Prelims Focus – 27th March 2024

Section 123(3) of the RPA 1951

In News: It has recently been found that the various parties and their leaders have been accused of violating Section 123(3) of the RP Act. 

• It offers that appeals with the aid of a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the ground of his faith, race, caste, community, or language is a corrupt electoral practice. 
• It denounces any strive by using a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among residents on these grounds throughout elections.
• It aims to ensure that elections are conducted in a free and fair way, without appealing to the communal or sectarian sentiments of the voters.
• It underscores the precept that the attraction for votes must be primarily based on regulations, performance, and public welfare, as opposed to on slim communal or sectarian lines.

District Election Management Plan

In News: According to the Election Commission of India, the district election management plan (DEMP) is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day. 

• DEMP is a comprehensive document that makes use of facts and evaluation to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
• Executing the DEMP calls for a collaborative attempt related to election officers, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc. Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to short them on electoral guidelines.
• Material management is an important element of the DEMP related to buying 61 essential items, such as indelible ink, seals, stamps, desk bound and statutory forms.
• These objects are classified primarily based on the level at which they are to be procured (State/U.T. Or district level), with timelines starting from two-to-three weeks to four months before the election.
  

Robusta Coffee

In News: It was recently found that the Price of Robusta coffee has spiked due to drastic fall in traditional growing regions like Vietnam and Indonesia.

• Production: India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries, with approximately 3% of the global output in 2020. 
• Types: Arabica and Robusta.
  • Arabica has better market fee than Robusta coffee because of its slight aromatic flavour.
  • Robusta is the majorly synthetic coffee with a share of 72% of the whole manufacturing.
• Major Producers: South Indian states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu make a contribution 80% of the country’s total coffee production.
  • Orissa and the northeastern regions actually have a smaller share of manufacturing.

FARM

Recent News:

Seven countries including Ecuador, India, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Uruguay, and Vietnam have launched a program called FARM to tackle pollution caused by pesticides and plastics in agriculture.

Details:

• The main objective of this initiative is to effectively address and counteract the detrimental impact of the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the environment. 
• These pollutants are primarily produced as a result of the usage of harmful chemicals in agricultural practices. 
• By implementing this initiative, it seeks to tackle the issue at its core and find sustainable solutions that can prevent and reduce the release of these toxic substances, thereby safeguarding the overall well-being of the environment and promoting a healthier and more sustainable agricultural sector. 
• The Farming and Agriculture Resource Management project (FARM), spearheaded by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to incentivize farmers to transition towards using low-impact and organic methods by providing financial support. 
• This initiative seeks to encourage sustainable farming practices and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. 
• The program’s goal is to eliminate dangerous pesticides and agricultural plastics by implementing stricter management practices. 
• This initiative aims to prevent the disposal of more than 51,000 tons of harmful pesticides and 20,000 tons of plastic waste, as well as decrease carbon dioxide emissions and safeguard over 3 million hectares of land.

Vitamin D

Recent News:

An 89-year-old individual living in the United Kingdom passed away as a result of an excessive intake of vitamin D.

Details:

• Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a vital fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained through sunlight exposure and certain foods such as fatty fish, dairy products, eggs, and fortified plant-based milk. 
• It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption, supporting bone health, and modulating immune function. 
• Excessive intake of Vitamin D supplements can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as confusion, excessive thirst, and kidney damage. Blood tests and imaging studies can be used to assess for toxicity and evaluate bone health. 
• The treatment for vitamin D toxicity involves stopping vitamin D supplements and reducing intake of foods high in vitamin D. 
• In severe cases, medical interventions may be needed to lower calcium levels. 
• The recommended amount of vitamin D for adults is 600 to 800 IU per day, with a maximum limit of 4,000 IU per day to prevent toxicity.

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