Info Nuggets
PUNCH Mission
NASA's PUNCH mission, launching on March 6, 2025, will study the Sun's corona and heliosphere. The mission aims to improve understanding of solar storms and their impact on Earth's space environment. Four identical suitcase-sized satellites will provide continuous imaging of the inner corona, enhancing predictions of space weather events. This first-of-its-kind mission will help protect satellites and communication networks. By exploring the Sun's outer atmosphere, PUNCH will shed light on the complex interactions between the Sun and space.
Gum Arabic
Sudan's conflict has disrupted the global gum arabic trade, threatening shortages. As the world's largest supplier, accounting for 70% of global production, major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo may face shortages. Gum arabic, derived from Acacia trees, is a critical ingredient in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. With no viable substitute, its significance extends beyond its economic importance to Sudan, impacting global supply chains and multinational corporations. The conflict's resolution is crucial to restoring gum arabic trade.
Offshore mining
The Kerala Assembly opposed the Centre's offshore mining policy, citing environmental, economic, and security concerns. The Offshore Areas Mineral Act regulates mineral exploration and mining in India's offshore areas. The 2023 amendment allows private players to explore and extract deep-sea minerals through auctions. However, concerns arise from environmental damage, adverse economic impact on fisherfolk, national security risks, and limited state control. The resolution highlights the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to offshore resource management.
Hydrogen-powered truck trials
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched India's first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck trials in New Delhi. The trials align with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, promoting clean mobility and energy security. Hydrogen-powered trucks use fuel cell technology, offering zero emissions and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. With longer driving ranges and faster refuelling, these trucks will operate on select routes, supported by IOCL's hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. This initiative reinforces India's commitment to sustainable transport and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Bose metal
Researchers from China and Japan discovered that niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) exhibits properties of a Bose metal, a theorised quantum state.
A Bose metal is a metallic state where Cooper pairs form but don't condense into a superconducting phase. Its conductivity remains between zero and infinity near absolute zero temperature. Key features include Cooper pair formation, absence of superconducting coherence, and intermediate conductivity. While Bose metals have no practical applications yet, this discovery sheds light on the mysterious quantum state.
One Nation-One Port
Union Minister Sarbananada Sonowal launched the One Nation-One Port (ONOP) initiative to standardise and streamline port operations across India. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterway's initiative aims to unify port documentation, reduce delays, and enhance global trade efficiency. Key features include standardised documentation, the Sagar Ankalan LPPI Index, and integration with digital trade. ONOP aligns with PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, supporting India's economic growth strategy through seamless logistics and trade infrastructure.
Dolphin survey
A comprehensive survey under Project Dolphin estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across eight Indian states. Conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the survey provides the first systematic population estimate of river dolphins in India. The survey covered 28 rivers, spanning 8,507 km, and found 6,324 Gangetic dolphins and 3 Indus dolphins. This data will aid conservation efforts for the endangered Gangetic dolphin, India's national aquatic animal. The survey's findings will inform protection measures for these iconic creatures.
