximately 70 countries.
• Human Rights Watch advocates for policies aimed at preventing human rights abuses and regularly engages with government officials and international organizations to advocate for reform.
• The organization is a founding member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange and serves as co-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

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3. Role of sun in Spadex success

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network- Page No. – 07)

Context

• Favorable Solar Conditions Aid India’s Historic Space Docking Achievement in SpaDeX Mission.

Analysis of the news:

India’s Space Docking Milestone

• India successfully achieved satellite docking for the first time through its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), becoming the fourth nation to accomplish this challenging feat after the US, Russia, and China. 
• On December 30, ISRO launched two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into low-Earth orbit. 
• The Chaser gradually approached the Target over a series of precision maneuvers before the final docking.

Significance of Docking for Future Missions

• Docking is a critical capability for ambitious space projects like Chandrayaan-4 and the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, where multiple components will need to be docked in space. 
• It requires exceptional precision to align and connect docking ports at negligible relative velocity, ensuring no collisions or damage.

Role of Solar Activity

• Favorable solar activity played a pivotal role in SpaDeX’s success. Strong solar flares, coronal mass ejections, or high-speed solar wind streams can disrupt sensors, electronic systems, and communication, making docking extremely challenging. 
• However, leading up to the SpaDeX docking, solar conditions were unusually calm despite the ongoing peak phase of Solar Cycle 25, which has generally been characterized by intense solar activity.

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Challenges Posed by Space Weather

• Adverse space weather conditions, such as high-energy radiation and magnetic storms, can interfere with mission-critical systems, causing positional errors and communication loss. 
• Such disruptions are particularly hazardous during docking maneuvers, which demand high precision.

Need for Space Weather Forecasting

• The SpaDeX success highlights the importance of reliable space weather forecasting. Improved real-time assessments of solar activity can help mitigate risks during critical space operations. 
• Investments in space weather monitoring and forecasting are as vital as terrestrial weather forecasts to ensure the safety of infrastructure and mission success during periods of heightened solar activity.

The Sun’s Role in SpaDeX

• Despite the ongoing solar maximum phase, the Sun displayed fewer sunspots and calmer conditions in the days leading to SpaDeX docking, contributing significantly to the mission’s success. 
• This underscores the collaborative necessity between precise engineering and favorable space weather for future advancements in space exploration.

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