Does neurodegeneration start when blood vessels are damaged? 

• Our brain depends on a finely tuned network of neurons, signals, and protective barriers to function seamlessly. This intricate setup underpins every thought, memory, and movement we make. But as we age, or under certain conditions, this system can break down.
• Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) slowly damage neurons and over time these conditions lead to severe memory loss, confusion, and loss of independence. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms driving these diseases have remained elusive.
• Shifting away from the traditional neuron-centric view of brain diseases, two studies published, offer a compelling new piece to this puzzle. The teams’ research reveals a startling possibility: what if the trouble begins long before neurons die?
• The studies suggest that damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may in fact be the first domino to fall in neurodegenerative diseases.

First line of defence

• The BBB is one of the brain’s most critical protections. It is made up of tightly packed endothelial cells that line blood vessels in the brain. Their job is to gatekeep: letting in vital nutrients while keeping out toxins, pathogens, and harmful immune cells.
• “Endothelial cells are the first cells exposed to what we eat, what infections we carry, or even the medications . “If these cells become inflamed or damaged, the barrier becomes leaky. When that happens, harmful substances can slip into the brain and trigger inflammation.”
• This inflammation, in turn, can lead to neuron death, which causes memory loss and cognitive decline — the hallmarks of diseases like Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Helpful and harmful

• The TDP-43 protein regulates RNA and ensures proper gene expression inside cells in a process called splicing. Under healthy conditions, it is located in the nucleus of cells. But in people with neurodegenerative diseases, it goes rogue.
• “If it accumulates in the cytoplasm, it starts to form toxic aggregates that can spread from one cell to another,”
• While these aggregates have primarily been studied in neurons, researchers have been wondering whether endothelial cells that make up the BBB are also affected.
• King’s College London neurologist Jemeen Sreedharan said, “TDP-43 is found in virtually every cell in the body, not just in the brain. It’s been detected in the skin, liver, kidneys, even reproductive organs. So its presence in endothelial cells isn’t surprising. What’s interesting is the idea that its dysfunction in these cells could kickstart the disease process.”

 Leaky in the barrier

• To investigate, the team used genetically modified mice carrying a disease-causing mutation in the Tardbp gene that encodes TDP-43. “Even a single point mutation in TDP-43 in endothelial cells was enough to cause BBB leakage, brain inflammation, and behavioural changes in mice,”.
•  As they aged, these mice showed increased leakage of molecules from the bloodstream into the brain, evidence of a compromised barrier.
• The researchers found that key proteins holding the BBB together, like claudin-5 and VE-cadherin, were lost, allowing molecules from the bloodstream to leak into brain tissue. These mice also displayed memory problems. The team also injected fluorescent dyes and tracked their penetration into the brain, analysing changes in the structure and protein composition of the BBB to  verify their findings.
• “This mutation is present from early development, even before birth,” Sreedharan said. “These mice don’t develop obvious brain disease but they do have vascular abnormalities. That points to blood vessel dysfunction as a possible early driver of neurodegeneration.”

The human connection

• The team also analysed over 130,000 individual brain-cell nuclei from postmortem human brain samples from 92 donors aged 20-98, including both healthy individuals and those with certain neurodegenerative conditions. They profiled the RNA and nuclear proteins at the single-nucleus level and examined molecular changes in various brain cells.
• “We specifically looked at TDP-43 levels in the nuclei of endothelial cells. In patient samples, the nuclear TDP-43 was dramatically reduced compared to healthy controls,”
• The findings mirrored those of the mouse model. Loss of TDP-43 caused β-catenin to disintegrate, ramping up inflammatory signalling. The team also identified a specific group of damaged capillary cells that had low TDP-43 and high inflammation, suggesting they’d shifted from maintenance to damage mode.
• Still, the human data came with caveats. “Post-mortem studies are limited by variability in tissue quality and timing,” Sreedharan said. “But combining those with controlled mouse models makes the case much stronger.”
• “It’ll be important to see if this endothelial phenotype is specific to neurodegenerative diseases or a more general response to brain injury. Studying non-genetic conditions like multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury could help clarify this.

Centre fixes MSP for 14 kharif crops

• The Centre Wednesday announced minimum support prices (MSP) for 14 crops for the 2025-26 Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), with moong seeing the lowest and ragi the highest increase. A decision to this effect was taken by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs, which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister.
• In percentage terms, ragi recorded a maximum hike of 13.89 per cent to Rs 4,886 per quintal in KMS 2025-26 as against Rs 4,290 per quintal in the last season. Like ragi, another millet crop, jowar also saw almost a double-digit hike in percentage terms in its MSP.
• The MSP of jowar (hybrid) and jowar (Maldandi) has been fixed at Rs 3,699 and Rs 3,749 per quintal, respectively, which is almost 10 per cent higher as compared to the last Kharif season. The MSP of bajra has been fixed at Rs 2,775 per quintal, which is 5.71 per cent higher compared to the last season’s Rs 2,625 per quintal.
• In recent years, the government has been promoting millet crops, including ragi and jowar, and has declared them as Shree Anna. Ragi accounts for just 0.51 per cent of the gross cropped area of the country and is mainly grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Major jowar producing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
• Moong, a pulse crop, saw the lowest hike of just 0.99 per cent—to Rs 8,768 per quintal in KMS 2025-26 from Rs 8,682 per quintal during the last season. Moong is grown in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
• Like moong, paddy has also seen a low hike in MSP. The MSP for paddy (common) and paddy (Grade A) has been fixed at Rs 2,369 and 2,389 per quintal, respectively, which is just 3 per cent higher compared to the last season. The reason for the low hike in MSP for paddy is that the government has record stock of rice in the Central Pool.
• In a separate decision, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the continuation of the Interest Subvention (IS) component under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for the financial year 2025-26, and approved the required fund arrangements.
• Under MISS, short-term credit is provided to farmers at an “affordable interest rate” through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC). “No changes have been proposed in the structure or other components of the scheme,” said an official statement.
• •The concept of Minimum Support Price (MSPs) was first proposed throughout the 1960s. The government declares minimum support prices for a total of 23 crops throughout each farming season.
• The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for a commodity refers to the price at which the government is obligated to purchase the produce from farmers in the event that the market price falls below this threshold. Consequently, Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) serve as a baseline for market prices, guaranteeing that farmers obtain a specific minimum compensation to cover their cultivation expenses and potentially generate some profit.
• The Minimum Support Price (MSPs) fulfil an additional policy objective. By utilising these measures, the government provides incentives for the cultivation of specific crops, thus assuring the maintenance of an adequate supply of essential food grains in India.
• In general, Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) have a significant influence on determining the price standards for agricultural products, extending beyond the specific commodities for which they are officially declared.
• The announcement of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) is determined by the Union government, hence signifying that it is a decision made by the government.
• However, the government mostly relies on the recommendations put out by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) when making its decisions.
• •While recommending MSPs, the CACP looks at the following factors:
  — The demand and supply of a commodity;
  — Its cost of production;
  — The market price trends (both domestic and international);
  — Inter-crop price parity;
  — The terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture (that is, the ratio of prices of farm inputs and farm outputs);
  — A minimum of 50 per cent as the margin over the cost of production; and
  — The likely implications of an MSP on consumers of that product

Sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery

• Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru have developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery, marking a significant breakthrough in energy storage technology. This battery can charge up to 80% in just six minutes and lasts over 3,000 charge cycles, making it nearly as durable as lithium-ion batteries.

Key Features of the Sodium-Ion Battery

• Rapid Charging: Achieves 80% charge in six minutes, significantly faster than conventional sodium-ion batteries.
• Long Lifespan: Retains over 80% capacity even after 3,000 charge cycles, making it a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
• NASICON-Type Chemistry: Uses a special anode material—Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅ (PO₄)₃—optimized through nanosizing, carbon coating, and aluminum substitution to enhance performance.

Why This Innovation Matters

• Reduces Dependence on Lithium: Sodium is abundant in India, unlike lithium, which is largely imported.
• Supports Clean Energy Goals: Ideal for electric vehicles, solar grids, drones, and rural electrification.
• Safer & Cost-Effective: Avoids thermal runaway risks seen in lithium-ion batteries, making it more stable for high-temperature environments

How India’s Sodium-Ion Battery Compares to Global Technologies

• Charging Speed:
• India’s Na-ion battery charges 80% in just six minutes, significantly faster than conventional sodium-ion batteries.
• Competing technologies, like China’s CATL ‘Naxtra’ battery, aim for 500 km range in EVs, but India’s version focuses on rapid charging and durability.

Durability & Cycle Life:

• The battery lasts over 3,000 charge cycles, retaining 80% capacity, making it comparable to lithium-ion batteries.
• Lithium-ion batteries typically last 5,000–8,000 cycles, but India’s Na-ion battery offers a safer and cost-effective alternative.

Material Composition & Sustainability:

• Uses NASICON-type chemistry, optimized with nanosizing, carbon coating, and aluminum substitution.
• Unlike lithium, sodium is abundant in India, reducing dependence on imported critical minerals.

 Impact on India’s Clean Energy & EV Sector

• Reducing Lithium Dependence:
• India imports lithium, making battery production costly and geopolitically vulnerable.
• Sodium-ion batteries provide a cheaper, scalable alternative, supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
• Boosting Electric Vehicles & Grid Storage:
• The battery is ideal for EVs, solar grids, drones, and rural electrification.
• Its thermal stability makes it safer for high-temperature environments, reducing fire risks.

Future Prospects & Global Positioning

• India’s Role in Next-Gen Battery Tech:
• With continued R&D and industry collaboration, India could lead in sodium-ion battery innovation.
• The technology aligns with global clean energy goals, making India a key player in sustainable battery solutions.

Comparison with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Advantages of Sodium-Ion Over Lithium-Ion:

• Safer: Sodium-ion batteries don’t suffer from thermal runaway issues, reducing the risk of fires.
• Cheaper: Sodium is widely available in India, lowering production costs compared to lithium.
• Eco-Friendly: Unlike lithium mining, sodium can be extracted from seawater, reducing environmental damage.

Limitations Compared to Lithium-Ion:

• Lower Energy Density: Sodium-ion batteries store less energy per unit compared to lithium-ion.
• Shorter Cycle Life: While India''s Na-ion battery boasts 3,000+ cycles, lithium-ion batteries can last 5,000–8,000 cycles.
• Form Factor Flexibility: Sodium-ion batteries are bulkier, making them less adaptable for compact electronics.

 Impact on India’s Clean Energy & EV Sector

• Boosting Electric Vehicle Growth:
• India aims for 30% EV adoption by 2030, and sodium-ion batteries could make EVs more affordable and widely available.
• Government incentives for battery R&D and manufacturing hubs will accelerate commercialization.

Strengthening Energy Security:

• Reducing lithium imports protects India from supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.
• Sodium-ion batteries support solar and wind energy storage, ensuring better grid stability.

Cargo ship sinks near Kerala coast: What can be the impact of oil spills and how are they cleaned up?

• The threat of a possible oil spill looms large in Kerala as a cargo ship, which was carrying diesel and hazardous substances, sank off the state’s coast on Sunday. The Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3, a 28-year-old vessel, was sailing from Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi when it capsized around 25 km southwest of Alappuzha.
• The ship went down with more than 600 containers, some of which washed ashore on Monday. So far, no oil spill has been reported. Indian agencies, including the Coast Guard, have initiated pre-emptive action to deal with the situation.

How can an oil spill affect the ecosystem? 

• Oil spills can severely damage the marine ecosystem as they can result in the death of fish and other organisms, and destroy mangroves and coral reefs. If an oil spill takes place near the coast, it can affect the livelihood of fishermen and disrupt the local economy.
• Such spills are dangerous because oil is lighter than water and it keeps floating on the surface of the sea, forming a thin layer called slick. This layer spreads rapidly over the surface as it is carried by wind and ocean currents. Moreover, most of the components of the spilled oil remain suspended in water which can lead to long-term harm. That is the reason why after an oil spill, a quick clean-up with human intervention is necessary.
• The MSC ELSA 3 was carrying at least 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367 metric tonnes of furnace oil, according to the Coast Guard. A simulation done by the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) showed that if all of this diesel and furnace oil leaked into the sea, there was a high probability that these chemicals would drift towards the coast of Kerala. The entire coastal stretch between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram districts could be affected, the simulation revealed.

Potential Impact of an Oil Spill on the Ecosystem

Marine Life & Biodiversity

• Oil spills can kill fish, marine mammals, and seabirds by coating their bodies and disrupting their ability to breathe or regulate temperature.
• Mangroves and coral reefs—critical marine habitats—can suffer long-term damage, affecting biodiversity.

Coastal Economy & Livelihoods

• If oil reaches the shore, it can devastate fisheries, impacting small-scale and artisanal fishermen who rely on coastal waters.
• Tourism and local businesses may suffer due to contaminated beaches and water pollution.

Environmental Persistence

• Oil forms a slick on the water’s surface, spreading rapidly due to wind and ocean currents.
• Components of the oil remain suspended in water, leading to long-term contamination.

How Oil Spills Are Cleaned Up

• Absorbent Materials: Special oleophilic (oil-attracting) pillows and cotton-based sheets are deployed to absorb oil from the surface.
• Booms & Skimmers: Floating barriers (booms) help contain the spill, while skimmers remove oil from the water.
• Chemical Dispersants: Used to break down oil slicks, though their environmental impact is debated.
• Mechanical Removal: In calm waters, pumps and filtration systems can extract oil from the surface.

Current Situation & Response Efforts

• The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the site and preparing pollution response operations.
• The ship was carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367 metric tonnes of furnace oil, which could drift toward Kerala’s coastline if leaked.
• Authorities are also concerned about hazardous cargo, including calcium carbide, which can form explosive gases when exposed to water.

India’s Environmental Regulations on Oil Spills

• Indian Coast Guard Act (1978)
• The Coast Guard oversees oil spill response in Indian waters and ensures containment.

National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)

• A framework for oil spill cleanup, damage mitigation, and marine safety protocols.
• Agencies coordinate spill response through early detection, containment barriers, and cleanup technologies.

Environmental Protection Act (1986)

• Regulates industrial pollution, including oil spills impacting coastal ecosystems.
• Companies responsible for spills must pay for environmental restoration.

Potential Impact on Kerala’s Fishing Industry

Short-Term Losses:

• Fishermen operating close to shore could lose their catch due to contaminated waters.
• Pelagic fish breeding may suffer, reducing fish stock availability.
• Long-Term Damage:
• Oil can smother marine life, affecting the health of coral reefs and mangroves.
• Prolonged contamination could reduce fishing yields, impacting livelihoods.

Government & Local Interventions:

• Kerala’s fisheries department and marine research institutes are working to assess environmental risks.
• Compensation programs might be introduced for affected fishing communities.

Lessons from Past Oil Spill Incidents

• Mumbai Oil Spill (2010) – Container ship collision caused severe coastal pollution, prompting chemical dispersants and bioremediation efforts.
• Chennai Oil Spill (2017) – Over 200 tonnes of oil leaked, impacting fishing operations and beach tourism.
• Mauritius Wakashio Spill (2020) – Demonstrated that slow response times worsen environmental damage

How Buddhism shows the path to nirvana

•  Buddhism is a significant world religion today, influencing many with its teachings. Originating in the 6th century BCE in the Indian subcontinent, Buddhism, along with other Śramanic sects emerged as a result of growing discontent towards ritualistic and hierarchical aspects of the Brahmanical tradition.
• Embodied in an egalitarian philosophy, Buddhism challenged the social hierarchies prevalent during the period when it emerged. It promoted the idea that spiritual liberation (nirvana) was accessible to all individuals, regardless of their social positioning. In doing so, it questioned the existing Brahmanical practices and the role of the Purohita (priestly class). 
• The teachings of Buddhism focused on a journey towards nirvana through a ‘middle path’. But what is the transformative path that the Buddha outlined to attain salvation? How does Buddhism reorder social hierarchy and why is the Buddha often addressed as Brahmana? 

History, myth and philosophy

• The date of the Buddha’s life and death has long been a subject of debate among scholars. The canonical texts in Pali, especially the Pitakas (Sutta and Vinaya), contain his hagiography (writing about the lives of saints). One can also find information about Buddha and his life in texts like Mahavastu, Buddhacharita, and others. 
• However, since most of these texts have narrations intended to spread moral and philosophical teachings, they often blend historical elements with legendary narrations, making it difficult to identify historical facts.
•  According to Upinder Singh, some of these narrations may be considered semi-historical or semi-legendary in nature.
• Buddhism was founded by the Buddha, who was born as Siddhartha. He was the son of king Suddhodana, a leader of the Sakya clan of Kapilavastu (located in modern day Nepal). According to various narrations, Maya gave birth to Siddhartha in a grove at Lumbini while en route to her natal home. 
• These narrations further say that some Brahmanas saw thirty-two auspicious marks of a great man or mahapurusha on the infant. 
• It was believed that he could become a mahapurusha in two different ways – either a world conqueror or world renouncer. Suddhodana, wanting to ensure that his son does not become a renouncer, shielded him from the sorrows of the world, ensuring that he was surrounded by luxury and happiness alone. Siddhartha was later married to Yashodhara of the Koliya clan, and they have a son named Rahula.
• According to the Pali texts, at the age of  twenty nine,  he encountered life-changing sights – an old person, a sick person, a corpse, and an ascetic. Siddhartha was deeply moved by these sights, which exposed him to the unavoidable realities of life. Hence, he renounced his royal life and became a wandering ascetic for six years, performing severe austerities. 
• Eventually, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Gaya (in Bihar) and came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. He is also referred to as Tathagata – the one who has liberated himself from the cycle of birth and death

Noble truths in Buddha’s teachings 

• The Buddha delivered his first sermon at a deer park near Banaras (Varanasi) to five of his disciples. This is referred to as dhammachakka-pavattana (the turning of the wheel of dhamma). In his sermon, the Buddha put forward a transformative path – a way of life that helps individuals to escape the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. At the core of his teachings are the four Noble Truths or Ariya-sachchani (Arya Satya) which are – 
• The world is full of suffering (dukkha) 
• — Suffering arises from desire (samudaya) 
• — Suffering can be overcome (nirodha)
• — There is a path to achieve this – the Eight-fold Path or Atthanga-magga (Ashtanga Marga). 
• The Eight-fold Path consists of right action, right speech, right livelihood, right view, right effort, right intention, and right concentration and mindfulness.
• Sabbam dukkham or ‘everything is suffering’ is one of the significant teachings of the Buddha. His teachings also focused on impermanence or anichcha, which has many facets. This concept can be elaborated this way – every being is a combination of experiences and consciousness. Therefore, the notion of a permanent and constant self arises out of ignorance. It is this concept that questions the existence of atman or soul.
• Achieving nibbana (nirvana) is the final stage of life in Buddhist teachings. It is described as an experience one gains through the removal of desire, greed, aversion, and ultimately, the idea of the self. While there are various etymologies for the term “nibbana”, it can literally be translated as “blowing out” or to “escape from defilements”. 
• The term arahatta is also used for the same. It fundamentally refers to escaping the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It must be noted here that nibbana is not equivalent to physical death in the conventional sense, rather it implies the end of suffering and rebirth. The term parinibbana is specifically used to refer to the death of the Buddha. 

Reordering social hierarchies

• One cannot concur with the idea that Buddhism completely abolished social differences. While Buddhism is often viewed as a sect that fought social discrimination and worked for equality, the reality is more complex.
•  Compared to Brahmanical tradition, Buddhism was inclusive and more accepting. However, a complete rejection of all social differences was never a part of Buddhist teachings or texts.  
• The Buddhist approach to varna can be analysed here. Unlike the description given in the Purushasukta, which looks at varna as a divinely ordained social order, Buddhism considered it as a man-made social order.
•  The Anguttara Nikaya mentions that people from the four varnas – Khattiya (Kshatriya), Brāhmaṇa (Brahmana), Vessa (Vaishya), and Suddha (Shudra) – came into the fold of Buddhism. But the hierarchy was reordered, placing Kshatriya before Brahmana, questioning the existing system. 
• Furthermore, one can also look into the different ways in which the term Brahmana has been used in Buddhist texts. It is denoted as a social category that is frequently criticised. As Upinder Singh observes, it is interesting that despite all the criticism, the Pali texts are flamboyant in describing the episodes of influential Brahmanas accepting Buddhist teachings. The term is also used to refer to someone who has attained wisdom; Buddha is also addressed as Brahmana in some texts

Buddha’s dream of four birds

• The Buddha’s dream of four birds of different types and colours flying in from four directions and sitting at his feet is often interpreted as symbolically showing that all varnas were part of Buddhism.
•  Buddha also stated that anyone who joins the Sangha or the Buddhist monastic order becomes a vevanniyanti – one who is devoid of varna. 
• However, it is interesting to observe that Brahmanas and Kshtatriyas were more in number in the monastic order. Uma Chakravarti, in her work The Social Dimensions of Early Buddhism, observes that several monks belonged to the upper class. While several prominent bhikkhus came from Brahmana and Kshatriya varnas, notable exceptions were there such as Upali – one of the most significant bhikkhus who belonged to a barber community. 
• Although Buddhism didn’t entirely disregard birth and family in many instances, it placed greater emphasis on one’s actions.
• The Buddha has stated that one should be judged by their behaviour, not by their origin. Further, he has stated that a saint can be born in any family,  just as fire can emerge from any wood. One becomes a Brahmana (wise person) not by birth, but by one’s actions. Though the Kshatriyas are placed above Brahmins in the varna order, the one who attained nibbana stands above everyone.
• But Buddhism was not entirely devoid of the notion of social hierarchy. The Vinaya Pitaka categorises certain occupations as being of higher and lower status. While professions like farming, trade, accounting, and writing are given high status, leather making, pottery, weaving and so on are the low ones. 
• Buddhism opened up a significant space for the laity to embrace spirituality and choose their path of worship.
• The material milieu of the sixth century BCE saw the emergence of affluent groups, such as merchants and landowners. As the ritual privileges of the
• Brahmanical tradition, accessible only to certain social groups, started losing popularity, the new affluent groups gravitated towards sects like Buddhism that provided a code of conduct and ways to attain salvation, irrespective of social origins

Antimalarial agents sidestep insecticide resistance by fighting parasite

• Researchers Researchers have identified new compounds that could target the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum during its developmental stages in Anopheles mosquitoes. This breakthrough could enhance malaria control efforts, especially in resource-poor regions where the disease is endemic2.

Key Findings from the Study

• Targeting the Parasite Instead of Mosquitoes:
• Traditional insecticide-treated nets lose effectiveness as mosquitoes develop resistance.
• Instead of killing mosquitoes, researchers embedded antiplasmodial drugs in polymer fibers of nets to block parasite transmission.
• Screening for Effective Compounds:
• Scientists tested 81 antimalarial compounds targeting early parasite development in mosquitoes.
• 22 compounds showed promise, including endochin-like quinolones (ELQs)—potent antimicrobial agents.

Most Promising Compounds:

• ELQ-456 completely blocked parasite infections.
• ELQ-331 reduced the spread of infection.
• ELQ-453 and ELQ-613 prevented parasites from maturing into their infectious forms.

Why This Matters

• Long-Lasting & Resistance-Proof Protection:
• These compounds avoid mosquito resistance, ensuring continued malaria prevention.
• They remain effective even after a year of storage in treated nets.
• Potential for Affordable Malaria Control:
• The compounds’ straightforward synthesis suggests they could be cost-effective for mass production.
• With process optimization, they could be widely deployed in malaria-endemic regions.

Comparison with Existing Malaria Prevention Strategies

• Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs):
• Widely used but losing effectiveness as mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides.
• WHO-Approved Vaccines (RTS,S & R21):
• Helps reduce cases but does not fully prevent transmission.
• New Approach – Targeting the Parasite:
• Researchers embedded anti-parasitic compounds into the same polymer fibers as insecticides to attack the parasite instead of killing mosquitoes.

How the New Technology Works

• Key Compounds Identified:
• ELQ-456: Completely blocked parasite development in mosquitoes.
• ELQ-453 & ELQ-613: Prevented the parasite from maturing into an infectious form.
• Long-Lasting & Resistance-Proof:
• These compounds remain effective even after a year in treated nets.
• Avoid mosquito resistance by directly targeting Plasmodium falciparum.

Large-Scale Deployment Prospects

• Cost-Effective Solution:
• The compounds are easier to synthesize and could be mass-produced affordably.
• Global Application:
• Especially beneficial for malaria-endemic regions like Africa & South Asia.
• Future Policy Implications:
• Governments may adopt this method as a standard malaria prevention strategy.

India''s Strategy for Large-Scale Deployment

• Integrating into Existing Control Measures
• The compounds, such as ELQ-456, could be embedded into polyethylene films of insecticide-treated nets, ensuring continuous parasite suppression.
• These films were effective for up to a year, even against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

Government & Public Health Initiatives

• India’s National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) may adopt these compounds into large-scale malaria prevention efforts.
• The focus is to reduce malaria cases in endemic regions, particularly rural and tribal communities.
• Cost & Manufacturing Feasibility
• Scientists note that the compounds have a straightforward synthesis, making them affordable for mass production.
• With process optimization, India could produce malaria-resistant nets at scale, benefiting low-income regions.

Policy Impact & Global Collaboration

• India Exiting High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) Group
• As of 2024, India is no longer classified under WHO’s HBHI group, signifying reduced malaria prevalence.
• New policies will focus on long-term malaria eradication rather than emergency containment.

Potential WHO Endorsement & International Deployment

• If clinical trials confirm effectiveness, WHO may integrate India’s discovery into global malaria guidelines.
• African nations, which suffer 94% of malaria cases worldwide, could collaborate with India to adopt this strategy.

Future Prospects & Challenges

• Ensuring Long-Term Effectiveness
• While ELQ compounds avoid mosquito resistance, continuous monitoring is needed to prevent parasite resistance.
• Expanding Use Beyond Nets
• Researchers might explore alternative delivery methods, such as mosquito-spray formulations.
• Scaling Production & Global Rollout
• Successful implementation could position India as a leader in antimalarial innovation, shaping future global health strategies.

What is India’s stance on methane emissions, potent greenhouse gas?

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is crucial to fighting climate change. After carbon dioxide, methane is the most potent GHG responsible for approximately a third of global warming.
• It is a colourless, odourless gas that has both natural as well as anthropogenic sources. Naturally, it is produced in a wetland due to the decomposition of vegetation under water. Other natural sources include termites, volcanoes, wildfires, etc. 
• The primary sectors responsible for anthropogenic methane emissions are: Agriculture, which accounts for 40% of emissions and includes animal manure and rice cultivation.
• After this, the fossil fuel sector accounts for 35% of methane emissions. Waste management is responsible for roughly 20% of emissions, originating from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills, open dumps, and wastewater treatment systems.
• Methane is widely used as a fuel for electricity generation, heating, cooking, and in industrial processes. It also serves as a key feedstock for hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production, and is used in transportation (CNG/LNG) and as renewable biogas. 
• Despite its utility, methane emerged as a major climate concern. It has a shorter lifespan compared to CO₂ but is much more efficient in trapping radiation. As the climate crisis intensifies, tackling methane emissions has become an urgent and impactful strategy for reducing GHG emissions. 

Global efforts for methane mitigation  

• Reducing methane emissions has long been a part of climate change mitigation efforts. The 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) laid the foundation to combat climate change by adopting the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and placing the obligation on developed countries to reduce GHG emissions. However, being just a framework convention, the UNFCCC didn’t specify the GHGs or set binding targets. 
• To implement the convention, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005. It listed six GHGs, and methane was one of them. The Kyoto Protocol imposed binding emission reduction targets on developed countries.
• The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, marked a shift towards a voluntary approach (nationally determined approach), while still expecting developed countries to take the lead in setting emissions targets. In recent years, abating methane emissions has been recognised as one of the most effective and affordable strategies to reduce global warming. 
• At COP 26, the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) was launched as a voluntary international initiative with its primary goal of reducing global methane emissions by at least 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030. To enhance global reporting on methane emissions, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also launched the International Methane Emission Observatory (IMEO).
• further support methane data collection, the UNEP launched the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) at COP27 (2022). MARS is a global satellite detection and notification system that provides data on methane emissions. Building on these efforts, COP 28 established the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (ODGC), which aims at accelerating the decarbonisation of the oil and gas sector. The charter aims at achieving net-zero upstream methane emissions by 2030. 
• At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, over 30 countries endorsed the Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste, marking a significant advancement in global climate initiatives.
• This declaration targets methane emissions from organic waste, such as food scraps, agricultural residues, and sewage, which account for nearly 20% of anthropogenic methane emissions. 

Exploring cutting-edge solutions 

• The Global Methane Initiative (GMI), launched in 2004 as the Methane to Markets Partnership, is an initiative to foster collaborations to reduce methane emissions. It works in collaboration with other key international environmental initiatives and agencies such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Global Methane Hub, and the World Bank Group to reduce global methane emissions. 
• Over the past two decades, GMI has helped raise global awareness about methane’s climate and health impacts, fostered international cooperation, and mobilised investments in methane mitigation efforts. 
• GMI has also been a key sponsor of various events on methane mitigation. One such event is Methane Mitigation: Technology & Innovation Summit, which will be held on June 2-4, 2025, in Austin, Texas, US. Organised by the Industrial Decarbonisation Network, the summit will bring together energy companies, NGOs and technology innovators. It will serve as a knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to reducing methane emissions from the energy sector. 
• The discussion will largely be focused on exploring cutting-edge solutions and best practices for measuring, monitoring, and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.

India’s stance on methane emissions 

• India has not signed the Global Methane Pledge, primarily due to concern over the shift in focus from CO2 – which has a lifespan of around 100 years – to Methane – which has a lifespan of 12 years.
• India’s major sources of methane emissions are the livestock sector through enteric fermentation and agriculture through paddy cultivation. These sources are linked to the subsistence activities of small and marginal farmers. 
• Implementing the GMP could negatively impact farmers’ incomes, rice production, and India’s significant role in global rice exports.
• Also, these emissions in India are considered ‘survival emissions’ – essential for food security – not ‘luxury emissions’, unlike in developed nations where agriculture is industrialised. To reduce methane emissions, no additional burden can be imposed on the small farmers who are already economically marginalised. 
• Nonetheless, India has undertaken measures to reduce methane emissions. Under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), the government is promoting methane-reducing practices in rice cultivation. Methane mitigation initiatives such as the system for rice intensification, direct seeded rice, and the crop diversification programme are being implemented. 
• Also, to reduce methane production in livestock initiatives such as breed improvement and balanced rationing, have been taken by The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), through the National Livestock Mission.
• Programmes like GOBAR-Dhan and the National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme incentivise the use of cattle waste for biogas production and organic manure, promoting clean energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions in rural areas.

Energy sector: Cost-effective route to methane reduction  

• Methane is responsible for around 30% of global warming. If left unaddressed, global methane emissions caused by human activities are expected to increase by as much as 13% between 2020 and 2030.
• Reducing methane emissions is the most important climate step the world can take. However, it is easier said than done, especially for a developing country like India, where methane emissions are related to food security. 
• To tackle the situation, a substantial flow of climate finance from developed to developing countries would enable ambitious climate action, including slashing methane emissions.
•  Additionally, crop diversification schemes would aid the efforts by encouraging a shift away from monoculture towards a more varied and sustainable agricultural system. 
• Similarly, the energy sector, which also accounts for significant methane emissions, offers some of the most immediate and cost-effective opportunities for methane reduction. Developed countries, having historically been the largest producers and consumers of fossil fuels, are well-positioned to lead reforms.
•  They may choose to incentivise methane reduction in developing countries through climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. 
• Moreover, cutting methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector is easier to detect and measure and having relatively few large companies as actors can make the enforcement a lot easier as compared to the agriculture sector, where solutions are linked to livelihoods and food security.
• The upcoming Methane Mitigation Summit has the potential to accelerate action in the energy sector and success here could set the stage for broader efforts across harder to abate sectors.

The cheapest way to prevent NCDs: reducing salt consumption 

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 70% of deaths in low- and middle-income group countries are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Poor lifestyles, smoking, the use of alcohol, lack of exercise, air pollution, and other factors contribute to this figure. It is of paramount importance to prevent NCDs, as their treatment can be a huge burden to the health budget of a country. 
• One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of preventing NCDs is reducing salt consumption in the population.
• Salt consumption, the WHO says, should be less than 5 grams per day from all sources: this includes natural sources, salt added while cooking, and hidden salt in processed and packaged food. Indians consume way above the recommendation at around 8 to 11 grams per day. It is important to clarify the confusion between sodium and salt. Two grams of sodium is equal to 5 grams of common salt. 
• The relationship between salt and blood pressure is well known. High salt intake leads to increased blood volume, and unless the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) produces nitrous oxide, the blood vessel fails to dilate, leading to hypertension.
• This is called salt-sensitive or resistant hypertension and is genetically determined. However, what is not common knowledge is that salt-resistant hypertension can become salt-sensitive over time. High salt in the absence of hypertension can also lead to endothelial dysfunction.  
• All NCDs have a common pathology of blood vessel damage. The ill effects of hypertension: contributing to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure are well known. And so, it is essential that salt intake is followed to the recommended level even in the absence of hypertension.  

What the research says 

• There are more than 100 studies that have shown the benefit of salt reduction in the population. Studies from Japan, Portugal, and Finland are the oldest. A study from the U.K. showed a reduction of strokes by 24% and heart attacks by 18% when salt intake was reduced. The latest and the largest study from China, showed a considerable reduction in strokes with the use of low-sodium salt substitutes. 
• The other ill effects of salt, such as kidney stones, worsening of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), stomach cancer, and osteoporosis, must be included in the benefits of salt control. 

How to control salt consumption 

• The first step is creating awareness at all levels of the general population, health providers, the government, and food manufacturers.  
• The best way to find out daily salt consumption is by estimating urine sodium over 24 hours. In general, the salt we eat is removed from our urine. Only a very small quantity is lost in faeces or sweat. It is a common misconception that with increased sweating, the body requires more salt: only more water is required. 
• Unfortunately, only about 3,000-odd people have been studied for urinary sodium excretion, which is miniscule considering our population. Studies using dietary recall are not reliable, however, knowing the average family consumption may help to monitor and advise accordingly. 
• Salt meters have been used in some countries but do not help in determining salt in traditional Indian foods. Studies from our country still show that the majority of salt is added while cooking at home. But this is likely to change, since eating out and consumption of packaged food have been on the rise. 
• The average person cooking at home needs to be educated on the skill of lowering salt through the use of spices and condiments to improve taste. More salt is not required to improve taste.
• On the contrary, salt is a dominant taste and masks other flavours. The saltshaker need not be displayed on the table, since it is often used without tasting the food. Taste is often an acquired habit, and desensitisation may help with this.  
• The public procurement of food is also an area where salt can be controlled. Midday meals at schools should be an important target. The benefit of this can be immense since the habit is inculcated from childhood.
• The United Kingdom, for instance, has a very strong policy where meals in schools are served without salt. There is also a lack of awareness about how much salt children require. It is only by the age of 12 that they must reach the recommended intake of 5 grams per day.  
• The transport sector is an important site of public procurement of food. For instance, travellers buy fresh food from stalls at railway stations. Unfortunately, a majority of the airlines serve packed food. These are areas that need to be looked into. 

The need for food labelling 

• The government plays a very important role in controlling the salt intake of the population. Here, food labelling is crucial: labels for sodium should be made mandatory. Labels need to be on the front of the package and need to be clear and legible. 
• Food labels should be marked for high salt content since the common man may not be able to interpret the sodium content. Signal labelling, using red to indicate high salt has been used successfully in the UK.  
• The government can also increase taxes for high-salt items just as it has for cigarettes. 
• Creating awareness in the population is another step and should be taken up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has initiated the ‘Eat Right India’ movement which is a collaborative effort with multiple sectors. These, and more, are needed to build awareness around reducing salt consumption. 
• The food industry has to gear up to reformulate food items. Low-salt alternatives for popular brand snacks should be freely available. We should take a leaf out of the UK’s book where, for 10 years, the salt content in bread was reduced slowly and progressively without most people realising it. The acceptance was widespread.  
• Lastly, salt substitutes, although available in India, are not popular. They have varying levels of sodium being replaced by potassium. Normally, in up to 20% of this replacement, there is no difference in taste. The only concern with this is in people with kidney impairments, as it may produce hyperkalemia or high serum potassium.  
• The WHO has recently released guidelines on the use of low-sodium salt substitutes. Low sodium salt substitutes should not be confused with other sodium salts in the market such as rock salt or pink salt, which still contain high sodium and have no benefits; on the contrary, they are non-iodised and might lead to iodine deficiency.  
• Salt targets must be set every three years so that ultimately, we achieve the WHO goal of 5 grams per day. The large-scale implementation of a campaign to reduce salt/sodium intake among the population remains the best and most cost-effective way to reduce strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, and other NCDs