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Electric Batteries and Electrochemical Cells

Source: TH

Why in News?

The electric batteries and electrochemical cell advancements have garnered significant attention for revolutionizing technology across sectors like transport and energy, steering us toward a sustainable future.

What are Electric Batteries and Electrochemical Cells?

• Electric Batteries:
  • An Electric battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electricity.
    • Batteries are made up of one or more electrochemical cells that are connected to external inputs and outputs.
  • Electric batteries have transformed our world, enabling the proliferation of motorization and wireless technology.
  • Major Applications:
    • Portable Electronics: Powering smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable devices.
    • Transportation: Driving electric vehicles (EVs) for both personal and public transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
    • Renewable Energy Storage: Storing energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines for later use.
    • Electricity for Remote Areas: Providing electricity in remote or off-grid locations where conventional power sources are unavailable or unreliable.
• Major Types of Batteries:
  • Solid-state battery: It is a battery that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or polymer gel electrolyte.
    • Solid-state batteries are used in a variety of devices, including: pacemakers, radio frequency identifications (RFID) and wearable devices.
  • Nickel–Cadmium battery (Ni-Cd): They are used for Cordless electronic appliances, drills, camcorders and other small battery-operated devices requiring an even power discharge.
  • Alkaline Battery: This is a type of primary battery that uses zinc and manganese dioxide as electrodes.
    • It is used for applications that require low cost and reliable power, such as flashlights, toys, radios, and remote controls.
  • Lithium-ion Battery: The Li-ion battery's groundbreaking principles earned its developers the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, underscoring its profound impact in the 20th and 21st centuries.
    • Li-ion batteries are versatile, powering portable devices like phones and laptops as well as fueling electric vehicles such as cars and bikes.
• Electrochemical Cells:
  • Electrochemical cells are devices that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy, or vice versa.
    • They can produce an electric current through chemical reactions, or they can use electrical energy to facilitate chemical reactions.
  • Electrochemical cells, like voltaic or galvanic cells, operate via redox reactions wherein electrons are liberated during oxidation and utilized during reduction.
    • A standard cell comprises two sections accommodating metal electrodes immersed in specific electrolytes.
      • The electrodes, namely the anode and the cathode, conduct electricity.
    • The anode, where oxidation occurs, and the cathode, where reduction takes place, form the fundamental components of the cell.
  • Electrons flow from the negatively charged anode to the positively charged cathode through an external circuit, providing power for a variety of uses.
    • Connecting these halves is a wire and a salt bridge, facilitating the movement of ions between them.
  • The energy carried by electrons dictates the source voltage, steering the electron flow within the circuit.
    • In ideal conditions, the source voltage is equal to the terminal voltage, ensuring an efficient power supply.
  • Advancements in cell design and materials, seen in nickel-cadmium, zinc-copper, and modern lithium-ion cells, showcase increased voltages and enhanced efficiency.
• Related Challenges:
  • One of the well-known challenges affecting the efficiency of electrochemical cells is corrosion. For instance, in environments with high humidity, electrodes can gather water droplets.
    • If the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are elevated, the combination of water and gas leads to the formation of carbonic acid, causing corrosion on the electrode surfaces.
  • Another issue arises from galvanic corrosion, where one of the electrodes within a cell deteriorates faster in the electrolyte due to its higher reactivity.
    • For instance, in a carbon-zinc battery, the zinc electrode erodes more rapidly during the battery's usage.

Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040

Source: DTE

Why in News

Recently, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the interim report titled-Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis, ahead of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).

• The INC3 will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023 for an international binding agreement on plastic pollution. Earlier INC 2 was held in Paris, France in June 2023.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Current Situation:
  • In 2022, 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally.
  • Under a business-as-usual scenario, where no significant changes are made, plastic usage would increase, resulting in a 50% rise in macroplastic leakage by 2040.
    • This would mean approximately 30 MT of plastic leaking into the environment, with 9 MT entering aquatic environments.
• Scenario Projections:
  • Stabilizing primary plastic use at 2020 levels by 2040 would still result in significant plastic leakage (12 MT) by 2040.
  • However, a scenario of ambitious global action could drastically reduce waste generation, almost eliminating mismanaged waste and nearly eliminating plastic leakage by 2040.
• Impact of Burgeoning Plastic Use:
  • The escalating use and disposal of plastics would have adverse effects on the environment (habitat destruction, soil contamination), climate (contributing to greenhouse gas emissions), and human health, exacerbating the already significant consequences of plastic pollution.
  • Plastics generate a variety of life cycle impacts, including contributing 3.8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions (1.9 GtCO2 e in 2022).
• Cost of Action:
  • Global ambition with early, stringent and co-ordinated policy action could cut plastic waste generation in 2040 by a quarter below baseline.
  • It could virtually eliminate mismanaged waste by 2040 (from 119 to 4 MT), as a result, plastic leakage would also be nearly eliminated (1.2 MT in 2040).
    • Stocks of plastics in rivers and oceans, however, would still rise from 152 MT in 2020 to 226 MT in 2040 (74 MT less than in the baseline).
  • These ambitious global actions to tackle plastic pollution by 2040 would incur costs amounting to 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.
  • However, these costs exclude the avoided costs of inaction and must be viewed in the context of vastly improved environmental outcomes.
• Financial Needs:
  • Fast-growing countries with less advanced waste management systems will require significant investments (over USD 1 trillion between 2020 and 2040) for waste collection, sorting, and treatment.
  • International cooperation is deemed crucial due to uneven distribution of costs
• Recommendations:
  • There is a need for various policy scenarios, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
  • Overcoming technical and economic barriers is essential to eliminate plastic leakage by 2040.
  • Recycling breakthroughs and scaling up well-functioning international markets for scrap and secondary plastics are crucial strategies.

6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The 6^th High-Level Meeting of the India-Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Energy Dialogue brought together key representatives at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria.

• The meeting delved into critical aspects of oil and energy markets.

What are the Key Highlights of India-OPEC Energy Dialogue?

• The Meeting focused on key issues related to oil and energy markets with a specific emphasis on ensuring availability, affordability and sustainability, which are necessary to ensure the stability of energy markets.
• The meeting concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of fostering enhanced cooperation between OPEC and India moving forward.
• World Oil Outlook 2023, which forecasted that India would be the fastest-growing major developing economy, averaging long-term growth of 6.1% between 2022-2045 and accounting for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the same period.
  • Both sides have recognized the importance of India as the third-largest energy consumer, crude oil importer and the fourth-largest global refiner, in global economic growth and energy demand.
• The meeting also acknowledged the achievements and initiatives of India in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen economy, and climate change mitigation.
• It was agreed to hold the next High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue in 2024 in India.

What is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?

• About:
  • The OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference in 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
    • It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• Objective:
  • OPEC's objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.
• Members:
  • Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
  • OPEC nations produce about 30% of the world's crude oil.
    • Saudi Arabia is the biggest single oil supplier within the group, producing more than 10 million barrels a day.

• Reports and Outlooks:
  • Monthly Oil Market Report, Annual Statistical Bulletin and the World Oil Outlook.
• OPEC+:
  • In 2016, largely in response to falling oil prices driven by significant increases in U.S. shale oil output, OPEC signed an agreement with 10 other oil-producing countries to create what is now known as OPEC+.
    • OPEC+ now includes the 13 OPEC member countries along with Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
  • OPEC+ countries produce about 40% of all the world's crude oil.

Indian Army's Proactive Measures for Mental Health

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Indian Army, acknowledging the critical issue of suicides and fratricides within its ranks, has taken significant steps to address the mental well-being of its personnel.

• In a comprehensive study initiated in August 2023, in collaboration with the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), the Army is focusing on understanding and mitigating stress factors affecting troops and their families.
• The DIPR is an institution under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, engaged in research and development in the field of psychology and human behaviour to support the defence and security sector.

What are the Stressors Faced by the Army Personnel?

• In a study, by the United Service Institution of India (USI), a service think tank, found that there has been a significant increase in stress levels among Army personnel in the last two decades, due to operational and non-operational stressors.
• Operational stressors:Related to the nature and conditions of the military service, such as
  • Prolonged exposure to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) environment, which involves high risk, uncertainty, and violence.
  • Frequent transfers and separations from family, which affect the personal and social life of the soldiers.
  • Lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure, especially in remote and difficult areas.
• Non-operational stressors:Related to the organizational and personal aspects of the military service, such as
  • Poor leadership, callous attitude of seniors, and lack of trust and confidence in the chain of command.
  • Denial of leave, even in emergencies, and lack of grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Family-related disputes, financial problems, marital issues, or health concerns.
  • Low job satisfaction, career progression, and recognition, especially among the officers.

What Initiatives are Implemented for Mental Well-being within the Army?

• Advisory and Guidelines:
  • The Army issued an advisory in August 2023, emphasizing the posting of officers, religious teachers, and selected other ranks in each unit to address stress and psychological issues.
    • The advisory provides guidelines to address factors leading to increased stress levels, warning signs, and intervention measures.
• Psychometric Assessments:
  • Pilot projects, including collaboration with a civil agency (Disha Kiran), are being undertaken at three nodal military stations to gauge the mental well-being of military personnel and their families.
• Training Programs:
  • Various training programs are implemented, such as the annual training of 30 officers at the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) and the conduct of "Religious Teachers Counsellor Courses" for four weeks at Command Hospitals, Base Hospitals, and Military Hospitals.
• Unit Psychological Counsellor Course:
  • A 12-week Unit Psychological Counsellor Course is conducted for Junior Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to equip them with skills for addressing psychological concerns within their units.
  • The Indian Army has employed civilian counsellors in all major military stations to enhance mental well-being support for all ranks.
• Helplines:
  • Helplines offering immediate counseling services have been established across all Command Headquarters.
• Psychiatry Centres:
  • These have been set up at major military stations under the Directorate General of Medical Service.
• Holistic Approaches:
  • Measures include yoga, meditation, sports, and recreation activities, liberalized leave policies, improvement of amenities in military stations, mutual buddy system for soldiers, and a prompt grievance handling mechanism.
  • Regular seminars on mental well-being, financial management, and domestic issues are conducted.
• Continuous Evaluation and Improvement:
  • The ongoing study, training programs, and collaborative projects reflect the Army's commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement in addressing mental health challenges.

SHREYAS Scheme for OBC & Others

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The scheme Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS), has been proposed to be implemented during the 2021-22 to 2025-26 by placing two ongoing Central Sector Schemes for OBC (Other Backward Classes) and EBC.

• These schemes are, National Fellowship for OBC and Dr.Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for OBCs and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs).

What is SHREYAS Scheme?

• About:
  • The main objective of the schemes is Educational Empowerment of OBC & EBC students by way of awarding fellowship (financial assistance) in obtaining quality higher education and interest subsidy on educational loan for overseas studies.
• Nodal Ministry:
  • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Key Components:
  • National Fellowship for OBC Students:
    • About: It aims to provide financial assistance to OBC students pursuing higher education, specifically M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees in various recognized universities, research, and scientific institutions.
      • The scheme offers 1000 Junior Research Fellowships annually for advanced studies and research. These fellowships are awarded to students who have qualified through specific tests like the UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF Joint Test.
    • Key Features: Financial assistance is provided through the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (a Government of India Undertaking, under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment).
      • Fellowship rates are set at Rs. 31,000 per month for JRF and Rs. 35,000 per month for SRF, in addition to contingencies.
      • Reservation of seats for students with disabilities and additional slots beyond reserved government quotas.
      • The UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme.
  • Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for OBCs & EBCs:
    • It aims to provide interest subsidies on educational loans for OBCs and EBCs pursuing approved courses abroad at the Masters, M.Phil, and Ph.D. levels.
    • The scheme is implemented through Canara Bank and is applicable for higher studies abroad, linked with existing Educational Loan Schemes.
    • Eligibility criteria include income restrictions based on Creamy Layer criteria for OBC candidates and an income cap of Rs. 5.00 lakh per annum for EBC candidates.
    • 50% of the financial assistance is reserved for women candidates.
    • The government bears 100% interest payable during the moratorium period, after which the student assumes responsibility for the loan repayments.

Ben Gurion Canal Project

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, there has been renewed interest in the Ben Gurion Canal Project, a proposed 160-mile-long sea-level canal that would connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Aqaba, bypassing the Suez Canal.

What is the Ben Gurion Canal Project?

• Historical Roots:
  • Originating in the 1960s, the Ben Gurion Canal Project was conceptualized as a transformative infrastructure initiative.
  • Named after Israel's founding father, David Ben-Gurion (1886-1973), reflecting its historical significance.
• Strategic Objective:
  • Aims to create an alternative maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Mediterranean, bypassing the Suez Canal.
  • Envisions reshaping global maritime dynamics by challenging Egypt's monopoly on the shortest Europe-Asia route.
• Gulf of Aqaba to Mediterranean Coast:
  • Proposes cutting a canal through the Negev Desert (Israel), starting from the Gulf of Aqaba (eastern arm of the Red Sea).
    • Extends to the Eastern Mediterranean coast, providing an alternative trade route.
    • The Gulf of Aqaba has a coastline shared by four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Economic Implications:
  • Speculations suggest that Israel's desire to control Gaza and eliminate Hamas is linked to unlocking economic opportunities tied to the canal.
  • If completed, the Ben Gurion Canal Project would have a significant impact on global trade and geopolitics. It would create a new shipping route between Europe and Asia, bypassing the Suez Canal and reducing Egypt's control over global shipping.
• Challenges and Viability:
  • Gigantic logistical, political, and funding challenges pose substantial obstacles.
    • High complexity and prohibitive costs estimated to be as much as USD 100 billion.
  • The imperative of political stability and the constant military threat as significant security concerns.
    • Another challenge is the security situation in the region. The Gaza Strip is a potential security threat, and any canal would need to be protected from attack.

Wholesale Prices in Deflation Zone

Source: TH

Why in News?

In October 2023, India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded an annual inflation rate of -0.52%, down from -0.26% in September 2023.

• The negative inflation is due to price declines in sectors such as chemicals, electricity, textiles, basic metals, food products, and paper compared to October 2022.
• This deflationary trend is influenced by a high base effect from October 2022 when wholesale price inflation was 8.4%.

What is the Wholesale Price Index?

• WPI represents the price of goods at a wholesale stage i.e. goods that are sold in bulk and traded between organizations instead of consumers.
  • Whereas, Consumer Price Index (CPI) captures changes in prices levels at the consumer level.
  • WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
• In India, WPI is published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • It is used as an important measure of inflation in India.
• Base year of WPI is 2011-2012.
• Weightage of Commodities in WPI:

Soy Production in Brazil and Child Cancer Deaths

Source: DTE

Why in News?

A recent study has identified a connection between the significant increase in soy/soyabean production in Brazil's Amazon and Cerrado regions over the past two decades and a rise in pediatric cancer-related deaths. The expansion of soy farming in these areas has been accompanied by a substantial increase in pesticide usage.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Correlation Between Soy Production and Pediatric Cancer Deaths:
  • The study conducted revealed a statistically significant correlation between the increase in soy production and deaths from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in children from 2008 to 2019.
• Pesticide Exposure through Water Supply:
  • The study suggested that pesticide exposure likely occurred through water supply penetration. In essence, a 10% increase in the municipal area dedicated to soy farming raised the likelihood of a child under five dying from ALL by 1.3% and by 1.6% for children under ten.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • The research highlighted a strong and persistent relationship between the expansion of high-intensity agriculture in the region and adverse human health outcomes.
    • However, access to high-quality healthcare systems could mitigate these links, especially for treatable conditions like ALL.

What is ALL?

• ALL, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts. These abnormal cells crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, leading to various health problems.
• This type of leukemia is most commonly diagnosed in children, but it can affect adults as well.
• ALL is a highly treatable cancer conditional on timely and high-quality care.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Madiga Sub-Categorization

The Prime Minister of India made a recent announcement in Hyderabad (Telangana), expressing the commitment to form a committee for the sub-categorization of the Madiga community within the Scheduled Castes (SC).

• The Madiga community constitutes approximately 50% of the total SC population in Telangana, as per the 2011 census.
  • Since 1994, the Madiga community has been advocating for the sub-categorization of the SC category, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
• Madigas argue that the benefits of SC category reservations have primarily favoured the Mala community (Dalit community in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), leaving the Madigas with a sense of exclusion.
  • Sub-categorization aims for the equitable distribution of reservation benefits among all the SC sub-castes.
• Madigas are historically associated with the work of tannery, leatherwork and small handicrafts. Most today are agricultural labourers.

Read more: Criterion for SC Status

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Enhancing Antifungal Treatment

Recently, a study published in Nature revealed the successful modification of an antifungal agent Amphotericin B (AmB), resulting in reduced toxicity in mice and human kidney cells.

• AmB, a vital safeguard against serious fungal infections for decades.
  • It operates by forming aggregates that bind to ergosterol, a molecule found in bacterial and fungal cells.
  • Despite its efficacy, AmB is known for its high toxicity in humans, particularly in renal cells (cells in the kidney).
• Researchers aimed to enhance AmB’s biological activity by modifying specific parts of its molecule responsible for binding sterols and designed a variant AM-2-19.
  • AM-2-19, demonstrated reduced toxicity by selectively binding to and extracting fungal ergosterol, but not mammalian cholesterol, in human renal cells and mice while maintaining high efficacy as an antifungal treatment. It is also comparatively resilient to antimicrobial resistance.

Read more: First-Ever List of Fungal Infections

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P. salinarum: Unveiling Adaptation in Extreme Environments

Recent research has delved into the mysteries of P. salinarum, a tiny green algae surviving harsh saline-alkaline conditions.

• Studying the organism's molecular mechanisms, the research revealed its unique adaptations, boosting photosynthesis and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis, unlike most photosynthetic life in hyperosmotic conditions.
  • Hyperosmotic conditions refer to a situation where the surrounding environment has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the internal environment of a cell or organism
• Beyond its resilience, this microalga showcases potential for carbon capture and biomass production, paving the way for sustainable biotechnological advancements.

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Widening Trade Deficit

India's trade in October 2023 depicted a widening trade deficit, reaching a record USD 31.46 billion.

• Trade deficit represents a situation where the value of a nation's imports exceeds the value of its exports during a certain period
• The surge in imports, rising by 12.3% to USD 65.03 billion, was particularly notable in gold and oil, doubling gold imports to USD 7.23 billion and escalating oil imports to USD 17.66 billion.
  • Such deficits significantly influence the current account and subsequently impact currency values.

Read more: Current Account Deficit

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Jharkhand Foundation Day

Jharkhand became the 28^th state of India on 15^th November 2000 after the Chota Nagpur area was segregated from the southern half of Bihar to become a new Indian state, a division enabled by the Bihar Reorganization Act, 2000.

• Notably, the day also coincides with the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda.
• Jharkhand is famous for its rich mineral resources like Uranium, Mica, Bauxite, Granite, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Magnetite, Dolomite, Fireclay, Quartz, Fieldspar, Coal (32% of India), Iron, Copper (25%of India) etc.

Read more: Birsa Munda