Toxins in litchi fruit may kill children

Scientists from US and India have found that consumption of litchi fruit on an empty stomach can result in very low blood glucose level and acute encephalopathy leading to seizures and coma, and causes death in Children in many cases. Litchi fruit contains the toxins hypoglycin A and methylenecyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG). Its consumption and skipping evening meals causes very low blood glucose level (less than normal 70 mg/dL) and acute encephalopathy in children. 

Background 

Outbreaks of high fever followed by seizures and death in young children were reported in poor socio-economic backgrounds in rural Muzaffarpur in Bihar and other litchi-growing regions in India due to consumption of unripe lychees on an empty stomach. In 2014, fever and convulsions had killed 122 and hospitalised 390 children within three weeks in Muzaffarpur. All the sick children had eaten litchis without eating evening meal and had developed high fever, seizures and convulsions followed by coma before daybreak. 

Key Facts 

Unripened litchi contains Hypoglycin A, naturally-occurring amino acid that causes severe vomiting (Jamaican vomiting sickness). MCPG is a poisonous compound found in litchi seeds that cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, vomiting, altered mental status with lethargy, unconsciousness, coma and death. These toxins may block enzymes involved in normal glucose metabolism and result in an inability to synthesis glucose leading to acutely low level of blood sugar. The build-up of other metabolic by-products can also have an adverse effect (encephalopathy) on the child. 

Remedies: 

Dextrose therapy (giving children sugar to normalize their rapidly plummeting blood glucose levels), minimising litchi consumption, eating evening meal throughout the outbreak period, implementing rapid glucose correction for suspected illness.

SAARC programming committee meeting held in Kathmandu

The two-day meeting of SAARC Programming Committee was held in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. All eight members participated in the meeting. This was the first senior level meeting of Association since postponement of 19th SAARC Summit in November 2016 after four nations Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and India had requested for it following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan over the issue of terrorism. 

Key Facts 

The Programming Committee is the lowest level mechanism in SAARC after the SAARC Standing Committee, which is held at the foreign secretary level, and SAARC Council of Ministers held at foreign minister level. This meeting was originally scheduled ahead of the November 2016 Islamabad SAARC summit which could not be convened following its postponement. In Kathmandu meeting, the committee had discussed various administrative and financial issues related to SAARC Secretariat and its bodies. It also had discussed issues related to budget of the SAARC Secretariat and five regional centres of SAARC, among others. 

About the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) 

SAARC is regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union in South Asia. It promotes development of economical and regional integration. As of 2015, SAARC member countries compromise of 3% of the world’s area, 21% of the world’s population and 9.12% of the global economy. SAARC Secretariat: Kathmandu (Nepal) Member Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan (joined in 2007). Nine observer states: Australia, China, European Union, Japan, Iran, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea, and United States. Formation History: The idea for the SAARC was proposed by Ziaur Rahman, the then President of Bangladesh on May 2, 1980. The seven founding countries had met for first time in April 1981 and then in 1985, they created SAARC Charter. The first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in December 1985.

Economic Survey backs Universal Basic Income

The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament has advocated for the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. It suggests that a more efficient way to help the poor will be to provide them resources directly, through a UBI. It will be an efficient substitute for a plethora of existing welfare schemes and subsidies. 

What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)? 

A basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens of a country regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government in addition to any income received from elsewhere. It is based on the principles of universality and unconditionality. However, it forfeits other government aided benefits. Recently, government of Finland announced the introduction of a trial for UBI involving 2,000 unemployed people. In June 2016, Swiss voters in referendum had overwhelmingly rejected proposal to introduce basic income for all. 

Survey’s justification for introduction of UBI 

Promoting social justice, reducing poverty, unconditional cash transfer that lets the beneficiary decide how she uses the money, employment generation by promoting labour flexibility. It will bring in administrative efficiency as a direct cash transfer through JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) platform. It will be more efficient as compared to the “existing welfare schemes which are riddled with misallocation, leakages and exclusion of the poor. It can help to achieve considerable gains in terms of bureaucratic costs and time by replacing many of these with a UBI.

New TB-resistant cows developed in China

Chinese scientists from Northwest A&F University have produced world’s first live cows with increased resistance to bovine tuberculosis (TB). This development shows that genetic modification technology can be better suited to producing transgenic livestock with purposefully manipulated genetic. 

Key Facts 

Researchers had used a modified version of the CRISPR gene-editing technology called CRISPR/Cas9n to insert a new TB resistance gene NRAMP1 into the genome of bovine foetal fibroblasts, cell derived from female dairy cows. These cells were then used as donor cells in a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer. In it, nucleus of a donor cell carrying the new gene was inserted into an egg cell, known as an ovum, from a female cow. These ovum were then nurtured in the lab into embryos and transferred into mother cows for a normal pregnancy cycle. During this cycle, cows were produced with no off target effects on the animals’ genetics — a common problem when creating transgenic animals using CRISPR. 

Significance 

This scientific process revealed that NRAMP1 had successfully integrated into the genetic code at the targeted region in all of the calves. When it was exposed to Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), bacterium that causes bovine TB, transgenic animals showed increased resistance to M. bovis. Further in laboratory tests, the white blood cells taken from the calves also showed much resistance to M. bovis exposure.

Highlights Budget 2017-18

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union Budget 2017. It was fourth annual budget presented by Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister. This was also first time no separate Railway Budget was presented. The 2017 Union Budget,was broadly focused on 10 themes. They are farming sector, rural population, youth, poor and underprivileged health care, financial sector for stronger institutions, infrastructure, speedy accountability, prudent fiscal management, public services and tax administration for the honest. 

Highlights Budget speech 

Demonetisation 

Demonetisation is expected to have a transient impact on the economy. It will have a great impact on the economy and lives of people . Demonetisation is a bold and decisive measure that will lead to higher GDP growth. The effects of demonetisation will not spillover to the next fiscal. 

Agriculture sector 

Farmer credit fixed at record level of Rs10 trillion. It will ensure adequate flow to underserved areas. Government will set up mini labs in Krishi Vigyan Kendras for soil testing. Long-term irrigation fund in NABARD increased from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs40,000 crore. Dairy processing infrastructure fund with a corpus of Rs. 2000 crore will be created. Model law on contract farming will be prepared and shared with the States. 

Rural population 

Over Rs 3 lakh crore will be spent for rural India. Government’s Mission Antyodaya targets to bring 1 crore households out of poverty by 2019. 
MGNREGA: 48,000 crore has been allocated. Participation of women now at 55%. Space technology to be used in a big way to ensure MGNREGA works. 5 lakh farm ponds will be taken up under MGNREGA. 
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: 23,000 crore allocated. Government to complete 1 crore houses for those without homes. 
Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana: 19,000 crore allocated. Along with states, Rs. 27,000 crore will be spent in FY18. 
Panchayat Raj: Human resource reform programme to be launched. Mason training to be provided for 5 lakh people 100% rural electrification will be archived by May 2018 
Swachh Bharat mission: made tremendous progress, sanitation coverage has gone up from 42% to 60%. 

For youth 

Education: System of measuring annual learning outcomes will be introduced with emphasis on science. Innovation fund for secondary education. Focus will be on 3,479 educationally-backward blocks. Colleges will be identified based on accreditation. 
Reforms in UGC: Based on ranking colleges to be identified and given more autonomy. SWAYAM platform: Leveraging information technology platform for virtual learning National testing agency will be established for all entrance exams, freeing up CBSE, AICTE and other bodies. 100 Indian international skill centres will established with courses in foreign languages. Rs. 4,000 crore allocated to launch skill acquisition and knowledge awareness. Special scheme for creating employment in leather/footwear sector. Five special zones to be set up for tourism sector. 

Poor and underprivileged 

Sum of Rs. 1,84,632 crore allocated for women and children. 500 crore allocated for Mahila Shakthi Kendras. Affordable housing will be given infrastructure status. Under a nationwide scheme for pregnant women, Rs. 6000 will be transferred to each person. Action plan to eliminate leprosy by 2018, TB by 2025, reduce IMR to 29 in 2019 Owing to surplus liquidity, banks have started reducing lending rates for housing. 5 lakh Health sub centres will be transformed into health wellness centres. Two AIIMS will be set up in Gujarat and Jharkhand and. Structural transformation of the regulator framework for medical education will be undertaken. 52,393 crore allocated for Scheduled Castes. Aadhaar-based smartcards will be issued to monitor health of senior citizens. 

Infrastructure and railways 

Railways: total capex and development expenditure pegged at Rs. 1.31 trillion Railways: Passenger Safety fund corpus will be set up. Unmanned level crossings to be eliminated by 2020. Railway lines of 3,500km to be commissioned. Dedicated tourism/pilgrimage trains will be launched. 500 stations to be made differently-abled friendly 
Rail cleanliness: Introduction of Coach Mitra facility; By 2019, biotoilets for all coaches. Competitive ticket-booking facility will be introduced; service charge withdrawn for tickets booked on IRCTC. New metro rail policy will be announced. 
Roads sector: 64,000 crore allocated for national highways. Airports Authority of India Act will amended to enable monetization of land resources. Total Rs. 2 trillion will be allocated to transport sector. 
Telecom sector: 10,000 crore will be allocated to Bharat Net programme. Digi-gau initiative will be launched. 
Export infrastructure: New restructured central scheme will be launched. Total Rs. 3.96 trillion will be allocated for infrastructure.
Energy sector: Strategic policy for crude reserves will be set up. Rs. 1.26,000 crore received as energy production based investments. 

Financial Sector 

Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to be abolished 
Commodities market: Panel will be constituted to study legal framework for spot and derivative markets Resolution mechanism for financial firms will be set up. 
Cyber-security: Computer emergency response team (CERT) to be set up Listing of PSEs to foster public accountability, mechanism for time-bound listing will be revised. New exchange-traded fund (ETF) will be launched 
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: It will have lending target at Rs. 2.44 trillion. 
Stand-up India scheme: over 16,000 new enterprises will be set up. 

Digital Economy 

Government to launch two new schemes to promote BHIM app, including cashback scheme for merchants Aadhaar Pay will be launched for people who don’t have mobile phones. Focus on rural and semi-urban areas. Financial inclusion fund will be strengthened. Panel on digital payments has recommended structural reforms. Payment regulatory board will be created at RBI. Negotiable Instruments Act might be amended. 

Public Services 

Head post-office to be used for passport services. Defence:Centralized defence travel system will be developed. Centralized pension distribution system to be established Government recruitment: Two-tier exam system will be introduced. Government to introduce laws to confiscate assets of economic defaulters. High-level panel chaired by PM will be formed to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary 

Fiscal Management 

Total budget expenditure: 21 trillion. 
Defence expenditure: 2.74 trillion (excluding pensions). 
Fiscal deficit for FY18: Pegged at 3.2% of GDP. 
Revenue deficit for FY18: Pegged at 1.9% Fiscal situation. 
Total expenditure: 21, 47,000 crore. Plan, non-plan expenditure is abolished; focus will be on capital expenditure which will be 25.4 %. 3,000 crore under the Department of Economic Affairs for implementing the Budget announcements. Expenditure for science and technology is Rs. 37,435 crore. Total resources transferred to States/UTs is Rs 4.11 lakh crore. Amendment proposed to the RBI Act to enable issuance of electoral bonds. 

Tax Administration 

Direct tax collection not commensurate with income/expenditure pattern of India 
Black money: Cash transactions above Rs. 3 lakh banned. 
Transparency in political funding: Parties continue to receive anonymous donations; propose system of cleaning up. 
Political funding: Maximum amount of cash donation that can be received is Rs. 2,000. Political parties can receive donations by cheques or digitally. Every party has to file returns within specified time. Amendment proposed to RBI Act to issue electoral bonds. 
Personal income tax: Rate reduced to 5% for income bracket of Rs. 2.5-5 lakh; All other categories to get uniform benefit of Rs. 12,500 per person; Surcharge on income bracket Rs. 50 lakh-Rs. 1 crore will be levied 
Personal income tax: Simple one-page form for taxable income up to Rs. 5 lakh will be implemented. 
GST: Preparedness of IT system on schedule. Not many changes to excise duties in GST regime. FPI category 1 and 2 investors exempted from indirect transfer provisions. Time period of revising tax returns reduced to 12 months 
Real estate: Changes will be made in capital gains tax. Concessional withholding rate will be extended to 30 June 2020, rupee-denominated masala bonds to be included. MAT will be not abolished at present and will be carry-forwarded for 15 years. 
Corporate tax rate: MSMEs’ (annual turnover less than Rs.50crore) rate reduced to 25%. LNG: customs duty reduced to 2.5% Limit of cash donation for charitable trusts reduced to Rs. 2,000.

Finance Ministry to aid Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh for rail safety

The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to contribute partially to a new dedicated railway safety fund named as ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ in the upcoming Union Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety fund will be utilised for track improvement, bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock replacement, human resource development, improved inspection system and safety work at level crossing, among other things. 

Key Facts 

The Finance Ministry is likely to grant a fresh infusion of only Rs. 5,000 crore in the upcoming financial year out of the initial proposed corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore. About Rs. 10,000 crore will be earmarked from the Central Road Fund (CRF) that is collected by levying a cess on diesel and petrol at present for safety-related work. Railways may now be asked to fund the remaining Rs. 5,000 crore for the initial corpus from its own resources. For this Indian Railway’s may either have to bring back a cess on rail tickets to finance its share of Rail Safety Fund or look to fund it from non-budgetary resources. 

 Background 

The Railway Ministry had requested the Union Finance Ministry to create ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’, a ‘non-lapsable’ safety fund of Rs. 20,000 crore over five years. Its request was based on the recommendations of a high-level safety review committee headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission. The Committee, in its report submitted in 2012, had projected an investment requirement of Rs. 1 lakh crore on safety over five years.

Bombay Natural History Society launches climate change programme in Central Himalayas

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to conduct study to assess the status, distribution and conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation. 

Background 

The Himalayas hold a rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across the Himalayas. Shrinking habitats combined with several biotic factors, along with poaching and trapping pressures in many areas have pushed several of them to near extinction. Besides, climate change is influencing vertical and horizontal distribution of these groups. Those species adapting with it will be able survive, but those species sensitive to temperature rise will suffer. 

Climate change programme 

 It will help in making an inventory of pheasants and finches, documentation of local specific conservation issues, and designing local as well as species specific conservation action plan with the community participation. The conservation action plan of these sites will be the first step towards the protection of the ecosystem which benefits both biodiversity as well as the people in the system. It also aims to assess the socio-economic activities of local communities and involve them in conservation efforts and sensitize the local forest department staff. 

About Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS) 

BNHS is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It was founded on 15 September 1883 and headquartered at Hornbill House, Mumbai. It supports many research efforts through grants and publishes the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. Department of Science and Technology has designated as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’.