theIASHub | 07 Jul, 2025 | 34
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Effects Of Air Pollution on Child Birth : Recently, a study published in PLOS Global Public Health revealed that the harmful effects of air pollution begin even before birth, impacting pregnancy outcomes and child health.
o The study, conducted by researchers from India, Thailand, Ireland, and the UK, combined data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) with satellite-based air pollution measurements to reach its conclusions.
o Increased Risk from PM2.5: Mothers exposed to high levels of PM2.5 had a 70% higher risk of delivering prematurely.
ü The risk of giving birth to a low birth weight baby increased by 40% under similar exposure.
o Regional Disparities: Northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are the most affected due to industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and solid fuel use.
ü PTB was highest in Himachal Pradesh (39%) and Delhi (17%).
ü LBW was most prevalent in Punjab (22%) and Delhi (19%).
o Gender Disparity: Female infants showed a higher prevalence of LBW (20%) compared to males (17%).
o Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), GoI.
HIP 67522 b : Recently, scientists discovered a planet, HIP 67522 b that is not only being affected by its star but is also causing the star to release powerful flares.
o These flares are so strong that they could eventually destroy the planet itself.
o The planet orbits very close—only 12 times the star’s radius—making it vulnerable to intense activity from the star.
o As HIP 67522 b orbits, it disturbs the star’s magnetic field, triggering flares much stronger than anything seen from our Sun.
o These flares are thousands of times more energetic than solar flares and strike the planet regularly—every day or two.
o Scientists estimate that HIP 67522 b could shrink from the size of Jupiter to Neptune within 100 million years.
Taiwan Strait : Recently, Taiwan strongly criticized China for unilaterally activating a new west-to-east aviation route over the sensitive Taiwan Strait, describing it as a provocative act that threatens regional stability.
o Important Ports: Key ports along the strait include Amoy (Xiamen) in mainland China and Kao-hsiung in Taiwan.
o Several rivers from China’s Fujian Province, such as the Jiulong and Min rivers, flow into the Taiwan Strait.
o Important islands near the strait include Penghu (Pescadores), Xiamen, and Pingtan.
o Strategic Importance: A vital maritime passage connecting the South China Sea with the East China Sea. It is a heavily used shipping route, with millions of tons of cargo transported through it each year.
o Economic and Ecological Value: The strait is one of China’s richest fishing grounds, home to over 100 economically important fish species.
o It functions similarly to a canal, but while canals are man-made, straits are formed by natural geological processes.
o Significance: Straits are crucial for global trade and transportation, as they enable ships to move between different seas or oceans.
European Commission : Recently, the European Commission proposed a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by the year 2040, compared to 1990 levels.
o Plans to introduce strict quality rules and criteria for carbon credit use by next year to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
o There is rising concern that international carbon markets could become a tool for greenwashing, letting wealthier countries delay true transformation of their own economies.
o Functions: The EC has the "right of initiative", meaning it can propose new laws and policies for the EU.
ü It oversees the implementation of EU policies and manages the daily operations and spending of EU funds.
ü Ensures that EU laws and policies are correctly applied in all Member States.
ü Negotiates treaties & agreements with non-EU countries on behalf of the entire Union.
o Led by a President and consists of 27 Commissioners (one from each EU country). Together, they form "the College", which guides the Commission’s political and strategic direction.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) : Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) raised serious concerns about the quality of the annual progress report for the Captive Elephant Database Project submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
o The Ministry pointed out several shortcomings related to formatting, content, and credibility, and has directed WII to revise and resubmit the report after addressing these issues.
o Location: Situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand and shares boundaries with the Rajaji National Park
o Role: An internationally recognized institute that provides training programmes, academic courses, and expert advice in the field of wildlife research and conservation.
o Key Objectives: Generate scientific knowledge on India’s wildlife resources.
ü Conduct research relevant to field management, including methods suited to Indian conditions.
ü Offer advice and information on specific wildlife management challenges.
ü Collaborate with international organisations in wildlife research, management, and training.
National Biobank : Recently, the Union Minister of Science & Technology inaugurated the Phenome India “National Biobank” at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi.
o Scope: Will collect genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India.
o Design Inspiration: Modelled on the UK Biobank, but tailored to reflect India’s diverse geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds
o Research Benefits: Enables early diagnosis of diseases
ü Improves therapeutic targeting
ü Helps tackle diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and rare genetic diseases
o Long-Term Study: Tracks health patterns and gene-environment interactions over several years within the Indian population.
o Linked to CSIR-IGIB’s work on: CRISPR-based genome editing (e.g., for sickle cell anaemia), Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Liver fibrosis and rare disorders and Women’s health, breast cancer, and space biology.
India’s First Cooperative University: Recently, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister laid the foundation stone for India’s first cooperative university, named “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University, in Anand, Gujarat.
o Spread over 125 acres and will be built at a cost of ₹500 crore.
o Envisioned as a comprehensive education, training, and research hub for the cooperative sector.
o Academic Focus: Offers courses in technical expertise, accounting, marketing, scientific approach, and values of cooperation.
ü To empower Dalits, tribals, women, and rural youth through cooperative values and leadership.
o Inspired by the inclusive spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and cooperative federalism.
o In India, cooperatives are crucial to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development, especially in rural regions.
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