Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES)
Declaration on Disaster Preparedness has been adopted at the 4th Ministerial Conference of Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Established in 2009, registered with the United Nations to enhance disaster preparedness.
- Intergovernmental institution with 45 member countries, including India as the chair.
- Provides early warning systems for tsunamis, extreme weather, and transboundary hazards.
- Operates from its regional early warning center in Thailand, supporting risk assessment and forecasting
Lafora Disease
A groundbreaking Study has offered hope in treating Lafora Disease.
- Rare genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, classified under progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs).
- Caused by mutations in EPM2A and NHLRC1 genes, leading to abnormal glycogen accumulation (Lafora bodies).
- Symptoms include seizures, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, and loss of motor skills, typically appearing in adolescence.
- No cure available, but research focuses on gene therapy and enzyme replacement strategies
Asteroid 2024 YR4
NASA announced that there are small chances that YR4 could collide with the moon in 2032.
- Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) discovered in December 2024 using the ATLAS telescope in Chile.
- Initially classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its close approach to Earth.
- Latest NASA analysis shows negligible risk of Earth impact in 2032, but monitoring continues.
- Estimated size 53–67 meters, capable of causing localized damage if impact occurs
Geotubing
Study finds geotubing at Poonthura, Thiruvananthapuram effective in controlling coastal erosion.
- Geotextile tubes used for shoreline protection, flood control, and land reclamation.
- Made of high-strength polypropylene or polyester, allowing water drainage while retaining sediments.
- Applied in dredging projects to dewater sludge and prevent coastal erosion.
- Used in environmental conservation, including wetland restoration and breakwater construction
Safe Harbour
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reconsidering the concept of safe harbour for social media platforms.
- Legal protection for online intermediaries, shielding them from liability for third-party content.
- Defined under Section 79 of the IT Act, similar to Section 230 of the US Communications Act.
- Platforms must comply with takedown requests for illegal content to retain safe harbour protections.
- The Digital India Bill may modify or replace safe harbour provisions to tackle fake news and misinformation