Today's Brief 4/01/2025

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1 .Brahmputra River:

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(GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.)

China has approved the construction of what will be the world's largest hydropower dam, stoking concerns about displacement of communities in Tibet and environmental impacts downstream in India and Bangladesh.

The dam, which will be located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, could generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam, currently the world's largest hydropower plant.

The Brahmaputra River, a mighty force of nature, originates in the Tibetan Plateau and journeys through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh before culminating in the Bay of Bengal. Known for its immense power and unpredictable nature, the river is vital for the region, providing transportation, irrigation, and hydropower potential.

However, its ferocity also presents challenges, with frequent flooding and erosion causing significant damage to communities and infrastructure along its banks.

It enters India in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where it's known as the Siang or Dihang River.

Key North Bank Tributaries:

• Subansiri: A major tributary known for its hydropower potential.   

• Kameng: Another significant tributary, also with hydropower potential.   

• Manas: Famous for the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   

• Teesta: An important river originating in the Himalayas.

Key South Bank Tributaries:

• Lohit: A major tributary joining the Brahmaputra in Assam.   

• Dibang: Another significant tributary flowing through Arunachal Pradesh.   

• Dhansiri: A major tributary contributing to the river's flow.   

• Kopili: An important tributary with hydropower potential.

2 .Why is Nitrate Contamination a Problem?

(GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.)

Health Risks:

• Methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome): In infants, high nitrate levels in drinking water can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, leading to this potentially fatal condition.   

• Cancer Risks: Some studies suggest potential links between high nitrate exposure and increased cancer risks.   

• Other Health Issues: Potential for thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and other health complications.   

• Environmental Impact:

  • Eutrophication: Nitrate runoff into surface waters can lead to excessive plant growth (algae blooms), depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.   

Sources of Nitrate Contamination:

• Agricultural Runoff:

  • Excessive use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers   

  • Animal waste from livestock farms   

• Septic Tank Leakage:

  • Improperly maintained septic systems can allow nitrate-rich wastewater to seep into groundwater.   

• Industrial Waste:

  • Some industrial processes release nitrate compounds into the environment.

What India Needs to Do:

• Promote Sustainable Agriculture:

  • Precision Agriculture: Encourage the use of technologies like soil testing and variable rate fertilization to minimize fertilizer use.   

  • Organic Farming: Promote organic farming practices that rely on natural fertilizers and pest control methods.

  • Crop Rotation: Implement crop rotation strategies to improve soil health and reduce the need for excessive fertilization.   

    
    

• Improve Wastewater Management:

  • Properly Constructed and Maintained Septic Systems: Ensure proper construction and regular maintenance of septic systems to prevent leakage.

  • Wastewater Treatment: Upgrade and expand wastewater treatment plants to remove nitrates before discharge into the environment.   

    
    

• Groundwater Monitoring:

  • Regular Testing: Conduct regular monitoring of groundwater quality to identify areas with high nitrate levels.

  • Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the dangers of nitrate contamination and the importance of safe drinking water

    
    

    Policy and Regulations:

    
    

    Stricter Regulations: Implement and enforce stricter regulations on fertilizer use, wastewater disposal, and industrial emissions.   

  • Incentives: Provide incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.   

    
    

Blue baby syndrome, also known as infant methemoglobinemia, is a serious condition where a baby's skin turns blue or gray due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Causes:

• High Nitrate Levels in Water: The most common cause is exposure to high levels of nitrates in drinking water. When infants consume water contaminated with nitrates, bacteria in their digestive system convert nitrates into nitrites. Nitrites then interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to the bluish discoloration.

Symptoms:

• Bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin, especially around the lips, fingertips, and toes

• Difficulty breathing

• Rapid heart rate

• Choking

• Seizures

• Coma (in severe cases)

3 .Wild animals are tranquilized

General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

using a variety of drugs, often delivered via dart guns or blowpipes. These drugs work by affecting the animal's central nervous system, causing sedation and muscle relaxation.

Types of Tranquilizers:

• Sedatives: These drugs slow down the animal's heart rate and breathing, making them calm and drowsy.

• Anesthetics: These drugs cause a temporary loss of sensation and consciousness.

• Muscle Relaxants: These drugs relax the animal's muscles, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of injury during capture or treatment.

Commonly Used Drugs:

• Ketamine: A widely used anesthetic that induces a trance-like state.

• Xylazine: A sedative that also provides some pain relief.

• Telazol: A combination drug that provides both sedation and anesthesia

Delivery Methods:

• Dart Guns: Compressed air or gas propels darts containing the tranquilizer into the animal's muscle tissue.

• Blowpipes: Similar to dart guns, but use compressed air to propel darts or small projectiles.

Science Behind Tranquilizers:

The science behind tranquilizers involves understanding how the drugs interact with the animal's nervous system.

• Neurotransmitters: Tranquilizers target neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells.

• Receptor Sites: Drugs bind to specific receptor sites on nerve cells, disrupting the normal communication pathways.

• Effects on the Nervous System: This disruption can lead to a variety of effects, including sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia (pain relief).

History of Tranquilizers:

The development of tranquilizers for wildlife has a relatively short history.

• Early Methods: Before the development of modern tranquilizers, capturing wild animals often involved dangerous and inhumane methods, such as nets, traps, and physical restraint.

• 20th Century Advancements: In the mid-20th century, researchers began developing drugs specifically for wildlife immobilization.

• Modern Era: Today, tranquilizer technology has advanced significantly, allowing for more precise and humane capture and handling of wild animals.

Important Considerations:

• Safety: Tranquilizing wild animals requires specialized training and expertise. Improper use of tranquilizers can be dangerous to both the animal and the handler.

• Animal Welfare: It is crucial to use the appropriate dose of tranquilizer and to monitor the animal closely during and after immobilization to ensure its safety and well-being.

• Ethical Considerations: The use of tranquilizers in wildlife management should always be carefully considered and should only be used when necessary and with appropriate ethical safeguards.

4 .India’s total renewable energy capacity crosses 200 GW mark: Glimpses of 2024

General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

 in the special Year-Ender series. Take a look at the key initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The government continued its remarkable journey toward transforming India’s energy landscape in 2024.

This progress is in line with India’s commitment to achieving its 500 Giga Watt of non-fossil fuel energy in line with the Panchamrit goals

Akashvani correspondent reports, India crossed the 200 Giga Watt milestone of total installed Renewable Energy capacity in September 2024, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

In February 2024, the government launched the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households. India’s cumulative installed solar energy capacity has reached over 94 GigaWatt.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of 600 crore rupees was also launched to reduce fossil fuel imports by one lakh crore and cut carbon emissions by five Million Metric Tonnes by 2030.

This mission aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, creating over 6 lakh jobs and attracting investments worth 8 lakh crore rupees by 2030.

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT): In the initial stage, two distinct financial incentive mechanisms proposed with an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore up to 2029-30:

• Incentive for manufacturing of electrolysers

• Incentive for production of green hydrogen.

Depending upon the markets and technology development, specific incentive schemes and programmes will continue to evolve as the Mission progresses.

To ensure quality and performance of equipment, the eligibility criteria for participation in competitive bidding for procurement of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives will specify that the project must utilize equipment approved by Government of India as per specified quality and performance criteria.

Green Hydrogen Hubs

The Mission will identify and develop regions capable of supporting large scale production and/or utilization of Hydrogen as Green Hydrogen Hubs.

Development of necessary infrastructure for such hubs will be supported under the Mission.

It is planned to set up at least two such Green Hydrogen hubs in the initial phase.

Outlay of ₹ 400 crore up to 2025-26 for Hubs and other projects.

5.Binodini Mancha: is the new name of the Star Theatre in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was renamed in December 2024 to honor Binodini Dasi, a 19th-century Bengali actress who is considered one of the pioneers of Bengali theatre.

Binodini Dasi was born in a brothel in Calcutta in 1863. She was forced into prostitution at a young age, but she was able to escape and become a successful actress. She was known for her powerful performances and her ability to connect with audiences.

Binodini Dasi's career spanned over 30 years. She performed in a variety of plays, including historical dramas, comedies, and social dramas. She was also a popular singer and dancer.

In 1926, Binodini Dasi died of cancer. She was buried at the Brahmo Samaj Cemetery in Kolkata.

The renaming of the Star Theatre to Binodini Mancha is a recognition of Binodini Dasi's contribution to Bengali theatre. It is also a recognition of her as a strong and independent woman who overcame adversity to achieve success.

6 .World Braille Day is celebrated annually on January 4th to commemorate the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille writing system. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and visually impaired people, and to promote its use in realizing the human rights of these individuals.

Braille is a tactile writing system that uses raised dots to represent letters, numbers, and symbols. It allows blind and visually impaired people to read and write independently, opening up a world of possibilities for education, employment, and social inclusion.

World Braille Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of blind and visually impaired people, to recognize the contributions of Braille to their lives, and to advocate for greater access to Braille education and resources.

Louis Braille was a French educator and inventor of the reading and writing system known as braille, which is used by visually impaired people worldwide. He was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France, and died on January 6, 1852, in Paris

In 1821, he entered the National Institute for the Blind in Paris, where he learned about a system of tactile writing called "night writing" that was used by the military. Braille was inspired by this system and began to develop his own system for the blind.

In 1829, at the age of 15, Braille published his new system, which would eventually become known as braille. His invention was not immediately embraced by the blind community or educators, but it eventually gained widespread acceptance and is now used by millions of people around the world.

6.Generation Beta refers to the cohort of children born starting in 2025. This generation is poised to grow up in a world profoundly shaped by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Their lives will likely be deeply integrated with these technologies, influencing their education, healthcare, and daily interactions.

They will also navigate a world facing significant environmental challenges, such as climate change, and likely live in a highly interconnected and globalized society.

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