Category: articles

Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4)

Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4) Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and ISRO astronaut, was recently named the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). About Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4): Ax-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). It is organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with The Ax-4 crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS. During their time aboard the ISS, the crew will conduct scientific experiments, perform technology demonstrations,…

Greenland’s Lakes Transform Due to Extreme Weather

Greenland’s Lakes Transform Due to Extreme Weather   A recent study highlights how over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland have turned brown, emitted carbon, and suffered a drop in water quality due to extreme weather events in 2022. Analysis of the news: Rapid Transformation of Greenland’s Lakes These lakes, once pristine, play a crucial role in providing drinking water, supporting biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks. The transformation, which typically takes centuries, occurred within months—an unprecedented rate of change. What Triggered the Change? In 2022, warmer temperatures caused rainfall instead of snowfall, leading to permafrost thawing. As a result, organic carbon,…

The hidden dangers of Rhodamine B: a global and local perspective 

The hidden dangers of Rhodamine B: a global and local perspective  The news discusses the health risks of Rhodamine B, a synthetic dye linked to cancer. Use of Rhodamine B and Its Health Risks Rhodamine B is a synthetic dye, widely used in textiles, paper, and leather. It is also found in food products, though its use in consumables poses serious health risks. Studies show it can cause DNA damage, mutations, and potentially lead to cancer. Animal studies have linked prolonged exposure to tumor development in organs like the liver and bladder. Global and Indian Actions The FDA in the…

UNICEF’s Prospects for Children in 2025 Report  

UNICEF’s Prospects for Children in 2025 Report   The UNICEF report highlights the multifaceted challenges children face globally. About UNICEF The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. Mandate: To help children and young people whose lives and futures were at risk – no matter what role their country had played in the war. It works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. Funding: UNICEF’s work is funded entirely through the voluntary support of millions of people around the world and our partners in…

Mission Mausam

Mission Mausam  Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ during the 150th foundation day celebration of the India Meteorological Department. About Mission Mausam: It aims to boost India’s weather- and climate-related science, research, and services and make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation. The ambitious programme, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, will chiefly be implemented by the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. It will enhance forecasting accuracy, provide near real-time local weather forecasts and research the development of weather management technologies. The mission aims…

Pink Fire Retardent

Pink Fire Retardent The article examines the use of pink fire retardants in combating wildfires. Analysis of the news: What is Pink Fire Retardant? Pink fire retardant, primarily Phos-Chek, is a chemical solution used to slow or prevent the spread of wildfires. Its main component is an ammonium phosphate-based slurry, mixed with salts like ammonium polyphosphate. The solution is sprayed ahead of fires to coat vegetation and inhibit oxygen supply, thus reducing flammability. The bright pink color ensures visibility for firefighters, aiding in creating fire lines for containment. Effectiveness and Limitations While pink fire retardants are a long-standing firefighting tool,…

Polar Vortex

Polar Vortex The article examines the severe winter storm in the US caused by polar vortex disruption, its impacts, and the potential influence of climate change. Analysis of the news: Impact of the Winter Storm in the United States A severe winter storm has caused widespread disruptions across the United States, leading to the loss of at least five lives, mass school closures, hazardous road conditions, and power outages. Approximately 60 million people across 30 states are under weather alerts, with seven states declaring emergencies: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.  What is the Polar Vortex ?…

Fishing Cat Collaring Project

Fishing Cat Collaring Project The Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun is set to launch India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. Analysis of the news: India’s First Fishing Cat Collaring Project: The Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun is executing India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project as part of the second fishing cat census. This three-year project aims to study the species’ home range, behaviour, habitat ecology, feeding habits, and space use. The project plans to collar 10 fishing cats with lightweight GIS-equipped devices. The collaring is expected to be completed by March or April 2025. Fishing Cats Scientific Name:…

One Nation One Election and representative democracy

One Nation One Election and representative democracy The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled on December 17, 2024, proposes simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assemblies. Key Features of The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024: A new Article 82(A) will be inserted to synchronize elections and fix the tenure of the Lok Sabha. In case of dissolution of the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly before the five-year term, mid-term elections will cover only the remainder of the original tenure. Articles 83, 172, and 327 are amended, with changes effective after the 2029 general elections, enabling simultaneous elections in 2034.…

SpaDeX meeting in space

SpaDeX meeting in space SpaDeX is an upcoming mission by ISRO to demonstrate in-space docking technology. It involves two satellites that will dock and undock in orbit, crucial for India’s future space station and advanced space operations. SpaDeX Mission: SpaDeX is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focused on mastering in-space docking technology. The mission involves launching two satellites into orbit, where they will demonstrate docking and undocking while in motion. This technology is crucial for future space operations, enabling satellites launched separately to link up and perform complex tasks. The SpaDeX mission is a key step…