Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

 

Environment

1. Nitrous Oxide Emissions (N2O)

India’s Challenge:

• Second Largest Emitter: While India’s per capita emissions are lower, it’s the world’s #2 source of N2O due to its large population and agricultural practices.
• Rapid Increase: N2O emissions have grown a worrying 40% since 1980.

Source of the Problem:

• Agriculture Dependence: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal manure management in agriculture are the main culprits.

Global Impact:

• Ozone Depletion: High atmospheric N2O levels can weaken the ozone layer, exposing us to harmful UV radiation and worsening climate change.
• Pollution Chain Reaction: Excess nitrogen from N2O contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, harming ecosystems and human health.

The Bigger Picture:

• Global Warming: N2O, along with other greenhouse gases, traps heat, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise (current increase: 1.15°C compared to 1850-1900). N2O emissions contribute about 0.1°C to this warming.

Remember: While per capita emissions are lower, India’s total N2O output is significant and requires action to mitigate its impact on climate change and environmental health.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/india-is-worlds-second-largest-emitter-of-nitrous-oxide/article68281521.ece

 

 

 

Science and Technology

2. Martian Craters

• Mars’ Cratered Surface: Unlike Earth, Mars’ stable crust, minimal erosion, and lack of active lava flows have preserved a record of its history in the form of thousands of impact craters.
• Scientific Significance: These craters offer valuable clues about the age and geological makeup of the Martian surface.

Recent Discovery by PRL, India:

• Location: Tharsis Volcanic Region on Mars, known for extensive lava flows.
• Newly Discovered Craters:
  • Lal Crater (named after Prof. Devendra Lal, Indian geophysicist)
  • Mursan Crater (named after a town in Uttar Pradesh, India)
  • Hilsa Crater (named after a town in Bihar, India) – all approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Basic Facts about Mars:

• Fourth planet from the Sun, cold desert world, roughly half Earth’s size.
• Nicknamed “Red Planet” due to iron oxide on its surface.
• Lower gravity (⅓ Earth’s) and thin atmosphere (1% Earth’s) make space exploration challenging.
• Dynamic planet with seasons, polar ice caps, canyons, and evidence of past activity.
• Thin atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon.
• Signs of ancient floods, but current water exists mainly in icy dirt and clouds.

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), India:

• Founded in 1947 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.
• Conducts research in physics, space & atmospheric sciences, astronomy, and planetary & geosciences.

 

 

 

Governance

3. Renaming in Uttarakhand

Joshimath Renamed Jyotirmath:

• Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (6,150 ft)
• Significance:
  • Gateway to Himalayan treks and pilgrimage sites like Badrinath.
  • One of four cardinal Hindu pīthas established by Adi Shankaracharya (8th century).
  • Believed to be originally named Jyotirmath after Shankaracharya’s enlightenment there.

Kosiyakutoli Renamed Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham:

• Location: Nainital district, Uttarakhand
• Significance:
  • Houses Kainchi Dham, ashram of revered spiritual leader Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj.
  • Attracts a large number of devotees.
  • Included in the Manaskhand Mandirmala Mission.

Constitutional Basis:

• Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to:
  • Form new states
  • Change state boundaries
  • Rename states/places (Article 3(e))

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-nainitals-kosya-kutauli-renamed-as-kainchi-dham-joshimath-as-jyotirmath-9388822/

 

 

 

Environment

4. Sea Cucumbers

• Coral Reefs in Peril: Crucial marine ecosystems (25% of marine life) facing decline due to overfishing, pollution, warming oceans.
• Sea Cucumbers to the Rescue: These natural cleaners consume bacteria and organic matter, protecting corals from harmful pathogens.
• Overharvesting Threat: Excessive sea cucumber fishing weakens their protective role, worsening reef decline.
• Conservation Efforts Needed: Repopulating sea cucumber populations alongside broader measures (pollution control, sustainable fishing) can buy time for reefs.
• Symbiotic Relationship: Healthy sea cucumber populations are vital for stabilizing coral reef ecosystems and the services they provide (coastal protection, fisheries, tourism).
• Research Shows Promise: Studies indicate corals near sea cucumbers have a lower chance of disease, highlighting their ecological importance.

Coral Reefs:

• Biodiversity Powerhouses: Despite covering only 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support a quarter of marine life. This diversity is vital for ocean health.

• Economic Engine: Reefs generate billions through tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. They are crucial for coastal communities’ livelihoods.
• Threats Loom Large: Overfishing, pollution, destructive fishing, and climate change (warming, acidification) endanger these ecosystems.

• Conservation is Key: Marine Protected Areas, sustainable practices, pollution control, and restoration projects are crucial for reef survival. International cooperation is essential.
• Climate Change – The Biggest Threat: Even slight ocean warming can cause widespread coral bleaching and death. Addressing climate change is critical for protecting these vital ecosystems.

Source : https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/coral-reef-recovery-could-get-a-boost-from-an-unlikely-source-sea-cucumbers-the-janitors-of-the-seafloor-96645