Recently, NIT Trichy has released a study titled ‘Quantifying urban heat island and pollutant nexus: A novel geospatial approach’.
Key Highlights of the study
The study identified these areas by mapping the distribution of pollutants and thermal hotspots.
The findings highlight the urgent health concerns associated with urban pollution and heat.
The study finds a stark contrast in pollution levels between urban and rural areas. These pollutants were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
The study found an increase in concentrations of CO, NO2 and O3 in urban areas with higher temperatures, and a stark contrast in pollution levels between urban and rural areas.
The study also identified around 80% of the urban area as highly polluted.
According to the study, urban areas have higher concentrations of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), ozone (O3), formaldehyde (HCHO), aerosols and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
The study highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions in urban planning and policy formulation.
What is Urban Heat Island?
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon can be defined as an increase in temperature within a city compared to its surrounding areas.
The urban heat island (UHI) is analyzed by converting infrared radiation into visible thermal images utilizing thermal imaging from remote sensing techniques.
What are the Causes?
It is causes by lack of open space in cities, limited air circulation, trapping heat in the urban environment, paved and impermeable surfaces, thermal mass, lack of vegetation and also due to changing climate.
What is the impact of UHI?
Local Meteorology: It can alter the local wind patterns, the development of clouds and fog, the humidity, and the rates of precipitation. It can also amplify heat waves.
Air Quality: A higher temperature can lead to increased ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter air pollution.
Human Health: it can contribute to heat-related deaths and heat-related illnesses such as general discomfort, respiratory difficulties, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and non-fatal heat stroke.
Energy Consumption: It can cause an increase in energy consumption putting enormous strain on electricity systems.
Way Forward
Trees, green roofs, and vegetation can help reduce urban heat island effects by shading building surfaces, deflecting radiation from the sun, and releasing moisture into the atmosphere.
Recipe for a Liveable Planet Report
Why in news?
Recently, the World Bank released ‘Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System’ report.
Key highlights of the report
Recipe for a Liveable Planet is the first comprehensive global roadmap for mitigating the agrifood system’s contributions to climate change.
It shows how the agriculture system that produces the world’s food can cut greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to feed the world.
Agrifood is a bigger contributor to climate change. It generates almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, averaging around 16 gigatons annually. This is about one-sixth more than all of the world’s heat and electricity emissions.
The agrifood system is a huge, untapped source of low-cost climate change action. The report says, the payoffs for investing in cutting agrifood emissions are estimated to be much bigger than the costs.
Every country can harness priority opportunities to achieve net zero agrifood emissions while advancing development.
According to the report, different countries have different pathways for doing so.
High-income countries can do more to promote renewable energy in the agrifood sector and shift to more sustainable diets.
Middle-income countries can reduce emissions from livestock and rice, invest in healthy soils, and by cutting food loss and waste.
Low-income countries should focus on green growth. Over half of the agrifood emissions in low-income countries come from converting forests to croplands or pastures.
India’s Medical Device Sector
Why in news?
Recently, India, for the first time, has become a net exporter of medical consumables and disposables.
More about the news
India’s exports of medical consumables and disposables have surged by about 60 per cent to USD 1.6 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23 from USD 1.08 billion in 2019-20.
The only sector (within the medical device sector) where India’s exports exceed imports is consumables and disposables.
Govt’s push for reducing import dependence for key pharma products and devices got a major thrust post-Covid outbreak after China controlled supplies of everything from basic chemicals to PPEs and testing kits.
India aims to decrease import dependence from the current 75 per cent to 50 per cent within the next five years.
About India’s Medical Device Sector
India is known as the pharmacy of the world because of its generic medicines and low-cost vaccines.
India currently ranks as the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia and among the top 20 globally.
The Centre has divided the medical device sector into segments such as cancer therapy, imaging, critical care assistive medical devices, body implants, surgical instruments and hospital equipment, consumables & disposables, and IVD instruments and reagents.
The sector has witnessed a surge in imports, driven primarily by countries like the US, China, and Germany. The country remains heavily dependent on imports with nearly 70% of the products being sourced from other countries. China is among the major sources of imports.
However, India’s robust policy ecosystem presents opportunities for export boosts and reducing import dependence through domestic manufacturing. India has a favourable ecosystem comprising world-class hospitals, skilled manpower, and cutting-edge resources.
Semi-Cryogenic Engine
Why in news?
Recently, the ISRO conducted the first ignition trial for SCE-200 (semi-cryogenic engine-200) at the semi-cryo integrated engine test facility.
More about the news
The SCE-200 is a 2MN thrust class liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
This next generation rocket engine, designed to enhance the payload capability of ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-III launcher and other future launch vehicles.
It operates on an oxidiser-rich staged combustion cycle using liquid oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 (rocket propellent-1) kerosene.
ISRO scientists explained that the SCE-200 was expected to replace the current L110 stage also known as the core stage of the LVM-3.
It also promises to boost payload capacity and power future launch vehicles being designed by ISRO including the upcoming next generation launch vehicles (NGLV) and the reusable launch vehicle (RLV).
The ignition process is one of the most critical parts in the development of liquid rocket engine systems.
About Semi-Cryogenic Engine
Semi-cryogenic engines are a type of rocket engine that use a combination of liquid and gaseous propellants.
They are called “semi-cryogenic” because they operate at temperatures higher than cryogenic engines but still colder than traditional liquid rocket engines.
The Semi Cryogenic Propulsion System Project envisages the design and development of a 2000 kN semi cryogenic engine and ‘SC120 stage’ that will enable the development of a heavy-lift capability for future Indian space transportation systems.
Cryogenic vs Semi-Cryogenic
Fuel: A semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen. It uses liquid oxygen as an oxidiser.
Payload: For increased payload, a cryogenic engine would not be enough to carry more payload. Kerosene is much lighter than liquid fuel and can be stored at a normal temperature.
Thrust: The Kerosene combined with liquid oxygen provides more thrust to the rocket. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can also be used as fuel. It also occupies less space which makes it possible to have more propellant in the fuel compartment or tank.
Pollution: It is environment-friendly, cost-effective and more powerful compared to a cryogenic engine.
Gaia BH3
Why in news?
Recently, astronomers have detected the largest stellar black hole Gaia BH3, with mass 33 times that of the Sun in the Milky Way galaxy.
About
The discovery was made when researchers were analysing data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission.
The Gaia mission was launched in 2013 with the goal of building the largest, most precise three-dimensional map of our galaxy by surveying nearly two billion objects.
Gaia BH3 is the second closest black hole to Earth, sitting just 2,000 light years away from the planet.
The newly discovered stellar black hole “Gaia BH3” has dethroned Cygnus X-1, which is 21 times as massive as the Sun, to become the most massive black hole of stellar origin in the Milky Way.
What is a Stellar Black Hole?
When a star with more than eight times the Sun’s mass runs out of fuel, it explodes as a supernova and its core collapses to form a stellar black hole.
Nearly all stellar black holes were found because they exist in binaries or pair up with a companion star.
Apart from stellar black holes, our galaxy plays host to a supermassive black hole (which sits at the centre of the galaxy and is hundreds of thousands of billion times the Sun’s mass).
The supermassive black hole in Milky Way is Sagittarius A*, about 4 million times the mass of the Sun and is 26,000 light years away.
West Nile Fever
Why in news?
Recently, Kerala health officials confirmed cases of West Nile fever in Kozhikode.
About
West Nile fever is a disease caused by the West Nile virus (WNV).
It was first found in Uganda in 1937. Kerala reported the first case of West Nile fever in 2011.
The virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia.
According to the World Health Organisation, West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.
Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, occasional skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Most people infected by the virus are asymptomatic (no symptoms). In many cases, the virus is transmitted from the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get infected when they feed on infected birds, who circulate the virus in their blood for a few days.
There is no vaccine available for the infection caused by the West Nile virus. Treatment is based on supportive care involving hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.
World Migration Report 2024
Why in news?
Recently, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released the World Migration Report 2024.
Key highlights of the report
The World Migration Report 2024, the twelfth in the world migration report series. Since 2000, IOM has been producing its flagship world migration reports every two years.
The report said that there are more female than male international migrants in destination countries in Europe and Northern America.
Irregular migration to the US remains an ongoing challenge and major policy issue, with increasing numbers of arrivals from atypical origin countries.
The report noted that the impact of the pandemic has been severe on both internal and international Indian migrant workers, particularly low-skilled emigrants on short-term contracts, migrants working within the informal economy and undocumented workers.
India received over USD 111 billion in remittances in 2022, the largest in the world, becoming the first country to reach and even surpass the USD 100 billion mark.
The report added that of nearly 18 million or 1.3 per cent of the total population, India is also the origin of the largest number of international migrants in the world.
According to the report, India, Mexico, China, the Philippines and France were the top five remittance recipient countries. The Gulf States remain significant destinations for migrant workers.
The report said, a very large number of migrant workers from the subregion, Southern Asia receives some of the largest inflows of remittances globally.
Three countries in Southern Asia – India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, rank among the top ten recipients of international remittances in the world, underscoring the significance of labour migration from the subregion.
The report noted that migrant workers from these countries continue to face a myriad of risks, including financial exploitation, excessive financial debt due to migration costs, xenophobia and workplace abuses.
About International Organization for Migration
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was founded in 1951 in response to the large number of internally displaced persons and war refugees in Europe after the Second World War.
The International Organization for Migration is a United Nations related organization working in the field of migration.
The organization implements operational assistance programmes for migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.
The highest decision-making body of the IOM is the council, in which all member states are represented.
Border Roads Organisation
Why in news?
Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 65th Raising Day.
About BRO
The Border Roads Organisation is a statutory body under the ownership of the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
In order to ensure coordination and expeditious execution of projects, the Government of India set up the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) with the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Board and Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman.
It is also staffed by Officers and Troops drawn from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers on extra regimental employment (on deputation).
BRO is also included in the Order of Battle of the Armed Forces, ensuring their support at any time.
Smart System
Why in news?
Recently, the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
About
SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It aims to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc.
The system carries an advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with a parachute-based release system.
Space for Indian Navy
Why in news?
Recently, the DRDO has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE).
About
The SPACE has been set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
It has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for the Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines and helicopters.
The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement.
It will consist of two distinct assemblages – a platform which floats on the water surface, and a submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using winch systems. Upon completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform.
The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.
It will cater to the needs of data processing and sample analyses in modern, well equipped scientific laboratories heralding a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.
Rafah Border
Why in news?
Recently, Israeli military seizes Rafah border crossing, steps up attacks on Gaza.
About Rafah Border
The Rafah Border Crossing or Rafah Crossing Point is the sole crossing point between Egypt and Palestine’s Gaza Strip.
It is located on the Egypt–Palestine border. Under a 2007 agreement between Egypt and Israel, Egypt controls the crossing but imports through the Rafah crossing require Israeli approval.
The Rafah crossing is the southernmost exit point from the Gaza Strip, and it shares a border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
There are only two other border crossings from and into the Gaza Strip. Rafah and Erez crossing. The Eres Crossing is located in northern Gaza.
Share via
COPY
The Civil Services Exam is conducted every year by the UPSC to select suitable candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), IRS (Indian Revenue Service) and other Central Services like the Audits and Accounts, Railway Technical Services etc.
These services are vital for the administration of the Nation as they form the underlying basis of the policy formulation, implementation and execution in almost all the domains of the Governance. Sardar Patel had called the Civil Service the “Steel Frame of India“, the backbone of India’s Administration.
Being part of the Services is associated with prestige, power and a sense of responsibility toward the Society and the Nation. No doubt, the Services attract the best among the vast talent pool of the country.
And it is no surprise that the competition for the CSE is becoming fiercer every year. Over the last 3-4 years the number of applicants has hovered around 1,000,000 out of which approximately 500,000 appear for the Preliminary Exam. On an average 10,000 candidates qualify for the Mains Examination and less than 2,500 are called for the interview. Finally, only about 1,000 or fewer candidates qualify to be part of the Services. Thus the conversion ratio from appearing in the Preliminary Examination to the final selection in the Services is less than 0.2% (considering only the
Thus only sincere hard work may not be enough to be part of the Services. The aspirants need suitable guidance and study material to get selected and fulfil their dream of serving the Nation. Unacademy strives to provide quality content to the learners in order to supplement the guidance they receive from top Educators on the Unacademy Platform and aid their preparation.
Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
