Today's Brief 24/01/2025

JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/vVUN5ogN8NM?si=8j-5LfE4kiM-Ksmn

1 .The Dhanauri Wetland

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a significant birdwatching area located in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh, India. The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to place on record in four weeks the status of notifying the Dhanauri water body near Jewar airport as a wetland. It also sought to know why the state’s forest department had sought three months’ time for the issue when it had already decided to declare the site as a wetland.

2 .Fluoride in Water: The Benefits of Fluoride in Water Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has become a cornerstone of modern oral health. Its presence in drinking water has revolutionized dental care, significantly reducing tooth decay across populations.   

How Fluoride Protects Teeth

• Strengthening Enamel: Fluoride interacts with tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth. It helps replace lost minerals and makes the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This strengthening effect makes teeth less susceptible to cavities.   

• Reversing Early Decay: In the early stages of tooth decay, fluoride can even reverse the process. It promotes the remineralization of enamel, effectively repairing minor damage.   

Community Water Fluoridation: A Public Health Success

Community water fluoridation, the controlled addition of fluoride to public water supplies, is a highly effective public health strategy. By ensuring widespread access to fluoride, it benefits entire communities, particularly children.   

Key Points to Consider

• Optimal Levels: Maintaining the correct fluoride levels in water is crucial. Too little fluoride won't provide benefits, while excessive amounts can lead to fluorosis, causing discoloration of teeth.   

• Multiple Sources of Fluoride: Fluoride is also available in toothpaste, mouthwash, and some dental treatments.   

• Safety and Efficacy: Decades of research have consistently demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of fluoride in water at optimal levels.   

Conclusion

Fluoride in water has been a major breakthrough in public health, significantly improving oral health outcomes. Its ability to prevent tooth decay and promote healthier teeth makes it a valuable tool in the fight against dental disease

3.The Pralay missile

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a short-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is a surface-to-surface missile designed to deliver conventional warheads with a range of 150 to 500 kilometers.

The missile is capable of carrying various types of warheads, including high-explosive preformed fragmentation, penetration-cum-blast, and submunition types.

The Pralay missile is a short-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is a surface-to-surface missile designed to deliver conventional warheads with a range of 150 to 500 kilometers. The missile is capable of carrying various types of warheads, including high-explosive preformed fragmentation, penetration-cum-blast, and submunition types.   

Key features of the Pralay missile:

• Range: 150 to 500 kilometers   

• Warhead: Conventional warheads weighing between 350-700 kg   

• Guidance: Inertial guidance with a radio frequency seeker for terminal guidance   

• Mobility: Can be launched from a mobile launcher   

• Accuracy: High accuracy due to its advanced guidance system   

4 .NMDC, a leading Indian public sector enterprise :

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India is the single largest producer of iron ore in India.

It owns and operates highly mechanized iron ore mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and has its registered office at Hyderabad, Telangana. NMDC is considered to be one of the low-cost producers of iron ore in the world. It also operates the only mechanized diamond mine in India at Panna, Madhya Pradesh.

The Company is producing about over 45 MTPA of iron ore from its major iron producing units i.e. from Bailadila Sector in Chhattisgarh and Donimalai in Bellary-Hospet region in Karnataka. NMDC envisages to have an iron ore production capacity of 100 MNT by FY30.

All of NMDC mining complexes have been rated 5 Star by Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines which is a testimony to its scientific and sustainable mining practic

 Renowned for its efficient operations, NMDC is India's largest iron ore producer, contributing significantly to the domestic steel industry.Notably, all of its mining complexes have achieved the highest 5-star rating from the Indian Bureau of Mines, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence.

5 . .The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting,

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

held in Davos, Switzerland, is a prestigious gathering of global leaders from various sectors, including heads of state, business executives, economists, and civil society representatives.

This influential event serves as a platform for discussing and addressing critical global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements. The meeting fosters high-level networking and collaboration, and its discussions often shape global policy debates and influence the international agenda.

 The 2024 meeting, themed "Rebuilding Trust," is expected to focus on key issues like artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainties, climate change, and the slowing pace of China's economic growth.

Why dead olive ridley turtles are washing ashore in Tamil Nadu:

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

 The turtle deaths are the highest number officials have seen since 2014 when more than 900 Olive Ridley turtles were found dead along the southern Indian coast. Experts say the deaths are most likely due to large fishing nets that trawl the ocean floor.

Over 400 endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles have been found dead along India's east coast near Chennai, marking the most significant loss in over two decades. These turtles, known for their long migrations to nest on India's shores, face threats from fishing nets, reduced nesting sites, and environmental factors.

Key points:

• Typically, 100-200 turtles die annually in the region, but this year's toll surpassed that in two weeks.

• Trawlers using large fishing nets are primarily responsible for the deaths, as trapped turtles cannot surface for air.

• Conservation efforts, including relocating turtle nests and advocating for the use of turtle excluder devices, have faced challenges due to non-compliance and economic concerns among fishers.

• Olive Ridley turtles are vital to marine ecosystems, consuming jellyfish to maintain ecological balance.

• Other threats include marine pollution, coastal development, rising temperatures, and light pollution.

• The species is especially vulnerable, with only one in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood.

This crisis underscores the need for stronger enforcement of protective measures and greater awareness to ensure the survival of these critical marine species.

6. PM JANMAN:

 (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

aims to cover 75 PVTG communities residing in 18 States and 1 UT. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs through the State Governments/ UT Administration/departments have undertaken habitation level data collection exercise through PM Gati Shakti mobile application to estimate PVTG population figures and infrastructure gaps in order to cover PVTG beneficiaries / PVTG villages & habitations under PM-JANMAN Mission.

 The exact number PVTG beneficiaries (State-wise) to be covered under mission is subjected to eligibility criteria of specific guidelines of concerned interventions as per norms approved under the Mission. 

PM-JANMAN has total budgetary outlay of Rs.24,104 Cr (Central share: ₹15336 Cr and State share: ₹8768 Cr). However, the release of funds to States/UT is subject to scheme guidelines of various schemes under the mission, submission of proposals by respective State Government/UT and compliances of General Financial Rules (GFRs) etc.

PM-JANMAN has been launched to provide PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, electrification of unelectrified households and sustainable livelihood opportunities in 3 years.

PMJANMAN focuses on 11 critical interventions being implemented by 9 Ministries.

7. U.S.’s new rule for exporting AI chips:

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

The U.S. has implemented new rules for exporting AI chips, aiming to restrict access to advanced computing chips by certain countries. 

These regulations categorize nations into three tiers:   

• Tier 1: Includes close U.S. allies like Canada, Japan, and Australia, facing no restrictions on AI chip exports.   

• Tier 2: Countries like China and India fall under this category, requiring them to obtain Validated End User (VEU) authorization for transactions contributing to advanced AI development. These countries also face caps on the volume of AI chips they can import.   

• Tier 3: Countries like North Korea and Iran are subject to strict restrictions and have no access to advanced AI technology.   

The primary goal of these regulations is to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching adversarial nations, mitigating potential risks associated with military advancements and cyber operation

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