World Affairs 

How will SDS visa move hit students? - The Hindu 

In a significant development, the Canadian government announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa in November 2024. This decision has far-reaching implications for Indian students, who have historically been one of the largest groups of international students in Canada.

BASIC countries ask nations at COP29 to honour commitments for climate finance - The Hindu

BASIC countries, including India, have asked developed countries to honour their commitments to provide climate finance rather than “diluting obligations”, and rejected attempts by rich nations to shift their financial responsibilities during negotiations at the ongoing COP29 here.

Environment 

The green transition India needs - Indian Express 

India's energy transformation needs decentralised renewable systems, operational cost models, climate-resilient investments, global supply chain integration, digital solutions, circular economy practices, and better consumer financing.

This is a critical decade for India’s energy transition. The path forward is not merely about transitioning from one energy source to another; it’s a paradigm shift and an opportunity to redefine our relationship with energy, economics, and the environment. And, bring people back at the centre of policies.

New species of flower plant blooms in dry, rocky forests of Alluri district - Indian Express 

Botanists have discovered a new species of flowering plant ‘Crinum andhricum’ in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.

Crinum andhricum

• Description: New flowering plant species from the Amaryllidaceae family.

• Discovery: Found in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh; named after the state.
• Significance: Increases India’s Crinum species count to 16, with several being endemic.
• Flower Characteristics: Waxy white flowers bloom April-June, with 12-38 flowers per cluster on tall stems (up to 100 cm).
• Unique Traits: Wider oblanceolate perianth lobes, pedicelled flowers, and suitability for dry, rocky crevices.
• Leaf Description: Large, elliptic leaves with smooth margins.
• IUCN Classification: Preliminary status as ‘Data Deficient’ due to limited distribution and environmental threats.

Sukhna Lake  - Indian Express 

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has finally issued a notification demarcating an area from 1 km to 2.035 km around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) on the Haryana side in Panchkula district for the purpose of preventing, controlling and abating environment pollution.

Sukhna Lake

• Location: Artificial lake in Chandigarh, at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills.
• Creation: Built in 1958 by damming Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream from the Shivalik Hills.
• Status: Declared a National Wetland by the Government of India.

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• Catchment Area:
  • Rugged terrain with steep slopes.
  • Alluvial sandy soil with clay layers, prone to erosion and silt-laden water inflow.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

• Adjacent Area: Covers 26 sq. km near Sukhna Lake.
• Biodiversity: Habitat for birds, mammals, and reptiles.
• Migratory Birds: Winter home to exotic species like Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes.

State of the Climate 2024 - Indian Express 

The WMO State of the Climate 2024 Update recently issued a Red Alert at the sheer pace of climate change in a single generation, turbo-charged by ever-increasing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

Science and Tech 

Walking pneumonia - The Hindu 

In recent weeks, doctors have reported cases of "walking pneumonia," a mild yet persistent lung infection that can mimic symptoms of a common cold.

Walking Pneumonia

• Cause: Primarily caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae; can also result from other bacteria or viruses.
• Symptoms: Similar to a common cold, with cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, and fatigue; can persist for weeks if untreated.
• Severity: Less severe than typical pneumonia; allows individuals to continue daily activities, hence the term "walking pneumonia."
• Silent Pneumonia: May show fluid-filled lungs on X-rays even without noticeable symptoms.
• Transmission: Contagious through airborne droplets from close contact (coughing, sneezing, speaking).
• Treatment: Typically managed with rest, fluids, and sometimes antibiotics.

The CKM syndrome as the price of modernity - The Hindu 

Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic (CKM) syndrome, an alarming, intricate interplay of lifestyle and the influence of globalisation on health, is fast becoming a silent, global killer.

Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome

• Definition: A health disorder linking obesity, diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), including conditions like heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease.
• Cause:
  • Excess or abnormal adipose tissue triggers inflammation, damaging the heart, kidneys, and arteries.
  • Inflammation reduces insulin effectiveness, leading to plaque and kidney damage.
• Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope, and swelling in legs, feet, hands, or ankles.
• Treatment:
  • Early stages: Lifestyle changes like increased physical activity.
  • Middle stages: Medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Defence 

EXERCISE ‘SEA VIGIL-24’ - PIB 

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the fourth edition of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on 20 & 21 Nov 24.