Daily Prelims Notes 4 March 2024

March 4, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

4 March 2024

Table Of Contents

1. National dam panel to examine Kaleshwaram project on March 6

Subject: Geography

Section: Indian physical geography

Context:

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has established an expert committee to investigate the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) following concerns over the sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage.

Details:

This inspection is scheduled due to issues at the Medigadda barrage, Sundilla and Annaram barrages.
The NDSA’s five-member committee, led by J. Chandrasekhar Iyer, a former chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), will conduct a comprehensive review.

Madigadda barrage:

The Lakshmi Barrage, also known as the Medigadda Barrage is the starting point of the Kaleshwaram Project which envisages the construction of three barrages between Yellampally & Medigadda.
Its objective is to utilize Godavari water for drinking and irrigation. The Barrage/Project site is located at Medigadda Village, Mahadevpur Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district in Telangana State, India.

Kaleshwaram lift- irrigation project:

It is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally, Telangana.
The project starts at the confluence point of the Pranahita River and Godavari River.
Originally called the Pranahita-Chevella project in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, it was redesigned, extended and renamed as the Kaleshwaram project in Telangana in 2014.
Need of the project:
- It would bring drinking water and irrigation to the backward areas of Telangana.
- It will also help to restore the groundwater level to its original state by the way of shifting from the usage of groundwater for irrigation to the usage of surface water.
- The project will also support Mission Kakatiya and Mission Bhagiratha schemes designed to provide drinking water to many villages and improve the capacities of tanks.

National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA):

The Dam Safety Act 2021 was introduced in response to dam failures caused by deficient surveillance and maintenance.
It establishes key responsibilities and requires the formation of national and state-level bodies for its implementation.
The Act outlines the following provisions:
- National Committee on Dam Safety: Responsible for overseeing dam safety policies and regulations.
- National Dam Safety Authority: Tasked with implementing and resolving state-level disputes.
- Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC): Heads dam safety protocols at the national level.
- State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO): To be established at the state level.

Source: TH

2. In snake genes, study finds they evolved 3x faster than other reptiles

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

In the earth’s distant past, many species went through bursts of evolutionary innovation, taking giant leaps and incorporating extraordinary diversity in their population, while others were left behind.

Unexplained bursts of change:

The enduring mystery in evolutionary biology revolves around why some species experience sudden, significant evolutionary changes, known as quantum leaps. While the Darwinian theory suggests that evolution occurs gradually through natural selection, fossil records indicate a more complex narrative.
These records reveal not only a constant rate of transformation but also instances of rapid evolution, leading to new species’ emergence or the extinction of existing ones.
This discrepancy between the slow, incremental changes proposed by Darwin and the sudden bursts of evolution documented in the fossil record highlights the complexity and variability of evolutionary processes on Earth.

A tree of snakes and lizards:

Approximately 100-150 million years ago, during the era when dinosaurs inhabited the Earth, a significant evolutionary event occurred leading to the transformation of ordinary lizards into snakes, now considered some of the most highly adapted predators globally.
This transition involved the loss of legs, enabling snakes to navigate various terrains effortlessly.
Snakes also developed intricate chemical sensory systems for tracking prey, flexible jaws capable of consuming large animals, and diverse methods of attack, including venom production.

Study findings:

A recent study, published in the journal Science on February 22, conducted by an international team with leading researchers from the University of Michigan, aimed to decipher the genetic sequence of over 1,018 snake and lizard species.
- This effort resulted in the creation of the most extensive and detailed evolutionary tree of snakes and lizards to date.
- By combining new genetic data with previous studies, the research uncovered that snakes have been evolving at a rate nearly three times faster than lizards and other reptiles.
- This rapid evolution allowed snakes to exploit new environmental niches that appeared following the dinosaurs’ extinction, contributing significantly to their diversification and success across the globe.

A clock in the body’s molecule:

The concept of a molecular clock is based on the observation that DNA and protein sequences evolve at a relatively constant rate over time, regardless of the species. This consistency allows scientists to use genetic variations between two species to estimate the time elapsed since their last common ancestor, providing insights into the pace of their evolution.
Essentially, genetic sequences act as a molecular clock, enabling the determination of ‘evolutionary distances’ between different organisms.
This mechanism has revealed not only the rapid evolution of snakes but also similar adaptations in many lizards, which developed snake-like features such as limb loss and body elongation.
The Australian scincid lizard (Lerista), part of the Squamata clade (which includes both lizards and snakes), exemplifies this evolutionary trend.
Lerista shows a remarkable range of limb configurations across its more than 75 species, from full-limbed to completely limbless, due to at least 10 separate limb-reduction events over millions of years.
However, despite these adaptations, snakes have evolved much faster than lizards, leading to a significant diversification known as the “singularity of snakes”.
This concept is likened to the Big Bang theory in cosmology, suggesting that snakes underwent a series of rapid evolutionary changes that, although distinct, occurred so closely together in time that they appeared as a single, transformative event in evolutionary history.

Availability of prey:

The current diversity of snakes, with approximately 4,000 species thriving in various habitats—including on land, in trees, underground, and in water—can be attributed to their adaptability and varied hunting strategies and diets.
A recent comprehensive study involving the analysis of stomach contents from over 60,000 snakes and lizards revealed that snakes primarily consume small vertebrates, demonstrating a specialization in their dietary preferences, while lizards generally eat insects and invertebrates, indicating a less specific diet.
However, the diversity of snakes cannot be solely explained by the availability of prey. The underlying cause of the evolutionary “singularity” that led to the rapid diversification of snakes remains elusive.
A significant aspect of snake evolution involves their unique mode of movement, facilitated by their elongated spinal column and specialized vertebrae, which allow for efficient gliding.
Despite having a similar genetic blueprint to lizards and humans, snakes possess over 300 vertebrae, significantly more than their counterparts.
This morphological distinction is partly due to variations in the Sonic hedgehog gene, a critical gene in limb development.
Previous research has identified snake-specific changes in a limb-enhancer of this gene, which is present in primitive snakes like pythons and boas but not in modern snakes.
Experiments replacing the limb-enhancer gene in mice with the snake-specific version resulted in severe limb reduction in the mice.
This finding suggests that such evolutionary developments could have occurred multiple times, not just once.
Understanding these evolutionary bursts is crucial for comprehending the Earth’s ecological future.

Source: TH

3. Resonance: a tendency to move in step

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Resonance:

Resonance occurs when a system oscillates with greater amplitude at its natural frequency, the frequency at which it tends to vibrate in the absence of external disturbances.
This phenomenon, akin to the enhanced vibration of a drum membrane when struck, is observed both in nature and in man-made systems.
- An example of resonance is when pushing a swing; the most effective push aligns with the swing’s existing oscillation frequency, maximizing the swing’s motion.
Resonance can have both positive and negative effects.
It is beneficial in various applications, such as ensuring the accuracy of quartz watches, enhancing musical performances, generating laser light, and facilitating detailed internal body imaging through MRI scanners, which rely on nuclear magnetic resonance.
However, resonance can also have undesirable consequences, such as when the vibration of a bus’s engine at idle causes the vehicle’s structure to rattle uncomfortably.
- A historical instance of resonance’s destructive potential occurred on April 12, 1831, with the collapse of the Broughton Suspension Bridge in England.
- The synchronized marching of British soldiers produced a periodic force that matched the bridge’s natural frequency, leading to its failure.
- This incident led to the practice of soldiers breaking step when crossing bridges to prevent similar accidents.

Source: TH

4. Significance of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Power Electronics

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Traditional Use: Lab-grown diamonds, apart from being used in jewellery, are also utilized in industries, particularly for cutting purposes.

New Application: A new application for synthetic diamonds is emerging in the field of power electronics, specifically for heat dissipation.

Need for Effective Heat Dissipation:

Power Density Increase: Power electronic components tend to heat up as their power density increases.
Traditional Cooling: Copper has traditionally been used to dissipate heat in power electronics. However, to prevent interference with electricity, a thin layer of insulating material is placed around the copper.
Challenge: The challenge arises because good insulators are typically poor conductors of heat. Therefore, a material is needed that can efficiently conduct heat while maintaining electrical insulation.

Role of Diamond in Heat Dissipation:

Ideal Material: Diamond possesses the qualities needed for this task. It is electrically insulating but highly thermally conductive, making it ideal for electronic cooling applications.
Heat Conductivity: The heat conductivity of diamond is approximately five times that of copper, making it an excellent choice for dissipating heat in power electronics.

Research and Development:

Previous Studies: In 2022, researchers from China and Israel conducted a study on the cooling enhancement of a cold plate made of single-crystal diamond (SCD) with embedded microfluidic channels.
Results: Their findings indicated that the cold plate made of SCD exhibited significantly enhanced cooling effects, especially for high applied power densities and flow rates.
Fabrication Challenges: One practical challenge faced in using diamonds for cooling is how to fabricate extremely thin sheets of diamonds for integration into electronic components.

Development of Diamond Nanomembranes:

Fraunhofer USA Inc, Center Midwest CMW: Scientists at this center in Michigan have developed nanomembranes made from synthetic diamonds.
Thin and Flexible: These nanomembranes are thinner than a human hair and are flexible, making them suitable for integration into electronic components.
Cooling Efficiency: The nanomembranes have the potential to reduce the local heat load of electronic components, such as current regulators in electric motors, by a factor of ten.
Benefits for Electric Cars: The use of these nanomembranes can significantly improve the energy efficiency, service life, and performance of electric cars.

Dr. Matthias Mühle’s Comments:

Replacing Intermediate Layers: Mentions of the goal of replacing intermediate layers in electronic components with diamond nanomembranes.
Conductive Paths: Diamonds can be processed into conductive paths, making them versatile for various applications within electronic components.
Integration: The flexibility of the nanomembranes allows them to be positioned anywhere on the component, integrated directly into the cooling circuit, or used alongside copper elements.

In summary, the use of lab-grown diamonds, particularly in the form of nanomembranes, shows promising advancements in the field of power electronics. These developments have the potential to significantly enhance the cooling efficiency and performance of electronic components, particularly in applications such as electric cars.

About Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Technological Marvel

Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the geological processes responsible for the formation of natural diamonds.
These diamonds are distinct from diamond simulants like Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia (CZ), White Sapphire, and YAG, which are used to mimic the appearance of natural diamonds.

Production Methods:

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) Method:

Description:
- This method is the most common and cost-effective.
- Involves subjecting a “diamond seed” (often graphite) to extreme pressure and temperatures.
Process:
- Heavy presses generate pressures of up to 730,000 psi.
- Temperatures exceed 1500 degrees Celsius.
- Under these conditions, the carbon transforms into diamond.
Outcome:
- Results in the creation of diamonds from relatively inexpensive carbon sources.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method:

Description:
- This method involves the deposition of carbon atoms onto a substrate to form diamond.
Process:
- A “diamond seed” substrate is placed in a chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas.
- When heated, carbon atoms adhere to the seed, gradually forming a diamond.
Outcome:
- Produces high-quality diamonds suitable for various applications.

Explosive Formation:

Description:
- Also known as detonation nano diamonds.
- Created through explosive processes that transform carbon materials into diamond.
Process:
- Controlled detonations convert carbon into diamond particles.
Outcome:
- Yields Nano diamonds with unique properties used in specialized applications.

Applications of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Industrial Uses:
- LGDs are widely employed in industrial settings due to their exceptional hardness and strength.
- Ideal for machinery components, cutting tools, and abrasives.
Electronics:
- Pure synthetic diamonds are utilized as efficient heat spreaders in electronic devices.
- Applications include high-power laser diodes, laser arrays, and high-power transistors.
- The exceptional thermal conductivity of diamonds helps dissipate heat effectively.

Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Sustainability:
- Offers a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, reducing the environmental impact.
Durability:
- Possess the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, suitable for diverse applications.
Precision Engineering:
- The controlled production process ensures consistent quality and purity of LGDs.
Technological Advancements:
- Continual improvements in production techniques enhance the properties and applications of lab-grown diamonds.

India’s Diamond Industry Scenario:

Global Leader: India leads the world in diamond cutting and polishing, accounting for over 90% of global polished diamond manufacturing.
Key Hub: Surat, Gujarat, is a renowned global center for diamond manufacturing.
Market Insights: The US stands as the largest market for cut and polished diamonds, followed closely by China.
Export Contribution: India contributes 19% of the world’s total diamond exports, showcasing its significant role in the global market.

Government Initiatives to Promote LGDs:

Customs Duty Reduction:
- The Union Budget 2023 aims to reduce the basic customs duty on seeds used in LGD manufacturing.
- The duty on seeds for rough LGDs will be slashed from 5% to nil, encouraging local production.
Research and Development:
- A five-year research grant will be awarded to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) for LGD-related research and development.
Creation of Tariff Lines:
- New tariff lines will be established to aid in identifying various products, including synthetic diamonds.
- This move aims to facilitate trade and provide clarity on availing concessional import duty, promoting the growth of LGD industry in India.

The emphasis on Laboratory-Grown Diamonds in the Union Budget 2023 underscores India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth in the diamond industry, aligning with global trends towards environmentally friendly and efficient practices.

5. Newly Permitted Commodities for Derivatives Trading by MoF

Subject: Economy

Section: Financial Market

Recently, derivatives trading in 11 additional commodities, has been allowed by Finance Ministry, based on the recommendation from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Skimmed Milk Powder
Cement
Apple
Bamboo
Timber
Weather
Freight
White Butter
Cashew
Metal Alloys
Manganese

Key Points:

Date of Notification: The Finance Ministry issued the notification on March 1.
Legislation: These commodities have been added under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
Total Number of Commodities for Derivatives Trading: With these additions, the total number of commodities eligible for derivatives trading now stands at 104.
Immediate Effect: The changes are implemented immediately upon the issuance of the notification.

Comments from Industry Experts:

Recommendation by CDAC: The Commodity and Derivatives Advisory Committee (CDAC) of SEBI recommended trading in these 11 commodities. CDAC includes members of the Commodity Participants Association of India (CPAI).
Enabling Provision: While the notification enables trading in these commodities, it does not mean immediate trading will commence. Exchanges will study market potential and submit applications to SEBI. SEBI will then assess demand and market prospects before allowing trading.
Market Participants’ Involvement: Market participant associations need to be on board before a commodity is approved for trading. Some physical market participants have reservations about online derivatives trading, citing concerns about price manipulation.
Ban on Some Commodities: Derivatives trading in seven key agricultural commodities remains banned until December-end to control inflation.

Expert Opinion:

Price Discovery: Allowing derivatives in these commodities will aid in price discovery for widely traded items.
Inflation Concerns: There are concerns about the impact on inflation, with experts noting that the government is cautious about derivatives trading’s role in price inflation.
Policy Certainty: Hedgers and investors are seeking clarity and policy certainty regarding derivatives trading in agriculture commodities.

In summary, the recent move to permit derivatives trading in these 11 commodities aims to enhance market activity, aid in price discovery, and offer new opportunities for investors.

However, considerations about inflation, market demand, and policy certainty remain important factors in the process.

Exploring Derivatives: A Financial Instrument Overview

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset, index, or interest rate. They serve as contracts whose value is linked to the performance of the underlying entity.

Types of Derivatives:

Forwards and Futures:

Description:
- Contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase an asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date.
- Both forwards and futures serve the same purpose, with slight differences in their nature.
Key Points:
- Buyers commit to buy the asset at the agreed-upon price, irrespective of the market price at maturity.
- Commonly used in commodities, currencies, and financial markets.

Options:

Description:
- Offer the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) the underlying asset at a specified price.
- The buyer can exercise the option on the maturity date or at any time before the maturity.
Key Points:
- Provides flexibility to investors based on market movements.
- Two types: Call options (for buying) and Put options (for selling).

Swaps:

Description:
- Contracts facilitating the exchange of cash flows between two parties.
- Involves swapping fixed cash flows for floating cash flows based on a specified underlying asset.
Common Types:
- Interest Rate Swaps:
  - Exchange fixed interest payments for variable (floating) interest payments.
- Commodity Swaps:
  - Exchange cash flows based on commodity prices (e.g., oil, gold).
- Currency Swaps:
  - Exchange cash flows in different currencies, often used to hedge against currency risk.

Benefits and Applications:

Risk Management:
- Derivatives enable hedging against adverse price movements, reducing financial risk.
- Investors use derivatives to protect their portfolios from market volatility.
Speculation:
- Traders utilize derivatives to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
- Offers potential for higher returns but involves higher risk.
Enhanced Portfolio Diversification:
- Derivatives provide exposure to diverse asset classes without directly owning them.
- Allows investors to spread risk across different markets and instruments.
Price Discovery:
- Derivative markets contribute to price discovery by reflecting market sentiments and expectations.
- Prices of derivatives can indicate future market trends and sentiments.

Considerations and Risks:

Leverage:
- Derivatives often involve leveraging, amplifying potential gains or losses.
- Requires careful risk management and understanding of exposure.
Counterparty Risk:
- Swaps and other derivative contracts involve counterparty risk.
- Parties must assess the creditworthiness of their counterparties to mitigate default risks.
Market Volatility:
- Derivative prices can be highly sensitive to market fluctuations.
- Requires active monitoring and adjustment of positions.

National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)

The National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) is an online commodities exchange based in India, specializing in agricultural commodities. Established in 2003, NCDEX plays a crucial role in facilitating trading, price discovery, and risk management in the agricultural sector.

Key Highlights:

Establishment and Legal Structure:
- Founded on: April 23, 2003.
- Legal Status: NCDEX is a public limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956.
Founding Institutions:
- NCDEX was established by a consortium of prominent financial institutions in India.
- Leading Founders:
  - ICICI Bank Limited: One of India’s largest private sector banks.
  - National Stock Exchange of India (NSE): Premier stock exchange in India.
  - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): Financial institution focused on rural and agricultural development.
  - Other Institutions: Several other financial entities and institutions also participated in the founding of NCDEX.

Nature of Operations:
- NCDEX primarily deals in agricultural commodities, offering a platform for trading, hedging, and price discovery.
- The exchange provides a transparent and efficient marketplace for farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Contracts Offered:
- NCDEX offers a range of futures contracts for various agricultural products.
- Currently, the exchange lists around 25 contracts for different agricultural commodities.
- These contracts allow market participants to hedge against price risks, speculate on price movements, and participate in the agricultural market.
Role in Agricultural Sector:
- The exchange plays a vital role in the agricultural sector by providing farmers with a platform to sell their produce at transparent prices.
- It enables farmers to hedge against price fluctuations, reducing the impact of market uncertainties on their incomes.
- Traders, processors, and other stakeholders benefit from efficient price discovery and risk management tools offered by NCDEX.

About Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee (CDAC)

Mandate: The Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee (CDAC) is a committee constituted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to review the commodity derivatives segment.

Objectives:

Improving Market Depth: CDAC aims to suggest measures to enhance the depth and efficiency of the commodity market in India.
Recommendations:
- Opening to Institutional Investors: CDAC has recommended the phased opening of the commodity derivatives segment to all categories of institutional investors.
- Calibrated Approach for Overseas Investors: SEBI is advised to adopt a careful and phased approach before allowing overseas investors into the commodity derivatives market.
- Phased Approach:
  - Initially, the recommendation is to open the segment to all categories of domestic institutional investors.
  - In the subsequent phase, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), banks, insurance companies, and pension funds should be allowed to participate.
- Asset Class Diversification: CDAC highlights that commodity derivatives offer a new asset class for investors, which can serve as a hedge against inflation.
- Portfolio Diversification: Investment in commodity derivatives can benefit investors by providing better portfolio diversification, reducing overall risk exposure.

Significance:

Enhancing Liquidity: Opening the commodity derivatives segment to institutional investors is expected to increase liquidity and depth in the market.
Risk Management: Institutional participation allows for better risk management as investors can use commodity derivatives to hedge against price fluctuations.
Investor Benefits: Institutional investors, including foreign entities, gain access to a new avenue for investment diversification, potentially improving overall portfolio performance.
Market Development: These recommendations signify a step towards the development of a more robust and mature commodity derivatives market in India.
Regulatory Oversight: SEBI’s role in overseeing the phased opening ensures a structured approach to market expansion, safeguarding investor interests and market integrity.

The recommendations of the Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee (CDAC) reflect a strategic approach towards strengthening the commodity derivatives market in India, fostering investor confidence, and promoting market development in line with regulatory standards.

6. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar muslin get GI tag

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Context:

The famous Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

More on news:

Narasapur crochet lace products and Kutch rogan craft are among those given the Geographical Indication tag
The application for this was filed by the Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited and was facilitated by the Department of Textile and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha.
Filigree has been traditionally associated with fine craftsmanship and luxurious design in classical jewelry.

Various products to get GI tag:

Crochet lace work

The Banglar muslin is one of the popular traditional handloom craft of Bengal.
Narsapur in West Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh is known for crochet skills, and has received global acclaim for its intricate craftsmanship.

Ratlam Riyawan Lahsun (Garlic):

It is a variety named after Riyawan village in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh also bagged the GI tag.

Ambaji White Marble:

Ambaji Superior White Marble is an Indian marble stone of pure white Color with light grey veins. This rock is quarried in marble mines of Gujrat (India).
It is formed when limestone is re-crystallised under the earth’s crust due to intense pressure and heat.

Tripura Risa Textile:

The traditional Tripuri female attire comprises three parts — risa, rignai and rikutu.
Risa is a handwoven cloth used as a female upper garment, and also as headgear, a stole, or a present to express respect.
As an upper garment, it is wrapped around the torso twice.

Hyderabad Lac Bangles:

The lac bangles of Hyderabad have been registered with the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai.

This is the second GI tag for a Hyderabad product after haleem.

Majuli Mask of Assam:

Majuli mask of Assam are made in different variety and sizes as they are mainly divided into different categories — ‘Mukha bhaona’ face mask covers the face, ‘Lotokoi’ hanging mask which is bigger in size extends to the chest and, ‘Cho Mukha’ huge mask is a head and body mask.

Assam Majuli Manuscript Paintings:

Assam Majuli Manuscript Paintings illustrated numerous stories and chapters taken from the great Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and above all subjects from the Bhagavata Purana.

About GI tags:

It is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
GI is a tag on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and are safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years
It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.

7. Why obesity, undernutrition high in India: what a Lancet study says

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context: Recently, Lancet published a study which says India has become one of the countries with a high “double burden”.

Details:

As per the study, India has seen a constant increase in obesity levels both in adults and children over the last 32 years.
The prevalence of undernutrition has also remained high in the country.
The rise in obesity and undernutrition is due to lack of access to affordable and nutritious food for the prominence of undernutrition and obesity.
According to study though lack of access to food can lead to undernutrition, increased access to processed foods high in fats, salt, and sugar has driven up obesity.
As in 2022, about 12.5 million children aged between five and 19 in India were overweight.
In India, the adult obesity rate increased from 1.2 per cent in 1990 to 9.8 per cent in 2022 for women and 0.5 per cent to 5.4 per cent for men.
The total number of children and adolescents who were affected by obesity in 2022 was nearly 160 million (65 million girls and 94 million boys), compared to 31 million in 1990.

What are the parameters of being obese, underweight?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses health risks.
Adults—anyone over the age of 20years — are considered obese if they have a body mass index (BMI)of 30kg/m2ormore.
BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School-aged children and adolescents — anyone between the ages of 5 and19years—are considered obese if their BMI is two standard deviations more than the mean.
Underweight is one of the four broad sub-forms of undernutrition. An adult is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18 kg/m2.Children are considered under weight if their BMI is two standard deviations below the mean.

Why are more women obese than men?

Women do not have access to or time for physical activities such as walks or gyms.
They are likely to put the nutrition of the family above theirs.
They are also likely to have fewer hours of proper sleep

What is the role of socio-economic conditions?

Obesity is no longer the disease of the rich in India
Eating junk food is cheaper and easier
While it is affecting more people, there continues to be a rural-urban divide in obesity.
NFHS-5data from last year shows that the prevalence of obesity was 31.7% in urbanwomenand19% in rural women. It was 28.6% among urban men and18.8% among rural men. Undernutrition persists in remote and rural parts of poorer states.
Undernutrition is prevalent in the extremely poor populations in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, or Odisha, where people might be eating just one meal a day

What are the impacts?

The health consequences of obesity are obvious. An increase in obesity, especially in children, is likely to lead to an increase in diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. The effect of undernutrition, however, is not so obvious