Why is it in the News?

Underlining that the state and central consumer courts incorrectly applied the ‘eggshell skull’ legal principle, the Supreme Court recently restored the compensation of Rs 5 lakhs awarded by the district consumer forum in a medical negligence case.

What is the ‘Eggshell Skull’ Rule?

• The eggshell skull rule is a common law principle applied in civil litigation.
• Essentially, when the offender would be liable for all injuries that might be intensified due to the peculiar conditions of the injured person that the offender might not have known.
• Simply put, the defendant would be held responsible for injuries caused to a person when he hit him on the head, even if the victim had a particularly delicate skull or an ‘eggshell’ for a skull.
  • A person who has an eggshell skull would be more severely impacted by an act, which an otherwise “normal person” would be able to withstand.
• The rule is applied for claiming an enhanced compensation, for damage that is more than what could have been ordinarily anticipated to be caused by the defendant.

Origin of the ‘Eggshell Skull’ Rule:

• The 'eggshell skull' rule, also known as the 'thin skull rule,' is a legal doctrine that holds a defendant liable for all consequences resulting from their negligent or intentional actions, even if the victim's pre-existing vulnerability worsens the outcome.
• The rule's origins can be traced back to an 1891 US case, Vosburg v. Putney, in which a boy kicked another's shin without knowing about his prior injury, leading to complications.
  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the defendant was responsible for the subsequent harm, even though he did not intend to cause such severe damage.
• A similar case in England a decade later involved a pregnant woman who experienced severe shock and gave birth to a disabled child after a horse van was negligently driven into a public house where she worked.
  • The King's Bench upheld the principle that defendants are liable for the harm caused to victims, regardless of pre-existing vulnerabilities.
• The eggshell skull rule has been applied in various legal cases across different jurisdictions, emphasizing that defendants are accountable for the consequences of their actions, even when victims' unique vulnerabilities contribute to more significant harm.

What was the Jyoti Devi Medical Negligence Case?

• In 2005, Jyoti Devi underwent an appendix removal surgery in Himachal Pradesh, India.
• However, her abdominal pain persisted, leading to a four-year ordeal and multiple hospital visits.
• Eventually, doctors discovered that a 2.5 cm needle had been left in her abdomen during the initial surgery, requiring another operation to remove it.
• Jyoti sought compensation for medical negligence and was initially awarded Rs 5 lakhs by the district consumer forum.
• The hospital appealed, leading to the state consumer forum reducing the compensation to Rs. 1 lakh, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) increasing it to Rs. 2 lakhs.

What did the SC Rule?

• The Supreme Court (SC) restored the original Rs 5 lakh compensation, criticizing the lower compensation amounts as "paltry" and "unjust."
• The SC ruled that the 'eggshell skull' rule did not apply in Jyoti's case since there was no evidence of a pre-existing vulnerability or medical condition that contributed to her suffering.
• The court cited two factors for increasing the compensation: Jyoti's prolonged pain over five years and the decade-long legal battle she endured.

Why is it in the News?

The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR jointly organized a high-level event, ‘Forging partnerships between science and policy’, on April 26, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.

About Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance:

• Established in November 2020, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is a collaborative effort of world leaders and experts from various sectors working together to accelerate political action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• The Group serves as an independent global advisory and advocacy entity, striving to maintain public support, political momentum, and visibility of AMR on the global health and development agenda.
• Background: The Group emerged from a recommendation by the Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, aiming to strengthen global leadership and political action against AMR.
• The first meeting of the Group was held in January 2021.

Secretariat Support:

• The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) on Antimicrobial Resistance, a joint effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), provides secretariat support for the Group.
• Through its collaborative and multisectoral approach, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is committed to addressing the growing threat of AMR and promoting responsible and sustainable access to antimicrobials.

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to develop resistance to the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
• As a result, the medications become less effective or even ineffective at treating infections caused by these resistant microorganisms.
• AMR occurs when microorganisms undergo genetic changes that enable them to survive exposure to antimicrobial drugs.
• These changes can be shared between different microorganisms, leading to the spread of resistance genes.
• Over time, the increased use and misuse of antimicrobial drugs have accelerated the development of AMR.

Common factors contributing to AMR include:

• • Overprescription of antimicrobials
  • Non-adherence to prescribed treatment regimens
  • Misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and livestock farming
  • Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
  • Lack of access to clean water
• The rise of AMR poses a significant threat to public health, as it makes the treatment of common infections more difficult and increases the risk of complications.
• Additionally, AMR has implications for global health security, as resistant infections can spread rapidly across regions and become a major public health challenge.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists have uncovered a massive sinkhole off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

What is Taam Ja' Blue Hole?

• Taam Ja' Blue Hole is the world's deepest known underwater sinkhole, recently discovered in Chetumal Bay off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
• The blue hole extends approximately 420 meters (1,380 feet) below sea level, making it significantly deeper than the previous record holder, the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea.
• The nearly circular sinkhole covers an area of around 13,660 square meters and features steep sides covered in biofilms, sediments, limestone, and gypsum ledges.
• Named "Taam Ja'," meaning "deep water" in the Mayan language, the blue hole was initially discovered by a local diver in 2003 but only recently gained scientific attention.
• Further research is ongoing to explore the unique marine life and geological features within this remarkable underwater cavern.

What is a Blue Hole?

• A blue hole is a large, underwater sinkhole or cavern with a submerged opening that appears dark blue from above due to the depth and clarity of the water.
  • The name "blue hole" originates from the striking contrast between the dark blue, deep water within the hole and the lighter blue shallower water surrounding it.
• These unique geological formations are typically formed through a combination of erosion and dissolution of limestone bedrock, resulting in circular or ovular depressions in the seafloor.
  • Over time, blue holes can develop distinct ecosystems hosting a variety of marine life, including unique and rare species that have adapted to the specific conditions within these habitats.
• Blue holes can be found in various parts of the world, both in oceanic and inland settings.
  • Some famous examples include the Great Blue Hole in Belize, the Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, and the Taam Ja' Blue Hole in Mexico.

Why is it in the News?

Global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has said that its AZD1222 vaccine against Covid-19, which was made under license in India as Covishield, could cause low platelet counts and formation of blood clots in “very rare” cases.

What is Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)?

• Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is characterised by thrombosis formation (blood clots) combined with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) with symptoms typically presenting in the 4-42 days after vaccination.
  • Platelets are small cells that help blood to clot, so having too few of them can be dangerous.
• It often involves unusual blood clot locations, such as in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen.
  • The condition was observed in people who received adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines, such as Vaxzevria, Covishield (AstraZeneca), and the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
• TTS seems to occur because the body's immune system reacts to the vaccine by making antibodies that attack a protein involved in blood clotting.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), TTS is classified into 2 tiers based on the location of thrombosis and severity of symptoms.

Tier 1:

• Rare blood clots, like in the brain or gut, sometimes alongside more typical ones in the legs or lungs.
• Low platelet count (below 150,000 per microliter).
• Positive anti-PF4 ELISA tests can help confirm diagnosis but aren't always needed.
• Tier 1 cases are usually more severe and riskier.
• This is more common in younger people.

Tier 2:

• Common blood clots, like in the legs or lungs.
• Low platelet count (below 150,000 per microliter).
• A positive anti-PF4 ELISA test is necessary for diagnosis.

Symptoms of TTS:

• Symptoms of TTS can include severe headaches, stomach pain, swelling in the legs, trouble breathing, and problems with thinking or seizures.

Why is it in the News?

A dam burst near a village in the Rift Valley region of southern Kenya in the early hours of April 29, 2024. Some 45 people have been killed according to the police chief of Nakuru County, where the incident took place.

About the Great Rift Valley:

• The Great Rift Valley, part of the larger East African Rift System (EARS), is a significant geological feature extending across East Africa, from Jordan in southwestern Asia to central Mozambique's coast along the Indian Ocean.
• Running through numerous countries including Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, the valley is one of Earth's most expansive rifts.

Formation:

• Resulting from tectonic plate movements about 40 million years ago, the Great Rift Valley's formation is linked to the East African Rift's emergence.
• Geologically active, the region experiences frequent earthquakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers.

Notable Features:

• A series of approximately 30 lakes dot the Great Rift Valley, including Lake Tanganyika (the world's second-deepest lake) and Lake Victoria (the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area).
• Many of Africa's highest mountains, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Margherita, form part of ranges fronting the valley.

What is a Rift Valley?

• A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where the Earth's tectonic plates move apart or rift.
  • Rift valleys are a result of the tectonic processes that shape the Earth's surface, specifically in regions where tectonic plates are diverging or pulling away from each other.
• Rift valleys are characterized by a long, narrow depression, often with steep sides, running along the length of the rift.
  • The depression is caused by the sinking of the ground between the two diverging plates as they pull away from each other.
  • The thinning of the Earth's crust leads to subsidence and the formation of a valley.
• Rift valleys can be found on land as well as on the ocean floor.

Some notable examples of rift valleys include:

• The Great Rift Valley in East Africa is part of the larger East African Rift System.
• The Red Sea Rift separates the African and Arabian tectonic plates.
• The Rhine Valley in Europe was formed by the divergence of the European and African plates.
• Rift valleys are geologically active areas often associated with volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the formation of hot springs, geysers, and other hydrothermal features.

Why is it in the News?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to defend the government’s human rights processes at a meeting in Geneva this week, where a decision on whether India’s human rights body will retain its “A status” is expected to be made.

About Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):

• The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is a representative body of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across the world.
• It assists in the establishment and strengthening of independent and effective NHRIs, which meet the international standards set out in the Paris Principles.
• GANHRI encourages joint activities and cooperation among NHRIs, organises international conferences, liaises with the United Nations and other international organisations, assists NHRIs under threat, and assists governments in establishing NHRIs.
• The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) and other member institutions continue to make a significant contribution to the operations and human rights initiatives of GANHRI.
• The organisation is incorporated as a non-profit organisation under Swiss law.
• Its Statute, adopted in March 2009, sets out its objectives and how it operates.

Membership:

• NHRIs that comply fully with the Paris Principles – and which have been granted 'A status' by GANHRI – are eligible to become voting members of GANHRI and to hold governance positions.
• NHRIs that only partially comply with the Paris Principles – and which have been granted 'B status' by GANHRI – can participate in meetings of GANHRI but are not eligible to vote or to hold governance positions.

Bureau:

• The operations of GANHRI are managed by its Bureau, which is comprised of representatives from each of the four regional groupings:
  • Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
• Each regional grouping is represented by elected representatives from four 'A status' NHRIs.
  • The APF is currently represented on the GANHRI Bureau by Australia, India, Korea, and Qatar.
• A key role of the Bureau is to assess applications for membership in the ICC.
• It also reviews and determines the accreditation status of NHRIs, following a recommendation from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation.
• In addition, the Bureau collaborates with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in particular the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit, to facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
• Bureau meetings are usually held twice a year; the first is in conjunction with the first quarter session of the UN Human Rights Council and the second is in conjunction with one of the NHRI regional network's meetings.
• A meeting is also held in conjunction with the bi-annual International Conference.

International Conference:

• The International Conference involves NHRIs, as well as representatives of United Nations agencies, international organisations, and civil society.
• The purpose of the International Conference is to strengthen cooperation between NHRIs, to discuss human rights issues of shared concern, and to ensure follow-up at the national level.
• The International Conference is held every two years, alternating between Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Officials:

• The positions of GANHRI Chairperson and Secretary are served on a rotational basis by representatives nominated by the four regional coordinating committees: Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific.
• The current GANHRI Chairperson is Maryam Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHRC), representing the Asia Pacific region.
• The current GANHRI Secretary is Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco (CNDH), representing the African region.

Secretariat:

• The National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit of OHCHR acts as the GANHRI secretariat.
• GANHRI has a permanent representative in Geneva to support and facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the UN Human Rights Council and its human rights mechanisms.

Why is it in the News?

Ministry of Mines today organized a summit to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing in New Delhi.

About Critical Minerals Summit:

• The Critical Minerals Summit was organized by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD).
• It aims to promote collaboration and innovation in critical mineral beneficiation and processing.
• This event brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts from both India and abroad.

Key Objectives:

• Tackling Demand: The summit seeks to address the growing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) needed for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles as part of India's strategic development goals.
• Focus on Key Minerals: The Ministry of Mines has identified eight crucial minerals for focus, including Glauconite (Potash), Lithium – Rare Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten, Rare Earths (RE), and vanadium-associated with Graphite.
• Diverse Participation: The summit offers a platform for a diverse group of stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of critical minerals.

What are Critical Minerals?

• Critical minerals are metallic or non-metallic elements essential for modern technologies, economies, and national security, with potentially vulnerable supply chains.
• Their 'criticality' changes over time due to shifting supply and societal needs.
• Applications: Critical minerals are vital for manufacturing advanced technologies like mobile phones, computers, semiconductors, and renewable energy systems such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries.
• They are also used in common products like stainless steel and electronics.
  • Examples of Critical Minerals are antimony, beryllium, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, lithium, vanadium, and more.
• Top Producers: Countries like Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia, and South Africa lead in critical mineral production.
• Critical Minerals in India: The Indian government has identified 30 critical minerals, including antimony, beryllium, cobalt, copper, gallium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, phosphorous, potash, rare earth elements, rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium.
• To meet the rising demand for critical minerals and ensure a stable supply, the Indian government is actively working on auctioning critical mineral blocks and fostering industry partnerships.
• These efforts are crucial for the country's economic development and energy transition goals.

Why is it in the News?

The RBI and the Finance Ministry could draw inspiration from the ASEAN region's evolving green taxonomy, continually updated with sectoral insights, to enhance sustainability efforts.

What is Green Taxonomy?

• Green taxonomy is a pivotal framework designed to delineate environmentally sustainable investments, providing clarity on which economic activities and assets qualify as "green" or environmentally sound.
• It plays a crucial role in advancing global sustainability objectives, particularly in the context of combating climate change and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.

What is Green Taxonomy?

• At its core, green taxonomy serves as a comprehensive tool for classifying economic activities and assets based on their environmental sustainability.
• It is crafted by governments, regulators, and stakeholders with a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and fostering sustainable development.

Significance of Green Taxonomy:

• The significance of green taxonomy lies in its multifaceted role:
• Preventing Greenwashing: By establishing clear criteria and standards, green taxonomy helps prevent greenwashing, a deceptive practice wherein investments are portrayed as environmentally friendly when they may not be.
• Informing Investment Decisions: Investors are empowered to make informed decisions by utilizing the taxonomy as a guide. It offers transparency and guidance, enabling investors to align their investment strategies with environmental objectives.
• Directing Investments Towards Sustainability: The taxonomy serves as a tool for channeling investments towards sustainable economic activities and assets. By identifying and classifying green investments, it encourages the allocation of capital to projects that contribute positively to environmental goals.

Common Features of Green Taxonomies:

• Green taxonomies typically include objectives related to climate mitigation and adaptation, with some also incorporating additional environmental goals such as biodiversity conservation.
• To qualify as green, an activity must substantially contribute to at least one of these environmental objectives.
• Furthermore, green taxonomies often integrate "do no significant harm" criteria, ensuring that activities considered green do not compromise other environmental objectives.
• Additionally, they emphasize compliance with social safeguards, including human rights considerations.

Nuanced Approaches in Green Taxonomies:

• Some taxonomies adopt a nuanced approach, such as the "traffic light" system utilized by the Indonesian and proposed Singaporean taxonomies.
• Under this approach, economic activities are categorized into different tiers (green, amber, or red) based on their environmental sustainability.
• This system offers a more nuanced understanding of the environmental impact of various activities, allowing for tailored assessments and decision-making.

What Is Greenwashing?

• Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound.
• Greenwashing involves making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly or have a greater positive environmental impact than they actually do.
• In addition, greenwashing may occur when a company attempts to emphasize sustainable aspects of a product to overshadow the company’s involvement in environmentally damaging practices.
• Performed through the use of environmental imagery, misleading labels, and hiding tradeoffs, greenwashing is a play on the term “whitewashing,” which means using false information to intentionally hide wrongdoing, error, or an unpleasant situation in an attempt to make it seem less bad than it is.

Why is it in the News?

A central government delegation is on a three-day visit to Bangladesh beginning Sunday to further boost bilateral ties on governance matters, according to an official statement.

About the National Centre for Good Governance:

• The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was set up in 2014 by the Government of India as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the Government of India's topmost training institute for civil services.
  • NIAR was subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.
• NCGG deals with a gamut of governance issues from local, state to national levels, across all sectors.
• The Centre is mandated to work in the areas of governance, policy reforms, capacity building, and training of civil servants and technocrats of India and other developing countries.
• It also works as a think tank.
• Since its inception, the Centre has been extensively working in areas such as primary and elementary education, decentralized planning at district and block levels, capacity building of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), participatory models of learning and action, rural development, cooperatives, and public sector management, etc.
• In addition, it focuses on issues related to good governance, social accountability, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), among other sectors.
• The Centre encapsulates the essence of good governance and weighs on the importance of the rule of law, bringing in transparency, working to promote public participation in governance, service delivery, and reforms, as well as in developing accountable institutions, access to information, etc.

Why is it in the News?

The first true copy of the painting Indulekha by legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma will be unveiled at the Kilimanoor Palace, where the eminent artist was born in 1848, on the occasion of his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

Who was Raja Ravi Varma?

• Raja Ravi Varma was an Indian painter and artist.
• He is considered among the greatest painters in the history of Indian art.
• His works are one of the best examples of the fusion of European academic art with a purely Indian sensibility and iconography.
• Additionally, he was notable for making affordable lithographs of his paintings available to the public, which greatly enhanced his reach and influence as a painter and public figure.
• His lithographs increased the involvement of common people with fine arts and defined artistic tastes among common people.
• He was part of the royal family of erstwhile Parappanad, Malappuram district.
• He is also celebrated for inventing the first oleograph press in Ghatkopar, Mumbai.
• His paintings depicting Hindu gods and goddesses had a significant influence on their portrayal in art and cinema for many years.
• His artworks found popularity not only among Europeans but also among laymen, who appreciated his work for its simplicity.
  • In a time when lower castes were barred from temples, they found solace in Varma's work.
• In addition to Indian mythology, he was admired for highlighting the beauty of South Indian women.
• Viceroy Lord Curzon honored him with the 'Kaisar-i-Hind' Gold Medal for his service.
• His paintings can be broadly classified into three categories: portraits, portrait-based compositions, and theatrical compositions based on myths and legends.
• Some of his popular paintings include 'A Family of Beggars,' 'A Lady Playing Swarbat,' 'Draupadi Dreading to Meet Kichaka,' 'Girl in Sage Kanwa's Hermitage (Rishi-Kanya),' 'Jatayu,' and 'Indulekha' among others.

About Indulekha Painting:

• The painting by Raja Ravi Varma draws inspiration from the novel as he creates an oil painting of Indulekha, who is depicted holding a letter addressed to her lover, Madhavan, the hero of the novel, with the salutation 'Dear Madhavan...' dated 1892.
• The painting, characterized by an over-the-top sense of symmetry and precise attention to micro-details, dates back to the 19th century.
• Another belief suggests that the famous painting 'Reclining Lady' by Ravi Varma was modeled on Indulekha.
• Recently, the painting was restored by Madhan S. of the Heritage Conservation and Research Academy.

Why is it in the News?

Experts express concern over the ISRO analysis findings, indicating that the expansion of glacial lakes due to warming could result in cascading impacts in lower regions.

Highlights of the ISRO Report:

• The ISRO report said 601 glacial lakes, or 89 percent, have expanded more than twice, and 10 lakes have grown between 15 times and double their size. Sixty-five lakes have expanded 1.5 times.
• Of the 2,431 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares, 676 have significantly expanded, and at least 130 of these lakes are in India 65 (Indus River basin), 7 (Ganga River basin), and 58 (Brahmaputra River basin).
• Elevation-based analysis shows 314 lakes are located in the 4,000 to 5,000 meters range, and 296 lakes are above 5,000 meters elevation.

What are Glacial Lakes?

• Glacial lakes emerge in hollows or basins shaped by glaciers' erosive force and are prevalent in areas where glaciers once existed or persist.
• They vary widely in size and shape, from tiny pools to expansive bodies of water.
• ISRO classifies them into four main types: moraine-dammed, ice-dammed, erosion-based, and 'others'.
• While vital as freshwater sources for rivers, glacial lakes also pose risks, particularly Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
  • GLOFs occur when these lakes discharge large volumes of meltwater, often due to natural dam failures, causing sudden and severe downstream flooding.

Formation Processes:

• Glacial Erosion: Glaciers, moving slowly, sculpt the landscape by eroding bedrock through abrasion and plucking, creating valleys and basins.
• Moraine Deposition: As glaciers move, they transport sediment, depositing it at their edges as moraines, which can act as natural dams, forming lake basins.
• Ice Melting: Rising temperatures or glacier retreat causes ice to melt, filling depressions created by erosion with water, and forming glacial lakes.
• Terminal Moraine Formation: Glaciers may leave behind ridges of sediment at their terminus, creating natural dams that trap water, forming terminal moraine lakes.

Utilization of Remote Sensing for Glacial Lake Monitoring:

• Monitoring glacial lakes in the Himalayan region presents challenges due to rugged terrain, making satellite remote-sensing technology indispensable.
• By analyzing satellite data, changes in glacial lakes can be tracked over time, offering insights into their evolving dynamics.
• This data is vital for understanding their environmental impact and devising strategies to manage risks such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and adapt to climate change in glacier-influenced regions.

Mitigating Risks Associated with Glacial Lakes:

• Research suggests that reducing glacial lake levels by 10 to 30 meters can significantly alleviate downstream impacts, albeit not eliminate GLOF risks.
• One effective method involves siphoning off lake water using extended High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.
• In 2016, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority successfully employed this technique to lower water levels in South Lhonak Lake, showcasing its practicality and efficacy in risk reduction efforts.

Why is it in the News?

Adhering to green protocol, the Haritha Karma Sena workers have to ensure that the polling booths and surroundings are free of plastic and other waste materials in Kerala.

What is Haritha Karma Sena (HKS)?

• Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) is a professional team comprising Green Technicians and Green Supervisors, predominantly composed of Kudumbashree Women.
• Their duties include collecting, transporting, processing, recycling/disposing, and managing waste materials in collaboration with respective Local Self-Governments.
• Launched in 2013 by the Government of Kerala, it is part of the Haritha Keralam Mission.

What is the Haritha Keralam Mission?

• It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Kerala into a clean and green state.
• The mission strives to eliminate garbage, promote sustainable waste management practices, generate employment in the waste management sector, and raise environmental awareness.

What is the Success Story of the HKS?

• The 35,500 members of the HKS have tirelessly worked to change societal attitudes towards household waste management.
• Waste collection and segregation have become respected and remunerative occupations.
• The transition from centralized waste treatment to decentralized management reflects a community-driven approach to sustainability.
• Kudumbashree's empowerment of women and the government's emphasis on awareness and training are crucial for sustaining these efforts.

What More Needs to be Done?

• Future plans include improving segregation methods, promoting diversification, and expanding waste storage infrastructure.
• These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to waste management and economic development.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court rejected the plea for full verification of VVPAT slips against EVM counts and directed the ECI to seal the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) for 45 days post-election results announcement.

What is a Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) and How Does it Work?

• Symbol Loading Units (SLUs) were introduced around the same time as VVPATs, a little over a decade ago.
• VVPATs help voters verify their votes, they see a slip with a printed image of the party symbol they voted for.
• But for the VVPAT to print a symbol correctly, information pertaining to the list of candidates and their symbols must be loaded onto the VVPAT machine in the correct order.
• This is where the Symbol Loading Unit, or SLU, comes in.
• The introduction of VVPATs necessitated the use of SLUs.
• The SLU is used to load the symbols of the candidates onto the VVPAT.
• It is a matchbox-sized device that is first connected to a laptop or personal computer, from where a symbol-loading application is used to load a bitmap file containing the candidates’ names, serial numbers, and symbols.
• The SLU is then connected to the VVPAT to transfer that file onto the paper audit machine.
• This is done under the supervision of a district election officer.

At Which Point in the Election Process Are SLUs Used?

• The SLUs come into the picture only a few days before polling in a particular seat, when the EVMs are being commissioned and the list/ order of contesting candidates is decided and set on the ballot unit and the VVPAT.
• Candidate-setting can happen at any time from five to two days before voting at a seat.
• Once the SLU is used to load symbols onto the VVPAT, the EVM is ready for use.
• After this, the SLU is of no relevance to the actual voting process.

What Happens to an SLU After Symbols Are Loaded?

• Typically, a small number of SLUs are enough to load symbols onto all VVPATs for a seat.
• According to EC officials, it takes an SLU two to three minutes to load each VVPAT.
• Once the symbol-loading is complete, the SLUs are handed over to the concerned district election officer for safekeeping.
• They remain in the officer’s custody until the day after voting. Afterward, the SLUs are released to the engineers of the two EVM manufacturers, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) or Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), so they can be used to load symbols onto VVPATs for other seats in subsequent phases.
• Thus, in a multi-phase election like the ongoing one for the 18th Lok Sabha, an SLU is typically reused after one phase of polling to load symbols onto VVPATs meant for other seats in subsequent phases.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, an Indian Air Force MI 17 V5 helicopter, equipped with a Bambi Bucket, was deployed to combat the forest fires in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

What is a Bambi Bucket?

• Bambi Bucket is a specialised aerial firefighting tool that has been in use since the 1980s.
• It is essentially a lightweight collapsible container that releases water from underneath a helicopter to targeted areas.
• The water is released by using a pilot-controlled valve.
• One of its key features is that it can be quickly and easily filled.
• The bucket can be filled from various sources, including a lake, river, pond, and swimming pool, which allows firefighters to swiftly refill it and return to the target area.
• Bambi Bucket is available in a variety of sizes and models, with capacities ranging from 270 liters to more than 9,840 liters.

How was the Bambi Bucket Invented?

• The Bambi Bucket was invented by Don Arney, a Canadian business, in 1982.
• Arney came up with the idea after he realised that the aerial firefighting water buckets in use at the time were not efficient and had a high failure rate.
  • These water buckets were generally made of “solid fiberglass, plastic, or canvas with metal frames” and were “too rigid to fit inside the aircraft” and had to be “trucked to fire sites or flown in on the hook of a helicopter thereby slowing the aircraft down.
  • Another issue was that the water dropped from these containers used to get dispersed into a spray thereby reducing impact.
• Bambi Bucket does not have these limitations.
  • One, it can be stored within the helicopter until development.
  • Two, it discharges a solid column of water, “resulting in a more accurate and effective water dump, less evaporation on the descent, and greater impact force.
• It was an instant success and began to be widely used for firefighting.
• Today, Bambi Bucket is used in more than 115 countries around the world by more than 1,000 helicopter operators.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, Portugal commemorated its 50th anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution – the peaceful uprising that toppled a dictatorship and ended a decade of colonial war.

About the Carnation Revolution:

• The Carnation Revolution, also known as the 25th of April, was a pivotal event in Portugal's history that marked the transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic government.
  • On April 25, 1974, a group of military officers orchestrated a nearly bloodless military coup, overthrowing the Estado Novo dictatorship that had ruled Portugal for over four decades.
• The revolution aimed to accelerate decolonization, end ongoing wars through negotiations, and improve socio-economic conditions within Portugal.
  • This event not only transformed Portugal's political landscape but also had significant implications for the nation's African colonies.
• Several factors contributed to the success of the Carnation Revolution, including widespread discontent with the authoritarian regime, a costly and unpopular colonial war, and the growing desire for democracy and improved living conditions.
  • The coup leaders, known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), garnered support from various factions, including the Communist Party, socialists, and moderate democrats.
• The Carnation Revolution was named after a Lisbon flower seller who offered red carnations to soldiers, which were then placed in the barrels of their rifles.
  • This iconic gesture symbolized the peaceful nature of the coup and solidified the carnation as a symbol of Portugal's democratic movement.
• The 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution celebrated on April 25, 2024, signifies the enduring impact of this historic event on Portugal's political trajectory and its relationship with its former colonies.

Why is it in the News?

Scientists from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) recently conducted a study of the bathymetry, or ocean floor, in the Indian Ocean.

What is Bathymetry?

• Bathymetry is a technique dedicated to mapping the depths of water bodies, that is, it is the measurement and representation of the topography of the bottom of rivers, seas, and oceans.
• In addition to measuring depth, this study also includes identifying underwater relief and creating three-dimensional maps of the sea floor.
• The word “bathymetry” comes from the Greek "bathýs", meaning deep, and "metron", meaning measure.
• Bathymetry allows for obtaining information about the physical characteristics of the sea floor, such as seamounts, mountain ranges, valleys, abyssal plains, and underwater canyons.

How is Bathymetry Performed?

• To carry out bathymetry, specific equipment is used, such as multibeam sonar (MultiBeam Echosounder), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and high-precision positioning systems (via satellite with RTK correction).
• Multibeam sonar emits sound pulses toward the sea floor and measures the time it takes for the sound to return to the sensor after being reflected by submerged surfaces.
• Based on this sound return time and knowledge of the exact position of the vessel and its attitude (roll, pitch, yaw), it is possible to calculate the depth at a given point.
• The bathymetry service generates charts, blueprints, and digital models (2D and 3D) of the sea floor.
• LiDAR sensors, on the other hand, are used to detect data through beams of light above the waterline, mapping slopes, rockfills, and channel walls.
• The fusion of bathymetry data with Lidar data allows the three-dimensional construction of the environment in very high resolution.
• Allowing the client to plan or verify works and/or assets in the region of interest.

 About Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):

• Established in 1999, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Science, Govt of India.
• It is mandated to provide ocean information and advisory services to a broad spectrum of users through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focused research.
• The activities include data services, consultancy, and capacity development.
• HQ: Hyderabad
• INCOIS is a permanent member of the Indian delegation to the IOC of UNESCO and a founding member of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) and the Partnership for Observing the Oceans (POGO).

Why is it in the News?

The rising incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) across the globe has become a concern for doctors, while early diagnosis is lacking, diagnosis in itself is challenging considering that other conditions could mimic IBD.

What is IBD?

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurring and long-term (chronic) condition that affects the digestive tract.
• IBD causes inflammation of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.
• IBD is a progressive disease that can become worse over time and cause other damage if not properly diagnosed and treated.
• There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Crohn’s disease: leads to inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, however, it commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (the right colon).
    • Crohn’s disease can also affect the entire thickness or alternating areas of the bowel wall.
  • Ulcerative colitis: causes inflammation in the large intestine or colon.
    • This form of IBD inflames the innermost lining of the colon and creates tiny open sores (ulcers).

What causes IBD?

• The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
• The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• There also appears to be a genetic component.
  • Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.

Symptoms of IBD:

• Although Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are different conditions, IBD conditions have similar symptoms, such as:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treated?

• While there is no curative treatment for IBD, it is managed through medication, dietary changes, and occasionally surgery.
• The treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, mitigate complications, prevent future flare-ups, and potentially promote the healing of inflamed intestines.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) has adopted a new logo and motto.

About Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC):

• The Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC) is a national forum established in 1919, comprising creators, custodians, and users of records.
• Its primary purpose is to advise the Government of India on matters related to record management and their utilization for historical research.

Secretariat:

• The National Archives of India, New Delhi, serves as the Secretariat for the IHRC, formerly known as the Indian Historical Records Committee since 1911.

Leadership and Membership:

• Led by the Union Minister of Culture, the IHRC consists of 134 members, including government agencies, government-appointed nominees, representatives from State/UT Archives, universities, and learning institutions.
• Over the years, the IHRC has convened 62 sessions.

Committee Structure: The IHRC operates with two adjunct bodies:

• Editorial Committee: Responsible for reviewing and approving papers based on archival sources for presentation at committee sessions.
• Standing Committee: Tasked with reviewing the implementation of committee recommendations and providing input on meeting agendas.
  • The Secretary of the Ministry of Culture chairs the Standing Committee of IHRC.
• The Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) has adopted a new logo and motto recently.
• The logo signifies the theme and uniqueness of IHRC entirely.
  • The pages in the shape of lotus petals represent IHRC as the resilient nodal institution for maintaining historical records.
  • The Sarnath pillar in the middle represents India's glorious past.
  • Brown as the colour theme reinforces the organization's mission of preserving, studying, and honouring India's historical records.
• The motto translates as "Where history is preserved for the future."
  • The IHRC plays a vital role in identifying, collecting, cataloging, and maintaining historical documents, manuscripts other sources of historical information.
  • By doing so the Commission ensures that valuable historical knowledge is conserved for future generations.
• The motto, therefore, reflects the Commission's commitment to ensuring the safeguarding of historical documents and making these accessible for the benefit of present and future generations.

Why is it in the News?

On the heels of recent news reports on how keratin-based hair-straightening products containing glycolic acid derivatives led to severe kidney injury in women, researchers from Kerala have reported a series of cases wherein, the use of fairness creams has been linked to nephrotic syndrome.

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?

• Nephrotic syndrome causes scarring or damage to the filtering part of the kidneys (glomeruli).
• This causes too much protein to be lost from the blood into the urine.

People with nephrotic syndrome often have:

• • Low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
  • Very high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria)
  • Swelling (edema), especially around the eyes, feet, and hands
  • High cholesterol

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

• Nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli.
  • These are the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine.
  • The glomeruli keep protein in the body. When they are damaged, protein leaks into the urine.
  • Healthy kidneys allow less than 1 gram of protein to spill into the urine in a day.
  • In nephrotic syndrome, the glomeruli let 3 grams or more of protein leak into the urine during 24 hours.
• Nephrotic syndrome may happen with other health problems, such as kidney disease caused by diabetes and immune disorders.
• It can also develop after damage from viral infections.
• The cause of nephrotic syndrome is not always known.

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

• The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:
  • Swelling or edema, typically in the ankles, feet, or legs
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Foamy urine

Treatment:

• The treatment of nephrotic syndrome varies depending on its cause.
• However, it typically includes medications to treat the underlying cause, as well as changes in diet.
• Dietary changes that might help in treating nephrotic syndrome include Source:
  • limiting sodium
  • eating less protein
  • reducing the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol

Complications of nephrotic syndrome:

• Serious complications of nephrotic syndrome include kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• Dialysis may be needed if kidney failure develops which can happen in extreme cases.

Why is it in the News?

The United States has confirmed providing long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine to aid its war effort against Russia.

What is the ATACMS System?

• The Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) is one of the most potent missile systems built by US-based arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
• This is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon system.
• Its biggest strengths are the long-range of attack, the ability to fire cluster munitions, and the weapon system’s mobility.
• Range: There is a mid-range version of the ATACMS, called Block 1, and a long-range version, Block 1A.
  • ATACMS Block 1 has a range of 165 kilometres. Ukraine was provided these systems last year and used them to attack targets in October.
  • ATACMS Block 1A, on the other hand, has a maximum range of 300 km. However, this depends on the kind of munition the missile carries.
• With such a range, the long-range ATACMS Block 1A is capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
• Mobility: ATACMS missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platforms. Both of these launching systems are highly mobile automatic systems.

Why Ukraine can’t use ATACMS to Target Russian Territories?

• Despite territories deep inside Russia now being within the range of the ATACMS, Ukraine cannot use it to hit targets in these locations.
• Ukraine has committed to only use the weapons inside Ukraine, not in Russia.
• The US administration has made it clear that the weapons cannot be used to hit targets inside Russia.
• The Biden administration is concerned that if Ukraine strikes deep into Russian territory, it will anger Moscow and escalate the conflict.

Why is it in the News?

A few days after Meta unveiled its Llama 3 Large Language Model (LLM), Microsoft recently unveiled the latest version of its ‘lightweight’ AI model – the Phi-3-Mini.

What is Phi-3-Mini?

• Phi-3 refers to a series of language models developed by Microsoft, with Phi-3-mini being a notable addition.
• Phi-3-mini is a 3.8 billion parameter language model trained on 3.3 trillion tokens, designed to be as powerful as larger models while being small enough to be deployed on a phone.
• Despite its compact size, Phi-3-mini boasts impressive performance, rivaling that of larger models such as ChatGPT-3.5.
• Furthermore, Phi-3-mini can be quantized to 4 bits, occupying approximately 1.8GB of memory, making it suitable for deployment on mobile devices.
• The model’s training data, a scaled-up version of the one used for Phi-2, is composed of heavily filtered web data and synthetic data, contributing to its remarkable capabilities.

Advantages and Challenges of Phi-3-Mini:

• Phi-3-mini exhibits strengths in its compact size, impressive performance, and the ability to be deployed on mobile devices.
  • Its training with high-quality data and chat-finetuning contribute to its success. This allows it to rival larger models in language understanding and reasoning.
• However, the model is fundamentally limited by its size for certain tasks.
  • It cannot store extensive “factual knowledge,” leading to lower performance on tasks such as TriviaQA.
  • Nevertheless, efforts to resolve this weakness are underway, including augmentation with a search engine and exploring multilingual capabilities for Small Language Models.
• Safety: Phi-3-mini was developed with a strong emphasis on safety and responsible AI principles, in alignment with Microsoft’s guidelines.
  • The approach to ensuring safety involved various measures such as safety alignment in post-training, red-teaming, and automated testing.
  • It also involved evaluations across multiple categories of responsible AI (RAI) harm.

How is Phi-3-Mini Different From LLMs?

• Phi-3-mini is the Small Language Model (SLM). Simply, SLMs are more streamlined versions of large language models.
• When compared to Large Language Model (LLM), smaller AI models are also cost-effective to develop and operate, and they perform better on smaller devices like laptops and smartphones.
• SLMs are great for “resource-constrained environments including on-device and offline inference scenarios.
• Such models are good for scenarios where fast response times are critical, say for chatbots or virtual assistants.
• Moreover, they are ideal for cost-constrained use cases, particularly with simpler tasks.
• While LLMs are trained on massive general data, SLMs stand out with their specialisation.
• Through fine-tuning, SLMs can be customised for specific tasks and achieve accuracy and efficiency in doing them.
• Most SLMs undergo targeted training, demanding considerably less computing power and energy compared to LLMs.
• SLMs also differ when it comes to inference speed and latency.
• Their compact size allows for quicker processing and their cost makes them appealing to smaller organisations and research groups.

Why is it in the News?

New research has found a "missing piece of the puzzle" of West Antarctic Ice Sheet melt, revealing that the collapse of the ice sheet in the Ross Sea region can be prevented—if we keep to a low-emissions pathway.

About Ross Ice Shelf:

• The Ross Ice Shelf is a floating mass of land-ice, with a front between 15 and 50 meters high. ?
• It is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica.
• Situated in the Ross Sea, it extends off the coast into the ocean, covering an impressive 487,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of France.
• Despite its vast surface area, only 10% of the ice shelf is visible above the water, mostly concealed beneath hundreds of meters of ice.
• The thickness of the Ross Ice Shelf varies significantly, ranging from about 100 meters to several hundred meters at its thickest points near the areas where the shelf connects to the Antarctic continent.
• The formation of the Ross Ice Shelf is the result of snow accumulation and compaction over time, which ultimately transforms into ice.
• It is continuously fed by glaciers draining from both the East and West Antarctic Ice Sheets, creating a balance as new ice is added while existing ice is removed through melting at the base and calving at the front.
• This massive ice shelf plays a critical role in stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet.

About the Ross Sea:

• Location and Size: The Ross Sea is a vast, remote bay located just 320 km from the South Pole, positioned south and slightly east of New Zealand.
• It covers an area of approximately 370,000 square miles (960,000 square km), making it the largest polar marine ecosystem in the world.
• The sea's dynamics are significantly shaped by the coastal East-Wind Drift, which establishes a vast clockwise gyre, complemented by deepwater upwelling phenomena.
• Notably, it holds the distinction of being Antarctica's first protected area, serving as a habitat for a plethora of penguin species and numerous whale species.
• Depth: Despite its vast size, the Ross Sea is relatively shallow, with an average depth of approximately 530 meters.
• Historical Exploration: The sea is named after British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who first visited the area in 1841 during his expedition to Antarctica.
• The Ross Sea's importance to both the scientific community and global conservation efforts cannot be overstated, as it provides valuable insights into the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems.

Why is it in the News?

At the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference, Bhutan and the Tiger Conservation Coalition pledged to mobilize $1 billion for tiger conservation efforts.

About the Tiger Conservation Coalition:

• The Tiger Conservation Coalition is a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have worked for many years with partners to conserve tigers.
• It brings together leading tiger biologists and experts in wildlife crime, human-wildlife coexistence, policy, finance, development, and communications with unprecedented alignment on achieving tiger conservation at scale.
  • Its member organizations include the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Fauna & Flora, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Panthera, TRAFFIC, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• It is an independent group of organizations that combines and shares the vast knowledge, on-the-ground experience, and data of its members and partners to support Tiger Range Countries in developing and implementing effective approaches to tiger conservation.
• The Coalition was founded on strong relationships among eminent tiger experts already working together on major tiger assessments, including the latest assessment by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released in 2022, and the forthcoming Green Status Assessment, and coalesced around a common vision for tiger recovery.
• By engaging national and local civil society organizations from the region, and continuing to support the Global Tiger Initiative Council and the Global Tiger Forum, the coalition aims to further strengthen partnerships and impactful outcomes for tigers.
• In January 2022, the Tiger Conservation Coalition released its vision for tiger recovery through 2034, the next Year of the Tiger.
  • “Securing a Viable Future for the Tiger” presents a set of measurable goals and high-level strategic approaches to achieve the long-term presence of viable and ecologically functional populations of wild tigers.
• Its suggested actions, grounded in the latest science and results, would lead to increasing numbers of tigers secure in current and expanded protected habitats, with distribution and connectivity across their indigenous range.
• Tiger Conservation Coalition members co-developed Tiger Conservation Landscapes 3.0, an integrated habitat modeling system to measure and monitor changes in tiger habitat at range-wide, national, biome, and landscape scales in near real-time.
• This work serves as a model for objective, range-wide, habitat monitoring as countries work to achieve the goals laid out in the 30x30 agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Why is it in the News?

Nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023, with extreme weather being the second most significant factor driving food crisis, revealed the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) released April 24, 2024.

About Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024:

• The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024, released annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN), provides a comprehensive analysis of global food crises and their causes.
• Launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises, a multistakeholder initiative involving United Nations agencies, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, and various non-governmental agencies, the report highlights the alarming state of food insecurity worldwide.

Key findings from the GRFC 2024 include:

• Analysis of 1.3 billion people in 59 countries in 2023, with nearly 282 million facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
• Identification of 2023 as the fifth consecutive year of rising numbers of people suffering acute food insecurity, defined as life or livelihood-threatening food deprivation.
• Conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks have been identified as the primary drivers behind worsening food crises globally.
• Conflict hotspots like Palestine's Gaza Strip and Sudan experienced a significant escalation in food crises during 2023, with conflict and insecurity becoming the main drivers in 20 countries, directly affecting 135 million people.
• The Gaza Strip emerged as the area with the most severe food crisis over the past eight years of GRFC reporting, while Sudan is facing one of the worst food crises globally, with nearly one-third of its population in need of emergency food assistance.
• Weather extremes were the main driver in 18 countries, causing over 72 million people to face high levels of acute food insecurity.
• The 10 countries experiencing the largest food crises in 2023 included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
• On a positive note, the food crisis improved in 17 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.
• The GRFC 2024 report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to address the root causes of food crises and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.
• By understanding and responding to these challenges, we can work towards a more food-secure future for all.

Why is it in the News?

Countries must build “resilient infrastructure” against natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.

About the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):

• The Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a global partnership comprising national governments, UN agencies and programs, multilateral development banks, private sector entities, and academic institutions.
• Established during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019 in New York, CDRI is dedicated to addressing the challenges associated with building resilience in infrastructure systems and development processes.

Objectives:

• CDRI aims to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby promoting sustainable development.
• It seeks to expedite the development and retrofitting of resilient infrastructure to meet the imperatives of the Sustainable Development Goals, including universal access to basic services and fostering prosperity and decent work.
• Serving as an inclusive multi-stakeholder platform, CDRI is led and managed by national governments. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge on various aspects of infrastructure resilience.
• CDRI brings together diverse stakeholders to create mechanisms assisting countries in upgrading their capacities, systems, standards, regulations, and practices related to infrastructure development, tailored to their risk contexts and economic needs.

Membership:

• Since its inception, 39 countries, 7 international organizations, and 2 private sector organizations joined as members.
• International organizations include:
  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • World Bank Group
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
  • European Union
  • European Investment Bank, and
  • The Private Sector Alliance for Disaster-Resilient Societies (ARISE)
• The CDRI is the second major coalition launched by India outside of the UN, the first being the International Solar Alliance.

Secretariat:

• CDRI's secretariat is based in New Delhi, India.

Why is it in the News?

The golden trevally, a popular marine fish on Tamil Nadu’s coastline, has been successfully bred in captivity by scientists at ICAR-CMFRI’s Visakhapatnam station.

What is Golden trevally Fish?

• The Golden Trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), also known as the Golden Kingfish or Banded Trevally, is a popular and fascinating marine fish species found in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific regions.
• It typically inhabits deep lagoons and seaward reefs, often in association with larger fish species.
• This fish is highly sought-after for both consumption and ornamental purposes due to its faster growth rates, good meat quality, and attractive appearance.
• According to fish landing observations in India, golden trevally are primarily landed at reef area fishing grounds in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

About the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI):

• CMFRI was established in 1947 under India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• It joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967.

The institute's primary objectives include:

• Monitoring exploited marine fisheries resources and assessing under-exploited resources within India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Understanding fluctuations in marine fisheries resources in response to environmental changes.
• Developing sustainable mariculture technologies for finfish, shellfish, and other organisms to supplement capture fishery production.
• The CMFRI's notable achievements include developing the "Stratified Multistage Random Sampling Method" for estimating fishery catch and effort along India's 8,000 km coastline.
• Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, the institute continues to contribute significantly to the growth and development of India's marine fisheries sector.

Why is it in the News?

As Asia is warming faster than the global average, it is witnessing more extreme weather, climate, and water-related events than any other region across the world.

Highlights of the State of the Climate in Asia 2023 Report:

• The 2023 State of the Climate in Asia Report, spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization, sheds light on significant climate trends and events across the continent:
• In 2023, Asia witnessed 79 extreme climate events, affecting over nine million individuals, making it the most disaster-affected region.
• Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide soared to unprecedented levels in 2022.
• Oceans have absorbed approximately a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted annually into the atmosphere since 1960, resulting in record-high ocean heat content in 2023.
• Tropical cyclone activity over the North Indian Ocean surpassed the average.
• 2023 marked Asia's second-highest mean temperature on record, with Japan and Kazakhstan experiencing record warmth.
• Glacial retreat accelerated in 2023, particularly in the East Himalayas and Central Asia's Tian Shan mountains, due to elevated temperatures and arid conditions.

About the World Meteorological Organisation:

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a membership of 193 member states and territories.
• It is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources.
• WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, the roots of which were planted at the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
• Established by the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23 March 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences a year later.
• The Secretariat, headquartered in Geneva, is headed by the Secretary-General.
• Its supreme body is the World Meteorological Congress.

Why is it in the News?

Sudhir Kakar, a pioneering Indian psychoanalyst, author, and cultural critic, passed away on Monday at the age of 85.

What is Psychoanalysis?

• Psychoanalysis is a set of psychological theories and therapeutic methods that focus on the unconscious mind, as well as the role of repressed emotions and desires in shaping behavior and mental health.
• Developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, psychoanalysis is based on the idea that many of our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by unconscious motives and conflicts, often rooted in childhood experiences.
• Psychoanalysis has three core components:
  • A method of investigation of the mind and the way one thinks.
  • A systematized set of theories about human behavior.
  • A method of treatment for psychological and emotional issues.
• Key concepts in psychoanalysis include the id, ego, and superego (the structural model of the psyche), the Oedipus complex, defense mechanisms (such as repression, denial, and projection), and dream interpretation.
• During psychoanalysis therapy, a patient works closely with a therapist to explore and understand unconscious thoughts and feelings, often by discussing dreams, memories, and other experiences.
• The goal is to bring repressed emotions to the surface and address any underlying conflicts in order to alleviate mental distress and improve overall well-being.
• While psychoanalysis has had a significant influence on psychology and mental health treatment, it remains a controversial approach due to its lack of scientific rigor and emphasis on subjective interpretation.
• Nevertheless, many of its concepts have been adapted or integrated into other forms of therapy, and psychoanalysis remains an important part of the history and development of psychology.

Significance:

• It has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology and mental health treatment, as well as culture, literature, and the arts. Its significance can be understood through the following points:
• Foundational Role: Psychoanalysis provided a groundbreaking approach to understanding the human mind and behavior, shifting the focus from conscious experiences to unconscious mental processes.
• Influence on Psychology: Many concepts introduced by psychoanalysis, such as the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and the influence of early childhood experiences, have been adopted and adapted by various schools of psychology, including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches.
• Therapeutic Approach: Psychoanalysis revolutionized the way mental health issues were treated, moving away from a purely medical model and emphasizing the importance of talking therapy in addressing psychological problems.
• Cultural Impact: The ideas of psychoanalysis have permeated culture, literature, and the arts, influencing our understanding of human motivations, relationships, and emotions. Concepts like Freudian slips, dream interpretation, and the Oedipus complex have become part of everyday language.
• Interdisciplinary Applications: The principles of psychoanalysis have been applied in fields beyond psychology, including sociology, anthropology, literature, and film studies.
• Despite criticisms and revisions, psychoanalysis remains a significant and influential theory that has shaped our understanding of the human mind and behavior.
• It continues to contribute to the development of psychological theories and therapeutic approaches, enriching our comprehension of mental health and human nature.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Air Force achieved a milestone by successfully test-firing an air-launched ballistic missile, ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers away.

About Crystal Maze-2 Missile:

• Crystal Maze 2 missile also known as ROCKS is an advanced air-launched missile developed by Israel, designed for precision strikes on high-value targets.
• This missile is capable of engaging heavily fortified positions from long distances, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
• It is renowned for its accuracy and reliability in combat scenarios, making it a preferred choice for missions requiring surgical precision.
• The missile’s integration into various platforms enhances its operational flexibility and effectiveness in diverse combat environments.

Features:

• Crystal 2 operates effectively in GPS-denied areas and can breach regions secured by air defense systems.
• This system allows for the choice between penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, making it suitable for targeting both surface and heavily fortified underground facilities.
• With a striking distance of over 250 kilometers, it offers versatility with options for either penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, ensuring the destruction of above-ground or well-protected underground targets.
• India is currently developing the Crystal Maze 2 missile.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully conducted tests on this missile and aims to procure it in large numbers under the Make in India initiative.
• This move highlights India’s dedication to achieving self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

Why is it in the News?

The Kitum cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, is known as the world's deadliest cave which may have some really dangerous viruses inside, like Ebola and Marburg.

What is Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)?

• Marburg virus disease (MVD), formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
• It affects both people and non-human primates.
• Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus).
• Though caused by different viruses, the two diseases are clinically similar.
  • Both diseases are rare and can cause outbreaks with high fatality rates.
  • The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%.
• Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural hosts of the Marburg virus.

Transmission:

• Human infection with MVD typically occurs after prolonged exposure to Rousettus bats inhabiting mines or caves.
• The virus can then spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated materials, or broken skin and mucous membranes.

Symptoms:

• After an incubation period of 2-21 days, symptoms arise abruptly, including fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain.
• A maculopapular rash may appear around day five, most visible on the chest, back, and stomach.
• Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, can manifest, with severity increasing to potentially include jaundice, organ dysfunction, severe weight loss, delirium, and massive hemorrhaging.
• The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%, varying between 24% and 88% in past outbreaks.

Treatment:

• There is currently no specific treatment for MVD, but early supportive care involving rehydration and symptom management improves survival rates.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs):

• Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHFs) is a group of diseases caused by several distinct families of viruses that affect multiple organ systems in the body.
• These illnesses range from mild to severe and life-threatening, with many having no known cure or vaccine.
• VHFs negatively impact the cardiovascular system and reduce overall bodily function.

Why is it in the News?

Google's employees staged protests against the company's collaboration with the Israeli government on "Project Nimbus", a $1.2 billion cloud computing initiative.

What is Project Nimbus?

• Google’s Project Nimbus is a $1.2 billion cloud computing initiative with the Israeli government.
• The project aims to provide public cloud services to address challenges within various sectors in Israel, including healthcare, transportation, and education in Israel.
  • However, the project has sparked controversy leading to protests and layoffs within the company.
• Project Nimbus involves Google establishing a secure instance of Google Cloud on Israeli soil.
  • This would allow the Israeli government to perform large-scale data analysis, AI training, database hosting, and other forms of powerful computing using Google’s technology.
  • The project is a joint contract between Google and Amazon signed in 2021.
• As part of the agreement, Google Cloud will work with the public sector on the formulation of best practices for cloud migration, integration, and optimization of cloud services.
• According to the official announcement in the year 2021, Google Cloud will also provide training to the country’s technical government employees and senior leaders to enhance digital skills.

What is the Controversy Surrounding Project Nimbus?

• Despite the potential benefits, Project Nimbus has sparked controversy due to concerns about the potential misuse of AI and other technologies.
• Employees fear that the technology developed under Project Nimbus could be used in harmful ways.
• There have been reports suggesting that Israel is using AI to eliminate its targets.
  • Israeli outlets +972 Magazine and Local Call claimed that two AI systems, "Lavender" and "Where's Daddy?" were used to identify 37,000 Hamas operatives.
  • However, there's no official confirmation regarding any connection between Project Nimbus and these AI systems. 
• The use of AI also causes concern as it is still a relatively new technology on the battlefield and is yet to be regulated by governments across the globe.

Google Response to the Accusations Regarding Project Nimbus?

• Google clarified that the project is intended for use by Israeli government ministries in areas such as finance, healthcare, transportation, and education, emphasizing that it is not aimed at handling highly sensitive or classified military operations related to weaponry or intelligence services.

Why is it in the News?

The US government may soon sanction a battalion of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) over alleged human rights violations, marking the first such move in the history of the two countries’ relations.

What is the Netzah Yehuda Battalion?

• The Netzah Yehuda battalion was set up in 1999 to accommodate the religious beliefs of ultra-Orthodox Jews and other religious nationalist recruits in the army.
• It was established to facilitate military service for these communities, accommodating their religious observances by scheduling prayer and study times, and restricting their interactions with female soldiers.
• The battalion is historically stationed in the occupied West Bank region and faces intense scrutiny for allegedly committing human rights violations against Palestinians.
• Netzah Yehuda came on the radar of United States agencies after the death of an elderly Palestinian-American man, who was detained by the battalion.

What is the Unit Accused Of?

• The United States called for a criminal investigation after Netzah Yehuda soldiers were accused of being involved in the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American, Omar Assad, who died of a heart attack in 2022 after he was detained and was later found abandoned at a building site.
• A Palestinian autopsy found Assad died from a stress-induced heart attack brought on by being manhandled.
• The case attracted unusual attention because of his dual nationality, his age, and a demand by the U.S. State Department for an investigation into his death.
• There have been several other incidents in recent years, some captured on video, in which Netzah Yehuda soldiers were accused of, or charged with, abusing Palestinian detainees.
• The battalion primarily operated in the West Bank before it was moved out of the territory in late 2022 after U.S. criticism.
• The unit has recently been serving in Gaza.

Why is it in the News?

In the current general elections, political parties are selecting 'star campaigners' to lead their campaigns.

What are Star Campaigners in Election?

• Star campaigners are popular individuals with significant fan followings and are chosen by political parties to contest or campaign during elections.

Legal Provisions:

• The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) governs the expenditure incurred by 'leaders of a political party,' commonly referred to as star campaigners.
  • A recognized political party (National or State) can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners.
  • A registered unrecognized political party can appoint up to 20.
• The names of star campaigners must be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) within seven days from the date of election notification.
• For multi-phase elections, political parties can submit separate lists of star campaigners for different phases.

Expenses and Apportionment:

• If a star campaigner seeks votes for contesting candidates or shares the dais with them, rally/meeting expenses are apportioned to the election expenditure of those candidates.
• Boarding/lodging expenses incurred by the star campaigner while campaigning for candidates are included in the expenditure accounts of those candidates.
• If candidates travel with the star campaigner, 50% of the star campaigner's travel expenditure is apportioned to those candidates.

Special Cases:

• When a Prime Minister or former Prime Minister serves as a star campaigner, the government bears the expenditure on security, including bullet-proof vehicles.
• However, if the Prime Minister is accompanied by another star campaigner, the candidate must bear 50% of the expenditure on security arrangements.

Why is it in the News?

A recent study has warned that the warming planet may alter the characteristics of tundra environments and could transform them from carbon sinks to carbon sources.

About Tundra Ecosystem:

• The Tundra ecosystem is one of the unique ecosystems of the planet.
• The adverse climatic conditions of tundra regions like dry winds, meager precipitation, and extreme cold make it a unique and desert-like ecosystem with treeless fields.
• These harsh climatic conditions of the tundra region make the survival of plant and animal species quite severe.

Key Characteristics of Tundra Regions:

• Low Temperatures: Tundra areas experience frigid temperatures, ranging from -34 to -6 degrees Celsius (-30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Short Growing Seasons: The tundra's summer growth period lasts merely 50 to 60 days, with sunlight persisting up to 24 hours a day.
• Permafrost: Below the surface lies a layer of permanently frozen soil, varying from a few inches to several feet thick.
• Minimal Precipitation: Despite being likened to deserts in terms of moisture, tundra regions receive low precipitation levels, primarily in the form of snow.
• Limited Biodiversity: Harsh conditions in the tundra support fewer plant and animal species compared to other biomes.
• Carbon Sink: Tundras serve as significant carbon storage areas due to the slow decomposition rates in their cold environments.

Types of Tundra:

• Arctic Tundra: Found north of the taiga belt in the far Northern Hemisphere, encompassing regions between the North Pole and the boreal forest, including parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
• Alpine Tundra: Prevails above the tree line in mountain ranges worldwide, such as the Rockies, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps.
• Antarctic Tundra: Encompasses several sub-Antarctic islands and portions of the Antarctic continent.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: Common plant species in tundra regions include mosses, lichens, sedges, cotton grass, and birches.
• Fauna: Wildlife in tundra ecosystems includes Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears, and other cold-adapted species.

Why is it in the News?

The Tamil Nadu government filed its objections in the Supreme Court recently, about the Survey of India (SOI) report on the construction of the mega car parking project near the Mullaiperiyar dam, and sought rejection of the report.

What is the Survey of India (SoI)?

• The Survey of India (SoI) serves as the National Survey and Mapping Organization of India, operating under the Department of Science and Technology.
• Established in 1767, it holds the distinction of being the oldest scientific department within the Government of India.
• Tasked with the critical role of being the country's primary mapping agency, SoI bears the responsibility of thoroughly exploring and mapping India's terrain to furnish foundational maps for comprehensive and efficient development initiatives.
• Originally comprising only five directorates in 1950, primarily focused on catering to the mapping requirements of the Defense Forces in the Northwest and Northeast regions, the department has since expanded to encompass 18 directorates spread across the nation, ensuring comprehensive map coverage essential for national development.
• SoI's expertise is widely utilized by various ministries and government undertakings for diverse purposes, including delineating international borders, and state boundaries, and facilitating the planned development of previously underserved areas.
• Moreover, SoI actively contributes to numerous national scientific endeavors in fields such as geophysics, remote sensing, and digital data transmission.
• Functioning as a key advisor to the Government of India on all survey-related matters, including geodesy, photogrammetry, mapping, and map reproduction, SoI fulfills a multitude of duties and responsibilities, which include:
  • Conducting all geodetic control, geodetic, and geophysical surveys.
  • Undertaking topographical control, surveys, and mapping within India.
  • Producing geographical maps and aeronautical charts.
  • Conducting surveys for developmental projects.
  • Mapping forests, cantonments, large-scale city surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys, etc.
  • Engaging in surveys and mapping for specialized purposes.
  • Demarcating India's external boundaries, depicting them on published maps, and advising on inter-state boundary demarcation.
  • Conducting research and development in cartography, printing, geodesy, photogrammetry, topographical surveys, and indigenization.
  • Predicting tides at 44 ports, including 14 foreign ports, and publishing tide tables one year in advance to support navigational activities.
  • Reviewing and certifying India's external boundaries and coastline on maps published by other entities, including private publishers.
• Headquartered: Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

Why is it in the News?

A group of students was provided a first-hand experience of the Zero Shadow Day (ZSD) phenomenon at an event organized by the Pondicherry Science Forum (PSF).

What is Zero Shadow Day?

• Zero Shadow Day occurs twice every year in locations between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where the Sun is positioned directly overhead at noon.
• The shadow typically appears elongated on the ground while being observed under normal circumstances.
• However, when the shadow perfectly aligns under the object, during a short period of time, it remains absent on the ground.
• This happens when the sun reaches the zenith, its highest point of revolution.
• The dates of the occurrence may vary depending on the specific location and its latitude.

Why does Zero Shadow Day occur? 

• Zero Shadow Day is caused due to Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees and its orbit around the Sun.
• The Sun is never overhead causing it to maintain a slightly lower altitude either north or south.
• The tilting position is also responsible for different seasons on Earth.
• As the Earth orbits the sun, the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface changes, causing shadows to be cast in different directions.
• In regions falling between the Tropic of Cancer (about 23.5 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees south of the equator), there are instances when the Sun is exactly overhead.
• Since the sun's rays come down almost vertically, there is no or little shadow on vertical objects.

Why is it in the News?

Each organ transplant case will receive a distinctive National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) ID assigned to both the donor and the recipient.

Highlights of the News:

• The Union Health Ministry has mandated the cessation of commercial organ transactions, particularly those involving foreign nationals, and emphasized the need for stringent oversight by local authorities.
• For deceased donor transplants, a NOTTO-ID is required for organ allocation, while in living donor transplants, the ID must be generated within 48 hours post-surgery through the NOTTO website by the hospital.

What is the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)?

• NOTTO is a national organization established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

It serves as the central coordinating hub for:

• Organ and tissue procurement and distribution.
• Maintaining a registry of organ and tissue donation and transplantation activities across the country.

NOTTO comprises two divisions:

• National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network:
  • Acts as the primary center for nationwide coordination of organ and tissue procurement, distribution, and registry.
  • Established in accordance with the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
• National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank):
  • This center focuses on filling the gap between demand and supply while ensuring quality assurance in tissue availability.
  • The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011 has expanded NOTTO's scope to include tissue donation and registration of tissue banks.

Activities performed by NOTTO include:

• • Coordinating tissue procurement and distribution
  • Donor tissue screening
  • Tissue removal and storage
  • Tissue preservation
  • Laboratory screening of tissues
  • Tissue tracking
  • Sterilization
  • Record maintenance
  • Data protection and confidentiality
  • Quality management in tissues
  • Patient information on tissues
  • Developing guidelines, protocols, and standard operating procedures
  • Training and assistance in registering other tissue banks

Why is it in the News?

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has joined the Blockchain for Impact (BFI) Biome Virtual Network Program to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions through biomedical innovation.

About BFI Biome Virtual Network Program:

• The BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program is a pioneering initiative uniting incubators and research institutes under a single umbrella.
• This fosters collaborations among the stakeholders in the translational pipeline, the process of transforming research discoveries into real-world applications.
• Through this program, BFI will allocate over 200,000 USD over the course of three years, leveraging C-CAMP’s expertise to develop essential programs for healthcare-based startups.
• C-CAMP being an organization to foster deep science research and innovation for societal impact, the goals and mandates of both partners naturally align and complement each other.
• The partnership is expected to blur disciplinary boundaries in approaching biotech R&D, promote cross-integration of expertise and infrastructure, and provide multidisciplinary insights into need identification, problem-solving, and solution implementation.

What is C-CAMP?

• Centre for Cellular And Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is an initiative of the Dept of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, with a mandate to be an enabler of cutting edge Life Science Research and Innovation.
• C-CAMP is also a member of the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC).
• It facilitates Bioscience Research and Entrepreneurship by providing Research, Development, Training, and Services in state-of-the-art Technology Platforms.
• As a part of C-CAMP's mandate of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, C-CAMP has created and fostered an entrepreneur-friendly culture in and around the Academic/Research environment through its involvement in Seed Funding Schemes for Startups, Entrepreneur Mentorship program, and Bio-Incubation facility.
• It has established State-Of-The-Art Platform Technologies which are essential requirements for success and leadership in the field of Life Sciences.
• C-CAMP allows Investigators to use Techniques as tools and not be limited by Technological barriers while pursuing challenging scientific questions.

Why is it in the News?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the latest global financial stability.

About Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR):

• The Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) is a semiannual report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • It is released twice per year, in April and October.
• The GFSR provides an assessment of the global financial system and markets and addresses emerging market financing in a global context.
• It focuses on current market conditions, highlighting systemic issues that could pose a risk to financial stability and sustained market access by emerging market borrowers.

Key Points from the Report:

• The report highlights significant risks facing the global financial system, including persistent high inflation, increased lending in unregulated credit markets, and a rise in cyber-attacks targeting financial institutions.
• It underscores geopolitical tensions, such as conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, as potential factors disrupting aggregate supply and driving up prices, possibly constraining central banks from lowering interest rates.
• India emerged as the second-largest recipient of foreign capital in 2023, following the United States, though this trend could shift rapidly if Western central banks signal prolonged high-interest rates.
• Of concern is the expansion of the unregulated private credit market, where non-bank financial institutions extend credit to corporate borrowers, posing potential threats to the broader financial system.
• Many borrowers in this market lack financial stability, with numerous entities unable to cover interest costs with current earnings, highlighting underlying risks.

Why is it in the News?

On World Earth Day 2024, a global network promoting local food and traditional cooking has called for practical measures to cut down on plastic use in the food chain and to safeguard the environment.

About World Earth Day:

• World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is a globally recognized event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the sustainability of our planet.
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 in the United States and on either April 22 or the day the spring equinox occurs throughout the rest of the world.
• Theme: The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs Plastics”.
  • The theme aims to bring attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms nature.

Earth Day History:

• The origin of Earth Day can be traced back to 1970.
• The idea behind the event originated from Gaylord Nelson, a US senator, and Denis Hayes, a Harvard student.
  • They were both deeply disturbed by the deteriorating environment in the United States and the massive January 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
• Deeply disturbed by the environmental impacts, Gaylord Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student protests into an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution.
  • He recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to manage the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea of environment conservation to a broader public.
• They choose April 22, a weekday between Spring Break and Final Exams, to increase student participation.
• Its immediate success was evident with a massive turnout of 20 million people across the US.
• By 1990, Earth Day became a global event transcending national borders.

Earth Day Significance:

• Earth Day symbolizes the need to protect our mother nature.
• The day encourages every individual to think about environmental conservation and act accordingly.
• It speaks about the need to reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources, and protect wildlife and natural habitats.
• The day also serves as a platform to advocate for policy changes that can have a positive impact on the environment.

Why is it in the News?

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall on Indian spice brand Everest’s fish curry masala after detecting an ‘excessive’ amount of ethylene oxide–a pesticide–in it.

What is Ethylene Oxide?

• Ethylene oxide is a colorless and flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor and It dissolves easily in water.
• It is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties.
• Its primary applications include the production of other chemicals, such as ethylene glycol for antifreeze and polyester, as well as the sterilization of medical equipment.
• It also has minor applications in agriculture.
  • In this sector, it's used as a fumigant to control insect pests in stored agricultural goods, such as food commodities, to protect them from infestation.
  • This usage makes up less than 1% of its applications, and it is combined with other gases to minimize potential toxicity to humans and the environment.
• While ethylene oxide plays a significant role in many industrial processes, it also poses health risks to those exposed to it.
• Potential health effects range from mild symptoms like headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues, to more severe problems such as cancer and reproductive harm.
• To minimize exposure risks, industries and facilities that use ethylene oxide are subject to environmental regulations and required to implement safety measures.
  • These measures include emission-reducing and monitoring devices, on-site testing, site-specific operating parameters, and regular reporting and record-keeping.
• Despite these precautions, workers in factories that produce or use ethylene oxide, as well as people living near these facilities, may still face potential health risks.

How Do Pesticides Harm Our Bodies if Present in Food?

• Pesticides, designed to ward off unwanted organisms in agriculture, can pose extensive risks to human health if they find their way into our food chain.
• Even a brief exposure to some of them can cause acute poisoning and symptoms, including diarrhea, dehydration, and skin irritation.
• Some insecticides like Resmethrin, Cypermethrin, and Fenvalerate have been connected to chronic health issues, which include reproductive complications, immune system disruption, pores, and skin infection, and interference with the endocrine system.
• Even low-level exposure over the years can cause critical health implications.

How Long-term Issues Can be Combated?

• Some steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with pesticides and ethylene oxide exposure.
  • It’s critical to prevent the runoff of insecticides into storm drains, which can contaminate water sources.
  • While using insecticides, it’s essential to consider the characteristics of the application site to minimize unintended exposure.
  • Attention to the geological factors and groundwater depth can prevent pesticide seepage into water reservoirs.
• By implementing these measures and maintaining strict regulations, we can minimize the health risks posed by these chemical substances.

Why is it in the News?

An international team of scientists last week announced they discovered 160 species when exploring 10 seamounts and two islands on the 2,900-kilometre-long ocean ridge Salas y Gómez.

What is ‘Salas y Gomez’?

• Salas y Gómez is a remarkable underwater mountain chain in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean.
• This 2,900-kilometer-long range stretches in a west-east orientation, connecting the East Pacific Rise and the Nazca Ridge.
• The western end of the chain lies within Chile's Exclusive Economic Zone near the Easter Islands, while the eastern part extends into areas beyond national jurisdiction and touches upon the national waters of Chile and Peru.
• The region is characterized by unique ecosystems isolated by the Atacama Trench, the Humboldt Current System, and an extreme oxygen minimum zone.
• Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are known for their extraordinary biodiversity, hosting some of the highest levels of marine endemism on Earth.
• Given the ecological significance of this underwater mountain range, there is a growing interest in designating Salas y Gómez and its surrounding areas as high-seas marine protected areas upon the ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty.
• This initiative aims to safeguard the region's unique ecosystems and contribute to global marine conservation efforts.

About the United Nations High Seas Treaty:

• The United Nations High Seas Treaty is a legal framework, or a set of legal tools, designed to protect the oceans that are beyond any country’s territory.
  • The high seas are defined as the waters that are 200 nautical miles from any national jurisdiction; they are international open waters that all countries can use for marine business such as shipping, fishing, and marine research.
• The treaty’s formal name is the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, or BBNJ Treaty for short.

Key Facts About the High Seas Treaty:

• The treaty was to be negotiated under the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.
• It took 19 years to reach an agreement on it.
• Before now, laws to protect ocean waters and biodiversity beyond countries’ territorial boundaries only protected 1.2% of the high seas.

Why is it in the News?

The World Crafts Council International (WCCI), a Kuwait-based organization working on the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across the globe, has picked Srinagar for mapping its craft clusters before its final nomination as the World Craft City (WCC) from India this year. 

About World Crafts Council:

• World Crafts Council AISBL is an international non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts.
• It was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York on June 12, 1964.
• Since its inception, the World Crafts Council AISBL has been affiliated with  UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.
• Its mission is to empower artisans, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to sustainable development by supporting the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship and preserving languishing crafts from extinction.
• Headquarters: The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in Kuwait.

Objectives:

• The main objective of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
• The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.
• It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research studies, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
• The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the craftspeople's work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and traditions of its members.
• In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.?

India has only 3 cities designated as World Craft City:

• Mysuru (Kinnal paintings, Sandalwood carvings, Rosewood Inlay, etc.)
• Mamallapuram (Stone Carving continuing since the Pallava dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE)
• Jaipur (Kundan Jadai (Gem setting), Meenakari Jewellery, Lac-based craft, Gotta Patti Work, etc.)

About the World Craft City Programme:

• The World Craft City Programme, initiated in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), recognizes the significance of local authorities, artisans, and communities in global cultural, economic, and social advancement.
• By establishing a vibrant network of craft cities worldwide, it embraces the ideals of the creative economy and acknowledges the valuable contributions of local entities to comprehensive development.
• Notably, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), and Mysore have already been designated as craft cities under this initiative in India.

Why is it in the News?

For the first time ever, the Central government has released a curriculum advisable to be taught to children aged three to six years old, thus giving an impetus to pre-school learning in 14 lakh anganwadis across the country.

About National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024:

• The National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024 introduces Aadharshila, a comprehensive 48-week curriculum tailored for children aged three to six years attending anganwadis.
• Developed through collaboration among the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of School Education and Literacy, the Ministry of Education, the NCERT, the Institute of Home Economics at Delhi University, and civil society organizations, Aadharshila serves as a foundational learning framework.

??Key Features:

• The curriculum introduces a weekly play calendar, initiating with four weeks of academic activities facilitating the transition from home to Anganwadi centers through engaging play.
• Over the subsequent 36 weeks, children engage in diverse activities such as storytelling, rhymes, arts, and crafts, fostering exploration, free play, conversation, creation, and appreciation.
• Storytelling themes promote values like conflict resolution, responsibility, and cooperation.
• Children delve into topics including colors, shapes, numbers, senses, family, and friends, enhancing skills in listening, following instructions, counting, and recognizing sounds, alongside exploring themes like seasons and festivals.
• The final eight weeks focus on reinforcing previous learnings through worksheets and performance observation.
• Activities and timetables are age-specific, with detailed material requirements, variations, teacher notes, curricular goals, and competency assessments.
• The curriculum spans three years, targeting at least 48 weeks of learning, fostering skills crucial for Grade 1 transition such as listening, vocabulary, imagination, and social development.
• Special provisions ensure screening, inclusion, and referrals for children with disabilities in all activities.
• The national framework lays the foundation for states to develop culturally relevant curricula, addressing future schooling challenges effectively.

Why is it in the News?

Fossils recovered from Kutch in Gujarat may have belonged to the spine of one of the largest snakes to have ever lived, according to new research from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

Highlights of the Vasuki Indicus Discovery:

• A nearly 50-foot-long snake species, one of the longest and largest in recorded history,  once existed in the Indian subcontinent.
• The reptile, Vasuki indicus, lived in India nearly 47 million years ago, fossil remains found from Gujarat’s Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch suggest.
• This giant snake, named Vasuki indicus, is estimated to have reached 15 meters in length, exceeding even a T-Rex.
• Scientists found 27 vertebrae, some even in their original position within the spine. They believe Vasuki resembled a large python and lacked venom.
• The species was given the specific name of Vasuki indicus in acknowledgment of the country of its origin, India.
  • Vasuki is revered as the king of the snakes in Hindu mythology and is worshiped on special days like Nag Panchami.

About Vasuki Indicus:

• Vasuki indicus belongs to the Madtsoiidae family, and thrived during a “warm geological interval".
  • Researchers suggest that the warm tropical temperatures of Gondwanaland, averaging around 28°C, may have contributed to the substantial size and growth of this giant reptile.
  • There is a recognized correlation suggesting that higher ambient temperatures can enable larger growth in animals.
• Madtsoiids were also found in Europe and Africa, besides Asia.
• Vasuki indicus represents a large lineage of Madtsoiidae that originated in the Indian subcontinent and then spread to southern Eurasia, before reaching North Africa around 50 million years ago, that’s nearly 15 million years after the dinosaurs went extinct.
• Madtsoiidae, an extinct lineage of terrestrial snakes, thrived on the Indian subcontinent over a span of approximately 100 million years, from the Late Cretaceous to the Late Pleistocene, dating from roughly 98 million to 11,000 years ago.
• During the Late Cretaceous period, the supercontinent Pangea had fragmented into two major landmasses:
  • Laurasia, encompassing North America, Europe, and Northern Asia to the north; and
  • Gondwanaland to the south, which included present-day Africa, Antarctica, South America, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.
• The fossils of Vasuki indicus extracted from the early Lutetian grey shale layers of the Naredi Formation at the Kutch mine include an “excellently preserved, partial vertebral column”.
• The discovery sheds light on the biogeographic patterns of dispersion and diversification within the Madtsoiidae, particularly across the Gondwanan continents.
• The presence of this giant snake in the Eocene of India indicates a complex history of faunal exchanges between the Indian subcontinent and other landmasses prior to complete integration into the Eurasian plate.

Why is it in the News?

The fourth global mass coral bleaching event has been triggered by extraordinary ocean temperatures, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said recently.

What are Corals and Coral Reefs?

• Corals are essentially animals, which are sessile, meaning they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor.
• They use their tiny tentacle-like hands to catch food from the water and sweep it into their mouth.
• Each individual coral animal is known as a polyp and it lives in groups of hundreds to thousands of genetically identical polyps that form a ‘colony’.
• Corals are largely classified as either hard coral or soft coral.
• It is the hard corals that are the architects of coral reefs — complex three-dimensional structures built up over thousands of years.
• Unlike soft corals, hard corals have stony skeletons made out of limestone that are produced by coral polyps.
• When polyps die, their skeletons are left behind and used as foundations for new polyps.
• Coral reefs, also referred to as “rainforests of the sea”, have existed on the Earth for nearly 450 million years.
  • Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest in the world, stretching across 2,028 kilometers.

What is the Significance of Corals?

• Coral reefs have a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
• Thousands of marine species can be found living on one reef.
  • For instance, “the Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusc species and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species”.
• Research has shown that there could be millions of undiscovered species of organisms living in and around reefs.
• These massive structures also provide economic goods and services worth about $375 billion each year.
• More than 500 million people across the world depend on coral reefs for food, income, and coastal protection from storms and floods.
• Coral reefs can absorb up to 97% of the energy from waves, storms, and floods, which prevents loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion.
• Therefore, the absence of coral reefs would not only result in severe ramifications for marine life but also for humans.

What is Coral Bleaching?

• Most corals contain algae called zooxanthellae ( plant-like organisms) in their tissues.
• Corals and zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship.
• While corals provide zooxanthellae a safe place to live, zooxanthellae provide oxygen and organic products of photosynthesis that help corals to grow and thrive.
• Zooxanthellae also give bright and unique colors to corals.
• Corals are very sensitive to light and temperature and even a small change in their living conditions can stress them.
• When stressed, they expel zooxanthellae and turn entirely white.
  • This is called coral bleaching.
• Coral bleaching doesn’t immediately lead to the death of corals.
• They rather go under more stress and are subject to mortality.
• Coral bleaching reduces the reproductivity of corals and makes them more vulnerable to fatal diseases.
• If the bleaching is not too severe, corals have been known to recover.
• Global mass bleaching of coral reefs is when significant coral bleaching is confirmed in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
• Such events are a relatively new phenomenon.
• The first one took place in 1998 in which 20% of the world’s reef areas suffered bleaching-level heat stress.
• The next two global bleaching events occurred in 2010 (35% of reefs affected) and between 2014 and 2017 (56% of reefs affected).