• Despite strong growth in electricity generation over the past two decades, India has experienced a deficit in meeting its peak power demand.
• The deficit has decreased from 0.69% in FY20 to about 0.5% in FY24.
• Constraints in power supply, especially from fossil-fuel based sources, necessitate that India integrates renewable power into its grid.
• India's focus is on enhancing energy efficiency to reduce power demand, lower costs, and mitigate climate change.

• This year marks a decade of India's foundational energy efficiency scheme, UJALA, which has significantly reduced the price of energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
• The price of LED bulbs has fallen from about ₹500 a bulb to ₹70, making them widely accessible.
• Another public energy efficiency measure, the Street Lighting National Programme, has led to the installation of over 1.34 crore LED lamps across urban local bodies and gram panchayats, reducing peak demand by over 1,500 MW.
• As of January 2023, the government has distributed about 37 crore LED bulbs and generated sales of about ₹407 crore.
• LED bulbs consume significantly less power than compact fluorescent lamps, making them cost-saving for Indian households.
• Estimates suggest that the UJALA scheme has helped India save over $10 billion and avoided building over 9,500 MW of new generation capacity, equivalent to 19 new coal-fired 500 MW power plants.
• India has also implemented the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and the International Energy Agency states that between 2000 and 2018, energy efficiency improvements enabled India to avoid an additional 15% of energy demand and 300MT of CO2 emissions.
• With India's rapid urbanization, energy consumption for cooling needs has surged, leading to summer peak power demand reaching 250 GW last year.
• India is currently the third largest power consumer globally, after China and the United States.
• 70% of India's energy output comes from coal, and India plans to add another 96 GW of coal-based capacity by 2032.

• Greater energy efficiency is crucial across sectors such as buildings, home appliances, and the country's MSMEs.
• Continued efforts in energy efficiency and integration of renewable energy are essential to meet India's growing energy demand sustainably.

• This month marks 25 years of strategic partnership between India and Germany.
• The partnership has faced challenges but has remained resilient and effective.
• India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the partnership is a clear language, built on trust and close coordination with Indian partners.
• The two nations are multifaceted partners, focusing on four pillars: peace, prosperity, people, and the future of our planet.

• Stability and fundamental prerequisites for the development of both countries' industries and global peace are shared visions.
• The core of the trusted political relationship is the Intergovernmental Consultations format, which builds a strong bridge between the governments.
• India and Germany also cooperate closely on defense industries, especially regarding the Taranj Shakti military exercise.
• Germany views India as an important partner for peace and stability, and the German ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, states that Germany is "much ahead" in its relationship with India.
• Between 2000 and 2018, Germany has created over 750,000 jobs in India.
• One of the most notable moments in Delhi was the visit to the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail. These trains are being manufactured by a German company, illustrating the close cooperation in India.
• A growing number of Indian companies are also present in Germany, with increasing numbers of collaborations in high-tech supply lines.
• Untapped global trade disputes and deeply integrated supply lines testify to the trust between the nations.
• A free trade agreement between India and the European Union would bring economic powerhouses together.
• Science and technology are a significant part of the prosperity equation, with both countries doing joint research in top scientific institutions and environmental issues.
• People-to-people ties are crucial, with Germany being home to over 50,000 Indians. Many Indians study in Germany and return to India to build their families; some also stay in Germany and raise their children.
• India is home to many Germans, and a growing number of Indian companies are setting up operations there.
• Both countries learn from each other's experiences, with many young Indians embracing a unique Indian identity while also adapting to German society.
• Germany benefits from a stable India and its democratic values.
• Green development is a key pillar of the partnership, with both countries committed to $10 billion in preferential loans and grants for India over ten years through the German and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).
• Both nations cooperate on renewables, biodiversity, and smart city projects.
• India has already installed 1 GW of renewable energy projects, with wind turbines produced by a German company.
• India has been involved in the partnership since 2002, and Germany has become an even more impactful partner since 2022.

• The strategic partnership between India and Germany continues to deepen, with strong collaboration across various sectors including trade, technology, and green development.
• Further strengthening people-to-people ties and focusing on common goals will be vital for future prosperity and stability.

• A recent study highlighted the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among participants in Hyderabad, with 84% having fatty liver and 78% being obese.
• This concerning health crisis is emerging in tandem with the growth of India's urban economy.
• Obesity drivers, chronic stress, insufficient sleep, disrupted eating patterns, and prolonged sedentary lifestyles are prevalent.
• Many companies in the technology sector offer free kiosks to their employees for checking liver and fitness, but these are often underutilized.

• India is grappling with a paradox: rural undernutrition persists, while urban overnutrition is rapidly rising.
• In 2021, India ranked second globally in overweight and obesity prevalence, and the disparity between rural and urban areas is widening.
• A global hunger index report states that 74% of deaths in 2019 were linked to diet, and the WHO indicates that 2024 World Health Statistics will include overnutrition.
• UNICEF has noted that 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will fail to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• The 24 SDGS Survey in India shows a 65% failure rate in Chennai for NCDs, while the NCD cascade of care shows inadequate improvement.
• Among those receiving treatment for hypertension, 16% had elevated blood pressure, and 18-44% were diabetic at the time.
• Over 32.2 million to 33.3 million are obese or overweight, and 94.2% of respondents reported inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, while 24.4% reported insufficient physical activity.
• A recent study by MMTC (MMUM) in Chennai on diabetes and hypertension found a significant increase in MAFLD among 40-year-olds.
• A multisectoral approach to NCD control from January 2024, with 29,000 employees having been screened, aims to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.
• The "eight-kilometer health walk and 'Eat Right Challenge'" were introduced to raise awareness.
• However, awareness and nutrition challenges remain, as indicated by a 26% decline in meals from a formidable obstacle.
• The National Family Health Survey indicates a 37% prevalence of overweight or obesity among all ages, with the lowest quintile at 37% and the wealthiest at 70%.
• The prevalence of overweight and obesity varies across regions and income levels, demonstrating a need for tailored interventions.
• High prevalence of overweight or obesity is seen among males (28% to 46%) and females (31% to 47.6%) across age groups in Tamil Nadu.
• 46.1% of urban and 41.1% of rural children under five show a high prevalence of overweight or obesity.
• Tamil Nadu's majority workforce is increasingly vulnerable to early-onset NCDs due to consumption of ultra-processed foods.
• A Lancet for 2023 estimates that India's overweight and obese adult population could reach 450 million by 2050 (80 million in 2021).
• Simultaneously, childhood obesity is expected to increase by 44%, leading to a projected 12% increase in the next three decades.
• Focus on manufacturing and marketing within the consumer level is growing. It remains insufficient.
• The greater responsibility lies with regulators, producers, and policymakers.
• Marketing of ultra-processed foods that offer convenience but little in the way of nourishment needs to be addressed.
• The Eat Right India movement focuses on safe, healthy, and sustainable food. It promotes hygiene, certification, and campaigns such as "Jago Grahak Jago."
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) advocates for labeling high-fat, salt, and sugar content.
• The Supreme Court has recently directed an FSSAI-constituted expert committee to recommend scientific advice on food safety.
• The FSSAI must enforce stringent rules regarding manufacturing and marketing of food, to ensure safety and quality.
• The Saudi Arabian model of its Vision 2030 initiative is promoting a healthier lifestyle, reducing sugar consumption, and increasing exercise.
• New Delhi's urban landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai becoming economic engines, however, the urban areas lack proper amenities.
• The booming e-commerce and food delivery services are further exacerbating unhealthy eating habits.
• Experts from the IT professionals' group highlight that their industry has a duty to provide proper nutrition and address unhealthy choices.
• The regulatory framework is not addressing these issues effectively, making it challenging to impose taxes on foods high in sugar and salt.
• It is critical to change eating habits, which may not happen overnight.

• India needs a comprehensive and sustained public health approach to tackle the rising epidemic of overnutrition, encompassing both rural and urban populations.
• Stronger regulations on food manufacturing and marketing, especially for ultra-processed foods, are essential.
• Promoting healthier lifestyle choices, improving access to nutritious food, and encouraging physical activity are crucial.
• Collaboration among government agencies, industry, and civil society is vital to implement effective interventions and raise awareness about healthy eating and living.
• Learning from successful international models like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 can provide valuable insights.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Protests in Manipur Lead to Central Government Office Lockdowns

Protesters in Manipur locked down Central government offices on Tuesday, demanding a political solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict. The agitation, which began on May 20, intensified following security personnel "insulting" the state's identity. Meitei civil society groups have also met with Home Ministry officials for further talks.

U.S. Slows Visa Processing for International Students

The U.S. is facing challenges in processing international student visas, with a slowdown in appointments. This has prompted concerns from Harvard University and other institutions. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has called for improvements in the visa application system and criticized the vetting process for some applicants.

Pakistan's Parliament Expresses Concerns over Economic Crisis

Pakistan's National Assembly is debating the country's worsening economic crisis, with Parliamentarians expressing concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living. Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf urged both the government and opposition to unite to find solutions and avoid further political instability.

PM Modi Addresses Joint Commanders Conference in Bhopal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Combined Commanders' Conference in Bhopal, emphasizing the importance of modernizing India's armed forces. He called for a shift towards a "military-industrial complex" and urged greater self-reliance in defense production to meet future security challenges.

Defence Minister approves AMCA fighter jet execution model

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fighter jet program. This move aims to involve private industry in design and manufacturing, with HAL leading the project. The AMCA is expected to be a fifth-generation aircraft, with a projected first flight in 2034.

UGC Proposal for PhD as Mandatory Qualification for College Teachers

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is proposing that a PhD be a mandatory qualification for direct recruitment to Assistant Professor positions in universities from the 2021-22 academic session. This move aims to enhance the quality of higher education and research.

Pakistan PM's First Visit to US

Pakistan's Prime Minister is expected to make his first official visit to the US, signaling an effort to reset bilateral ties. The visit will focus on economic cooperation, regional security, and counter-terrorism efforts. The US has welcomed the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Odisha Seeks Central Funds for Disaster Relief

Odisha has sought additional financial assistance from the central government for disaster relief and mitigation efforts, particularly for cyclone-affected areas. The state has highlighted the need for long-term solutions to bolster its resilience against natural calamities.

Gulveer Clinches India's First Gold

Gulveer Singh clinched India's first gold medal in the men's 10,000m race at the Asian Championships. His powerful sprint in the final lap secured the victory. Tejaswin Shankar is currently leading the decathlon with 4205 points after five events.

Centre to set up new police training academy

The central government plans to establish a new police training academy to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement personnel across the country. This initiative aims to modernize police training, incorporate advanced techniques, and improve the overall efficiency of the police force.