What is hidden hunger? 2.8 billion people experienced this in 2022

• In the ''State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World'' report published in 2024, it was observed that up to 733 million people globally suffered from malnutrition in 2023. This is an increase of 152 million from 2019.
• This trend has been linked to the food price dynamics. In 2022, when the world experiences sharp price rises, the World Bank estimated that a mere 1 per cent rise in global food prices can push an additional 10 million people into extreme poverty. Because of rising food prices and growing inequality around the world, a largely obscure villain, "hidden hunger", is now unleashing his spectre around the world. And, in 2022 alone, at least 2.8 billion people have been pushed to the grapple of "hidden hunger".

What is hidden hunger?

• Hidden hunger describes a state of deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals (such as zinc, iodine, and iron), referred to collectively as micronutrients. Often, the signs of this form of malnutrition are ''hidden''.
• The individuals may appear "fine" but may be suffering from extremely negative impacts on health and well-being. Clinical signs of hidden hunger appear only when the deficiency becomes severe.
• Traditional notions of hunger typically focus on caloric deficiency, but in recent years only it has been appreciated that an inadequate intake of micronutrients may have health consequences even without overt signs of disease.
• The Food Security and Nutrition report highlights that while it may seem intuitive that food-insecure individuals are less likely to maintain a healthy diet, the relationship is not straightforward.
• This complexity arises from various factors that differ across contexts, including food environments, consumer behaviour, and the cost and affordability of nutritious foods.
• In some cases, food insecurity is linked to lower consumption of all food types and a higher reliance on staple foods for dietary energy.
•  In others, it can be associated with reduced intake of nutritious foods and increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. As a result, food insecurity and "hidden hunger" can result not only in undernutrition but can also lead to overweight and obesity.

Hidden hunger-diabetes link

• Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant issue, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Evidence suggests that micronutrient deficiencies may influence glucose metabolism and insulin signalling pathways, leading to the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes.
• Notably, the diabetes load of countries like India is significant.
• Recently, a group of researchers from the Indian Institute of Health Management Research attempted to find crucial links connecting micronutrient deficiency and type 2 diabetes and published their findings in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.
•  As part of this study, the researchers analysed 132 studies with 52,501 participants, and they concluded that micronutrient deficiencies are common in type 2 diabetes patients, and found that among the individual micronutrients, vitamin D deficiency was the most common deficiency, with a prevalence as high as 60.45%. 
• Notably, the team also observed that women were more likely to be affected by micronutrient deficiency than men. 

Argentina plans to withdraw from WHO

• President Javier Milei has ordered Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to “deep differences with the UN agency”.
• Milei’s action echoes that of his ally, US President Donald Trump, who began the process of pulling the United States out of WHO with an executive order on his first day back in office on January 20.

World Health Organisation

• The WHO is an agency of the United Nations set up in 1948 to improve health globally. It has more than 8,000 people working in 150 country offices, six regional offices and its Geneva headquarters.
• The WHO has 194 Member States.
• Its director general is elected for a five-year term. 
• Since its inception in 1948, WHO has been hosted by the Swiss Federation. Its main building was inaugurated in Geneva in 1966. 
• The WHO’s stated aim is “to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable”.
• It has no power to impose health policies on national governments, but acts as an adviser and offers guidance on best practice in disease prevention and health improvement.
• It has three main strands of work: 
• i) Aiming for universal health coverage in every country.
• ii) Preventing and responding to acute emergencies.
• iii) Promoting health and well-being for all.

How is WHO funded?

• WHO gets its funding from two main sources: Member States paying their assessed contributions (countries’ membership dues), and voluntary contributions from Member States and other partners. 
• Assessed contributions are a percentage of a country’s gross domestic product (the percentage is agreed by the United Nations General Assembly). Member States approve them every two years at the World Health Assembly. They cover less than 20 per cent of the total budget.
• The remainder of WHO’s financing is in the form of voluntary contributions, largely from Member States as well as from other United Nations organisations, inter-governmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, the private sector, and other sources.

US is the top donor to the WHO

• The United States is the top donor and partner to WHO, contributing through assessed contributions and voluntary funding. 
• The US contributed $1.28 billion during the 2022–2023 biennium, enabling work by WHO, the US and other countries and partners to identify and respond to emergencies, stop disease threats from spreading across borders and advance other key global health priorities.
• The US and WHO share a long-standing partnership, delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to communities devastated by conflict, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.
• The US and WHO are advancing global health security through their renewed five-year partnership, extending the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to 2028, in support of accelerating implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR).
• Leadership from the US has been instrumental in protecting vulnerable populations — such as in Africa during the fight against deadly diseases like Ebola — and in ensuring health systems remain strong and responsive during crises. 
• By supporting WHO’s emergency health efforts, the US drives global health security, from preventing and preparing for future threats to delivering rapid response and recovery when it matters most.

Paving the way for green buildings in India: Insights for 2025 and beyond

• As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, India has emerged as a key player in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
• The green building sector, in particular, stands at the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic opportunity, offering a viable pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of rapid urbanisation. Looking ahead to 2025, the adoption of green building technologies in India is poised to accelerate, underpinned by policy support, technological advancements, and growing stakeholder awareness.

The story so far

• In 2024, India made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, achieving two out of three Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule.
• While fossil fuel emissions are projected to rise by 4.6 per cent, increased investments in renewable energy and strengthened regulatory frameworks demonstrate the country’s commitment to its net-zero targets.
• In parallel, this dedication is further reflected in a rapid adoption of green building practices, driven by initiatives such as the annually occurring Green Building Congress and supportive measures in the Union Budget this year, which emphasise net-zero construction and resource-efficient design. By implementing strategies that cut energy consumption by up to 30 per cent and water usage by 50 per cent, India’s construction sector is aligning with global sustainability goals. Market forecasts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 5 per cent in the green building market through 2028, highlighting the growing demand for environmentally conscious construction solutions.

Key trends shaping green building technology in 2025

• Green buildings have been a focal point for conversations around net-zero and decarbonisation for quite some time now, with the trend steadily intensifying. The reasons are clear: (a) buildings in India consume 30 per cent of all the electricity generated; (b) buildings account for more than 60 per cent of the carbon emissions in cities; and (c) buildings contribute to nearly 40 per cent of global emissions. At the same time, the opportunity is also ripe, with the real estate sector not only being on a steady growth path, but the fact that 70 per cent of our real estate hasn’t even been built yet!
• As 2024 comes to a close, it merits examining some key trends and technologies that will likely shape the green building sector in the coming year. With advancements in AI, Generative AI, and other advanced technologies like IoT, building management systems, building information modelling, HVAC and security systems will no doubt become more agile and robust.
• Additionally, we expect a sharp shift towards greater integration within these systems which enables different discrete functions within the building to work in tandem, learn from each other and result in enhanced efficiency overall. Buildings will also increasingly incorporate renewable energy sources, as they become readily available.
• We see solar power in particular at the helm of this trend, right at the building design stage itself. Innovations such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and advanced solar panel technologies will empower structures to generate their own clean energy, therefore reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.
• As information and knowledge becomes more readily available, and policy frameworks continue to evolve with a view to expedite India’s net-zero vision, it will come as no surprise that these technologies will see greater adoption, particularly across new building stock that are currently under construction or yet to be developed.
• With an increasing number of modern commercial buildings (hospitals, educational institutions), industrial parks and smart cities mushrooming rapidly, building technology and renewable energy integration will play a huge role in not only enhancing sustainability, but also delivering an elevated experience of these built environments.
• Where we expect to see a significant uptick is in the residential buildings space. Consumers today are extremely conscientious and are uncompromising in their choices, especially when it concerns real-estate investments. In fact, we have seen first hand how ‘green haven’ residential buildings have gotten sold out within mere days of completion.
• For the renewable energy space, this will also mean a proliferation of ‘micro units’ meant for independent homes, residential apartment buildings/complexes (aside from industrial parks and large commercial properties).

Towards a nuanced approach for decarbonising buildings

• While, on the one hand, the increased adoption is all but a foregone conclusion, truly affecting impact in the green building sector in India requires a multifaceted approach, where technology, policy, and community efforts work in harmony.
• From integrating renewable energy sources and smart building technologies for greater energy efficiency, to waste and waste water management strategies, to adopting localised, sustainable materials, the path to decarbonising buildings must be tailored to accommodate the diverse and evolving needs of India’s construction sector and India’s complex climactic patterns.
• Whether dealing with the challenge of retrofitting existing structures or planning for the 70 per cent of real estate yet to be built, a one-size-fits-all strategy is insufficient for addressing the unique requirements of the nation’s building stock. Rather, a consultative approach might be prudent to recommend customised solutions on a case by case basis.
• The journey to net-zero buildings is as much about innovation as it is about collaboration. As India stands on the cusp of a green revolution in its construction sector, the integration of tailored solutions will be pivotal in driving progress toward a resilient, low-carbon future.

 India to soon launch its own AI model at affordable cost: Ashwini Vaishnaw

• India will soon launch its own safe and secure indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) model at an affordable cost, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursdat.
• Interacting with media, the minister said that the proposed AI model is a timely step as India is a trusted nation among the comity of nations. The move will also help India emerge as a more reliable technological powerhouse of ethical AI solutions in the days to come, he added.
• “Backed by a high-end common computing facility, the India AI mission is now closer to customising indigenous AI solutions for the Indian context using Indian languages,” Vaishnaw said, adding that scientists, researchers, developers and coders were working on multiple foundational models in this regard. 
• With the given pace, the Indian AI model is likely to be ready within 6 months, he remarked.
• “Our prime minister’s economic thinking is very inclusive. He believes in making modern technology accessible to everyone to ensure the people at the bottom of the pyramid are economically empowered.” 
• According to an official release, the Indian AI model is beginning with the computation facility of roughly 10000 GPUs and soon the remaining 8693 GPUs will be added. The model will largely benefit researchers, students & developers in the beginning. 
• “The technical partners who are participating in the mission have  expressed a lot of confidence in the ability of the mission to deliver its objective of democratising access to computing and that too at a very competitive rate,” it said.
• The statement further claimed that compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 dollars per hour usage, India’s AI model will cost less than 100 rupees per hour after 40 per cent government subsidy. “The attractive half yearly and annual plans will further make it more affordable,” it said.
• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, within 10 months of the launch of India AI Mission, has been able to create a high end and robust  common computing facility of about 18,693 GPUs. It is about nine times of what Open Source Model DeepSeek has, and about two third of what ChatGPT has, the ministry said.
• Vaishnaw, in his interaction, claimed that DeepSeek can get hosted on Indian servers after security checks so that coders, developers and designers can take benefit of its Open Source code.
• “Safety and ethical deployment of AI Model remains top priority for the government,” he said, adding that India is establishing an AI Safety Institute, adopting a techno-legal approach. 
• The IT ministry, in its press statement, claimed that Indian AI model will address the country’s linguistic and contextual needs while eliminating biases, ensuring inclusivity and promoting fairness.
• “Leading developers and researchers are working towards completing multiple foundational models within 8 to 10 months, leveraging algorithmic efficiency to achieve cost-effective and timely development,” 

India’s forest cover report: Balancing progress and challenges

• The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR) offers a mixed bag of insights into the state of the nation’s forests.
•  On the surface, the report brings encouraging news: India has added 156.41 sq. km.of forest cover within Recorded Forest Areas (RFA) and achieved a total increase of 1,445.81 sq. km.in forest and tree cover.
• This progress reflects India’s commitment to combating climate change, enhancing green cover, and achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement.
• However, the report also highlights significant challenges, including widespread degradation, a decline in natural forests, and a worrying shift in forest quality.

The Positive Picture: Progress in Numbers

• India’s total forest and tree cover now stands at 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, with forest cover accounting for 7,15,342.61 sq. km (21.76%) and tree cover outside forested areas contributing 1,12,014.34 sq. km (3.41%). States like Chhattisgarh (+683.62 sq. km), Uttar Pradesh (+559.19 sq. km), Odisha (+558.57 sq. km), and Rajasthan (+394.46 sq. km) have shown significant increases in forest and tree cover, largely driven by afforestation drives, agroforestry promotion, and compensatory plantation efforts.
• Agroforestry and plantations have also been instrumental in boosting tree cover outside Recorded Forest Areas (RFAs), particularly in states like Gujarat (+241.29 sq. km) and Bihar (+106.85 sq. km).
• Advances in high-resolution satellite imagery and mapping techniques have further ensured accurate assessments and effective policy interventions. These achievements highlight a commendable balance between development and environmental conservation, underscoring India’s  Leadership in climate action.

Hidden Concerns: The Quality of Forests

• While the overall figures indicate progress, deeper analysis reveals signs of forest degradation, including a troubling shift from Moderately Dense Forests (MDF) to Open Forests (OF).
•  MDFs, with canopy density between 40-70%, are critical for biodiversity and ecosystem services, and their decline suggests thinning and fragmentation that compromise ecological stability.
• States like Madhya Pradesh (-612.41 km²), Karnataka (-459.36 km²), and Nagaland (-125.22 km²) have reported significant reductions in forest cover, while the Northeast, known for its rich biodiversity, saw a decrease of 327.30 square kilometers due to shifting cultivation, encroachments, and developmental pressures.
• Mangroves, essential for coastal defense and carbon sequestration, have also suffered, with a decline of 7.43 square kilometers nationally and Gujarat recording the highest loss, further emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.

Balancing Positivity with Challenges

• The ISFR 2023 captures India’s progress in expanding green cover but also underscores the need to address several underlying challenges. While afforestation and agroforestry have contributed significantly to the quantitative increase in forest cover, qualitative issues, such as the degradation of natural forests within RFAs, cannot be ignored.
• Development pressures continue to take a toll on India’s forests. Infrastructure projects, mining activities, and urbanization are encroaching on natural forest areas, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions.
• Protected areas, once considered bastions of conservation, are now increasingly vulnerable to forest fires. The report notes rising fire incidents, which are exacerbated by climate change and human activities, highlighting the fragility of these ecosystems.
•  In the Northeast, traditionally known for its dense forest cover, the practice of shifting agriculture, or jhum cultivation, remains a significant challenge. This practice contributes to forest loss, despite government interventions aimed at promoting sustainable alternatives.
• The region reported a loss of 327.30 sq. km. of forest cover, reflecting the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies in this biodiversity hotspot.

The Way Forward: Leveraging Opportunities

• India must adopt a comprehensive approach to forest management to sustain progress and address the challenges highlighted in the ISFR 2023. Enhancing forest quality through improved canopy density, restoration of degraded forests, and biodiversity preservation should be prioritized, with focused efforts in regions like the Northeast and Western Ghats.
• Protecting natural forests demands stricter enforcement against deforestation and encroachments, supported by advanced monitoring tools such as satellite imagery and AI for real-time tracking.
• Agroforestry, while significant for tree cover increases, must complement rather than replace natural forests, with mixed-species plantations bridging ecological gaps and supporting rural livelihoods.
• Community participation remains crucial for sustainable forest management, empowering local and tribal populations to integrate traditional knowledge with conservation practices.
• Special attention must be given to mangroves, especially in Gujarat, to counter their decline and maintain their role in coastal defense and biodiversity. Refining forest density classifications into smaller 10% intervals, such as Sparse Forest (10-20%) and Extremely Dense Forest (80-100%), would provide detailed insights into forest degradation and transitions, enabling more targeted interventions.
• By combining technological advancements, refined classifications, and community-driven efforts, India can ensure its forests remain central to ecological and climate resilience.

A Balanced Narrative

• The ISFR 2023 highlights both achievements and challenges, showcasing progress in expanding green cover but raising concerns about forest degradation and biodiversity loss.
• While India’s efforts in afforestation and agroforestry are commendable, policymakers must focus on maintaining the ecological integrity of forests. Natural forests are irreplaceable ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and communities.
•  As India works toward its net-zero goals, forest conservation must be a long-term priority, balancing development with sustainability.
• The ISFR 2023 stands as both a milestone and a reminder of the urgent need to protect and restore forests as a foundation for climate resilience and sustainable growth.

 Red flag over rhododendron tree in Nagaland valley

• One of the last trees of its kind standing in a popular trekking destination in Nagaland has made a silent statement — time may be running out for the Rhododendron wattii.
• A study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa focussed on the flowering phenology of a Rhododendron wattii tree in the 27 sq. km.
• Dzukou Valley that extends into the adjoining Manipur. Phenology is the study of how plants and animals change seasonally.
• The researchers noted that it was the lone tree of the species within a specified area at 2,600 metres above the mean sea level, far from the trekking route and caves that visitors frequent. The only other Rhododendron wattii reported during a field survey in 2012-13 in the Nagaland part of Dzukou Valley was felled by the locals for firewood.
• Endemic to Manipur and Nagaland, the Rhododendron wattii was first collected by Sir George Watt from Nagaland’s Japfu Hill range during his 1882-85 survey. It is a small tree attaining a maximum height of 25 feet.
•  “Flowering occurs from the end of February to April, and fruiting is observed from April to December. The flowers present in trusses of 18-25 flowers are pink with darker flecks and purplish basal blotches,” the study said.
• “No reports on this species are available from Manipur. In Nagaland, it has been reported from two areas beyond Dzukou Valley,”

Poor seedling survivability

• There are more than 1,000 species of rhododendrons worldwide. The northeastern region has 129 of the 132 taxa recorded in India.
• According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the Rhododendron wattii is vulnerable due to population fragmentation and an area occupancy of less than 500 sq. km.
• However, Ashiho Asosü Mao, Director of the Botanical Survey of India, reported it to be critically endangered in its natural habitat.
• The Jing-Chaturvedi study found the natural regeneration of the plant species to be very low although it produces numerous seeds after the flowers are pollinated mainly by the fire-tailed sunbird and bumble bees.
•  Poor seedling survivability, anthropogenic activities, and wildfires — a large swathe of Dzukou Valley burnt for two weeks in 2020-21 — were among the factors responsible for the disappearance of this species.
• “There is an urgent need to conserve this species by protecting its natural habitat,” .

New orchid

• The rhododendron gloom in Nagaland contrasted sharply with a botanical cheer across the border in Manipur, not far from Dzukou Valley. A trio of researchers recorded Phalaenopsis wilsonii as a new member of the orchid family in the State.

Government announces National Mission on High Yielding Seeds in Budget 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds in her 8th Budget speech for the Modi government.

The main objectives of the initiative, as announced, are:

• Strengthening the research ecosystem,
• Targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience, and
• Commercial availability of more than 100 seed varieties released since July 2024
• “High-yielding seeds are the first step to improve output,” Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said at a press conference after the Budget presentation in Parliament.
• “Finance Minister has announced a National Mission on High Yielding Seeds. These seeds will have higher pest resistance, and will be able to maintain high crop output despite global warming. The Indian Council on Agricultural Research (ICAR) will research on these seeds and will try to make these available to farmers at the earliest,.
• “This new initiative, along with the Cotton Productivity Mission, demonstrates India’s investment in cutting-edge agricultural research and the promotion of climate-resilient, high-yield seed varieties.
• Restoration of 200% income tax deduction on R&D expenditures would certainly help the industry contribute significantly to this mission and we are hopeful that the government will consider it positively,” 

How do high-yielding seeds aid climate mitigation?

• Food systems are responsible for a considerable portion of emissions. A study published in Nature Food in March 2021 said that in 2015, food-system emissions amounted to 18 Gt CO2 equivalent per year globally, representing 34% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The largest share of this was from agriculture and land use/land-use change activities, at 71%, the study said.
• As the climate crisis gets worse, there is a global push to explore high-yielding seeds.
•  According to the World Bank, “the increase in food production has been linked to agricultural expansion, and unsustainable use of land and resources”, which makes the requirement for climate-resilience practices in agriculture like using high-yielding seeds even more crucial.
• “High-yielding seed varieties are crucial for building climate resilience as it offers multiple benefits that include reduced reliance on irrigation, tolerance to adverse weather conditions (drought, floods, salinity), higher nutrients uptake, lower crop losses, increased productivity and ultimately help in boosting farmers’ incomes.
• Recognising this importance, the government has taken a significant step to launch a dedicated mission to promote high-yielding varieties in Budget 2025 to ensure sustainable and climate resilient agriculture in India,”.
• High-yielding varieties of seeds produce more crop per unit of agricultural land, which can help reduce land-use change. Many farming practices, like shifting cultivation, rely on clearing forests to make space for crop cultivation.
•  This disrupts natural carbon sinks which otherwise function as natural carbon sinks.
• Seed varieties with higher yield and efficiency can potentially help counter these concerns, while maintaining a high crop output to promote food security.

Challenges

• Producing high-yielding varieties of seeds needs extensive scientific research, which can possibly limit its availability for farmers to use freely.
•  A 2023 report titled Concentration and Competition in U.S. Agribusiness, published by the United States Department of Agriculture, found that between 1990 and 2020, prices paid by farmers for crop seed increased by an average of 270%, while seed prices for crops grown predominantly with genetically modified (GM) traits rose by 463%, considerably more than commodity output prices.
• Another challenge related to high-yielding seed varieties is a rise in monoculture. Traditionally, cultivating some crops together has had proven mutual benefits, but if a certain high-yielding variety promises increased output, farmers can be tempted to only focus on those at the cost of soil health, biodiversity, and more.
• “To ensure accessibility for small and marginal farmers, dedicated seed banking centers must be established across India, making high-yielding varieties affordable and widely available.
• However, excessive promotion of select varieties should be balanced to prevent side-lining traditional crops,”
• “Careful consideration of the associated challenges related to cost and accessibility, and proactive policy measures such as strong regulatory and ethical oversight are essential to maximise their positive impact and ensure equitable access for all.

Carving a niche in biotechnology with BioE3 Policy

• The metabolic engineering group at the (ICGEB) in Delhi, is working on the impact of microgravity in the International Space Station (ISS) on edible microalgae to capture the CO2 from the spacecraft cabin as well as recycle wastewater (undiluted urine) which contain NPK and plant growth hormone auxin and to grow photosynthetic microalgae as food while producing oxygen for the astronauts.
• ICGEB explains that these edible microalgae are the source of vital nutrients (Carotenoids— astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein—Vit A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E) and provide sustainable food (proteins, fat, carbohydrates) for extended space expeditions for astronauts.
• “Algae can thrive in any harsh conditions and even on Earth they can live for two billion years in any harsh condition.
• The edible algae producing astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein have been shown to fight radiation damage and eye disease, and other common muscular weakness and health problems that astronauts may face in space,”
• The group''s objective is to do a comparative assessment of physiochemical and morphological changes due to microgravity on algal growth and metabolism in the International Space Station compared to Earth.
• The aim is also to select one of the most robust strains suitable for future space missions and study if any genetic intervention is required to make them adaptable for space.
• “Comparative data will help to improve algae via genetic intervention for better survival in space and the production of novel molecules of industrial importance. Also, selection of robust alga for future use in space for sustainable food,” .
• The Union cabinet had approved initiatives in the field of human space programme and biotechnology with the announcement of the establishment of a Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the unveiling of ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy'' for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing in the country.
•  “Currently, the key challenges of space missions are a continuous availability of nutrients, preservation of food, microgravity, radiation, physiological changes and health hazards in space travelers, potable water and a way clean and use waste in a sutainable way,” remarked a scientist.
• Besides testing the impact of microgravity on edible microalgae which has the ability to grow in wastewater and undiluted urine and also in adverse conditions, another proposal is to study the growth and proteomics responses of cyanobacteria growing on urea in microgravity.
• However, muscle loss or Sarcopenia takes decades to develop on Earth. By using nutritional supplements in a muscle cell culture model, researchers are attempting to increase the mitochondrial function which is emerging as an important component in this condition,” explained a scientist from DBT.
• Interestingly, the BioE3 Policy was launched by the government in August 2024. The broader aim is to ensure biotechnology for economy, environment and employment. As per the DBT officials, there was an urgent need to bring in this policy for the government.
• There has been an unsustainable pattern of material consumption, resource utilization and waste generation that has led to climate change-related problems such as forest fires, melting of glaciers and a decline in biodiversity.
• At the same time, India demonstrated strong economic growth in the past decade and has a great potential to be amongst the global leaders in the fourth industrial revolution by leveraging emerging technologies and innovations.
• As per the BioE3 policy, there is an integrated biomanufacturing policy too that had been envisaged for use of bio technology for economy, environment and employment that in turn will create innovative solutions by fostering high-performance biomanufacturing initiatives in the country.
• The BioE3 policy priotised different thematic verticals for implementation under the biomanufacturing initiative such as bio-based chemicals or bioploymers, smart proteins and functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utlisation and futuristic marine and space research.
• The policy also involves setting up of bio artificial intelligence (AI) hubs which will serve as the focal point for advancing the integration of AI in fostering innovation and R&D by using the AI under the biomanufacturing initiative.
• DBT BioE3 policy will promote indigenous innovation and development of-biopharmaceuticals, smart proteins, bio-based specialty chemicals, enzymes, agribiologicals etc. through biological processes.
•  The policy is also expected to promote green growth, leading to a sustainable environment in the country through the transition of a chemical-based industry to a more sustainable bio-based industry.
• The policy will also help in combating climate changes, and attaining net zero carbon emissions particularly by controlling emission of green house gases by motivating industries to adapt greener processes of manufacturing i.e. biomanufacturing.
• It is also expected that it will bring a surge in employment in the 2- and 3-tier cities, where biomanufacturing hubs are proposed to be setup due to their closed proximity to the source of Biomass.
•  “India produces 750 million metric tons of biomass every year, much of which is wasted and many time burnt in the field leading to immense environmental pollution.
• Considering that greater than 85 per cent of the current fuel needs of India, which is more than 200 million metric tons per year, is imported from outside, there is an excellent opportunity to reduce the import burden by using biomass as feedstock for producing fuels,” .
•  Microbial Engineering Group of ICGEB performed an extensive bioprospecting study to screen a hyper-cellulase producing fungal species. A detailed characterisation of enzyme composition led to the discovery of several novel enzymes and auxiliary proteins that play important roles in biomass hydrolysis.
• The use of ICGEB’s DIBzyme-3 enzyme technology for producing 2G ethanol is likely to reduce the use and import of fossil fuels and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, which ultimately will help in achieving India’s vision of net-zero carbon emission by the year 2070,” 

 US exit from WHO: A crisis or opportunity for global health governance?

• The world health community has been rocked by the Trump administration''s decision to pull the US out of the World Health Organization (WHO), especially in the Global South, where many countries depend on WHO financing and knowledge to address public health issues.
• The action calls into doubt both the ability of developing nations to continue vital health programmes and the viability of global health governance.
• With over $958 million allocated in 2024 to support immunisation drives, disease eradication initiatives, and pandemic preparedness, the United States has long been one of WHO''s biggest donors.
• A multibillion-dollar void could result from the abrupt removal of this financing, which could interfere with important health programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
• Given the interconnected nature of global health, experts warn that reduced funding could slow responses to pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks, posing a risk to global stability.

A change of guard in global health?

• Despite these challenges, it is plausible that the US departure will pave the way for other countries in the Global South to come up with their own strategies in addressing global health issues.
• The G7 and G20, along with regional health organisations like the African CDC and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) could step up to fill the gap and maintain the continuity of global health efforts.
• India, a major player in vaccine production, is in a good position to push for fair healthcare policies that are important for other developing nations.
•  Moreover, countries may have to look for funding from other sources, including public-private partnerships and philanthropic organisations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is still the second biggest contributor to the WHO.
• Some experts have suggested the creation of independent global health funds to sustain funding of important programmes.

Strengthening regional and local health systems

• Nations that depend on the World Health Organization (WHO) have the opportunity to improve local healthcare systems and develop regional health governance. In order to address issues like antibiotic resistance, guarantee vaccination equity, and get ready for future pandemics, it will be crucial to include indigenous research and development into this effort.
• It is anticipated that the development of open-access platforms for cross-border data sharing will encourage international cooperation and innovation even more. Countries may more effectively share vital health data by utilizing these platforms, which will improve overall health outcomes and crisis response.

The road ahead

• Although the US exit from the WHO brings many risks to global health security, it is also a critical turning point—whether emerging economies and multilateral partnerships can step up or if global health governance will erode.
•  The coming months will be critical as policymakers, researchers, and international organisations navigate this shifting landscape to ensure a robust and resilient global health response