Radon

 Radon is a gas, an invisible killer which is responsible for over 21,000 deaths per year, as per reports of EPA.

• Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally as a result of the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.
• It is a significant health concern as prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon can lead to serious health issues, particularly lung cancer.

Atomic and Chemical Properties

• Atomic Number and Decay: Radon has the atomic number 86 and is a member of the noble gas group. It is produced through the decay of heavier elements, primarily uranium and thorium, in the Earth''s crust.
• Radioactive Isotope: The most common isotope of radon found in nature is Radon-222 (Rn-222), which undergoes alpha decay. It emits alpha particles during decay, transforming into polonium-218, part of a decay chain eventually resulting in stable lead-206.

Sources of Radon

• Uranium Decay: Radon is formed as part of the decay chain of uranium-238, which occurs in many types of rocks and soils, particularly granite and shale.
• Soil and Rock: Radon is produced from the decay of uranium, which is found in varying concentrations in soil and rocks. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, floors, gaps around pipes, and other openings.
• Water: Groundwater sources can contain dissolved radon. When this water is used for activities like showering or washing dishes, radon can be released into the air.

Health Effects of Radon

• Alpha Radiation: The decay of radon and its progeny emits alpha particles, which, when inhaled, can damage the cells lining the lungs. These damages to lung tissue can lead to the development of lung cancer over time.
• Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
• Ionizing Radiation and Carcinogenesis: Radon decay products, upon inhalation, emit ionizing radiation energy, affecting bronchial epithelial cells. Prolonged exposure may trigger the process of carcinogenesis, leading to lung cancer.
• Smokers exposed to radon are at an even higher risk.

Radon Detection and Measurement

• Detection Methods: Radon is measured in the air using various methods, including alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, continuous monitors, and electret ion chambers. Waterborne radon can be measured through liquid scintillation or using specific radon detectors.
• Radon Testing: Testing for radon is crucial to determine if levels are elevated in a building. Short-term and long-term tests are available. Short-term tests usually last from 2 to 90 days, while long-term tests run for more than 90 days.
• Radon Measurement Units: Radon concentration is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends action if levels reach or exceed 4 pCi/L.
• Radon Testing Importance: It is emphasized that testing indoor radon levels is vital. Levels above 148 Becquerels per cubic meter require mitigation to reduce health risks.

Radon Mitigation

• Radon Mitigation Systems: Several methods can reduce radon levels in buildings. Common systems include sub-slab depressurization (active soil depressurization), which uses pipes and fans to draw radon from below the building and vent it outside.
• Sealing Cracks and Openings: Improving the airtightness of a building''s foundation and structure can help prevent radon from entering.

Radon exposure poses a significant health risk, and taking proactive measures such as testing, mitigation, and awareness campaigns are essential to reduce its health impacts. Regular testing and appropriate mitigation strategies can significantly lower radon levels, ensuring a safer living and working environment.

Hydrogen Cyanide

Scientists have found hydrogen cyanide — a key molecule in the creation of life — in the oceans of Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus, according to a new study based on data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Cassini spacecraft.

• Study Details: The research utilized data obtained from the Cassini spacecraft, which investigated plumes of gas, water, and ice ejected from Enceladus'' surface.
• Detection of Hydrogen Cyanide: Scientists identified hydrogen cyanide along with other compounds like methanol, ethane, and oxygen in the plumes of water vapor, indicating a diverse and dynamic ocean chemistry beneath Enceladus'' icy surface.
• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a highly toxic, colorless, and extremely flammable gas with a faint, bitter almond-like odor in its pure form.
• It is a deadly chemical compound that poses serious health hazards to humans and animals.

Significance for Life Formation

• Chemical Energy: This discovery suggests that the oceans beneath Enceladus'' frozen crust possess more chemical energy than previously assumed, potentially supporting the formation and survival of complex organic compounds essential for life.
• Supporting Habitability: Enceladus has long been known for harboring organic molecules and compounds crucial for life. This finding strengthens the notion of the moon''s potential habitability.

Implications for Astrobiology

• Building Blocks of Life: Hydrogen cyanide is recognized as a fundamental molecule in the creation of biological building blocks, and its presence on Enceladus indicates the possibility of processes conducive to life.
• Complex Biomolecule Formation: The discovery offers insights into the potential pathways for the formation of complex biomolecules crucial for sustaining life.

Enceladus

Physical Characteristics:

• Size and Composition: Enceladus is a relatively small moon with a diameter of about 310 miles (500 kilometers). It is composed largely of water ice, making it one of the brightest objects in the solar system.
• Surface Features: Its surface is marked by deep fissures, cracks, and a lack of impact craters in some regions, indicating geological activity and ongoing changes.

Subsurface Oceans:

• Discovery: Enceladus gained attention for its subsurface oceans, confirmed by observations showing water vapor and icy plumes erupting from its south polar region.
• Hydrothermal Activity: These plumes suggest the existence of hydrothermal vents beneath the icy surface, potentially providing a suitable environment for life to thrive.

Potential for Life:

• Organic Compounds: Data from NASA''s Cassini spacecraft revealed the presence of complex organic compounds and molecules, including hydrogen cyanide, in Enceladus'' plumes, enhancing the moon''s potential habitability.
• Habitable Zone: The existence of liquid water and potential energy sources within Enceladus'' subsurface ocean positions it within the habitable zone, raising the possibility of supporting microbial life.

Exploration Missions:

• Cassini-Huygens Mission: The Cassini spacecraft, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and ASI, provided extensive data on Enceladus, including flybys and observations of its plumes. The Huygens lander explored Saturn''s moon Titan but didn''t visit Enceladus.

Properties of Hydrogen Cyanide

• Chemical Formula: HCN (one carbon atom, one nitrogen atom, and one hydrogen atom)
• Physical State: Colorless gas with a faint, bitter almond-like odor (odor threshold varies among individuals)
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming hydrocyanic acid (HCN dissolved in water is also referred to as prussic acid)
• Flammability: Highly flammable and combustible in air 

Sources and Production

• Natural Occurrence: Hydrogen cyanide can be found naturally in certain plants, such as in the seeds of some fruits like apricots, peaches, and almonds.
• Industrial Production: Synthesized through various methods including Andrussow process (ammonia, natural gas, and oxygen), as well as through the hydrolysis of cyanide salts.

Uses of Hydrogen Cyanide

• Chemical Manufacturing: It serves as a precursor for many chemical compounds used in plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides.
• Fumigation: Used in pest control, particularly for exterminating rodents and insects.

Health Effects and Toxicity

• Toxicity: Hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic and can be lethal even in small quantities. It interferes with cellular respiration by inhibiting the body''s ability to use oxygen, leading to suffocation.
• Symptoms of Exposure: Inhalation or ingestion can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid breathing, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death.
• Inhibition of Cellular Respiration: Hydrogen cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, disrupting the electron transport chain and cellular respiration, leading to metabolic asphyxiation.
• Biodegradation: Hydrogen cyanide can break down in the environment through microbial degradation and photochemical reactions.
• Toxicity to Aquatic Life: It poses a threat to aquatic organisms, especially in high concentrations.

Detection and Safety Measures

• Detection Methods: Specialized equipment like gas detectors or chemical test kits are used to detect hydrogen cyanide gas.
• Safety Measures: Workers in industries where HCN is used must follow strict safety protocols, including wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated areas.
• First Aid: Immediate medical attention is crucial if exposure to hydrogen cyanide occurs. Artificial respiration and administration of specific antidotes like hydroxocobalamin may be necessary.

The detection of hydrogen cyanide on Enceladus, alongside other compounds, underscores the moon''s significance in astrobiology. This finding not only expands our understanding of the moon''s potential habitability but also sheds light on the possible processes involved in the creation of life-sustaining compounds, offering exciting prospects for further exploration and research into the mysteries of Enceladus.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat, Varanasi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
• First held last year, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam seeks to celebrate North and South India’s historical and civilisational connections.
• The historical link between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu, often referred to as Tamilakam, spans centuries and is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and historical contexts.

Historical and Mythological Ties

• Parakrama Pandya’s Legend: According to legends, King Parakrama Pandya from the Madurai region in the 15th century traveled to Kashi to acquire a lingam for constructing a grand Shiva temple. However, during his return, the cow carrying the lingam halted at a place known today as Sivakasi. Considering this divine intervention, Parakrama Pandya installed the lingam there, and the site is now known as Sivakasi.
• Kasi Viswanathar Temple: To enable devotees who couldn''t travel to Kashi, the Pandyas built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi, southwestern Tamil Nadu, replicating the Kashi experience.
• Adhivir Ram Pandyan: In the 19th century, another king named Adhivir Ram Pandyan constructed a Shiva temple in Tenkasi after returning from a pilgrimage to Kashi, further solidifying the connection between these regions.

Cultural Exchange through Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• Purpose: The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a platform that facilitates cultural exchanges between North and South India, showcasing art, music, handlooms, handicrafts, cuisines, and products from Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.
• Participants: Around 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are participating in this year''s event, engaging in various cultural activities, exhibitions, and exchanges over a 15-day period. Different groups comprising students, teachers, professionals, spiritual leaders, artisans, writers, traders, and businessmen are scheduled to visit Varanasi during this event.

Significance in Education and Culture

• Scholarly Connection: In ancient times, a scholar''s education in Southern India was considered incomplete without a pilgrimage to Kashi. Kashi and Kanchi, both centers of knowledge, shared similar literary themes, reflecting a deep intellectual connection.
• Pilgrimage Practices: Pilgrims from Rameswaram would visit Kashi for darshan (divine viewing) and bring back water from the Ganges for rituals in Rameswaram, signifying the spiritual connection between the two sacred sites.
• Shared Architectural Styles: The presence of around 18 Shiva temples bearing the name "Kashi" in Chennai''s vicinity indicates architectural influences and the spread of cultural practices.

Contemporary Engagement and Discoveries

• Reconnecting Traditions: The Kashi Tamil Sangamam aims to revive and deepen cultural ties, fostering connections between traders dealing in silk saris from Banaras and Kanchipuram, while also exploring architectural, culinary, and various other cultural associations.
• Exploration and Reconnection: Educationist Chamu Krishna Shastry emphasizes the ongoing process of rediscovery and reconnection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the shared heritage and the significance of the name "Kashi" in Tamil culture.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam serves as a vibrant platform to celebrate the shared heritage and historical connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry between North and South India.

Snowmelt @ the Rhine River

 Following a period of intense rain and snowmelt, the Rhine River in southern Germany remained impassable for ships.

• The Rhine River rises in the Swiss Alps (in Switzerland) and is the second-longest river in Central and Western Europe after the Danube.
• The appellation of the Rhine River varies according on the nation it traverses.
• Rhine is the name given to it in France, Rhein in Germany, and Rijn in the Netherlands.
• The river starts in the southeast Swiss Alps in the canton of Graubünden.
• It is a portion of the borders between Switzerland and Germany, Austria, and Lichtenstein.
• Subsequently, the Rhine delineates a significant portion of the Franco-German frontier, subsequently meandering predominantly northward into the German Rhineland.

• The Rhine finally changes its course in Germany, flowing mostly westward into the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea.
• Before emptying into the North Sea in Rotterdam, the Rhine passes through six nations: Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
• Much of the northern inland border of the Roman Empire was formed by the Rhine and Danube, and ever since then, the Rhine has played a crucial role as a navigable waterway, transporting commodities and trade far inland.
• Its importance as a waterway in the Holy Roman Empire is attested to by the numerous castles and defences constructed along it.
• Among the largest and most important cities on the Rhine are Cologne, Rotterdam, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Strasbourg, Nijmegen, and Basel.
• Tributaries: Some of the notable tributaries of the Rhine River include Aare, Tamina, Moselle, Erft, Rein da Tuma, Plessur, Rotach, and Wiese.
• It facilitates industrial transportation and supports industrial production, with about 20% of the world’s chemical industries manufacturing along the river.

Sargasso Sea

 The Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean is now at least 30% more acidic and 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was 40 years ago and climate change is to blame.

Sargasso Sea

• A genus of brown macroalgae called Sargassum is abundant in the Sargasso Sea, an area of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Situated in what is known as the renowned "Bermuda Triangle," this sea is the only one in the world without a land border.
• Unlike other seas, its placement is dictated by ocean currents.
• It is surrounded by the huge network of circulating ocean currents known as the Northern Atlantic Subtropical Gyre.
• The Sargasso Sea is divided into four sections: the northern limit is marked by the North Atlantic Current, the southern limit by the North Equatorial Current and Antilles Current, and the western limit by the Gulf Stream.
• These borders are shifting in a clockwise manner.
• Season by season, they change in accordance with the Azores High-Pressure Centre.

Sea Boundaries

• The Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current, the Canary Current, and the North Atlantic Equatorial Current all serve as boundaries for the anticlockwise-circulating North Atlantic Gyre, which is also known as the North Atlantic Ocean Current System.
• It is roughly 1,100 km (680 mi) wide and 3,200 km (2,000 mi) long, and it is located between 20° and 35° north and 40° and 70° west.
• Bermuda is close to the western seaboard.
• The Sargasso Sea is not a sea in the traditional sense but is instead defined by ocean currents that form a gyre and trap the seaweed and other floating debris in its centre.
• The tranquil, elliptical Sargasso Sea is a region of the North Atlantic Ocean that is abundant with free-floating Sargassum seaweed.
• Situated between the parallels 20° N and 35° N and the meridian 30° W and 70° W, it is situated within a clockwise-moving ocean current system, with the Gulf Stream—which originates from the Gulf of Mexico—forming a portion of the western rim.
• Weak currents, minimal precipitation, rapid evaporation, light breezes, warm, saline seas, and depths ranging from 5,000 to 23,000 feet (1,500 to 7,000 m) are the characteristics of the sea.
• These elements, along with the absence of heat mixing, produce a biological desert that is mainly absent of plankton, which is a major food source for fish.
• The brown seaweed, also called gulfweed, is kept above the water''s surface by its tiny but conspicuous bladders, which resemble tiny berries.
• Then, it seems to get a little replenished by coastal plants floating in from the southwest as it moves with the wind and current.
• Seaweed, most of which is exclusive to the coastal zone, supports a specialist marine life.
• When Christopher Columbus made his first voyage through the Sargasso Sea in 1492, he gave the first description of the region, which includes the Bermuda islands.
• The seaweed signalled land nearby, so Columbus was encouraged to press on.
• However, many early navigators were afraid a worry unfounded of getting entangled in the flotsam of floating vegetation.

Importance of Sargasso Sea

• Sargassum is an essential habitat for fish, crabs, prawns and other marine animals whose habitats have been adapted to these floating algae.
• The Sargasso Sea is home to breeding populations of white marlin, dolphins, porbeagle sharks, and threatened and endangered eels.
• Numerous endemic species, like the Sargassum fish and the young eels known as "leptocephali," can be found in the Sargasso Sea, which is renowned for its distinctive ecology.

Madagascar -  heat wave

 Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island and its second-largest island country, is known for its biodiversity.

• But the Indian Ocean state, located just off the coast of the African mainland, has experienced a heat wave at least two months early this year, something which is worrying locals.
• After Indonesia, Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world.
• Furthermore, Madagascar is the world''s fourth-largest island, trailing only Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.
• Located in the Indian Ocean to the east of Tanzania and Mozambique, Madagascar is an island republic that is a part of Africa.
• The main island is situated around 250 miles (400 km) offshore from the coast of East Africa.
• Along the length of Madagascar’s coastline, which is around 3,100 miles long and 5,000 kilometres long, there are a number of smaller islands.
• In Malagasy, Madagascar is referred to as Madagasikara, or just Mada.
• The island of Madagascar is said to have been discovered for the first time by the explorer Marco Polo.
• The island was originally visited by European explorers in the fifteenth century.
• Madagascar is just somewhat smaller than Spain and Portugal all together, but its area is roughly four times larger than Georgia''s in the United States.
• On the other hand, the island is among the least populated regions in the nation with only 27 million residents.
• Madagascar''s capital city is called Antananarivo.

• With about 3.6 million residents, Antananarivo holds the title of most populated city in the nation.
• Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, is perched on a hill 1,280 metres (4,199 ft) above sea level.
• The Queen''s palace and the city''s historic heart are situated atop Analamanga hill.
• There are twelve hills that surround the nation''s capital.
• The “lower town” is where most of the business districts are located and is encircled by huge rice fields.
• The Imerina people''s first ruler was Andrianjaka. He built the first rova on top of Analamanga hill. Rova translates to "royal fort."
• Several distinct Merina kings controlled the island of Madagascar from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
• That being said, Ambohimanga, a small town west of Antananarivo, served as the original royal residence of the Kingdom of Imerina for a considerable period of time.
• Madagascar was a colony of France from the years 1897 until 1968, and it did not achieve full independence from France until the 26th of June in 1960.
• On this day each year, the Malagasy people celebrate their nation’s achievement of independence.
• The cities of Montreal in Canada, Suzhou in China, Nice in France, and Yerevan in Armenia are Antananarivo’s twin cities.

Landforms of Madagascar

• Located off the coast of East Africa in the centre of the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world.
• Throughout the nation, there are three unique longitudinal physiographic zones that run parallel to one another.
• The western regions of the nation are made up of the east coast strip, the central plateau, and the low plateaus and plains.
• The eastern shore of Madagascar, which is distinguished by a narrow and steep escarpment, is home to the last remaining patches of tropical rainforest.
• Along the island’s western shore, wetlands of mangroves give way to deep bays in various locations.
• As one moves inward, the central highlands are characterised by rolling grassy hills that are devoid of forests and border rice-growing valleys.
• Maromokotro, which stands at 2,876 metres, is the island’s highest peak and is located in the Tsaratanana Massif region in the northwestern part of the island.
• The Mananara, Mangoro Sambirano, Mahajamba, Betsiboka, Mania, north and south Mahavavy, Mangoky, Onilahy, and the Ikopa are some of the most important rivers in Madagascar.
• The country also has a number of lakes, including Alaotra, Lake Kinkony, and Lake Ihotry.
• The Indian Ocean is the lowest point on the island of Madagascar, and it is 0 metres deep.

Mount Vinson

• Scaling yet another peak in his ambitious journey, Kerala government employee Shaikh Hassan Khan has climbed Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica.
• This is the fifth highest peak that has been scaled by the 36-year-old Khan.
• It is Antarctica''s highest
• 4,892 metres (16,050 ft) is the elevation of Mount Vinson above sea level.
• It is situated close to the Ronne Ice Shelf and is a component of the Ellsworth Mountains'' Sentinel Range.
• The Vinson Massif is the collective name for the five other great mountains in the same area as Mount Vinson, which are the next five highest summits on the continent of Antarctica.
• One of the coldest spots on Earth, the South Pole, is roughly 1,200 km away from it.
• There are five other tall mountains in the same area as Mount Vinson the next five highest summits on the continent of Antarctica which are collectively referred to as Vinson Massif.
• It was named after Carl Vinson, a U.S. Representative from Georgia who served in Congress from 1935 to 1961.
• Vinson was a strong proponent of the exploration of Antarctica.

Important details on the Ellsworth Mountains:

• Antarctica is home to the mountain ranges known as the Ellsworth Mountains.
• They are assembling into a north-south mountain range that is 360 km (224 mi) long and 48 km (30 mi) wide.
• In addition, Minnesota Glacier splits them in half, creating the Sentinel Range to the north and the Heritage Range to the south.
• With Mount Vinson (4,892 m) being the highest point on the continent, the former is by far the higher and more spectacular.

Sierra Leone - political unrest

• Following a failed coup attempt, Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, is caught between an economic downturn and political unrest.
• Sierra Leone is located between Liberia and Guinea, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.
• The country is situated on the southwest coast of West Africa.
• Capital:
• Languages: English, Krio.
• Mount Bintumani (also known as Loma Mansa) is the highest peak in Sierra Leone.
• A tropical climate is found in Sierra Leone.
• Sierra Leone’s terrain is characterized by mountains in the eastern region, an upland plateau, a wooded hill country, and a coastal belt of mangrove swamps.
• Sierra Leone is one of the members of the International Solar Alliance.
• India was among the first countries to contribute to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) with the deployment of 4000 strong Indian Military contingent.
• Since Sierra Leone is a part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the organisation and its member nations will intervene to uphold constitutional order in the event that a security issue should occur in the future.

What Are the Elements Affecting Sierra Leone''s Unrest?

• Political instability: Political turmoil was brought on by the President''s re-election in June 2023. The other side disputed the outcome, claiming that it was manipulated.
• There was a legislative boycott until October 2023 as a result of opposition contestation.
• Economic instability: The issue is exacerbated by a high cost of living and extreme poverty.
• As a result of the President''s worsening economic policies, there were protests and calls for his resignation.
• Police Aggression: Resentment has been stoked by the government''s use of force, including live gunfire, to quell protests and jail riots.

Other Recent Upheavals in Africa

• Coup in Niger (2023).
• Crisis in Sudan (2023 and 2021).
• Burkina Faso Coup (2022).
• Military Coup in Mali (2021, 2020).

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• The ECOWAS, also known as CEDEAO in French, is a regional intergovernmental organisation that was founded in 1975 by the Lagos Treaty with the goal of fostering economic integration and collaboration among West African countries.
• Headquarter: Nigeria''s Abuja.
• Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d''Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo are the 15 member states that make up ECOWAS.
• It seeks to accomplish regional collaboration across sectors, free movement of people and products, and economic integration.
• It also aims to create a region without borders run on democratic principles and tackle security issues by working together to resolve conflicts.

Himadri, India’s Arctic Research Station

Himadri, India’s Arctic Research Station at Ny-Ålesund in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean, will now remain operational throughout the year.

Bases in the Arctic

• At least 10 countries have set up permanent facilities at the International Arctic Research base in Ny-Ålesund, a small town above the 78th parallel N, about 1,200 km from the North Pole.
• The Svalbard group of islands is the closest human habitation to the North Pole.
• The mean temperature in Ny-Ålesund in February, the coldest month, is minus 14 degrees Celsius, and that in July, the warmest, is 5 degree Celsius. Due to the extreme cold, taking scientific observations or sampling has remained largely limited to the summer months. India will join a small group of countries that operate their Arctic research bases through the winter.

Arctic research

• The polar regions, Arctic and Antarctica, offer pristine environments for scientists to study a range of natural phenomena for atmospheric, oceanic, biological, geological, glaciological and earth sciences research.
• In recent years, climate change research has been attracting scientists to the Arctic region.
• Research stations of at least 11 countries, including India, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard region of Norway.
• The area above the Arctic Circle, north of latitude 66° 34’ N, is part of eight countries — Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US — who make up the Arctic Council, plus the Arctic Ocean.
• Scientific research in the Arctic region is governed by international legal instruments like the Svalbard Treaty of 1920 and the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, apart from the individual jurisdictions of the Arctic countries.

Impact of Global Warming

• Temperatures in the Arctic region have risen by about 4 degrees Celsius on average over the last 100 years; 2023 was the warmest year on record.
• The extent of Arctic Sea ice has been declining at the rate of 13 percent/ decade, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At this rate, the Arctic could become ice-free in less than 20 years.
• The melting sea ice can have global impacts reaching beyond the Arctic region. Rising sea levels can influence atmospheric circulation. An increase in tropical sea surface temperatures could lead to increased precipitation in the tropics, a shift in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, and high chances of an increase in extreme rainfall events.
• On the other hand, milder weather due to global warming could make the Arctic a more habitable and a less hostile place. There could be a rush to explore and exploit the Arctic’s resources, including its minerals, and countries will seek to control trade, navigation and other strategic sectors in the region.

India in the Arctic

• India signed the Svalbard Treaty in Paris in 1920. But it took until 2007 for the first Indian expedition comprising five scientists to visit the International Arctic Research Facilities at Ny-Ålesund to initiate studies in Arctic microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology.
• India’s permanent research station, Himadri, began operations in July 2008. (Note: Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica was set up much earlier in 1983, two years after India’s first expedition there. Dakshin Gangotri is now submerged under ice, but India’s two other stations, Maitri and Bharti, are in use.)
• Himadri has so far hosted more than 400 Indian researchers who have made a total of about 200 visits to Svalbard.
• The winter expedition by scientists and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, the nodal agency for India’s polar explorations, will last until January 15, 2024.
• The research areas will include atmospheric sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, and climate studies.
• Scientists will study lightning over the Arctic in winter, the role of precipitation in climate change, characterization of radio frequency environment, and the role of aerosols on climate change.
• Himadri has been equipped for observations during polar nights (that last longer than 24 hours), and supplied with special winter gear, transport, and logistics support from Norwegian agencies.

India''s Research Stations in the Arctic and Antarctica

• India presently has two research stations at Antarctica namely ‘Maitri’ and ‘Bharati’.
• At both the stations, research and investigations are undertaken to understand the Polar processes and phenomenon.
• Observations and studies are carried out in atmospheric, biological, geological, ecological sciences etc.
• Maitri station has been in operation since 1989.
• Indian Arctic station ‘Himadri’ is located at Ny Alesund, Spitsbergen Island, Norway and serves as a hub of Indian scientific investigations since 2008. Also we do not have India has ice-breakers for exploration and research in the above places.
• In Antarctica scientific studies and investigations are undertaken on the continental part and contiguous shelf ice area.
• Observations in the ocean in the austral summer months are made during the voyage to ‘Maitri’ and ‘Bharati’ on board the chartered vessel hired for transport of material and personnel to these stations.

2024 the International Year of Camelids.

• The United Nations has declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids.
• Camelids are members of the biological family Camelidae, the only currently living family in the suborder Tylopoda. The seven extant members of this group are: dromedary camels, Bactrian camels, wild Bactrian camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
• Camelids are large, strictly herbivorous animals with slender necks and long legs.
• They have three-chambered stomachs.
• They have a unique type of antibodies, which lack the light chain, in addition to the normal antibodies found in other mammals. These so-called heavy-chain antibodies are being used to develop single-domain antibodies with potential pharmaceutical applications.
• Camelids do not have hooves; rather, they have two-toed feet with toenails and soft foot pads.

Importance of Camelids

• According to Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO), camelids influence the lives of millions of households in more than 90 countries.
• As a group Camelids include alpacas, Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, vicuñas which together help ensure food security, nutrition and economic growth especially for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Camelids play an important role in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) envisaged by the United Nations.
• Camelids are a source of milk and meat which helps people fight hunger.
• They also provide fibre which can be used for clothing and shelter.
• Camelids are also used by people as a means of transportation.
• They also provide organic fertiliser which can be used in agriculture. Moreover, Camelids are known to survive in harsh conditions.
• In the highlands of the Andes mountain ranges and in the arid and semi-arid lands in Africa and Asia, camelids play a major role in the livelihood of the inhabitants. Camelids can thus be ambassadors to raise awareness about climate change.

Objective of The International Year of Camelids 2024

• The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and to call for increased investment in the camelid sector, advocating for greater research, capacity development, and the use of innovative practices and technologies.

NOMA

 The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially added noma to its list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to raise global awareness, stimulate research, secure funding, and intensify efforts to combat the disease.

• Noma, also known as cancrum oris or gangrenous stomatitis, is a rare yet severe infection that primarily affects the soft and hard tissues of the face and mouth. This disease progresses rapidly, causing extensive tissue damage and, if left untreated, can lead to death in up to 90% of cases.

Origins and Progression

• It typically begins as a small ulcer within the mouth, commonly appearing on the gums. This often happens following an illness like measles, which weakens the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. From this initial ulcer, Noma swiftly advances, causing rapid and massive tissue destruction, eventually exposing the facial bones.

Symptoms and Pain

• Noma is incredibly painful and can cause additional symptoms like fever, foul breath, weight loss, and challenges in eating and speaking.
• The severity of the pain and the progression of the disease can significantly impact an individual''s well-being.

Survivor Consequences

• Even if someone survives Noma, they may face enduring consequences. These include permanent disfigurement, disabilities, and social stigmatization.
• Functional impairments related to chewing, swallowing, breathing, and sensory perceptions such as hearing and vision might persist.

Demographics at Risk

• The disease primarily targets children aged 2 to 6 years old, especially those living in extreme poverty. These children often lack access to adequate food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
• Noma is most prevalent in regions plagued by malnutrition, infectious diseases, and socio-economic challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Preventive Measures

• Preventing Noma involves improving living conditions and healthcare access for vulnerable populations. This includes ensuring proper nutrition, immunization, oral hygiene practices, and sanitation measures.
• Early detection and swift medical intervention are vital in reducing mortality and complications associated with the disease.

Treatment Approaches

• Treatment for Noma typically involves antibiotic therapy to fight infection, wound care, pain management, and nutritional support.
• Surgical interventions might be necessary to remove dead tissues and reconstruct facial structures. However, accessibility to these interventions is often hampered due to socio-economic challenges faced by affected communities.

Urgent Need for Action

• Data and Awareness Gap: Accurate and updated data regarding the prevalence and distribution of Noma is crucial for effective intervention. There''s also a profound lack of awareness about Noma among healthcare workers and communities, contributing to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment.
• Research and Intervention: Increased research efforts are essential to better comprehend the disease''s causes and mechanisms, facilitating the development of more effective drugs and preventive measures. Urgent action is needed to provide training, resources, and awareness campaigns for Noma prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

The recognition of Noma as a neglected tropical disease underscores the urgency of addressing this devastating health challenge. With increased awareness, research, and resources, global efforts can be mobilized to tackle Noma, offering hope for the affected populations and contributing to the broader goal of achieving universal health coverage.

Section 115 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) 

 The recent judgment by the Supreme Court of India elaborates on the limited applicability of Section 115 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) concerning the revisional powers of the High Court. The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be used to challenge the dismissal of an application filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC, which aims to set aside an ex-parte decree.

• The recent Supreme Court judgment focusing on the limited applicability of Section 115 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) concerning revisional powers of the High Court is significant, particularly regarding challenges against dismissals of applications filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC, aimed at setting aside ex-parte decrees.

Highlights of the Supreme Court''s Ruling:

Scope of Section 115 of CPC

• The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be invoked to challenge dismissals of applications seeking to set aside ex-parte decrees. Section 115 deals with the revisional powers of the High Court to scrutinize lower court judgments.

Nature of Ex-parte Decrees

• Ex-parte decrees are judicial orders issued without the other party''s participation, typically in urgent situations where one party claims irreparable harm or injustice. These decrees are temporary and subject to review upon a subsequent hearing involving both parties.

Usage in Family Law Matters

• Ex-parte decrees are commonly utilized in family law cases such as child custody, domestic violence, or divorce to ensure immediate protection for a party or a child facing imminent danger or harm.

Potential for Unfairness

• Despite their urgent nature, ex-parte decrees might be misused by one party to gain an unfair advantage or deprive the other party of their rights, assets, or interests. Instances of misleading information or lack of consideration for the other party''s situation might lead to unjust decrees.

Recourse for Affected Parties

• Individuals affected by an ex-parte decree have recourse by promptly seeking legal advice and challenging the decree through objections or motions to set aside within a stipulated time frame.

Judicial Review and Fair Hearing

• Upon challenge, the court schedules a hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments. The court then decides whether to uphold, modify, or revoke the ex-parte decree. Sanctions or costs may be imposed on the party seeking the decree if the court finds their actions to be in bad faith or an abuse of the legal process.

The Supreme Court''s clarification reinforces the need for fairness and due process in cases involving ex-parte decrees. It delineates the limitations of Section 115 of CPC in challenging dismissals of applications aimed at setting aside such decrees, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review involving both parties'' perspectives.

Telecommunications Bill 2023

•  The Telecommunications Bill of 2023 was introduced to bring comprehensive regulations to the telecommunications sector. However, its classification as a money bill has sparked concerns among lawmakers.

• Article 117(1) of the Constitution holds special provisions for finance bills, including money bills. Categorizing a bill as a money bill limits the role of the Rajya Sabha in its passage, allowing only recommendations without the power to reject or amend.

• Opposition members are contesting this classification, suggesting that it could bypass scrutiny in the Rajya Sabha, calling for its consideration as a regular bill.

Telecommunications Bill of 2023

• The Telecommunications Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to repeal the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950 while amending the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act of 1997.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Authorization for Telecom Activities: Prior approval from the central government is mandated for telecommunication services, network establishment, and possession of radio equipment. Existing licenses will remain valid for their grant period or five years if unspecified.
• Spectrum Assignment: Spectrum allocation will occur through auctions, except for specific uses like national security, disaster management, weather forecasting, transport, satellite services, and public broadcasting, which may be administratively allocated. The government retains the right to repurpose or reassign frequency ranges and allows sharing, trading, leasing, and surrendering of spectrum.
• Interception and Search Powers: The government can intercept, monitor, or block messages in the interest of public safety, emergencies, or grounds such as state security, prevention of offences, or public order. Telecom services may be suspended, and temporary possession of infrastructure can be taken during emergencies. Authorized officers can search for unauthorized telecom networks or equipment.
• Setting Standards: The government can specify standards for telecom equipment, infrastructure, networks, and services.
• Right of Way: Telecom infrastructure providers may seek a right of way over public or private property on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis.
• User Protection: Measures to protect users, such as consent for receiving specified messages and establishment of mechanisms to report malware, are outlined. Telecom service entities must have online grievance redressal mechanisms.
• TRAI Appointments: Amendments to the TRAI Act allow individuals with professional experience (30 years for the chairperson, 25 years for members) to serve.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi: Renaming the Universal Service Obligation Fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, allowing its use for telecom services in underserved areas, and enabling research and development.
• Offences and Penalties: Criminal and civil offences include providing telecom services without authorization, unauthorized network or data access, breaching terms, etc., with corresponding penalties.
• Adjudication Process: Adjudication officers and appeals processes are outlined, allowing for inquiries, orders against civil offences, appeals to designated committees, and further appeals to TDSAT.

The bill addresses a spectrum of issues within the telecommunications sector, from user protection to infrastructure establishment, aiming to modernize regulations and operations within the domain.

Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) 

The inaugural round of car crash tests under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has been completed. This initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing vehicle safety in India.

Key points

• Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, and Kia India had their car models included in the initial batch of vehicles tested.
• This voluntary program, officially initiated by the Union government, focuses on vehicles falling within the M1 category, with a gross weight of 3,500kg or less. This category encompasses passenger vehicles with up to eight seats, excluding the driver''s seat.
• Bharat NCAP mandates testing the base variant of any given model across three crucial safety domains: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies.
• Cars underwent a series of crash tests, including an offset deformable barrier frontal impact test at 64 kmph, a side impact test at 50 kmph, and a pole side impact test at 29 kmph. The results are used to rate the cars on a scale of zero to five stars, reflecting their safety performance.

The impending release of the crash test results holds substantial importance, as it will provide consumers with valuable insights into the safety standards of these vehicles. Furthermore, this initiative could potentially incentivize manufacturers to prioritize and enhance vehicle safety features in their upcoming models.

Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) perception survey 

The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) perception survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry sheds light on the logistics challenges faced by Indian states and their performance in this crucial aspect.

Key points from the Survey

Landlocked States

• Improvement in Scores: The survey indicates that landlocked states have shown improvement in average scores across various parameters, including the quality of roads, terminals, cost of logistics, and availability of skilled workforce, compared to 2019.
• Concentration of Exports: Despite improvements, only five states—Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana—contribute to 70% of the country''s exports. This concentration has led to a widening gap in income and job generation between landlocked and coastal states.
• Challenges in Certain States: Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh received low perception scores on road and terminal quality. Jharkhand, in particular, scored below average across all indicators, including infrastructure, services, and regulatory categories.

North-East Group

• Contribution to GDP: The North Eastern states contribute 2.8% to India''s GDP, requiring significant logistics-related improvements. The survey notes a marked improvement in all parameters compared to the 2019 survey.
• State-Specific Challenges: Manipur faces lower-than-average user satisfaction levels across various indicators. Assam performed better than average, but Meghalaya''s user performance assessment was below the North-East Group average.

Coastal States

• Export Contribution: Indian coastal states contribute significantly to exports, with Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal accounting for 75% of total exports.
• Performance Lags: The survey reveals that Goa, Odisha, and West Bengal continue to perform below the average among coastal states. Despite improvement in Odisha''s overall logistics perception since 2019, the indicator averages remain below the Coastal Group average.

Overall Implications

• Competitiveness Concerns: Improved logistics competitiveness is crucial for India to compete with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. Despite increased infrastructure spending, deep-seated logistical issues continue to affect Indian manufacturing and export efforts.
• Regional Disparities: The concentration of exports in a few states and disparities in logistics performance among landlocked and coastal states highlight the need for a more balanced and inclusive approach to logistics development.

The survey underscores the significance of logistics efficiency in bolstering India''s competitiveness, particularly as it aims to position itself as a viable alternative to manufacturing hubs like China. Addressing these challenges, especially in infrastructure and regional disparities, will be pivotal for the country''s economic growth and export performance.