The article begins by examining the global impact of lead exposure on cardiovascular health, citing a recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal. This paper reveals that lead exposure significantly contributes to cardiovascular deaths worldwide. In 2019 specifically, an estimated 5.5 million people died from cardiovascular diseases linked to lead exposure. This number represented 30% of all global cardiovascular deaths that year.
The Burden on Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Most of the health impacts related to lead exposure are disproportionately felt by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In fact, about 95% of the affected population reside within these regions. Despite efforts to eliminate leaded petrol, LMICs still witnessed six times more deaths from cardiovascular diseases than high-income countries. Nations most affected by lead exposure include Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, Peru, Vietnam, the Philippines, and parts of Central Africa.
Other Adverse Effects of Lead Exposure
Cardiovascular disease isn’t the only consequence of lead exposure. Other associated health concerns include chronic kidney disease and developmental intellectual disabilities. Among children under five, lead exposure resulted in a loss of 765 million IQ points, with a staggering 80% higher loss in LMICs compared to previous estimates.
Economic Cost of Lead Exposure
The economic ramifications of lead exposure, factoring in IQ loss in children and cardiovascular disease deaths, totalled USD 6 trillion globally in 2019, equating to 7% of the global GDP.
‘Operation Sajag’ by Indian Coast Guard
On September 18, 2023, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted ‘Operation Sajag’. It is a monthly, day-long drill aimed at revalidating coastal security mechanisms and increasing awareness among sea-going fishermen.
A Closer Look at the Indian Coast Guard
The ICG, established in August 1978, has played a significant role in securing Indian coasts and enforcing maritime regulations. To enhance coastal security, the ICG has introduced various measures such as issuing biometric cards for fishermen, implementing colour codes for fishing boats based on state, conducting coastal mapping, and training marine police personnel.
Defense Pact Between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso
Ministerial delegations from three Sahel countries – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – have recently announced a mutual defense pact signed under the provisions of the Liptako-Gourma Charter. The pact signifies military and economic efforts primarily aimed at combating terrorism and Jihadism.
Funding Problems for Indian Space Start-Ups
Concerns over funding mechanisms for space start-ups have been on the rise, hampering the potential growth of this promising sector. The government is urged to consider establishing soft funds and additional incentives to catalyse the development of the space sector.
Barriers to Self-Sufficiency
Another challenge facing the Indian Space Sector is that approximately 95% of equipment necessary for space sector manufacturing needs to be imported, suggesting it may take another ten years for India to achieve self-sufficiency in this arena.
The Future of Indian Space Sector
Despite these challenges, the Indian Space Sector continues to grow rapidly with approximately 420 start-ups registered on the IN-SPACe portal. It is projected that the sector could potentially reach a value of 44 Billion dollars over the next 10 years if adequate policies and investments are put in place.
