28-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

AMMONIA LEAK FROM PIPELINE TRIGGERS SCARE

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Ammonia leakage from an underwater supply pipeline at a fertilizer plant triggered panic in Ennore, north Chennai, adding to the challenges faced after a recent oil spill caused by a cyclone. Residents experienced burning eyes and difficulty breathing, resulting in 52 hospitalizations. The incident led to the temporary shutdown of Coromandel International Ltd., the fertilizer plant, as ordered by the Tamil Nadu government.

Causes of the Incident:

• Industrial Accident: The leak occurred as a result of an industrial accident involving the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline.
• Post-Cyclone Impact: The region was already grappling with the aftermath of an oil spill caused by a recent cyclone.

Government Response:

• Evacuation Measures: Police and fire services swiftly evacuated affected residents to ensure their safety.
• Plant Shutdown: The Tamil Nadu government directed the temporary closure of the fertilizer plant until further notice.
• Committee Formation: An expert committee, including representatives from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and institutions like IIT Madras, was formed to assess the incident.

Residents’ Concerns:

• Protests for Permanent Closure: Residents, fearing further incidents, demanded the permanent closure of the company.
• Lack of Warning: The sudden nature of the leak highlighted the lack of timely warnings, causing residents to express concerns about their safety.

Conclusion:

The ammonia leak incident underscores the need for robust safety measures in industrial operations, especially in post-crisis scenarios. The government’s swift response and the formation of an expert committee reflect a commitment to investigating and addressing the environmental and public health implications of the incident. Residents, now demanding permanent closure, emphasize the importance of proactive preventive measures to ensure community well-being.

DELHI POLICE TRYING TO TRACE THE SOURCE OF ‘EXPLOSIVE’ USED NEAR ISRAEL EMBASSY

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Delhi Police are actively investigating a low-intensity blast near the Israeli Embassy on Prithviraj Road. The incident, involving an explosive near the embassy, has prompted extensive security measures and an intensified probe. Despite scanning CCTV footage and analyzing end-to-end encrypted calls, the police have not identified the source of the explosive or recovered any material from the blast site.

Investigation Details:

• CCTV Footage Analysis: The police have scrutinized CCTV cameras, focusing on individuals seen in the vicinity before the blast.
• End-to-End Encrypted Calls: An examination of encrypted calls around the location is part of the investigative efforts.
• Unidentified Individuals: Two persons spotted before the blast on CCTV remain unidentified; their connection to the incident is yet to be determined.
• Forensic Analysis: A letter found at the site, addressed to the Israeli Ambassador, is being examined for fingerprints, containing content related to Zionists, Palestine, and Gaza.
• Suspected Organization: The police suspect a connection to an organization named Sir Allah Resistance based on the content of the letter.

Response and Diplomatic Assurance:

• Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission assured the safety of diplomats and workers, emphasizing full cooperation with local security. Security measures have been heightened across the city, especially near border areas, considering the approaching festive season.

Conclusion:

The investigation into the embassy blast involves a multi-pronged approach, encompassing technological analysis, forensic scrutiny, and intelligence gathering. The unidentified individuals and the content of the letter add complexity to the case. The diplomatic assurance from Israel underscores collaborative efforts in addressing the incident, while enhanced city-wide security measures aim at maintaining law and order during the festive period. The coming days will likely reveal further developments in this evolving investigation.

UNJUST AND UNWISE

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In the context of counterinsurgency operations in the Pir Panjal Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, recent incidents involving the deaths and alleged torture of civilians by security forces raise serious concerns. The need for a just and precise approach in dealing with insurgency is crucial, considering the delicate security scenario in the region.

Counterinsurgency Challenges in J&K:

• Operational Challenges: Fierce encounters between security forces and militants in the Pir Panjal Valley pose operational challenges, resulting in casualties on both sides.
• Civilians as Collateral Damage: The death and alleged torture of civilians in response to militant attacks indicate a troubling trend, risking the support of the local population.

Problematic Outcomes:

• Unpopularity of the Regime: Indiscriminate actions by security forces contribute to the unpopularity of the administration, particularly concerning as J&K lacks democratic elections.
• Militant Strategy: Militants aim to provoke security forces into rights violations, utilizing civilian grievances to expand their support base.

Legitimacy of Force:

• Questionable Legitimacy: Indiscriminate violence against civilians without just cause undermines the legitimacy of state actions.
• Need for Justice: Immediate and firm action by J&K police and the Army is essential to address the murder case and ensure accountability for the alleged human rights violations.

Conclusion:

The incidents in the Pir Panjal Valley underscore the urgency for a nuanced and just counterinsurgency strategy. The Union government’s security-centric approach needs reassessment, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring the legitimacy of state actions. Rapid and decisive justice is crucial to prevent a surge in militancy and maintain public trust in the region. Balancing security imperatives with respect for human rights is imperative for long-term stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

MAKING HEALTH OUR TOP PRIORITY IN 2024

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, especially cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, demands urgent attention. A recent report by the World Health Organization highlights the alarming reality, with 66% of deaths in India attributed to NCDs in 2019. The shift in disease burden necessitates a comprehensive and proactive approach, emphasizing individual choices and preventive measures.

Rising NCDs:

• Paradigm Shift: The focus on NCDs becomes imperative as incidents like the sudden deaths during Navaratri in Gujarat, spanning various age groups, underscore a paradigm shift in disease dynamics.
• Dominance of NCDs: WHO’s ‘Invisible Numbers’ report reveals that NCDs account for 66% of deaths in India, emphasizing the pressing need to address this silent epidemic.

Challenges and Causes:

• Common Behavioral Risk Factors: Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and substance abuse contribute to the rise of NCDs.
• Genetic Predisposition and Sedentary Lifestyle: Factors like genetic predisposition and sedentary lifestyles amplify the health crisis, leading to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Economic and Health Impact:

• Economic Burden: The World Economic Forum estimates a staggering $4.58 trillion cost to India between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs, emphasizing the economic repercussions.
• Health Crisis: The increasing incidence of NCDs not only affects individuals but poses a substantial health crisis, necessitating immediate attention.

Resolution for 2024:

• Government Initiatives: While government initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs exist, individual responsibility becomes paramount.
• Individual Empowerment: With India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, individuals must prioritize health through daily choices and preventive measures.

Micro-Habits for Health:

• Natural Movement: Integrating natural movement into daily routines, like walking instead of using vehicles, contributes to cardiovascular fitness.
• Slow Food Choices: Opting for ‘slow food’ over fast food, emphasizing the connection between food, environment, and health.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Changing the attitude towards proactive health check-ups fosters early detection and prevention.
• Normalization of Health Conversations: Making health a common topic of conversation fosters awareness and collective commitment.

Conclusion:

In embracing Resolution 2024, individuals commit to making health a priority, transcending personal improvement to contribute to a collective dedication to shaping a healthier and more prosperous India. The power to transform the nation lies in the daily choices of its citizens, recognizing that a healthier population paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

ELECTRONIC SOIL (E-SOIL)

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – SOWN TO EARTH

Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in agriculture – the development of ‘electronic soil’ or e-Soil, designed specifically for hydroponic cultivation. This innovative growth substrate operates as a low-power bioelectronic system, providing a unique approach to enhancing plant growth.

Key Features:

• Bioelectronic Stimulation: E-Soil introduces a pioneering concept by electrically stimulating the root system and growth environment of plants, promoting optimal conditions for cultivation.
• Hydroponics Overview: Hydroponics, a soil-free plant cultivation method, utilizes water, nutrients, and a substrate for root attachment, offering various advantages over traditional soil-based methods.

Benefits of Hydroponics:

• Precise Nutrient Control: Hydroponics enables precise control over nutrient levels, ensuring faster plant growth, higher yields, and superior-quality produce.
• Vertical Cultivation: The innovation facilitates vertical cultivation in large towers, optimizing space efficiency and expanding possibilities for urban agriculture.
• Water Efficiency: Hydroponics utilizes significantly less water compared to conventional methods, addressing concerns related to water scarcity.
• Reduced Pests: Plants cultivated through hydroponics exhibit fewer pests, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practice.

This breakthrough in electronic soil technology not only transforms agricultural practices but also signifies a promising step towards addressing challenges in food production, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

FEAST (FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES)

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an integral part of ISRO, has developed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software named FEAST.

• FEA is a computerized method crucial for predicting the real-world responses of a product to external forces. FEAST is designed to conduct FEA for diverse structures, such as rockets, aircraft, satellites, and buildings.
• This indigenous software marks a significant stride, reducing dependence on expensive foreign alternatives.
• VSSC, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is the lead centre for ISRO, specializing in the design and development of launch vehicle technology.
• FEAST contributes to enhancing self-reliance in critical technological domains.

FORMALDEHYDE (CH2O)

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Researchers have introduced a non-invasive sensor capable of detecting formalin adulteration in fish.

                  

• Formalin, a solution containing 37% formaldehyde, is used in various industries, including resin manufacturing, plastic production, cosmetics, and disinfectants.
• The new sensor addresses health concerns, as formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic substance by the World Health Organization.
• Carcinogens are agents capable of causing cancer.
• This innovative sensor offers a practical solution to ensure the safety and quality of fish products by swiftly identifying formalin presence without invasive methods, safeguarding consumer health.