Today's Brief 4-12/04/2024

1. zero orbital debris: Achieving zero orbital debris refers to a state where there are no human-made objects left orbiting Earth after their useful life is over. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and any fragments created from collisions or disintegration.
   

1. Space debris is a growing problem as more and more objects are launched into space. It poses a serious threat to operational satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), and future space missions. A collision with even a small piece of debris can travel at thousands of miles per hour and cause catastrophic damage. There are a number of international efforts underway to reduce orbital debris. These include: Reaching zero orbital debris is a long-term goal, but it is essential for the sustainability of space activities.
   

• Designing spacecraft that can be de-orbited at the end of their useful life.

• Developing technologies to remove debris from orbit.

• Establishing guidelines and regulations to minimize the creation of new debris.

One recent achievement in this area is the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched in January 2024, the mission successfully de-orbited the upper stage of the PSLV rocket, ensuring it would re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, leaving behind zero orbital debris.

2.Peter Higgs: (29 May 1929 – 8 April 2024) was a British theoretical physicist, professor at the University of Edinburgh, and Nobel laureate in Physics for his work on the mass of subatomic particles. 

He is best known for proposing the existence of the Higgs boson, a subatomic particle that is the carrier particle of a field that endows all elementary particles with mass through its interactions with them. The field is now known as the Higgs field, and the mechanism is known as the Higgs mechanism.

3.The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched in May 2022 and currently includes 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam

 It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.

The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF. It brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects. More information can be found at: www.IPEFinvestorforum.org.

The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements, and the IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is managed by Invest India (www.investindia.gov.in), India’s National Investment Promotion Agency.

Apart from showcasing India’s leadership position in the Clean Economy space and the various innovate solutions driving it, India will showcase some of the large infrastructure projects in Clean Economy and top climate tech companies to the global investors for investment opportunities.

4.Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station is a significant landmark, but also a current focal point of concern.

• Largest in Europe: It holds the title of the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe and ranks among the top ten globally.

• Location: Situated in southeastern Ukraine, near the city of Enerhodar, it sits on the Dnieper River's southern shore.

• Current Status:  Since 2022, the power plant has been under Russian control due to the ongoing conflict.

• Operational Status: Most of the reactors are currently shut down, and the plant isn't generating power.

There are also some critical issues surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station:

• Safety Concerns: The ongoing conflict has raised serious safety concerns due to shelling and damage to the facility.

• International Attention:  The situation has garnered international attention, with organizations like the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) expressing worries about a potential nuclear disaster.
  

5. Solar waste refers to the discarded materials generated by the solar energy industry, primarily focusing on solar panels at the end of their lifespan. While solar power is a clean energy source during operation, improper disposal of solar panels can pose environmental challenges.

Here's a breakdown of key points about solar waste:

• Composition: Solar panels contain glass, silicon, metals (including some potentially toxic ones like lead and cadmium), and various other materials.

• Environmental Impact:  Landfills are not ideal for solar panels because:

• Toxic chemicals can leach into the soil and water if not handled properly.

• Valuable materials are lost that could be recycled.

• Recycling Potential:  Fortunately, a significant portion of a solar panel can be recycled. The glass, aluminum frames, and some of the metals can be recovered and used in new products.

• Challenges of Recycling:

• Extracting materials can be complex and expensive.

• There's a lack of established infrastructure for large-scale solar panel recycling in many places.

• Global Concern:  The issue of solar waste is expected to grow as the solar industry expands. Many countries are still developing regulations and strategies to manage this waste effectively.

What's being done?

There are efforts underway to address solar waste:

• Research and development:  Scientists are working on more recyclable solar panel designs and more efficient recycling methods.

• Regulations:  Some countries are implementing regulations that make manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life management of solar panels.

• Incentives:  Governments and businesses are exploring ways to encourage the development of a robust solar panel recycling industry.

The Future of Solar Waste:

By focusing on innovation, responsible regulations, and building a strong recycling infrastructure, the solar industry can minimize its environmental impact and ensure a sustainable future.

6.‘Import Restrictions’ on Solar PV Cells: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently took action to reinstate its 2021 notification regarding the 'Approved List of Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules', commonly known as the ALMM list. This move comes as a response to the need for a structured approach towards supporting domestic manufacturing in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar power.

The ALMM serves as a comprehensive registry of manufacturers who have been vetted and approved for participation in various government-backed projects and initiatives, with a specific focus on renewable energy endeavors such as solar power generation. It essentially acts as a quality assurance mechanism, ensuring that only reliable and accredited manufacturers are eligible for government contracts and incentives.

The decision to temporarily halt the ALMM two years after its initial introduction stemmed from concerns voiced by renewable power producers. These producers had previously entered into agreements with the government, predating the establishment of the ALMM. As a result, they heavily relied on imported solar modules and cells, primarily sourced from China.

The affordability of Chinese imports, coupled with the inability of the domestic market to meet demand at competitive prices, led to a dependence on foreign suppliers.

By reinstating the ALMM, the MNRE aims to promote import substitution, thereby fostering the growth and sustainability of the domestic solar industry. Rather than imposing strict limitations on imports, the focus is on incentivizing the use of domestically manufactured components and supporting local businesses.

This approach not only contributes to the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities but also enhances the resilience of the solar supply chain, reducing reliance on external factors and mitigating risks associated with global disruptions.

In essence, the reinstatement of the ALMM reflects a strategic effort to strike a balance between promoting domestic production and maintaining cost efficiency in the renewable energy sector. It aligns with broader initiatives aimed at advancing India's renewable energy goals while simultaneously addressing challenges related to import dependency and supply chain resilience.

7.Electroencephalogram:  2024 does indeed mark the 100th anniversary of the electroencephalogram (EEG).

 Hans Berger, a German psychiatrist, is credited with making this groundbreaking discovery in 1924.

His first successful recording of human brain activity using EEG was a significant leap forward in our understanding of the brain and its functioning.

There have even been recent efforts to commemorate this centennial anniversary. For instance, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) conducted a survey in 2023 to explore the impact of EEG on neuroscience and to gather thoughts on the future of this technology

What is it?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is an essential tool that studies the brain's electrical activity. Despite the development of more advanced imaging techniques, EEG remains an essential paraclinical tool for seizure evaluation.

This activity represents an overview of the electroencephalogram (EEG) testing, including the techniques, indication, contraindication, and clinical significance. It also highlights the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and performing EEG.

8.Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM): NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power company, is gearing up to launch the latest edition of Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM), its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The program aligns with the Government of India's Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative and aims to tackle gender inequality by nurturing girls' imaginations and fostering their ability to explore opportunities. GEM does this through a 1-month workshop for young girls during summer holidays, by offering them a platform for their all-round upliftment and development.

Starting from April 2024, the new edition of GEM will add nearly 3,000 meritorious children belonging to underprivileged sections of the society at 42 identified locations of the power sector PSU. With this, the total number of children benefiting from the Mission will cross 10,000.

The GEM Mission, initiated as a pilot project in 2018 with just three locations and 392 participants, has flourished into a nationwide movement. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the program has continued to expand its reach and impact.

Till date, it has benefited a total of 7,424 girls, with the number of participants steadily increasing each year. In 2023 alone, 2,707 girls participated in the workshop across 40 locations of NTPC, spanning 16 states of India

9.AUKUS: AUKUS (pronounced "AUK-us") is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, established in September 2021. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

Focus:

• Collective security in the Indo-Pacific region

Core Initiative:

• Assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) for the first time. This is a significant shift in Australia's defense capabilities.

Other Areas of Collaboration:

• Advanced Technologies:  AUKUS nations are working together to develop and share cutting-edge technologies in areas like:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Quantum computing

• Cybernetics

• Hypersonic weapons

• Undersea capabilities

Recent Developments (as of April 12, 2024):

• Japan:  There are strong indications that Japan will be the first nation to join AUKUS, focusing on collaboration in advanced technology development (Pillar II) rather than submarines (Pillar I). An official announcement is expected soon.

• SSN Development:  The AUKUS nations have decided to build a new class of nuclear-powered submarines specifically for Australia. This SSN-AUKUS class will be designed and constructed in a collaborative effort between Australia and the UK.

• Progress:  The first Australian navy personnel have already begun training in the US Navy's Nuclear Power School.

Significance:

• AUKUS is seen as a way to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

• It represents a significant deepening of security and defense ties between the three member nations.

• The development of advanced technologies through AUKUS collaboration could have a global impact on military capabilities.

Criticisms:

• Some argue that AUKUS fuels an arms race in the region.

• Proliferation concerns exist regarding the sharing of nuclear submarine technology.

• There are questions about how effectively AUKUS can navigate potential disagreements between member states.
  

AUKUS is a rapidly evolving partnership with significant implications for regional security and global technological development.

10. World Health Day 2024: World Health Day is celebrated on April 7th every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) chooses a specific health topic to raise awareness of a global health issue on this day.

The theme for World Health Day 2024 was "My health, my right." This theme aimed to promote the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information.

This theme highlighted the importance of:

• Access to quality health services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care

• Access to safe and affordable essential medicines and vaccines

• Access to safe drinking water and sanitation

• Access to good nutrition

• Access to quality housing

• Decent working conditions

• A healthy environment

• Freedom from discrimination
  

The WHO believes that health is a human right and that everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy life. They work with governments and other partners to improve health outcomes for all people.

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