- HADEAN PROTOCRUST : HOT AND HELLISH
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
- The Earth’s earliest crust, formed during the Hadean eon(within 200 million years of Earth’s formation).
- Characterized by a partially molten surface, frequent asteroid impacts, and intense volcanic activity.
- Formation: As the magma ocean cooled, portions solidified to form the protocrust, which was initially unstable and fragmented.
- Thicker sections eventually became the first continents.
- Plate Tectonics:The movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates over the asthenosphere. Processes like subduction(one plate diving under another) leave distinct chemical tracesin the crust.
- These chemical signatures have been used to reconstruct the history of plate .tectonics
- New Study’s Findings: Researchers from Macquarie University and an international team suggest that the chemical signatures previously attributed to plate tectonics were already present in the Hadean protocrust before subduction began. This challenges the established understanding of early plate tectonics.
2. MODI LAUNCHES INDIAN – AIDED RAILWAY PROJECTS ON LAST DAY OF SRI LANKA TRIP
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Refurbished Maho-Omanthai railway line (128 km), advanced signalling system (Maho to Anuradhapura).
- Funding:Indian assistance ($91.27 million for the railway line, $14.89 million grant for signalling).
- Significance:Strengthens north-south rail connectivity in Sri Lanka.
- Other aspects of PM Modi’s visit:Visit to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple, defense, energy, and digitalization agreements.
3. HEALTH AND SANITATION AS THE PILLARS OF A HEALTHLY INDIA
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Grameen, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
- SBM Impact:ODF status by 2019, averted over 3 lakh diarrhoeal deaths (WHO), improved safety for women, reduced groundwater contamination.
- JJM Impact:Over 80% rural households have tap water, potential to avert 4 lakh diarrhoeal deaths (WHO), time saved for women, increased women’s participation in economic activities.
- Sujal and Swachh Gaon Campaign:Integrates water, sanitation, and hygiene at the village level.
- Women’s Role:Water testers, sanitation entrepreneurs, local leaders.
- Convergence:Inter-ministerial collaboration is crucial for public health outcomes.
4. GOVT’S ANGANWADI- CUM CRECHE PLAN COULD ENABLE WORKING MOTHERS TO STAY IN WORKFORCE
SUBJECT: SCHEMES
- Convert 500 anganwadis into anganwadi-cum-creche centersunder the ‘Palna National Creche Scheme’.
- Budget:₹50 crore allocated by the Delhi government.
- Aim:Provide quality childcare (6 months to 6 years), enabling working mothers to remain employed.
- Current Status:200 centers converted, 300 more in progress.
- Features of Upgraded Centers:Multipurpose area (play/sleep), resting spaces, extended hours (until 5 pm).
- Challenges:Space constraints, especially in slum areas. Funding issues have led to the closure of some previously established creches.
- Beneficiaries:4.2 lakh children (6 months-3 years), 1.6 lakh children (3-6 years) registered in Delhi anganwadis (2023 data).
5. NEW PAMBAN BRIDGE AN ENGINEERING WONDER : PM
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Connects Rameswaram Island (Tamil Nadu) with the mainland (Ramanathapuram).
- Significance:India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, built over the Palk Strait. Replaces the British-era Pamban bridge.
- Features:2.08 km long, 72.5-meter vertical lift span (17 m high). Built with stainless steel reinforcement and high-grade protective paint to withstand the corrosive environment of the Palk Strait. 3 meters higher than the old bridge. • Cost:₹531 crore.
- Construction:Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd.
- Benefits:Enhances rail connectivity, improves ship movement, boosts trade and tourism in Tamil Nadu.
- Other projects inaugurated/launched:New train services (Rameswaram Tambaram, Chennai), foundation stone for four-lane NH 40 (Walajahpet to AP border), dedicated three other four-lane highway projects in Tamil Nadu
