Today's Brief 31/01/2025

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/ChwyJr7RLbg?si=J8ibNMpGzJaqwCPR

JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/lsgzgObRwfs?si=nPZ9yG-TnypL2b5g

1 .GRAP:

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

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on different severity levels. It was introduced in 2017 following Supreme Court directives and is enforced by EPCA (Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority) and now by CAQM.

Bodies which Implements GRAP?

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) – Overall monitoring

CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) – Pollution control oversight

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) – Regional enforcement

Municipal Corporations – Local implementation

GRAP is divided into four stages based on AQI levels:

2 .Official logo, mascot of 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 unveiled: The official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 were unveiled at a grand press meet in Chennai, setting the stage for India’s premier para-athletics event.

The championship, scheduled to take place from February 17 to 20, will bring together over 1,700 para-athletes from across the country, celebrating resilience, determination, and sporting excellence, a release from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) stated.

3.CCEA Approves Ethanol Price Revision for 2024-25 under EBP Program:

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

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revision of ethanol procurement prices for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25.

The period extends from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, under the Government of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the use of ethanol as a biofuel in petrol.

What is it?

• It involves blending ethanol, which is produced from sugarcane molasses or other agricultural sources, with petrol.

• The goal is to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

How does it work?

• Oil marketing companies (OMCs) procure ethanol from domestic suppliers at prices fixed by the government.

• This ethanol is then blended with petrol at various percentages, with the aim of reaching 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025.

Benefits:

• Reduced import dependence: Less reliance on foreign crude oil translates to significant savings in foreign exchange.

• Environmental benefits: Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to petrol, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

• Boost to agriculture sector: The program provides an additional source of income for farmers who can sell their surplus produce for ethanol production.

  

Challenges:

• Ethanol production capacity: Ensuring a consistent and sufficient supply of ethanol to meet the blending targets.

• Engine compatibility: Older vehicles may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends, requiring modifications or upgrades.

• Public awareness: Educating consumers about the benefits of EBP and addressing any concerns about its impact on vehicle performance.

Overall, the EBP Programme is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing India's reliance on fossil fuels.

4 .Baltic Sea: (General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

is a brackish inland sea in Northern Europe, bordered by countries including Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark.

 It connects to the North Sea through the Danish Straits and is known for its relatively low salinity due to the high influx of freshwater from numerous rivers. The Baltic Sea plays a crucial role in regional trade, ecology, and geopolitics, serving as an important maritime route for the surrounding nations.

Despite its economic significance, the sea faces environmental challenges such as pollution, eutrophication, and habitat degradation, primarily due to industrial activities and agricultural runoff.

Efforts by the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) aim to safeguard its biodiversity and improve water quality. The region is also rich in history, with major ports like Stockholm, Helsinki, and Saint Petersburg contributing to cultural and economic exchanges over centuries.

5 .Magnetic Pole Shift:

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

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

 Scientists have updated the position of Earth’s magnetic north pole, revealing that it has moved closer to Siberia and continues to drift toward Russia.

Unlike the geographic North Pole, which remains fixed, the magnetic north pole is determined by Earth’s ever-changing magnetic field.

Over the past few decades, its movement has been erratic—speeding up dramatically before slowing down recently—leaving scientists puzzled about the underlying causes.

Why Does Magnetic North Move?

The geographic North Pole, or “true north,” is a fixed point at the top of the Earth. In contrast, the magnetic north pole is determined by Earth’s magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of molten metals in the planet’s core.

This constant motion causes the magnetic north pole to shift over time.

Since its discovery in 1831 by British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, magnetic north has drifted from Canada toward Russia.

 In recent years, its movement has been unusually rapid, accelerating from 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) per year in 1990 to 34.2 miles (55 kilometers) per year before slowing down again around 2015.

6 .Polar bear fur

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

is oily, or greasy, due to a substance called sebum. This sebum protects the fur from ice and water, and helps polar bears survive in the Arctic.

Why is it Scientifically Unique Explanation?

Sebum: The greasy substance that coats polar bear fur is made up of cholesterol, fatty acids, and diacylglycerols.

Anti-icing: The sebum creates a barrier that prevents ice from sticking to the fur.

Waterproofing: The oily fur also makes polar bears waterproof.

Freezing delay: The sebum helps delay the freezing of water on the fur.

Washing: Washing polar bear fur removes the sebum, making it similar to human hair, which ice sticks to easily.

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