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Coral Reef Breakthrough

Source: ICRI

Why in News?

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), has launched the Coral Reef Breakthrough in partnership with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and the High-Level Climate Champions (HLCC).

• The Initiative was launched at the 37^th ICRI General Meeting, 2023.

What is the Coral Reef Breakthrough?

• The Coral Reef Breakthrough is a science-based initiative with clear goals for the state and non-state actors to collectively conserve, protect, and restore coral reefs, safeguarding their vital contributions to humanity's future.
• The Coral Reef Breakthrough aims to secure the future of at least 125,000 km² of shallow-water tropical coral reefs with investments of at least USD 12 billion to support the resilience of more than half a billion people globally by 2030.
• The initiative is based on four action points:
  • Action point 1:
    • Mitigate local drivers of loss including land-based sources of pollution, destructive coastal development, and overfishing.
  • Action point 2:
    • Double the area of coral reefs under effective protection: Bolster resilience-based coral reef conservation efforts by aligning with and transcending global coastal protection targets including 30by30.
      • 30 by 30 is a global initiative to protect at least 30% of the Earth's land and ocean area by 2030. It was proposed during the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP15).
  • Action point 3:
    • Assist the development and implementation of innovative solutions at scale and climate-smart designs that support coral adaptation to impact 30% of degraded reefs by 2030.
  • Action point 4:
    • Secure investments of at least USD 12 billion by 2030 from public and private sources to conserve and restore these crucial ecosystems.
• Meeting the targets of the Coral Breakthrough will be instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG14, Life Below Water.

Amphibians Threatened by Climate Change

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the study titled 'Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats' published in the Nature journal reveals significant threats to Amphibians worldwide particularly from Climate Change.

• The study is based on the second global amphibian assessment coordinated by the Amphibian Red List Authority, a branch of the Amphibian Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission.
• The assessment evaluated the extinction risk of more than 8,000 amphibian species from all over the world, including 2,286 species evaluated for the first time

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Extinction Risk:
  • Two out of every five amphibian species are threatened with extinction.
  • 40.7% of the species being globally threatened – highest for any species. This is compared to 26.5% of mammals, 21.4% of reptiles and 12.9% of birds.
  • Between 2004 and 2022, over 300 amphibian species have moved closer to extinction, with climate change identified as the primary threat for 39% of these species.
    • Amphibians are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, making them vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
• Amphibians Gone Extinct:
  • Four amphibian species were documented as having gone extinct since 2004 — the Chiriquí harlequin toad (Atelopus chiriquiensis) from Costa Rica, the sharp-snouted day frog (Taudactylus acutirostris) from Australia, Craugastor myllomyllon and the Jalpa false brook salamander (Pseudoeurycea exspectata), both from Guatemala.
• Greatest Concentration of Threatened Amphibians:
  • The greatest concentrations of threatened amphibians were found to be in the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Central America, the tropical Andes region, India's Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Nigeria and Madagascar.
• Human Impact:
  • Habitat destruction and degradation due to activities such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and other industries remain the most common threats to amphibians, affecting 93% of all threatened species.
• Disease and Overexploitation:
  • Disease caused by the chytrid fungus and overexploitation continue to contribute to amphibian declines.
  • Disease and habitat loss drove 91 % of status deteriorations between 1980 and 2004.
  • Ongoing and projected climate change effects are now of increasing concern, driving 39% of status deterioration since 2004, followed by habitat loss amounting to 37%.
• Salamander Threat:
  • Three out of every five salamander species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to habitat destruction and climate change.
  • Salamanders are identified as the world's most threatened group of amphibians.
    • Amphibians first appeared more than 300 million years ago. Three orders of amphibians exist today:
      • Salamanders and newts (60% threatened with extinction); frogs and toads (39%); and the limbless and serpentine caecilians (16%).
• Conservation Action:
  • Conservationists plan to use the study's findings to develop a global conservation action plan, prioritize conservation efforts, secure additional resources, and influence policies to reverse the negative trend for amphibians.

Monetary Policy Committee Decisions: RBI

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its bimonthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting has retained benchmark interest rates unchanged for the 4th time in a row.

• The MPC kept the policy Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.50%.

What are the Key Highlights of the MPC Meeting?

• Repo Rate Unchanged:
  • The RBI decided unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5% to balance economic growth and inflation control.
• GDP Growth and Inflation:
  • The RBI retained its real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast for 2023-24 at 6.5% and the average CPI inflation forecast for the current fiscal year FY24 at 5.4%.
    • However, the MPC raised its headline inflation projection for the second quarter to 6.4%.
  • The RBI Governor stressed the commitment to the 4% inflation target and highlighted the importance of being prepared to take timely actions to prevent spillovers from food and fuel price shocks to underlying inflation trends.
• Liquidity Management and Financial Stability:
  • Liquidity in the system will be actively managed in line with the monetary policy stance.
  • The RBI will undertake Open Market Operations (OMO) sales as necessary. Financial stability is essential for price stability and growth.
• Gold Loan under Bullet Repayment Scheme:
  • The RBI announced doubling the lending limits for Gold Loans under the Bullet Repayment Scheme (BRS) for urban cooperative banks to Rs 4 lakh.
  • It has been decided in respect of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) who have met the overall target and sub-targets under the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) as on 31st March, 2023.
    • A BRS is one where a borrower repays interest and the principal amount at the end of a loan tenure without worrying about repayment during the loan tenure.
• Accommodative Stance:
  • The RBI has focused on its stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ until all risks to inflation dissipate.
    • An Accommodative Stance means the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic growth.
  • Withdrawal of accommodation will mean reducing the money supply in the system which will rein in inflation further. .

What are the Reasons for Keeping Benchmark Rates Unchanged?

• Resilient Economic Activity:
  • The Indian economy has displayed resilience despite the uncertainties and challenges posed by various factors.
  • This has led to the decision to maintain benchmark rates, reflecting confidence in the economy's ability to withstand potential shocks.
• Previous Policy Repo Rate Hikes:
  • The MPC considered the cumulative impact of previous policy repo rate hikes, totaling 250 basis points.
  • Given the time needed for these rate hikes to fully work through the economy, the committee opted to hold the rates steady in the current meeting.
    • The MPC acknowledged that the previous policy repo rate hikes are still in the process of influencing the economy.
• Inflation Risk Management:
  • The MPC remains committed to aligning inflation with the 4% target on a durable basis.
  • And the existing policy stance is needed to achieve this objective without the need for an immediate rate change.
  • The MPC expressed concerns about the potential recurrence of food price shocks affecting headline inflation.
    • Keeping rates unchanged might be a precautionary measure to closely monitor the situation and be ready to act promptly in case inflationary pressures escalate.

What are the Concerns Flagged by the RBI in its MPC Meeting?

• High Inflation:
  • The RBI views high inflation as a major risk to both macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
  • Despite declining core inflation (excluding food and fuel components), uncertainties cloud the overall inflation outlook.
    • Factors such as reduced kharif sowing for essential crops, low reservoir levels, and fluctuations in global food and energy prices contribute to this uncertainty.
• Geopolitical and Economic Risks:
  • The RBI flagged various headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, geoeconomic fragmentation, volatility in global financial markets, and a global economic slowdown.
  • These external factors pose risks to the economic outlook and require careful consideration.
• Financial Stability and Surveillance:
  • The RBI underscored the importance of financial stability, calling it fundamental to price stability and growth. The financial sector's robust balance sheet was acknowledged, but vigilance and strengthened internal surveillance mechanisms, especially concerning the rise in personal loans, were advised.

World Mental Health Day

Source: TH

Why in News?

10^th October marks World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and rallying support for mental health care worldwide.

• In the context of India, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges faced by the country's burgeoning adolescent population (aged 10-19 years) which plays a pivotal role in its future prosperity and development.
• Theme for World Mental Health Day 2023: Mental health is a universal human right.

What is the Status of Mental Healthcare in India?

• About:
  • Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, encompassing their overall mental and emotional state.
  • It involves a person's ability to cope with stress, manage their emotions, maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and make rational decisions.
    • Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, just as important as physical health.
• Status in India:
  • In India, according to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences data, more than 80% of people do not access care services for a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, stigma and high cost of care.
    • The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion (WHO).
• Government Initiatives Related to Mental Health:
  • National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
  • Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC)
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme
  • Kiran Helpline
  • Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram
  • Yuva Spandana Yojana (Karnataka)

• Issues Surrounding Mental Health in India:
  • Limited Accessibility to Mental Healthcare: There is a shortage of mental health professionals in India, particularly in rural areas.
    • This scarcity results in unequal access to mental health services, with urban areas having more resources than rural ones.
  • Stigma and Lack of Awareness: Mental health issues in India are often stigmatized and misunderstood.
    • Many individuals and families hesitate to seek help due to fear of societal discrimination and lack of awareness about mental health conditions.
  • Vulnerability of Adolescents to Mental Health Challenges: Adolescence marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, laden with unique challenges, including body image issues and societal expectations.
    • Academic pressure, peer influence, and concerns about the future can significantly affect mental health during adolescence.
    • In India, adolescents with a reported prevalence of severe mental illness stands at 7.3%.
  • Gender Disparities: Gender plays a significant role in mental health disparities.
    • Women in India may face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and domestic violence, and they often have limited autonomy in seeking help.
    • According to recent report of NCRB, housewives constituted 50% of total suicides in India in 2021.
  • Economic Factors: Poverty and economic inequality can exacerbate mental health issues.
    • The stress of financial instability and limited educational opportunities can contribute to mental health problems.
  • Online and Social Media Influences: The influence of social media and online content on mental health is a growing concern.
    • Cyberbullying, social comparison, and the spread of misinformation can negatively impact mental well-being.
  • Aging Population and Geriatric Mental Health: India's aging population is growing, and there is a need for better mental health support for the elderly.
    • Loneliness, depression, and dementia are common concerns among older adults.
  • Disaster and Trauma: Natural disasters and other traumatic events can have lasting effects on mental health.
    • India is prone to disasters like floods and earthquakes, which can lead to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Way Forward

• Shift to Convergent Model of Mental Health: Policymakers should move from the medical model to a convergent model of mental health that considers various factors influencing well-being throughout an individual's life.
  • For example, the successful implementation of the ‘Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child’ model in the US, which embraces a holistic approach to children’s well-being by considering factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health within the school environment.
• Increased Mental Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in building more mental health clinics and facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
  • Train and recruit more mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
  • Promote telemedicine and online mental health services to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and increase accessibility.
• Integration with Primary Healthcare: There is a need to integrate mental health services into the existing primary healthcare system to ensure early detection and treatment.
  • Also, training primary care providers to identify and manage common mental health issues is equally important.
• Inclusion of Mental Health in Education: There is a need to incorporate mental health education into school curricula to promote early awareness and destigmatization.
• Mental Health Insurance Coverage: There is a need to expand mental health coverage under health insurance policies in a phase wise manner to make treatment more affordable and accessible.
  • Also, there is a need to implement policies that ensure insurance parity for mental health services.

Krishna Water Dispute

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the issue of further Terms of Reference (ToR) to the existing Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) under the ISRWD (Inter State River Water Disputes) Act, 1956 for its adjudication between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (AP).

What is the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II)?

• Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II was constituted by the Centre in April 2004 under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956 to adjudicate and resolve water-sharing disputes related to the Krishna River.
• It was constituted to address the allocation of Krishna River waters among the riparian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• KWDT-II made recommendations and allocations of Krishna River waters based on the availability of water, the demands of the states, and other relevant factors. It provided specific quantities of water to each state, outlining the share they were entitled to receive.

What is Krishna Water Dispute?

• About:
  • The Krishna Water Dispute centers on the equitable sharing of Krishna River waters among the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Krishna River flows through these states, and disputes arise due to differing needs, historical disagreements, and changes in the political and administrative landscape.
• Background:
  • Point of Contention: The Srisailam reservoir, situated on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, is a major point of contention. Andhra Pradesh contested Telangana's use of Srisailam reservoir water for power generation.
  • Dispute Background: Disputes trace back to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and were addressed through the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) in 1973. A second KWDT was set up in 2004 to reallocate Krishna water.
  • KWDT Allocation (2010): The second KWDT delivered its report in 2010, which made allocations of the Krishna water at 65% dependability and for surplus flows as follows:
    • 81 TMC for Maharashtra, 177 TMC for Karnataka, and 190 TMC for Andhra Pradesh.
  • Andhra Pradesh's Challenges: In 2011, Andhra Pradesh challenged the KWDT's allocation through legal proceedings, including a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court.
    • In 2013, the KWDT issued a ‘further report’, which was again challenged by Andhra Pradesh in the Supreme Court (SC) in 2014.
  • After the creation of Telangana, in 2014, Andhra Pradesh demanded a review of Krishna water allocations among four states.
    • Maharashtra and Karnataka argued that Telangana was created following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, allocation of water should be from Andhra Pradesh’s share which was approved by the tribunal.
• Constitutional Framework:
  • Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes, allowing Parliament to create laws for this purpose.
  • The Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956) empowers the Central government to establish ad hoc tribunals for resolving water disputes between states.
• Current Status:
  • KWDT will provide new terms of reference under which the tribunal will divide the water of the Krishna River among both states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, in the future.
  • It will allocate water on a project-wise basis for the proposed projects in both states that are intended for developmental or future purposes.

Arunachal Pradesh Gets GI Tags for Three Products

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Arunachal Pradesh has recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Arunachal Yak Churpi, Khaw Tai (Khamti rice), and Tangsa textile.

What Sets Arunachal Yak Churpi, Khaw Tai and Tangsa Textiles Apart?

• Arunachal Yak Churpi:
  • Origin: Arunachal Yak Churpi is derived from the milk of the Arunachali yak, a rare breed found primarily in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Tribal Yak Pastoralists: This milk is obtained from yaks reared by Brokpas, a tribal community known for their expertise in yak husbandry.
    • These pastoralists practice seasonal migration, taking their yaks to higher altitudes during summers and descending to mid-altitude mountainous regions in winters, as yaks cannot survive at lower altitudes during summer.
  • Health Benefits and Usage: Churpi is rich in proteins and serves as a vital source of nutrition in the vegetation-scarce, cold, and hilly mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice):
  • Khaw Tai, a chewy sticky rice variety, hails from the Namsai region and is cultivated by traditional Khampti tribal farmers.
• Tangsa Textile:
  • The Tangsa Textile products crafted by the Tangsa tribe of Changlang district are renowned for their exotic designs and vibrant colors.
    • This traditional craftsmanship reflects the cultural richness of the region.

Indian Ocean Rim Association

Source: TH

Why in News?

Sri Lanka is set to take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) during the 23^rd Council of Ministers' Meeting scheduled for 11^th October, 2023, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It will hold the chairmanship of the association from 2023 to 2025.

• Bangladesh held the chairmanship from November 2021 - November 2023.

What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?

• About:
  • The vision for IORA originated during a visit by the then President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela of South Africa to India in 1995, where he said: “the natural urge of the facts of history and geography should broaden itself to include the concept of an Indian Ocean rim for socio-economic co-operation.”
  • It underpinned the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in March 1995, and the creation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (then known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation) in March 1997.
• Members:
  • Currently, IORA has 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.
    • Members: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
    • Dialogue Partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
• Secretariat: Mauritius.
• Six Priority and Two Focus Areas:

• Indian Ocean:
  • As the third largest ocean woven together by trade routes, commands control of major sea-lanes carrying half of the world’s container ships, one third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two thirds of the world’s oil shipments, the Indian Ocean remains an important lifeline to international trade and transport.

World Cotton Day 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Textiles hosted a conference for World Cotton Day (7^th October , 2023) in collaboration with Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and EU-Resource Efficiency Initiative which discussed best practices and sustainable methods in the cotton value chain.

• Conference led to the Introduction of the "Bale Identification and Traceability System" (BITS) using Blockchain Technology.
• It also led to the launch of the Kasturi Cotton program for quality cotton with traceability.

What is Bale Identification and Traceability System (BITS) and Kasturi Cotton Program ?

• Bale Identification and Traceability System (BITS):
  • The BITS is a technological initiative in the cotton industry that utilizes Blockchain Technology to assign unique QR codes to cotton bales.
• Objective:
  • BITS was introduced to ensure that key information about cotton bales, such as their quality, variety, origin, and processing details, is transparent and easily accessible to both domestic and international buyers.
• Traceability:
  • By scanning the QR code, stakeholders, including cotton buyers, textile manufacturers, and others, can trace the entire journey of the cotton bale from its origin to the final product.
• Implementation:
  • BITS is implemented by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders such as State Governments.
• Kasturi Cotton Program:
  • The Kasturi Cotton Program is an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Textiles in India to promote the production and availability of premium quality cotton with traceability.
    • TEXPROCIL, in collaboration with CCI on behalf of the Ministry of Textiles, is overseeing the implementation of this program.
  • Certified Quality:
    • Kasturi Cotton is not just any cotton; it is certified to meet certain quality standards, which may include fiber length, strength, color, and other characteristics that make it suitable for premium textile products.

What are the Key Facts about Cotton?

• About: Kharif Crop which requires 6 to 8 months to mature.
  • Drought – resistant crops which are ideal for arid climates.
  • Occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land, meets 27% of the world’s textiles needs.
• Temperature: Between 21-30°C.
• Rainfall: Around 50-100 cm.
• Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil (Regur Soil) (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)
• Products: fiber, oil and animal feed.
• Top Cotton Producing Countries: India > China > US
• Top Cotton Producing States in India: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Rajasthan.
• Four cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense.
  • Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum are known as old-world cotton or Asiatic cotton.
  • G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton and G.barbadense as Egyptian cotton. These are both new world cotton species.
• Hybrid Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.
• Bt Cotton: It is a genetically modified organism or genetically modified pest-resistant variety of cotton.

Coexistence of Tiger and Asiatic Wild Dog

Source: TH

Why in News?

In a recent study titled 'Do dholes segregate themselves from their sympatrids? Habitat use and carnivore co‑existence in the tropical forest,' researchers have unveiled fascinating insights into the coexistence dynamics between dhole or Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), and tigers within Assam's Manas National Park.

• This study delves into the factors that shape this unique carnivore relationship, providing valuable insights into their interactions and habitat preferences.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• The study conducted in Assam's Manas National Park revealed a surprising positive relationship between dholes (Asiatic wild dogs) and tigers, challenging previous assumptions of antagonistic interactions.
• The positive association between dholes and tigers may be attributed to overlapping prey availability or habitat suitability, suggesting a more complex ecological dynamic at play and prompting the need for further research.
  • The research found that the activity of dholes had the highest temporal overlap with leopards and the lowest with clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa).
• This study highlights the Manas National Park’s conservation significance, as dhole populations face fragmentation due to habitat loss, declining prey availability, persecution, disease, and competition with other species.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

International Day of the Girl 2023

Recently, a 21 year old woman from Chennai got the chance to live a day in the shoes of a diplomat after winning a competition held by the British High Commission to commemorate the International Day of the Girl 2023.

• International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11^th October was first celebrated in 2012.
• The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995, proposed an action plan to advance the rights of girls.
• In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare 11^th October as the International Day of the Girl Child.
  • The day aims to focus on the importance of girls' education, their rights, and promoting gender equality.
  • It urges the global community to move beyond reaffirming commitments and invest boldly in the action needed to make changes that could empower girls.
• Theme of International Day of the Girl 2023: "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being."

Read more: International Girl Child Day

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Tele MANAS Seva

On World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted the success of Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) Seva.

• Tele-MANAS Seva is a mental health counseling service launched on World Mental Health Day 2022.
• The aim of Tele-MANAS is to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24X7 tele-mental health services as a digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) across all Indian States and UTs with assured linkages.
• The Tele MANAS helpline offers toll-free access with audio calling and an auto-call back system. Trained counselors provide care, referring to specialists when needed, including audio and video options.
  • For urgent in-person care, referrals to health centers are arranged via eSanjeevani, from Health and Wellness Centers to tertiary care centers.
• Tele-MANAS has counseled more than 3,50,000 people till 11^th October 2023 and more than 1,000 calls are being received on this helpline every day.

Read more: World Mental Health Day 2022, National Telemedicine Service of India: eSanjeevani

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The Optical Phenomenon of Rainbows

Rainbows, a meteorological marvel gracing the sky with their radiant hues post-rainfall, owe their existence to the intricacies of light refraction and reflection. After a substantial downpour, these optical phenomena can extend across the horizon, appearing as though they touch the Earth's surface.

• The underlying cause can be attributed to the bending and separation of sunlight's rays as they interact with raindrops.
  • Each raindrop essentially acts as a miniature prism, refracting and dispersing light into its constituent colors.
  • The angles at which these colors reach an observer's eye remain constant.
• The rainbow's location in the sky is determined by the sun's height.
  • Raindrops, oriented opposite to the sun at specific angles, can create a full circle, but from ground level, we see an arc due to the horizon.
  • But, under special conditions like a setting sun, observers from high vantage points, such as mountain tops or hot-air balloons, can experience the full circular display of this optical marvel.

Read more: Rainbows

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National Waterways 44( Ichamati River)

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has initiated a significant dredging project on National Waterways 44, which includes the Ichamati River in West Bengal. This project aims to increase the navigational depth of the Ichamati River, ultimately boosting its capacity to manage tidal influences.

• The Ichamati River, serving as a boundary between India and Bangladesh, flows through both countries and has three distinct sections. Additionally, in the North 24-Parganas district in West Bengal, it forms an oxbow lake complex.
  • However, the river faces challenges such as silt accumulation leading to reduced flow in dry seasons and flooding during the rainy season.
• National Waterways like Ichamati are essential for transportation, with India boasting 111 such inland waterways spanning a total of 14,500 kilometers.
  • The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) oversees their development and regulation, facilitating the movement of around 55 million tonnes of cargo annually through Inland Water Transport (IWT).

Read more: Inland Waterways Authority of India

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Earthquake Strikes Northwestern Afghanistan

Recently, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 hit northwestern Afghanistan, causing widespread devastation.

• This devastating earthquake has left residents in a state of desperation, struggling to recover and rebuild their lives in the face of ongoing adversity.
• An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground. These movements can result in the release of energy in the form of seismic waves, which propagate through the Earth, causing the ground to shake.
  • The point on the Earth's surface directly above where the earthquake originates is called the epicenter, and the location within the Earth where the earthquake's energy is released is known as the hypocenter or focus.

Read more: Earthquake