Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 to Moungi G Bawendi, Louis E Brus, and Alexei I Ekimov for their groundbreaking discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

How did Scientists Discover Quantum Dots?

• Background:
  • Traditionally, all pieces of a pure element, regardless of size, were believed to have identical properties due to the uniform distribution of electrons.
    • However, about forty years ago, scientists discovered that nanoparticles on the nanoscale, typically 1 to 100 billionths of a meter in size, exhibited distinct behaviors different from their larger counterparts of the same element, challenging this conventional belief.
• The Nobel Laureates' Contributions:
  • Alexei Ekimov: In around 1980, Alexei Ekimov was the first to observe the anomalous behavior in Copper Chloride nanoparticles.
    • He successfully manufactured these nanoparticles, showcasing their distinctive properties.
  • Louis Brus: American scientist Louis Brus made a similar discovery involving Cadmium Sulphide nanoparticles.
    • Like Ekimov, he could create these nanoparticles with altered properties.
  • Moungi Bawendi: Moungi Bawendi, who initially collaborated with Louis Brus, later played a pivotal role in simplifying the production methods for nanoparticles with unique characteristics.
    • His work paved the way for efficient and controlled manufacturing of nanoparticles displaying desired deviant behaviors.
• Factor Responsible for Distinctive Properties of Nanoparticles:
  • The unconventional behavior of small nanoparticles is a result of the emergence of quantum effects.
  • Despite nanoparticles being considerably larger than individual atoms, a crucial insight emerged in the 1930s, that when particles are reduced to the nanoscale, quantum effects can come into play.
    • This is primarily because, under such conditions, electrons within atoms find themselves confined within a limited space.
      • Typically, electrons move within a relatively spacious area outside the nucleus of an atom.
      • However, as particle size drastically decreases, electrons experience increasing constraints, leading to the manifestation of these peculiar quantum effects.
  • This profound understanding, as observed and demonstrated by the Nobel Laureates, Ekimov and Brus in their laboratories, resulted in the creation of nano-sized particles with distinct behaviors compared to their larger counterparts of the same element.
    • These remarkable nanoparticles, possessing unique properties, came to be known as quantum dots.
• Feature of Quantum Dots: Quantum dots are nanoscale particles, typically ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. These minuscule structures possess unique properties that are governed by their size.
  • Notably, the size of quantum dots determines the colour of light they emit, with smaller dots emitting blue light and larger ones shining in yellow and red.

What can be the Applications of Quantum Dots?

• Display Technology: Quantum dots can enhance the quality of displays, such as LED lamps and television screens, by emitting clear and vibrant light.
• Medical Imaging: They can illuminate tumor tissue during surgery, aiding surgeons in precise removal.
  • Their nanoscale size makes them ideal for use in tiny sensors.
• Flexible Electronics: Quantum dots hold promise for flexible electronics, paving the way for innovative and adaptable devices..
• Slimmer Solar Cells: Quantum dots could lead to more efficient and compact solar cells, improving renewable energy solutions.
• Encrypted Quantum Communication: Quantum dots might play a role in developing secure quantum communication technologies, protecting sensitive information.

Reference to Other Announcements of the Nobel Prizes 2023: Physics , Physiology or Medicine

Methane Emissions from Livestock

Source: DTE

Why in News?

A recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, titled "Methane Emissions in Livestock and Rice Systems," highlights the significant climate impact of methane emissions from livestock and rice paddies.

• Released during FAO's inaugural 'Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation' in September 2023, the report emphasizes the importance of reducing methane emissions in achieving the Paris Agreement's goals, as noted in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report.

What are the Key Findings from the Report?

• Sources of Methane Emissions:
  • Ruminant livestock and manure management contribute to approximately 32% of global anthropogenic methane emissions.
  • Rice paddies account for an additional 8% of methane emissions.
  • Besides agrifood systems, other human activities that generate methane emissions include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, coal mines and more.

• Impact of Ruminant Livestock:
  • Among ruminants, cattle are the highest daily emitters of methane, followed by sheep, goats, and buffalo.
  • Ruminant meat and milk are significant protein sources, and global demand for animal products is expected to rise by 60-70% by 2050.
• Improving Feed Efficiency:
  • Report focuses on improving feed to reduce methane emissions by enhancing feed efficiency.
    • This involves increasing nutrient density, and feed digestibility, altering rumen microbial composition, and selectively breeding animals with negative residual feed intake and smaller metabolic body weight.
  • Enhanced feed efficiency boosts animal productivity per unit of feed, potentially increasing farm profitability based on feed costs and meat/milk revenues.
• Need for Regional Studies:
  • The report underscores the need for regional studies to quantify the effects of improved nutrition, health, reproduction, and genetics to increase animal production and decrease methane emission.
    • Such studies would help assess the impact of mitigation strategies on net greenhouse gas emissions at a regional level.
• Strategies for Mitigating Methane Emissions:
  • The study noted four broad strategies in mitigating methane emissions:
    • Animal breeding and management.
    • Feed management, diet formulation and precision feeding.
    • Forages.
    • Rumen manipulation.
• Challenges and Research Gaps:
  • Challenges include the lack of regional information to calculate carbon footprints and limited economically affordable methane mitigation solutions.
  • Further research is needed to develop practical and cost-effective measures.

What are the Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions?

• Indian:
  • ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD):
    • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed an anti-methanogenic feed supplement ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD), which can cut down cattle methane emissions by 17-20% and can also result in higher milk production.
  • The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
    • It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, involves climate resilient practices including methane reduction practices in rice cultivation.
      • These practices contribute to substantial reduction of methane emissions.
  • National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):
    • Under the NICRA project, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed technologies to mitigate methane emissions from rice cultivation. These technologies include:
      • System for Rice Intensification: This technique can increase rice yield by 36-49% while using 22-35% less water compared to conventional transplanted rice.
      • Direct Seeded Rice: This method reduces methane emissions by eliminating the need for raising nurseries, puddling, and transplanting. Unlike traditional paddy cultivation.
      • Crop Diversification Programme: By shifting from paddy cultivation to alternative crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton, and agroforestry, methane emissions are minimized.
  • Bharat Stage-VI Norms:
    • India shifted from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms.
• Global:
  • Methane Alert and Response System (MARS):
    • MARS will integrate data from a large number of existing and future satellites that have the ability to detect methane emission events anywhere in the world, send out notifications to the relevant stakeholders to act on it.
  • Global Methane Pledge:
    • At the Glasgow climate conference (UNFCCC COP 26) in 2021, nearly 100 countries had come together in a voluntary pledge, referred to as the Global Methane Pledge, to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from the 2020 levels.
      • India is not a part of Global Methane Pledge.
  • Global Methane Initiative (GMI):
    • It is an international public-private partnership focused on reducing barriers to the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source.

India and Argentina Signs Social Security Agreement

Source: TH

Why in News?

India and Argentina recently signed a 'Social Security Agreement(SSA)' aimed at safeguarding the legal rights of professionals in each other's domains. This agreement is expected to facilitate risk-free international mobility for professionals from both countries.

What is the Social Security Agreement?

• About:
  • It ensures that the rights of professionals and workers in both countries are protected against the loss of social security benefits or contributions.
• Need:
  • The growing number of Indian professionals working in Argentina and Argentine nationals seeking employment in India necessitated this legal framework.
• Key Highlights:
  • The SSA applies to legislation in both India and Argentina concerning various aspects of social security, including old age, survivor's pension, and permanent, total disability pension for employed persons.
  • The agreement provides rights and benefits to detached workers, i.e., employees working in another country on a temporary basis, and their family members.
    • These benefits include cash allowances for retirement or pension, rent, subsidy, or lump sum payments, all as per local legislation, without any reduction, modification, suspension, suppression, or retention.
  • The SSA establishes the legal framework for regulating the insurance period, which includes the period of services credited with contributions, contributory benefits, and their export for detached workers.
    • This framework also covers crew members of airlines and ships.
  • The agreement addresses legislation concerning contributory benefits of the Social Security System in Argentina.
  • The agreement would protect the rights of professionals and workers against loss of benefits or contributions made towards social security in both countries and thus facilitate greater movement of professionals and the labour force.

How are India-Argentina Relations?

• Political Relations:
  • India‐Argentina relations were elevated to the level of Strategic Partnership in February 2019.
  • India opened a Trade Commission in Buenos Aires in 1943, which was later converted into one of the first embassies of India in South America in 1949.
  • Argentina had established a Consulate in Calcutta in the 1920s, which was transferred to Delhi as an Embassy in 1950.
• Economic Relations:
  • India is the 4^th largest trading partner of Argentina, with bilateral trade touching a historic peak of USD 6.4 billion in 2022, recording a growth rate of 12% over 2021.
  • Major items of India’s exports to Argentina include petroleum oils, agrochemicals, yarn-fabric-made ups, organic chemicals, bulk drugs and two-wheelers.
  • Major items of India’s imports from Argentina include vegetable oils (soya bean and sunflower), finished leather, cereals, residual chemicals and allied products and pulses.
• Cultural Relations:
  • India and Argentina have historical and literary ties, such as the visit of Rabindranath Tagore to Argentina in 1924 and the award of an honorary doctorate to Victoria Ocampo by Visva Bharati University in 1968.
• Counter-Terrorism
  • India and Argentina issued a separate joint declaration to fight terrorism.
  • Argentina condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir in the strongest terms.
  • Both countries reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and gave a call that any country must not allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries.

South China Sea

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Philippines Coast Guard removed barriers placed by Chinese vessels at the entrance to a lagoon off the Scarborough Shoal.

• This incident came after Chinese Coast Guard ships placed a 300-meter-long barrier to prevent boats from the Philippines from entering, adding to the long-running tensions in the South China Sea.

What is the Significance of the South China Sea?

• Strategic Location: The South China Sea is bordered by China and Taiwan to the north, the Indo-Chinese peninsula (including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore) to the west, Indonesia and Brunei to the south, and the Philippines to the east (referred to as the West Philippine Sea).
  • It is connected by the Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by the Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea (both marginal seas of the Pacific Ocean).
• Trade Importance: Approximately USD 3.37 trillion worth of trade passed through the South China Sea in 2016, making it a crucial global trade route.
  • According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 80% of global trade by volume and 70% by value is transported by sea, with 60% of it passing through Asia and one-third of global shipping moving through the South China Sea.
  • China, the world's second-largest economy, relies heavily on the South China Sea, with an estimated 64% of its trade passing through the region. In contrast, only 14% of U.S. trade traverses these waters.
  • India relies on the region for approximately 55% of its trade.
• Fishing Ground: The South China Sea is also a rich fishing ground, providing a vital source of livelihood and food security for millions of people in the region.

What are the Major Disputes in the South China Sea?

• Dispute:
  • The heart of the South China Sea dispute revolves around territorial claims to land features (islands and reefs) and their associated territorial waters.
    • The major island and reef formations in the South China Sea are the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas, the Natuna Islands and Scarborough Shoal.
  • As many as 70 disputed reefs and islets are under contention, with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan all building more than 90 outposts on these disputed features.
  • China claims up to 90% of the sea with its "nine-dash line" map and has physically expanded islands and constructed military installations to assert control.
    • China has been particularly active in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, engaging in extensive dredging and artificial island-building, creating 3,200 acres of new land since 2013.
    • China also controls the Scarborough Shoal through a constant Coast Guard presence.
• Efforts to Resolve the Dispute:
  • Code of Conduct (CoC): Talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have aimed at establishing a CoC to manage the situation, but progress has been slow due to internal ASEAN disputes and the magnitude of China's claims.
  • Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC): In 2002, ASEAN and China adopted the DoC, affirming their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law.
    • The DoC was meant to pave the way for a CoC, which remains elusive.
  • Arbitral Proceedings: In 2013, the Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings against China under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
    • In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled against China's "nine-dash line" claim, stating it was inconsistent with UNCLOS.
    • China rejected the arbitration ruling and asserted its sovereignty and historical rights, challenging the PCA's authority.

Way Forward

• Multilateral Engagement: Encourage active involvement from the international community, including countries outside the region, to facilitate diplomatic efforts and ensure that any resolution is fair, impartial, and in line with international norms particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Environmental Protection: There is need for collaboration on efforts to protect the marine environment in the South China Sea, including measures to combat illegal fishing, reduce pollution, and preserve biodiversity because the total fish stocks in this region have been depleted by 70 to 95% since the 1950s and coral reefs, have been declining by 16% per decade, according to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
• Maritime Peace Parks: Explore the concept of creating maritime peace parks or protected areas within the South China Sea. Similar to terrestrial national parks, these areas could be designated for peaceful purposes, such as conservation, research, and ecotourism, transcending political disputes.

Illicit Trade of Tortoises and Hard-Shell Turtles

Source: TH

Why in News?

A recent study titled 'From Pets to Plates,' published in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation, has provided insights into the illicit trade of tortoises and hard-shell turtles.

• The study was conducted by experts associated with the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme of the Wildlife Conservation Society-India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Chennai Leads the Network:
  • Chennai emerges as the primary node in the tortoise and hard-shell turtle trafficking network.
    • The city plays a central role in the global pet trade, facilitating the illicit trade in these reptiles.
  • Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Anantapur, Agra, North 24 Parganas (in West Bengal), and Howrah (near the India-Bangladesh border) are also crucial in the network, contributing significantly to the trafficking of tortoises and turtles.
• Predominantly Domestic Soft-Shell Turtle Trafficking:
  • Soft-shell turtle trafficking is primarily domestic in nature. International trafficking of soft-shell turtles to and from India is mostly limited to Bangladesh.
• The Asian Turtle Crisis:
  • Wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles face immense pressure from illegal trade for pets, food, and medicines.
    • At least 15 of the 30 threatened TFT (Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles) species in India are illegally traded.
    • Freshwater species, such as the Indian flapshell turtles, are in great demand in illegal markets.
      • The Indian Softshell turtle, also known as the Ganges Softshell turtle, is a freshwater reptile found in the Ganges, Indus and Mahanadi rivers in northern and eastern India.
• Comparing Networks:
  • The study found that the tortoise and hard-shell turtle network had a more extensive geographical scale with more international trafficking links compared to the soft-shell turtle network.
  • Complex routes were recorded in tortoise and hard-shell turtle smuggling, whereas soft-shell turtle trafficking primarily followed a one-directional route from source to destination.
• Dire Condition of Trafficked Turtles:
  • Turtles involved in the illegal trade often arrive dehydrated, starved, and with injuries.
  • High mortality rates among trafficked turtles highlight the urgency of addressing this issue.

R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine

Why in News?

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, co-developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India.

• The Matrix-M component is a proprietary saponin-based adjuvant developed by Novavax and licensed to the Serum Institute for use in endemic countries.
• As of now, the vaccine has been licensed for use in Ghana, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

What is Malaria?

• About:
  • Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
    • This parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Plasmodium Parasite:
  • There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species, P. falciparum and P. vivax, pose the greatest threat.
    • P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent.
    • P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi.
• Symptoms:
  • Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.
• Prevalence:
  • According to the WHO’s World Malaria report 2022, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020.
  • It is mostly found in tropical countries. Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%)
• Vaccine:
  • Along with the recently confirmed R21/Matrix-M vaccine, WHO also recommends broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.
• Elimination Strategies:
  • Global:
    • The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030, updated in 2021, sets ambitious but achievable global targets, including:
      • reducing malaria case incidence by at least 90% by 2030
      • reducing malaria mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030
      • eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries by 2030
      • preventing a resurgence of malaria in all countries that are malaria-free.
  • India:
    • National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030)
    • Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India)

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, Azerbaijan launched a military operation in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, resulting in casualties. The operation is part of a long-standing dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the region

What is the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict?

• Nagorno-Karabakh, known as Artsakh by Armenians, is a landlocked mountainous area in the Caucasus region (the transcontinental region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea).
  • It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but its inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Armenians.
  • They have their own government which has enjoyed close links to Armenia's but has not been officially recognised by Armenia or any other country.
• The conflict dates back to the late 1980s when the region declared its independence from Azerbaijan as the Soviet Union collapsed.
  • The first war erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the territory, which ended with a ceasefire in 1994, leaving Nagorno-Karabakh and some surrounding areas under Armenian control.
  • The ceasefire was frequently violated by both sides, and several attempts to negotiate a peaceful settlement failed.
• In 2020, Azerbaijan launched the Second Karabakh War, winning a resounding victory and retaking seven surrounding districts and about a third of Nagorno-Karabakh.
  • Russia brokered a peace deal after the Second Karabakh War in 2020 and provided for up to 1,960 Russian peacekeepers stationed in the region. 

Measles

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, there has been a significant spike in measles cases and fatalities in Delhi, attributed to under-reporting of cases during the Covid-19 lockdowns in the previous years.

• The Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, the focus and resources were primarily directed towards managing the pandemic, leading to weakened surveillance for measles and other diseases, contributing to measles cases, along with challenges related to vaccine acceptance, even among some affluent segments of society.

What is Measles?

• About:
  • Measles virus is an enveloped, ribonucleic acid virus of the genus Morbillivirus.
  • Measles is highly contagious, and an infected person will often transmit the virus to over 90% of unprotected close contacts.
  • The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.
  • Measles can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine and has been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.
• Treatment:
  • No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus.
  • Severe complications from measles can be avoided through medical care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration.
• Prevention:
  • Routine measles vaccination for children, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case and death rates, are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths.
• Cases of Measles in India:
  • Measles cases dropped by 62% between 2017 and 2021, from 10.4 to 4 cases per million population.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

New Study Challenges Existence of Lightning on Venus

A recent study, utilizing data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Parker Solar Probe, has raised doubts about the presence of lightning on Venus, a topic debated among scientists for decades.

• The study published in Geophysical Review Letters, suggests that the observed "lightning" near Venus may not be actual lightning but rather disturbances in the planet's weak magnetic fields.
  • Previous scientific belief suggested constant lightning on Venus, but signals collected by various instruments over time challenge this notion.
• Another study suggests that previous observations of lightning may have been misinterpreted meteor burn-ups in the atmosphere.
• Venus is known for its inhospitable conditions, including extreme temperatures that makes it the hottest planet in the solar system and atmospheric pressure.

Read more: Active Volcanoes on Venus, Recent Findings about Venus

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Military Nursing Service(MNS) celebrates 98th Raising Day

• The MNS recently celebrated its 98^th Raising Day on 1^st October, 2023. As one of the oldest and most distinguished all-women services in the Armed Forces, MNS has made significant contributions to healthcare in India.
• The MNS originated during the pre-independence colonial era when British and Indian soldiers served in the British Army. In 1888, the Indian Army Nursing Services (IANS) was formally established, marking the start of military nursing in India.
• During World War I and II, officers of IANS played a crucial role in providing medical care to wounded soldiers.
• On October 1^st October 1926, the Permanent Nursing Service was raised in the Indian Army and designated as the Indian Military Nursing Service.
  • Post-Independence, MNS was established as part of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

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National Turmeric Board

Recently, the Government of India has established the National Turmeric Board. As India is the world's largest producer (75% of global turmeric production), consumer, and exporter of turmeric, this move aims to enhance the development and expansion of the turmeric industry within the country.

• The Board will consist of a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government, members from key government departments including the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Commerce & Industry of the Union Government, along with rotating senior State Government representatives from three states.
  • The Board is expected to help develop and grow the spice market in India, which controls over 62% share of the turmeric world trade.
  • The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• With its strategic approach, it aspires to propel turmeric exports to a staggering USD 1 Billion by 2030, ultimately benefiting both growers and consumers.

Read more: Spices Sector in India

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New Fish Species Discovered in Nagaland's Milak River

Recently, researchers have identified a previously unknown fish species, Badis limaakumi, in Nagaland's Milak River.

• This newfound species, named after Limaakum, a zoology professor at Fazl Ali College in Nagaland, distinguishes itself with a unique opercular blotch near its opercular spine.
  • The absence of spots on its sides and cleithrum, along with fewer lateral line scales, further sets it apart.
• Belonging to the Badidae or Badis family, a group of freshwater fish often found in slow or moderately flowing streams, this fish is also a culinary delight in various regions across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Myanmar.
• Fish from the Badis family are also known as chameleon fish for their ability to change colour. This helps them blend with the surroundings when under stress.