JUST A PINCH CAN REDUCE INDIA’S SALT OVERLOAD
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
A recent article by public health expert has highlighted India’s rising salt consumption, which is nearly double the WHO-recommended limit.
Introduction
- India faces a growing crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, obesity, and heart ailments.
- While focus has been on sugar and fats, excessive salt intake remains an overlooked issue in public health discussions.
Current Salt Consumption in India
- Indian adults consume 8–11 grams of salt daily, compared to the WHO’s limit of 5–6 grams.
- Around three-fourths of salt is consumed through home-cooked meals such as pickles, papads, and curries.
- Packaged foods, bakery items, sauces, and fast food add “hidden salt” to diets.
Cultural and Lifestyle Factors
- Practice of keeping salt shakers on dining tables encourages overuse.
- Eating out is common; restaurants add extra oil and butter, increasing salt demand for taste.
- Ultra-processed foods (HFSS – high fat, sugar, salt) dominate markets, adding to the intake.
Health Impact of Excess Salt
- Major contributor to hypertension (affecting ~28% adults).
- Raises risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders.
- Myths around rock salt, black salt, or pink salt being “healthier” are unscientific—all contain sodium.
- Non-iodised varieties may even cause iodine deficiency.
Key Public Health Measures Needed
- Comprehensive HFSS Boards: Awareness boards should show not just sugar and oil but also salt content.
- Behavioural Change Campaigns: Reduce salt slowly in daily cooking. Use herbs and spices for taste instead of extra salt. Low-sodium salt can be used with doctor’s advice.
- Early-Life Interventions: No added salt for babies and toddlers. Start salt control from childhood to avoid habit.
- Government Meal Programme: Check salt levels in mid-day meals, Anganwadi food, and hospital diets. Train cooks and set clear salt limits in public meals.
- Front-of-Pack Labelling: Put warning labels on high-salt packaged foods. Follow strict labelling models like Chile and Latin America.
- Policy Integration: Include salt reduction strongly in NMAP (2017-22). Ensure coordination across ministries for NCD prevention.
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS)
Non-communicable diseases are medical conditions or diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. They usually have a long duration and slow progression.
Key Characteristics:
- Non-infectious: They do not spread between people.
- Chronic in nature: Often develop slowly and persist for years.
- Lifestyle and genetic factors: Often influenced by diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and genetics.
Major Types of NCDs:
- Cardiovascular Diseases: e.g., heart attack, stroke, hypertension.
- Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affecting blood sugar regulation.
Conclusion
India’s rising salt intake is a silent but serious public health risk. A mix of regulation, awareness, and community action is needed to lower consumption. Addressing salt along with sugar and fats can significantly reduce the country’s NCD burden.
PERSONALITY RIGHTS AND AI MISUSE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Delhi High Court recently gave protection to Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan against misuse of their voices and images through AI-generated content.
What are Personality Rights?
- Personality rights protect an individual’s name, face, image, voice, signature, and other unique traits from misuse.
- Rooted in right to privacy and dignity (Article 21) of the Constitution.
- They prevent others from commercially exploiting someone’s identity without permission.
Does Article 21 cover AI-generated misuse of voices/images of actors?
- Yes, Delhi High Court protection for Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan draws from the right to privacy and personality rights.
- Why:
- AI-generated deepfakes or unauthorized use of voice/images violates an individual’s control over their personal identity.
- Protects dignity, autonomy, and commercial interests, preventing exploitation without consent.
- Courts can issue injunctions, takedown orders, or damages to enforce this right.
LEGAL BASIS IN INDIA
Not a single codified law, but protection comes from:
- Copyright Act, 1957:
- Section 38A – performers’ exclusive rights.
- Section 38B – moral rights to stop distortion or misuse.
- Trade Marks Act, 1999: allows celebrities to trademark their names, signatures, or catchphrases.
- Common law (passing off) under Section 27 of the Trade Marks Act: protects against false endorsements or misuse of goodwill.
- Copyright Act, 1957:
Backed by judicial precedents and constitutional interpretation.
Important Judicial Rulings
- R. Rajagopal vs State of Tamil Nadu (1994): recognised privacy and control over identity.
- Rajinikanth case (Madras HC): upheld right against unauthorised use of name, style, or image.
- Anil Kapoor (2023, Delhi HC): restrained misuse of his name, image, and “jhakaas” catchphrase. Court clarified that parody and satire are allowed, but commercial exploitation is not.
- Jackie Shroff (2024, Delhi HC): stopped AI chatbots and e-commerce sites from misusing his identity.
- Arijit Singh (2024, Bombay HC): court condemned AI voice cloning as a threat to performers’ rights.
Tension with Free Speech
- Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech, including criticism, parody, satire, and news reporting.
- Courts caution that over-expansion of personality rights could limit free expression.
- DM Entertainment vs Baby Gift House (2010): caricatures and satire are not violations.
- Digital Collectibles case (2023): celebrity images for parody, art, or academic use are protected under free speech.
Concerns and Way Forward
- Reliance on piecemeal court orders creates inconsistency.
- Lack of a comprehensive legal framework to clearly define scope, exceptions, and enforcement.
- Personality rights apply to ordinary citizens too, especially against deepfakes and revenge pornography.
- Tracking and removing all online violations remains a huge challenge.
RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
The right to privacy is a fundamental right in India that protects an individual’s personal life, identity, and autonomy from arbitrary intrusion.
- It is implicit under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and read with other provisions.
Key Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes privacy, dignity, and autonomy.
- Article 14: Ensures equality before law and protection against arbitrary actions that could violate privacy.
- Article 19(1)(a): Right to freedom of speech and expression, which must be balanced against privacy.
- Landmark Judgment – Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017):
- Supreme Court unanimously declared right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
- Includes personal data, bodily integrity, and control over one’s identity.
Conclusion
Courts are actively safeguarding personality rights against AI misuse, but without clear legislation, judicial interventions remain fragmented. The way forward lies in a balanced law that protects dignity and identity while ensuring freedom of artistic and critical expression.
INDIA’S ROLE IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
EAM S. Jaishankar said that multilateralism is weakening even as Global South countries rely more on the UN for solutions.
Statement made at a meeting of 20 like-minded Global South nations held on the sidelines of UNGA.
Key Concerns Raised by India
- Global shocks like pandemic fallout, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, climate change, and trade uncertainties are disrupting developing nations
- These challenges have created insecurity in food, fertilizer, and energy sectors
- Multilateral bodies are failing to deliver due to slow reforms, shortage of resources, and politicisation of decision-making
- India called for a stronger role for the Global South, urgent reforms in the UN, and greater cooperation among developing countries
What is the Global South?
- A term used for developing and less industrialised countries, mainly in: Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific.
- Historically aligned under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 (G77).
- Common features: Lower per capita income. Dependence on global trade for growth. Higher vulnerability to climate change and resource crises.
- Represent the majority of UN member states and population, but often have less influence in global governance.
Why Multilateralism is “Under Attack”?
- Declining effectiveness of the UN: unable to resolve major conflicts.
- Funding cuts by major powers (e.g., U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO, Human Rights Council).
- Rise of unilateralism and transactional diplomacy.
- Geopolitical rivalries leading to paralysis in UN Security Council.
- Over-reliance on ad-hoc coalitions instead of global consensus.
India’s Leadership for the Global South
- Platform for Dialogue: Hosted multiple Voice of Global South Summits. Provides space for countries to raise concerns often overlooked in global forums.
- Push for UN Reform: Advocates expansion of UN Security Council to make it more representative. Strongly voices demand for greater participation of developing countries in decision-making.
- Champion of Development Agenda: India highlights issues like climate justice, technology equity, energy access, and debt relief. Advocates for sustainable development tailored to Global South needs.
- South-South Cooperation: Shares expertise in digital public infrastructure, space technology, healthcare (e.g., vaccines).
- Bridge Between North and South: India balances relations with developed nations and developing partners. Acts as a voice of moderation and consensus in global debates.
- Food, Energy, and Health Security: Advocated for grain supply during Ukraine crisis. Provided vaccines and medicines under Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Challenges for Global South Countries
- Dependence on multilateral institutions that are weakening.
- Unequal global order dominated by major powers.
- Economic vulnerability to climate shocks, conflicts, and supply disruptions.
- Limited bargaining power in setting trade and financial rules.
Way Forward
- Strengthen coalitions of Global South to push reforms at the UN and WTO.
- Work for inclusive multilateralism where resources are equitably distributed.
- Promote alternative financial and trade mechanisms that reduce dependency on major powers.
- Institutionalise regular consultations among Global South countries, beyond symbolic meetings.
MULTILATERALISM
Multilateralism is a system of international relations where multiple countries work together to address global issues, rather than acting unilaterally or bilaterally.
- It involves cooperation through international organizations, treaties, and forums like the United Nations, WTO, WHO, etc.
Key Features:
- Collective Decision-Making: Policies and actions are agreed upon by multiple countries.
- Rules-Based System: Operates on international norms, treaties, and agreements rather than individual whims.
- Global Cooperation: Aims to solve issues like climate change, pandemics, trade, peacekeeping, and security collectively.
- Equality Principle: Every member state usually has a voice, though power imbalances exist.
Importance:
- Helps smaller or developing countries have a say in global decisions.
- Ensures peaceful conflict resolution and stability in international relations.
- Promotes joint action on global challenges like climate change, health crises, and economic development.
Conclusion
The Global South looks to multilateralism for fair solutions, but the existing system is increasingly ineffective and under strain. India, by creating platforms like the Voice of Global South and advocating reforms, positions itself as a leading voice for developing nations.
AI AND INDIA’S GROWING ENERGY DEMAND
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A recent IEA report highlighted that global data centre energy use, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), may more than double by 2030, raising concerns about its impact on India’s energy security.
Rising Energy Demands from AI
- Global demand for data centres is projected to rise 19–22% annually till 2030, reaching up to 219 GW compared to the current 60 GW.
- AI-driven data centres could consume an additional 40–50 TWh annually in India by 2030.
- India’s data centre requirement may grow from 1.2 GW in 2024 to 4.5 GW in 2030, largely due to AI adoption.
India’s Energy Landscape
- India is the third-largest energy consumer globally after China and the U.S.
- Coal, crude oil, and natural gas still form the backbone of India’s energy mix.
- Key data centre hubs: Mumbai (41%), Chennai (23%), and Delhi-NCR (14%).
- Increasing electricity demand adds pressure to already stretched energy resources.
Challenges of AI Energy Use
- Rising emissions: Difficult to meet this surge purely through renewable energy.
- Cooling needs: Huge freshwater requirements for servers could stress resources.
- Cybersecurity risks: AI-driven digital grids are more vulnerable to advanced cyberattacks.
- Infrastructure strain: Growing demand may lead to outages and grid instability without major upgrades.
Potential of AI for Energy Efficiency
- AI helps in optimising power grids, reducing wastage, and improving load forecasting.
- Smart meters in Uttar Pradesh detect theft and manage demand.
- Nxtra (Airtel) Data Centres use AI for predictive cooling and renewable integration.
- BESCOM in Karnataka deploys AI to detect grid faults and reduce downtime.
- AI-driven systems like BrightNight’s PowerAlpha optimise hybrid solar-wind-battery plants.
Role of Renewables and Real Estate
- Real estate is shifting towards green-certified buildings with rooftop solar and AI-based controls.
- AI in smart lighting, HVAC optimisation, and building automation can cut energy use by up to 25%.
- Nearly one-fourth of India’s data centre capacity in major cities has already received green certification.
Way Forward
- Strengthen the renewable energy base to meet future AI-led demand.
- Promote “sustainable AI” that uses recycled water and energy-efficient designs.
- Expand National Smart Grid Mission with AI-enabled systems for demand and supply balance.
- Encourage public-private partnerships for energy-efficient data centre infrastructure.
Conclusion:
While AI is set to increase India’s energy burden, it also offers solutions for efficiency and clean energy transition. Balancing the two will be key for sustainable growth.
SEVEN YEARS OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
India’s flagship health protection scheme, Ayushman Bharat, completed seven years since its launch in 2018, marking significant progress in providing affordable healthcare to millions.
Background of the Scheme
- Originated from the National Health Policy, 2017.
- Officially launched in September 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
- Designed to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through two major components:
Key Components
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
- Offers ₹5 lakh health cover per family per year for secondary and tertiary care.
- Covers 10+ crore poor and vulnerable families (~55 crore people, ~40% of population as per SECC 2011).
- Provides cashless and paperless treatment in public and empanelled private hospitals.
- Benefits are portable across India, enabling treatment anywhere.
2. Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)
- Aims to upgrade 1.5 lakh sub-centres and PHCs into modern wellness centres.
- Focus on comprehensive primary healthcare, including:
- Non-communicable disease screening,
- Maternal and child health services,
- Supply of free medicines and diagnostics.
- First centre inaugurated in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
Major Achievements in 7 Years
- Scale of Impact: Reached 55 crore beneficiaries. 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs functional nationwide.
- Over 10.3 crore hospital admissions worth ₹1.48 lakh crore provided as cashless care.
- Financial Impact: Government health expenditure increased from 29% to 48%. Out-of-pocket spending reduced from 63% to 39%.
Future Priorities
- Strengthen digital health infrastructure for seamless services.
- Improve quality through IPHS and NQAS standards.
- Increase focus on preventive healthcare and lifestyle disease management.
- Enhance state-level capacity for better utilisation of funds and faster implementation.
Conclusion:
Ayushman Bharat has transformed access to affordable healthcare in India within seven years. The next phase must focus on digital integration, quality standards, and preventive care to ensure long-term sustainability.
MOHENJODARO DANCING GIRL
TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN ART AND CULTURE: THE HINDU
A professor from Haryana has been accused of stealing a replica of the famous Mohenjodaro ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine from the National Museum in Delhi, bringing the artifact back into discussion.
About the Dancing Girl
- A bronze statuette from the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back around 4,500 years.
- Found in 1926 during excavations at Mohenjo-daro (in present-day Pakistan) by archaeologist Ernest Mackay.
- Height: 10.5 cm.
Features and Craftsmanship
- Created through the lost-wax casting method, showing Harappans’ expertise in metallurgy.
- Depicts a young girl in a confident pose, with one hand on her hip.
- Ornamented with: A necklace, Numerous bangles stacked along her arms.
- Reflects the Harappan society’s aesthetic sense and artistic skills.
Significance
- Considered one of the most iconic symbols of Indus Valley art.
- Suggests a cultural inclination towards dance, ornamentation, and social life.
- Demonstrates the technological advancement of Harappans in bronze work.
- Offers insights into women’s roles, attire, and adornment in ancient urban culture.
Conclusion:
The Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl is not just an ancient artwork but also a window into Harappan life, culture, and skills, symbolising confidence and creativity in one of the world’s earliest civilizations.
ASTRONOMERS DETECT QUASI-MOON NEAR EARTH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Astronomers have spotted a small asteroid named 2025 PN7, which has been moving in sync with Earth’s orbit for nearly six decades. The discovery is significant as it highlights a rare celestial phenomenon known as a “quasi-moon.”
About Asteroid 2025 PN7
- Recently detected by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii.
- Estimated diameter is about 62 feet, making it a relatively small near-Earth object.
- It travels around the Sun on a path close to Earth’s orbit.
- Its distance from Earth ranges between 2.8 million miles and 37 million miles.
What are Quasi-Moons?
- A quasi-moon is not a true moon like Earth’s natural satellite.
- Earth’s Moon is directly bound by Earth’s gravity, while a quasi-moon is controlled by the Sun’s gravity.
- Their orbital path remains synchronized with Earth’s orbit, giving the illusion that they are “companions” to our planet.
Significance of the Discovery
- Enhances understanding of near-Earth objects (NEOs) and their orbital dynamics.
- Offers insights into how small celestial bodies interact with planetary orbits.
- Could help in assessing potential space resource utilization in the future.
- Improves preparedness for tracking objects that might pose collision risks to Earth.
Conclusion:
The detection of 2025 PN7 adds to the limited but growing list of Earth’s quasi-moons, underlining the importance of continuous space observation to study celestial companions and safeguard planetary security.
PRODUCTION GAP REPORT 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The 2025 Production Gap Report highlights the growing gap between countries’ climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and their plans for fossil fuel production, showing that current policies are insufficient to limit global warming.
About the Report
- Jointly produced by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
- Assesses the difference between planned fossil fuel production and levels compatible with 1.5°C and 2°C global warming targets.
Key Findings
- Fossil Fuel Overproduction: By 2030, planned production exceeds 1.5°C-aligned levels by 120% and 2°C levels by 77%.
- Coal Misalignment: Coal output is projected to overshoot targets by 500% (1.5°C) and 330% (2°C).
- Countries Driving Expansion: Major producers increasing extraction include China, USA, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria.
- Infrastructure Lock-in: Instead of peaking in the early 2020s, fossil fuel production continues to grow, locking in emissions for decades.
Recommended Actions
- Coal Phase-Out: Coal usage must be nearly eliminated by 2040.
- Oil & Gas Cuts: Oil and gas production must reduce by around 75% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels.
- Just Transition: Policies should support workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels to ensure a fair transition.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Production Gap Report underscores that without drastic reductions in fossil fuel production, the world is on track to exceed safe climate limits, making immediate global action essential.