Prelims Focus 7th March 2025

Mission 300

In News: In 2024, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank together launched Mission 300.

• • Mission 300: Aims to attach 300 million people to energy in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
    • The ambitious initiative builds on years of groundwork, a great deal of it led by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). 
  • Goal: Accelerate electrification when ensuring cleanser, assorted electricity resources, financial increase, and task introduction.
  • Current Challenge: Nearly six hundred million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack energy, making up 83% of the global unelectrified population.

• Key Focus Areas:

• • Investment in technology, transmission, distribution, and local interconnection.
  • Sector reform to ensure dependable, lower priced, and high-quality energy.

Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)

In News: The Supreme Court directed Dehradun based Forest Research Institute (FRI) to conduct a tree census in the Taj Trapezium Zone.

• Purpose: It is a 10,400sq. Km trapezoidal form area to protect the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites) from the harmful consequences of air pollutants.
• Establishment: In 1996 by the Supreme Court to control pollution affecting the Taj Mahal.
• SC Directive: The Supreme Court mandated that industries in the TTZ transfer from using coal and coke to cleanser fuels like herbal fuel.

Mahila Samriddhi Scheme

In News: The Mahila Samriddhi Scheme is a significant initiative by the Delhi government aimed at providing financial support to women from economically weaker sections. 

• Announced in the BJP’s Delhi Assembly election manifesto, the scheme will offer a monthly grant of ₹2,500 to eligible women. 
• To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old, have a household income below ₹3 lakh annually, and not be government employees or recipients of other government financial aid. 
• The registration process is set to begin on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, and will utilize an online portal linked to Aadhaar cards for efficient verification and disbursement of funds. 
• This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 15-20 lakh women across Delhi, marking a substantial step towards empowering women economically. 

Vitamin B12

In news: Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient for various bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, maintaining energy levels, and developing the nervous system. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to health issues such as anemia, fatigue, and neurological problems. When dietary intake is insufficient, supplements like tablets or strips are often recommended. Here’s a comparison of these two forms:

Vitamin B12 Supplements: Tablets vs. Strips

Vitamin B12 Tablets

• Absorption and Effectiveness: Vitamin B12 tablets are commonly used for supplementation but have lower absorption rates compared to other forms. They must pass through the digestive system, which can lead to reduced bioavailability, especially in individuals with absorption issues.
• Convenience: Tablets are widely available and suitable for routine supplementation. However, they may not be ideal for those with swallowing difficulties.

Vitamin B12 Strips

• Absorption and Effectiveness: Vitamin B12 strips, often designed for sublingual or oral use, offer faster absorption due to direct contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth. This bypasses the digestive system, potentially increasing bioavailability and making them more efficient for individuals with absorption issues.
• Convenience: Strips are convenient, requiring no water and being easy to carry. They are particularly beneficial for those who struggle with swallowing pills, as they dissolve quickly in the mouth.

Comparison of Effectiveness

While both forms are effective, strips are generally considered more efficient due to their direct absorption mechanism. However, tablets remain a popular choice for routine supplementation due to their widespread availability and lower cost. The choice between tablets and strips often depends on individual needs, such as ease of use and absorption efficiency.

Additional Forms of Vitamin B12

Besides tablets and strips, vitamin B12 is also available in other forms, including injections and sprays. Injections are particularly effective for severe deficiencies, such as pernicious anemia, as they bypass the digestive system entirely. Sprays have a faster onset of action compared to tablets but may not be as widely available as other forms.

In conclusion, both vitamin B12 tablets and strips are effective supplements, but they cater to different needs. Strips offer faster absorption and convenience, while tablets are more traditional and widely available. The choice between these forms should be based on individual health needs and preferences.

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