Anthrax

 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Zambia is facing a severe anthrax outbreak that affects both humans and animals.

• Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores that can survive for long periods in the environment. These spores are highly resistant and can be found in soil, affecting grazing animals through ingestion or inhalation.
• Human infection usually occurs through contact with infected animals or their byproducts.

Modes of Transmission in Humans

• Cutaneous Anthrax: This form is the most common and occurs when the spores come into contact with a break in the skin, leading to characteristic skin lesions.
• Gastrointestinal Anthrax: Consumption of contaminated meat from infected animals can cause this form, initially resembling food poisoning but progressing to severe abdominal issues.
• Inhalational Anthrax: Inhalation of the spores is the deadliest form, starting with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progressing to severe respiratory distress and shock.

Diagnosis

• Laboratory tests such as cultures, PCR, or ELISA help identify the presence of Bacillus anthracis in blood, skin lesions, or respiratory secretions. While no single test confirms anthrax exposure, a combination of clinical findings and specialized tests assists in diagnosis.

Treatment

• Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or levofloxacin can effectively treat anthrax infections. Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care, such as fluid drainage and mechanical ventilation.

Prevention

• Vaccines are available for both animals and humans, especially for those at high risk due to occupation or geographic location.
• Minimize contact with potentially infected animals or their products.
• Proper hygiene and handling procedures for animal products are crucial in preventing transmission.

• Understanding the modes of transmission, prompt diagnosis, and timely treatment are crucial in managing and preventing the spread of anthrax. Vaccination and adherence to safety protocols play key roles in safeguarding both human and animal populations from this infectious disease.

Breached the Lok Sabha chamber

Following a recent incident where a visitor breached the Lok Sabha chamber, visitor entry has been put on hold without any official statement. This indicates increased security worries and possible future changes in the screening process.

Details

• The recent incident of someone jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber prompted the suspension of visitor entry, although no official communication about the suspension was made. The Opposition is demanding action regarding this security breach.
• This incident is likely to prompt a review of security measures and may lead to the strengthening of protocols to prevent similar breaches in the future. The suspension of visitor entry is a precautionary measure until further actions are taken to enhance security and ensure strict adherence to established protocols.

Rules for Admission of Visitors

Governing Rules

• The admission, withdrawal, and removal of visitors are regulated by Rules 386 and 387 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha. The Speaker has the authority to make orders regarding the admission of strangers during House sittings 

Entry Process

• Members can apply for visitor cards for individuals they personally know. The member must provide a certificate asserting their relationship with the visitor and take full responsibility for them.

Pass Issuance

• Visitor cards are usually issued for a specific day and fixed hours. In exceptional cases, two cards can be issued. There''s a provision for same-day issuance under emergent situations with certain limitations.

Gallery Types

• There are public and Speaker''s galleries in the Lok Sabha. Members can facilitate entry for a limited number of individuals in each gallery. However, stricter vetting is required for the Speaker''s gallery.

Security Measures

• All visitors go through thorough security checks, including frisking using metal detectors. Visitor cards are cross-checked against approved lists.
• Security staff within the galleries maintain a strict vigil to ensure visitors maintain decorum. Guidelines outline specific protocols for behaviour within the gallery, including maintaining silence and not causing disturbances.

Conclusion

• The rules and security measures are in place to maintain order and prevent disruptions in parliamentary proceedings, and any breach of these rules is treated seriously.

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2023 has been awarded jointly to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad for their efforts in promoting peace and understanding between Israel and the Arab world.

• The joint awarding of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad is a recognition of their significant contributions to fostering peace and understanding in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Daniel Barenboim

• Barenboim is an internationally acclaimed classical pianist and conductor known for his performances with leading orchestras worldwide.
• His partnership with Palestinian literary scholar Edward Said influenced his vision for a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict through respect, discourse, and dialogue.
• He founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Akademie to bring together youth from Israel, Palestine, and other Arab and North African countries, fostering unity and understanding through music.
• He has received various awards, including the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Prince of Asturias Awards, and the Commander of the Legion of Honour.

Ali Abu Awwad

• Awwad is an eminent Palestinian peace activist dedicated to a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Born in 1972 into a politically active refugee family, Awwad''s commitment to non-violence was solidified during a 17-day hunger strike he and his mother undertook while he was in prison.
• In 2014, Awwad co-founded Roots, a local Palestinian-Israeli initiative promoting understanding, non-violence, and transformation.
• Awwad''s peace-building efforts led to the creation of Taghyeer, a Palestinian non-violence movement launched by over 3,000 Palestinians in 2016. It focuses on social development needs and advocates for a non-violent path to end the Occupation.
• He believes in non-violence as a means to practice humanity and achieve peace by accepting differences and respecting each other''s rights.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development.
• It is a prestigious award given by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust every year to individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order; ensuring that scientific discoveries are used for the larger good of humanity, and enlarging the scope of freedom.
• The prize was instituted in 1986 in memory of Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, who was assassinated in 1984.
• The prize carries a cash award of 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation.
• The panel constituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust consists of prominent national and international personalities including previous recipients. The recipients are chosen from a pool of national and international nominees.

Donald Tusk elected as Prime Minister of Poland

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Excellency Donald Tusk on being elected as Prime Minister of Poland.

Poland

• It is a country located in Central Europe and is the fifth-most populous member state of the European Union.
• Warsaw is the capital of Poland.
• It is bordered by Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukraine to the east, Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south, and Germany to the west.
• It also shares maritime boundaries with Denmark and Sweden.

Geography of Poland

• Poland is the ninth-largest country in Europe.
• The central and northern regions of Poland bordering the Baltic Sea lie within the flat Central European Plain, but its south is hilly and mountainous.
• The country has a coastline spanning 770 km extending from the shores of the Baltic Sea, along the Bay of Pomerania in the west to the Gulf of Gdańsk in the east.
• The beach coastline is abundant in dune fields or coastal ridges and is indented by spits and lagoons, notably the Hel Peninsula and the Vistula Lagoon, which is shared with Russia.
• The largest Polish island on the Baltic Sea is Wolin, located within Wolin National Park.
• Poland also shares the Szczecin Lagoon and the Usedom Island with Germany.
• The mountainous belt in the extreme south of Poland is divided into two major mountain ranges the Sudetes in the west and the Carpathians in the east.
• Poland’s highest point is Mount Rysy at 2,501 meters in elevation.
• The lowest point in Poland is situated at RaczkiElblskie in the Vistula Delta, which is 1.8 meters below sea level.
• Poland’s longest rivers are the Vistula, the Oder, the Warta, and the Bug.
• The country also possesses one of the highest densities of lakes in the world.
• The deepest is Lake Hańcza at 108.5 metres in depth.

Shaukiyathal forest

• In an astonishing first, a tiger was spotted in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, in the Terai region of Uttarakhand.
• While tigers are occasionally spotted in the Mohan area of Almora, near Corbett Park, this is the first time they have been observed at an elevation of over 6,000 feet at Shaukiyathal, an area surrounded by dense forests of bamboo and rhododendrons near Jageshwar Dham.

Terai

• Terai, also known as Tarai, is a lowland belt of flat, alluvial soil that runs along the Nepal-India border and parallel to the lower Himalayan peaks.
• It runs from the Yamuna River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east and is characterized by undulating former wetlands.
• It is the northern continuation of India''s Gangetic Plain, beginning around 300 meters above sea level and rising to around 1,000 meters at the foot of the Siwalik Range.
• The Terai region of India includes the states of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• It stretches roughly 800 km east to west and 30-40 kilometers north to south.
• The average elevation is less than 750 meters.
• Gangetic alluvium, consisting of strata of silt, clay, sand, pebbles, and gravel, formed the Terai flatland.
• Numerous springs generate multiple streams along its northern side, notably the major Ghaghara River (left-bank tributary of the Ganges River), which intersects the Tarai and contributes to its swampy aspect.
• Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve are among India''s most well-known tiger reserves and protected locations.
• There are 13 protected areas in all, nine in India and four in Nepal.
• Interspersed with the Tarai is the Bhabar, a region of coarse gravel and shingle deposits that support sal (Shorea robusta) woods.

News

• The sighting of a tiger has generated excitement among residents and wildlife experts.
• Wildlife officials are hailing this as a positive development in wildlife conservation.
• Uttarakhand currently has over 570 tigers making it the third-largest tiger population in the country. Corbett Park alone has a population of about 270 tigers.
• In the past few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased significantly.
• It is believed that due to the high tiger density in the Terai area, the big cats are now turning to the mountains looking for new corridors.
• The tiger is versatile in nature and can cope with almost every climatic condition, they can also live in places with exceptionally high temperatures such as the Ranthambore region of Rajasthan.
• The movement of tigers in the mountains is the result of climate change, the availability of food, and an increasing population of the big cats in Terai forests.
• in the last few years, the number of tigers in the state has increased.

Amrit Technology 

Amrit Technology for removal of arsenic and metal ions from water.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Mission Objective:

• Initiated in August 2019 by the Government of India to ensure safe and adequate tap water supply to rural households.
• Implemented in collaboration with states, where they hold responsibilities for planning, execution, and maintenance of water supply schemes.

Progress:

• At the outset of JJM in August 2019, only 16.8% (approximately 3.23 Crore) of rural households had tap water connections.
• Progress report as of 07.12.2023 indicates significant development, with around 10.53 Crore additional rural households provided with tap water connections.
• Currently, out of the total 19.24 Crore rural households in India, about 71.51% (approximately 13.76 Crore households) have access to tap water supply in their homes.

State Responsibility

• State Control:

• Drinking water is under state jurisdiction, allowing states to choose water technology for piped supply schemes, especially in addressing water quality issues.

• Government Support:

• The central government aids states by offering technical and financial assistance for implementing JJM.
• Collaborates with institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to provide guidance on suitable technologies to tackle water quality concerns.

Arsenic Removal Technology - ''AMRIT''

• Technology Development:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras developed ''AMRIT'' (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology).
• Utilizes nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide to selectively remove arsenic and metal ions from water.
• Adaptable for both domestic and community levels of water purification.

• Endorsement and Application:

• ''AMRIT'' technology has received endorsement by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation''s ''Standing Committee''.
• Recommended for assessment of water and sanitation technologies.

Water Quality Measures

• Short-Term Measures:

• Operational guidelines of JJM necessitate the provision of interim measures, like Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs), in areas affected by water quality issues, including arsenic.

• Immediate Implementation:

• As reported on the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Department, all 378 arsenic-affected habitations lacking tap water supply have been equipped with CWPPs, ensuring safe drinking and cooking water.

Arsenic

• Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol ''As'' and atomic number 33.
• It is commonly found in the Earth''s crust and can be present in various forms, including inorganic and organic compounds.
• This metalloid has both metallic and non-metallic properties, making it versatile in different industrial applications.

Properties and Occurrence of Arsenic:

• Physical Properties:

• Arsenic is a gray, metallic-looking solid at room temperature and has a metallic luster.
• It can exist in various forms: yellow, black, and gray arsenic. The yellow form is the most unstable.

• Chemical Properties:

• Arsenic reacts with oxygen and water but doesn’t dissolve in non-oxidizing acids.
• It forms various compounds, both organic and inorganic, with different chemical behaviors.

• Occurrence:

• Found naturally in soil, rocks, water, air, and living organisms.
• Commonly occurs in combination with other elements like sulfur, oxygen, and metals, especially in minerals.

Uses and Applications:

• Historical and Industrial Uses:

• Historically used in various fields like medicine, agriculture, and cosmetics.
• Once widely used in manufacturing, especially in wood preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, and some metal alloys.

• Current Applications:

• Semiconductor industry:Arsenic is used in the production of semiconductors, gallium arsenide-based electronics, and solar cells.
• Pharmaceuticals:Arsenic compounds have been explored in medical treatments, particularly in some cancer treatments.
• Agriculture:Formerly used in pesticides and herbicides, but its use has been largely restricted due to its toxicity.

Health and Environmental Concerns:

• Toxicity:

• Arsenic is highly toxic and exposure to elevated levels can cause severe health issues.
• Inorganic arsenic compounds are particularly dangerous and have been associated with various health problems, including cancers (skin, lung, bladder, etc.), skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental issues.

• Environmental Impact:

• Arsenic contamination in water sources poses a significant environmental concern.
• Groundwater contamination with arsenic is a global issue and a major public health risk in some regions.

Arsenic in Water:

• Sources of Arsenic:

• Arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth''s crust and can seep into groundwater, especially in regions with specific geological formations.
• Anthropogenic sources include industrial activities like mining, smelting, and pesticide use.

• Health Risks:

• Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water can lead to skin lesions, cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs.
• Long-term ingestion results in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and developmental issues in children.

Detection and Measurement:

• Testing Methods:

• Arsenic levels are measured using analytical methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Field test kits are available for on-site screening of water for arsenic contamination.

• Regulations:

• International standards set safe arsenic levels in drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) guideline is 10 µg/L, while different countries may have varying permissible limits.
• Regular monitoring and compliance with these standards are crucial to safeguard public health.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Treatment Technologies:

• Coagulation-Filtration: Adding chemicals to water to bind arsenic, followed by filtration to remove arsenic precipitates.
• Adsorption Methods: Using activated alumina, iron oxide, or activated carbon to absorb arsenic.
• Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis: Techniques to remove arsenic by exchanging ions or through selective filtration.

• Community Interventions:

• Community-level water treatment systems employing cost-effective technologies are vital for affected regions.
• Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of arsenic contamination and the importance of safe water sources.

Challenges:

• High-cost associated with advanced treatment technologies is a barrier, especially in low-resource regions.
• Ensuring sustainable access to safe water sources and regular monitoring in arsenic-affected areas remains a challenge.
• Ongoing research focuses on developing low-cost, efficient arsenic removal technologies suitable for different settings.
• Collaboration between scientific institutions, governments, and NGOs to implement effective arsenic mitigation strategies.

Toxic metals in water

Sources and Entry into Water:

• Natural Sources:

• Geological processes like weathering of rocks and soil erosion release toxic metals into water bodies.
• Minerals and ores contain these metals, leaching into groundwater or surface water.

• Anthropogenic Activities:

• Industrial discharge, mining, improper waste disposal, and agricultural runoff are primary human-made contributors to water contamination.
• Pipes, fittings, and storage tanks can leach metals, adding contaminants to drinking water systems.

Common Toxic Metals:

• Arsenic:

• Sources: Natural occurrence in rocks, human activities like mining, industrial discharge.
• Health Impacts: Causes skin lesions, cancers, cardiovascular issues, and developmental problems.

• Lead:

• Sources: Plumbing systems, lead-based paints, batteries, industrial waste.
• Health Impacts: Affects the nervous system, developmental issues in children, hypertension.

• Mercury:

• Sources: Industrial discharge, mining, combustion of fossil fuels.
• Health Impacts: Neurological issues, impaired vision, kidney problems, developmental issues in children.

• Cadmium:

• Sources: Industrial discharge, batteries, metal plating.
• Health Impacts: Kidney damage, skeletal issues, respiratory problems.

• Chromium:

• Sources: Industrial waste, tanneries, stainless steel manufacturing.
• Health Impacts: Respiratory issues, skin irritation, lung cancer.

Detection and Measurement:

• Analytical Methods: Various methods such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and atomic absorption are used to detect and measure toxic metals in water.
• Regulatory Standards: Different countries have set permissible limits for toxic metals in drinking water to safeguard public health.

Mitigation Strategies:

• Water Treatment: Techniques like coagulation-filtration, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and adsorption used to remove toxic metals from water.
• Community Initiatives: Establishing community-level water treatment facilities to provide safe water in affected areas.
• Public Awareness: Education on the risks of consuming contaminated water and the importance of using safe water sources.

Toxic metals in water pose a serious threat to public health and the environment. A multifaceted approach involving stringent regulations, efficient monitoring, advanced treatment technologies, and global cooperation is essential to mitigate the risks associated with these contaminants and ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for all.

Global Status Report on Road Safety

 The Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a comprehensive assessment of road traffic deaths worldwide and the progress made in reducing them.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Global Reduction in Deaths: There''s been a 5% decrease in global road traffic deaths per year, totalling over 1.19 million annually. Although it''s a positive trend, the numbers remain alarmingly high.
• Youth and Children at Risk: Road accidents are the primary cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 years.
• India''s Scenario: India has experienced an increase in road crash deaths from 2018 to 2021, with 1,53,792 deaths in 2021 compared to 1,50,785 in 2018.
• Progress and Challenges: While some countries have seen a reduction in road traffic deaths, disparities exist. Low and middle-income countries, despite having a minimal share of the world''s vehicles, account for 90% of road traffic deaths.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Over half (53%) of road traffic fatalities are vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices.
• Infrastructure and Safety Standards: There are concerns about inadequate road infrastructure, lack of pedestrian safety measures, and gaps in laws related to risk factors such as speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle safety features.
• Legislative Gaps and Recommendations: Only a small number of countries meet WHO''s best practices for road safety laws. The impending doubling of the global motor vehicle fleet by 2030 emphasizes the urgent need for improved legislation and infrastructure to prevent road traffic deaths.

Road Safety in India

• India faces a complex road safety landscape due to its rapid economic growth and the resultant surge in vehicle ownership. This growth brings convenience and progress, yet it also intensifies challenges in ensuring safety on the roads.

Challenges

High accident rates

• Despite having only 1% of the world''s vehicles, India contributes to 11% of global road traffic deaths, resulting in approximately 1.5 lakh lives lost annually.
• The disproportionate number of fatalities in relation to the number of vehicles suggests a pressing issue with road safety in India.

Vulnerable road users

• Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are at a higher risk due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient awareness.
• Incomplete or poorly designed roads may not account for the safety of those not in motorized vehicles, leading to a higher incidence of accidents involving vulnerable road users.

Speeding and reckless driving

• Disregarding traffic rules and exceeding speed limits is a major contributor to accidents.
• Behavioural issues, such as reckless driving, significantly contribute to the overall road safety problem.

Inadequate infrastructure

• Poor road conditions, lack of proper lane markings, and inadequate signage contribute to safety risks.
• Infrastructure plays a crucial role in ensuring safe road usage, and deficiencies in these aspects can lead to accidents.

Drunken driving

• Despite legal prohibitions, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious concern.
• Despite regulations, the prevalence of driving under the influence poses a considerable threat to road safety.

Weak enforcement

• Insufficient traffic monitoring and lax enforcement of road safety laws hamper progress.
• Even with regulations in place, a lack of effective enforcement diminishes the impact of these laws, allowing for a more lenient approach to road safety.

Steps to address these challenges

Stricter laws and enforcement

• The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 imposed harsher penalties for traffic violations, aiming to deter dangerous driving.
• Strengthening legal consequences for violations can act as a deterrent and promote safer driving practices.

Focus on vulnerable road users

• Initiatives like building dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways prioritize their safety.
• Targeted infrastructure improvements can protect those at higher risk, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Road safety awareness campaigns

• Promoting responsible driving habits and educating the public about traffic rules is crucial.
• Informing the public about safe driving practices and rules can contribute to a culture of responsible behaviour on the roads.

Investing in infrastructure

• Upgrading roads, installing proper signage and lighting, and implementing intelligent traffic management systems can significantly improve safety.
• Infrastructure enhancements can directly address some of the challenges posed by inadequate roads and signage.

Technological advancements

• Utilizing technology like driver assistance systems and advanced traffic monitoring can enhance safety measures.
• Implementing technology in road safety measures can provide real-time monitoring and assistance, contributing to safer road conditions.

Way Forward

• Improving road safety requires a multi-pronged approach involving the government, civil society, and individual citizens. Continued efforts towards stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and technological advancements are key to creating safer roads for everyone.
• A comprehensive strategy, encompassing legal measures, infrastructure improvements, awareness campaigns, and technological solutions, is necessary to address the complexity of road safety challenges in India. Active participation from all stakeholders is crucial for sustained progress in making roads safer.

• The report underscores the urgent need for global action to prioritize road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, and to address gaps in legislation, infrastructure, and safety standards. It highlights the necessity for concerted efforts by governments worldwide to reduce road traffic deaths and make roads safer for everyone.

Barracuda

Barracuda, the fastest solar-electric boat in India, stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and innovation, designed and built by a team of students from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Key features and significance

• Fastest Solar-Electric Boat: Barracuda is dubbed as India''s fastest solar-electric boat. It''s designed by Navalt Solar and Electric Boats and can achieve speeds of up to 12.5 knots (around 23 kmph).
• Eco-Friendly Design: The boat operates solely on clean energy sources. It''s powered by twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and incorporates 6 kW of solar power. This reliance on renewable energy minimizes air pollution and significantly reduces noise and vibration while in operation.
• Versatility and Efficiency: The Barracuda isn''t just about speed and eco-friendliness; it''s a versatile vessel capable of navigating through rough seas with waves as high as four meters. It can ferry up to 12 passengers and cargo, making it a practical and efficient choice for maritime transportation.
• Range and Durability: On a single charge, the boat boasts a range of seven hours, showcasing its endurance and suitability for various purposes, including as a workboat.
• Recognition and Awards: Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, the company behind the Barracuda, has garnered recognition for its innovation. Winning the world''s best start-up award in the mobility and transportation category at the Berlin Start-up Energy Transition Awards 2023 highlights the boat''s significance in the global shift towards sustainable transportation.
• Future Implications: The introduction of the Barracuda by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai indicates a step towards embracing eco-friendly alternatives in maritime industries, potentially paving the way for similar sustainable vessels in the future.
• Barracuda represents a leap towards cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable maritime transportation, demonstrating the potential for innovation and eco-consciousness in the industry.

ENACT Partnership

• Six new countries and a United Nations agency are joining the ENACT Partnership.
• The new partners include France, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Pakistan, and the UN Environment Programme, including its World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

ENACT Partnership

• ENACT Partnership is a global initiative that seeks to coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions.

Founding Members

• Germany and Egypt, along with the International Union for Conservation of Nature launched ENACT (Enhancing Nature-based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation) at COP27, which took place at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in December 2022.
• Canada, the European Union, Spain, Malawi, Norway, South Korea, Japan and Slovenia were also founding members of the partnership.

Meaning of Nature-based Solutions

• Nature-based Solutions involve working with and for, rather than against nature, which is critical to deliver the climate, biodiversity, and land restoration action necessary to steward human well-being for all.

Nature-based solutions proposed at the recent COP28

• ENACT partners are pushing at COP28 for the following concerning Nature-based Solutions:

• Actions to limit warming to 1.5°C – by phasing out of all fossil fuels, including oil and gas and embracing just transition – to minimise climate-related losses and damage to people and nature. Meeting this goal is also essential to the continued provision of critical co-benefits for nature and people,
• Increased funding and investment, particularly prioritizing local communities and accommodating an integrated approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and human well-being,
• Stronger international collaboration and commitments to the rapid reduction of fossil fuel emissions and a commitment to implementation of Nature-based Solutions,
• Robust data and monitoring systems which are essential for tracking progress and outcomes based on transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms.

Significance

• The role of Nature-based Solutions is increasingly being recognized as a complement to the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.
• ENACT provides cohesive and action-oriented leadership that enables us to tap into the massive potential of nature in addressing the climate emergency.

Looking Forward

• To further operationalize the ENACT partnership, efforts are needed for

(1) Resourcing the initiative,

(2) Building the partnership,

(3) Launching the State of NbS Report & ENACT Dashboard, and

(4) Leading global communications about high integrity NbS for climate that integrates biodiversity concerns.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

 Switzerland''s Ambassador to India has expressed optimism that the crucial European Free Trade Association (EFTA) deal with India would be wrapped up before the 2024 general elections.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• The organization operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states participate in the European Single Market and are part of the Schengen Area.
• They are not, however, party to the European Union Customs Union.
• EFTA was established on 3 May 1960 to serve as an alternative trade bloc for those European states that were unable or unwilling to join the then European Economic Community (EEC), the main predecessor of the EU.
• The Stockholm Convention (1960), to establish the EFTA, was signed on 4 January 1960 in the Swedish capital by seven countries (known as the "outer seven": Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
• A revised Convention, the Vaduz Convention, was signed on 21 June 2001 and entered into force on 1 June 2002.
• Since 1995, only two founding members remain, namely Norway and Switzerland. The other five, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom, had joined the EU at some point in the intervening years.
• The initial Stockholm Convention was superseded by the Vaduz Convention, which aimed to provide a successful framework for continuing the expansion and liberalization of trade, both among the organization''s member states and with the rest of the world.
• Whilst the EFTA is not a customs union and member states have full rights to enter into bilateral third-country trade arrangements, it does have a coordinated trade policy.
• As a result, its member states have jointly concluded free trade agreements with the EU and several other countries.
• To participate in the EU''s single market, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are parties to the Agreement on a European Economic Area (EEA), with compliances regulated by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA Court.
• Switzerland has a set of multilateral agreements with the EU and its member states instead.

COP28: What were the most important decisions?

• The COP28 climate meeting delivered some important outcomes — a first-time acknowledgment of the need to move away from fossil fuels, a first promise to reduce methane emissions, operationalization and capitalization of the loss and damage fund, and an agreement on a framework for the global goal of adaptation.
• However, like all previous COPs, it remained an underachiever, unable to measure up to the expectations, particularly in galvanizing more ambitious climate action in the immediate term.

The outcomes

Fossil fuel Phase-Out:

• This was the most hotly contested issue at COP28, and the reason for a prolonged deadlock.
• The role of fossil fuels in causing global warming had never been even acknowledged in any earlier COP decision, but this was getting increasingly untenable.
• After much deliberations, the final agreement called upon countries to contribute towards “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, “so as to achieve net zero by 2050”.
• There were no time schedules and no targets. Some countries were extremely disappointed that the term “fossil fuel phase-out” had not been used.
• But even if it was, it would have a similar effect in the absence of any timeline.
• Production and consumption of fossil fuels are unlikely to be curbed significantly in the near term, but it is an important, rather unavoidable, measure in the 2050 timeframe.

Tripling of Renewable Energy:

• This was an expected outcome, and the only one that contributes to additional emission reductions between now and 2030.
• The COP28 agreement calls upon countries to contribute to tripling of global installed capacity of renewable energy, and doubling of annual improvements in energy efficiency.
• Together, these two measures have the potential to avoid emissions of about 7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent between now and 2030, more than all the net result of all the other climate actions being currently taken.
• Tripling is a global target, and it is not incumbent on every country to individually triple its current installed capacity. It is thus not clear how this tripling would be ensured.

Phase-down of coal:

• Despite being a fossil fuel, just like oil or natural gas, coal has received a separate mention in the agreement. This is because coal was already singled out for phase-down in the Glasgow conference in 2021.
• There was a move to stipulate that no new coal fired power plants could be opened without an in-built carbon capture and storage facility, but this was strongly resisted by India, China, South Africa and other countries.
• It was dropped, and finally the Glasgow language was reiterated. There is nothing about how this phase-down is to be measured, or from what baseline.

Methane Emission Cuts:

• The agreement talks about “accelerating and substantially reducing non-cabon-dioxide emissions globally, including in particular methane emissions by 2030”.
• Methane is the most widespread greenhouse gas apart from CO2, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all emissions. It is also about 80 times more potent than CO2 in causing global warming.
• Methane emission reductions can therefore bring substantial benefits. But several countries, including India, are extremely opposed to any mandate to cut methane emissions, mainly because one of the major sources happens to be agriculture and livestock.
• Cutting methane emissions could involve tweaking agricultural patterns which could be extremely sensitive in a country like India.
• Possibly in deference to the concerns of such countries, the agreement does not mention any targets for methane emission cuts for the year 2030, although a group of about 100 countries had made a voluntary commitment, in Glasgow in 2021, to reduce their methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

Loss and Damage Fund:

• For the poor and vulnerable countries, this was the most important outcome.
• A decision to set up a Loss and Damage Fund had been taken last year in Sharm el-Shaikh but it had not been created, and no money had been promised.
• COP28 operationalised this fund on the opening day of the conference, and several countries, including hosts UAE, made funding commitments.
• By the end of the conference, commitments worth about US$ 800 million had been made. The money is meant to provide financial help to countries trying to recover from climate-induced disasters.

Global Goal on Adaptation:

• This was another important step developing countries had been waiting for. Historically, adaptation hasn’t received enough attention, or resources, as compared with mitigation activities, mainly because adaptation is largely a local endeavor.
• Its benefits also are mostly local.
• But developing countries had been arguing that a global framework for adaptation was necessary to bring more attention to it.
• Accordingly, the Glasgow conference had decided to set up a two-year work programme to define the contours of this framework.
• The work program resulted in the identification of some common adaptation goals, important for the entire world.
• These included reduction in climate-induced water scarcity, attaining climate-resilience in food and agricultural production, supplies and distribution, and resilience against climate-induced health impacts.
• COP28 adopted the framework, but much more needs to be done on this front, particularly in identifying the indicators to measure progress on each of the global goals.
• The adaptation agreement currently lacks financial provisions, and countries would need to continue working on it to strengthen it in the coming years.

Aenigmachanna gollum

• Aenigmachanna gollum, the Gollum snakehead, is a species of aquifer-dwelling dragon snakehead fish that is endemic to the Indian state of Kerala.
• Aenigmachanna gollum (Gollum snakehead) has an elongated, eel-like body colored mostly brown and beige.
• Its fins are long and transparent, with the dorsal fin stretching for about three-quarters of its body length, and the anal fin stretching for more than half its body length. Its pectoral fin is large, while the pelvic fin is absent.

Its tailfin is ovoid. Several large scales cover the top of the head. It has a Kazhuveli Wetlands

 With the onset of the winter season, hundreds of migratory birds have started arriving at Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary is a protected area and bird sanctuary located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu.
• After Pulicat lake, Kazhuveli, at 5,151.6 hectares, attracts many long-distance migrant birds from Central Asia and Siberia and is believed to be the second-largest brackish lake in southern India.
• Kazhuveli wetland is one of the 94 identified wetlands under the National Wetland Conservation and Management Programme launched by the Union government. The state has three other wetlands Point Calimere, Pallikaranai marsh, and Ousteri lake, under the same programme.
• There are approximately 226 species in Kazhuveli lake, and there are also winter migratory birds.
• An integral aspect of local and world ecology, wetlands retain rainwater, help with flood control, and serve as a drinking water source for humans.

• reduced swim bladder.
• Unlike many stygofauna – which usually have reduced coloring and have poor or no vision – gollum has well-developed pigmentation and normally-sized eyes.
• Due to its reduced swim bladder, gollum cannot remain buoyant in water.
• Like other snakehead fishes, it breathes air. It moves by undulating its fins, like an eel.

Distribution and habitat

• gollum is known only from its type locality, a paddy field in Oorakam, Kerala, in the biodiverse Western Ghats; one other occurrence was reported in a well 250 km south of the type locality.
• Its habitat in subterranean aquifers is threatened by about six million groundwater wells in the region, which lower the water table.