Carbonate Compensation Death
Research indicates that the Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD) is expanding.
- Water depth at which the rate of supply of calcium carbonate from the surface is equal to the rate of dissolution.
- In the deep ocean, carbonate particles in bottom sediments are supplied by the die-off of surface plankton that secrete calcium carbonate tests or shells.
- When these shells fall below a certain water depth (around 4,000 meters), they begin to dissolve as ocean waters become undersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate because of increasing pressure, decreasing temperature and increasing amounts of dissolved CO2
Mitochondrial Disease
New IVF procedure called mitochondrial donation (currently under trial in Australia) offers a cure to Mito.
- Inherited metabolic condition caused by genetic mutation in the DNA.
- Impairs the ability of mitochondria to convert food and oxygen into energy.
- 2 Kinds (as there are two types of DNA) –
- Nuclear DNA, inherited from both parents.
- DNA of the mitochondria, passed down through the mother
- Mitochondria – Powerhouse of the cells producing 90% of the energy needed to sustain life
Fly Ash
Ministry of Coal is taking proactive measures for disposal and repurposing of Fly Ash generated by thermal power plants.
- A byproduct from burning pulverized coal in thermal power generating plants.
- Includes all ash generated such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash and mound ash. Its composition includes silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3).
- Uses – Manufacture of building materials, replacement of cement, enhancement of soil fertility etc
Katarpur Corridor
Recently, Pakistan completed the long-awaited bridge at Kartarpur Corridor zero line.
- Links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab state.
- Dera Baba Nanak town – Built by followers of Guru Nanak Dev
- Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak – Located on the east bank of River Ravi
- Kartarpur Sahib – Located on west bank of River Ravi.
PM-STIAC (Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council)
25th PM-STIAC meeting was held.
- Constituted in – 2018.
- Functions –
- Serves as an overarching council to assess the status of various science and technology-related matters, comprehend challenges, formulate interventions, develop a futuristic roadmap
- Oversees the implementation of interventions by concerned S&T departments, agencies, and other government ministries.
- Missions approved by the PM-STIAC – Deep Ocean Exploration Mission, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Mission, National Quantum Mission, Electric Vehicle Mission, and AGNIi Mission