- ENVIRONMENT
UNSCIENTIFIC ROAD WORK LED TO LANDSLIP ON SHIRADI GHAT
- Issues Leading to Landslides on Shiradi Ghat
- Unscientific Road Construction: The road construction involved cutting hills at a vertical 90-degree angle, which is unstable, rather than a safer 45-degree slope. This improper engineering approach increased the risk of landslides.
- Lack of Safety Measures: Despite significant progress in the road project (35 km out of 45 km completed), essential safety measures were not implemented. These measures, which should be based on soil quality tests, were neglected.
- Inadequate Consideration of Soil Quality: The construction did not adequately account for the soil quality and stability, which is critical in preventing landslides in hilly terrain.
- Neglect in Following Standard Construction Practices: The failure to adhere to standard practices for slope stability and erosion control contributed to the occurrence of landslides
2. AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION ON INDIA A LESSON FOR OTHERS
- Triennial Conference on Agricultural Economics The triennial conference, hosted by the International Association of Agricultural Economists, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- This is the second time India is hosting the event, 65 years after the first. Key Highlights:
- India’s Agricultural Transformation: PM Modi emphasized India’s journey from a food-insecure nation to a food surplus country, now a major producer of various agricultural products.
- Global Food Security: India’s experience and solutions in food and nutrition security are valuable for the Global South.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Modi highlighted the holistic approach of “One Earth, One Family and One Future” and the importance of small farmers in ensuring food security.
- Innovations and Initiatives: He discussed the promotion of chemical-free natural farming, climate-resilient seeds, land digitization, and the use of drones in agriculture.
- Outcome: The conference underlined India’s agricultural growth and its contributions to global food security.
- It focused on transforming sustainable agri-food systems
- It acknowledged the need for innovative practices in agriculture to support economic growth and sustainability.
3. GEOGRAPHY
UNDERWATER MAPPING OF ICE SHELVES
- Newly Discovered Features: Underwater mapping revealed unique shapes, such as tear-shaped indents, at the base of the Dotson Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, indicating high melt rates.
- Basal Melt Dynamics: The study focused on “basal melt,” where warm, salty ocean water melts ice from below, thinning ice shelves and creating cavities.
- Ice Shelf Description: An ice shelf is a floating extension of glacial ice, sustained by land glaciers and floating above the ocean.
- The Dotson Ice Shelf is adjacent to the Thwaites Glacier, both significant for their potential impact on sea level rise.
- Role of Warm Ocean Water: Warm water transported by ocean currents to the Amundsen Sea drives significant melting from beneath, affecting the structural integrity of ice shelves.
- Use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV): Researchers used an AUV equipped with multibeam sonar to explore and map the ice shelf’s basal cavity.
- This technology allowed for detailed topographical mapping and measurement of oceanic conditions.
- Findings on Melting Patterns: The study confirmed that the glacier melts more rapidly in areas with strong underwater currents and at vertical fractures extending through the ice.
- Environmental Data Collection: The AUV recorded critical environmental data, including water salinity, temperature, and currents, which help explain the rapid melting observed.
- Implications for Sea Level Rise: Understanding basal melt mechanisms is crucial for predicting future sea level rise, as these processes reduce support for grounded ice, accelerating its flow into the ocean
4. SOCIAL ISSUES
IRCTC PLUGS PASSENGER DATA VULNERABILITY ON INSURANCE SITE
- IRCTC Vulnerability – The IRCTC case, where a vulnerability was discovered in the insurance portal, illustrates the importance of cybersecurity and data protection.
- The prompt reporting of the issue to CERT-In by cybersecurity researcher Nilabh Rajpoot highlights the role of CERT-In in addressing such vulnerabilities.
- The agency’s involvement ensures that necessary measures are taken to secure sensitive personal data and prevent unauthorized access.
- CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team-India): CERT-In is the national nodal agency responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents in India. It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Functions and Role in Data Protection: Incident Response: CERT-In responds to cybersecurity incidents, including data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access. It provides technical assistance to mitigate and recover from such incidents.
- Vulnerability Assessment: The agency conducts and coordinates assessments to identify vulnerabilities in information systems and networks, helping organizations to secure their digital infrastructure.
- Security Guidelines: CERT-In issues advisories and guidelines to enhance the security posture of government agencies, public and private sector organizations, and individuals.
- Awareness and Training: It promotes cybersecurity awareness and conducts training programs to educate various stakeholders about best practices in data protection and cyber hygiene.
5. GEOGRAPHY
KARNATAKA FORMS TASK FORCE TO CLEAR ENCROACHMENTS IN WESTERN GHATS
- Following a series of landslides, Karnataka’s Environment Minister, announced the creation of a forest encroachment task force to address illegal developments in the Western Ghats.
- This region, known for its rich biodiversity, spans 10 districts in Karnataka.
- Purpose: The task force aims to clear encroachments, including illegally developed resorts and homestays, which contribute to environmental degradation and increase the risk of natural disasters like landslides.
- Leadership and Execution: The task force will be led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force). It will begin its activities by clearing areas where eviction notices have already been issued.
ONE LINER
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