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1. Recently, the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) advised against further installations of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) in Indian thermal power plants, arguing that Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions have minimal impact on ambient air quality. The report emphasizes prioritizing the control of Particulate Matter (PM) over SO₂. FGD is a process that removes sulfur compounds from the exhaust of fossil-fueled power stations, effectively reducing SO₂ emissions by up to 95%. Air pollution, which includes harmful solids, liquids, and gases, is a significant environmental concern. PM, particularly PM10 and PM2.5, poses serious health risks. Major sources of SO₂ include fossil fuel combustion in power plants. Government initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme and the Graded Response Action Plan aim to combat air pollution, recognizing the right to a pollution-free environment as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
2. On October 30, 2024, the 7th Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named Abhay, was launched, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing with over 80% indigenous content. The Ministry of Defence contracted Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata to construct a total of eight ASW SWC ships. Abhay is equipped for coordinated anti-submarine operations, capable of searching for and attacking underwater threats in coastal areas. It can also conduct Low-Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations. The vessel features advanced technologies, including low-frequency variable depth sonar and hull-mounted sonar, and is armed with lightweight torpedoes. Abhay is part of the Arnala-class, designed to replace the existing Abhay-class ASW Corvettes.
3. China has opposed Taiwan's establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai, which is Taiwan's third office in India, following those in New Delhi and Chennai. India and Taiwan initiated unofficial relations in 1995 with the opening of representative offices, despite India not formally recognizing Taiwan. China's official position asserts that there is only one China, encompassing Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic of China. Over the years, India's relations with Taiwan have strengthened, particularly after the 2000s, with trade rising from USD 2 billion in 2006 to USD 8.9 billion in 2021. Taiwan, a key technology hub and semiconductor producer, is keen on enhancing ties with India, aligning with its 2016 "New Southbound Policy," which seeks to diversify economic partnerships away from reliance on China.
4. A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine investigated long-term outcomes in patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), focusing on the evolution and mutation of transplanted stem cells. The study analyzed 16 donor-recipient pairs and found low mutation rates—2% in donors and 2.6% in recipients annually—suggesting stable clonal expansion of stem cells over decades. Although all donors showed some clonal hematopoiesis, the lack of widespread expansion indicates a strong regenerative capacity of bone marrow. This research is crucial for enhancing long-term transplant outcomes but also highlights potential risks for recipients, including the development of blood cancers or chronic diseases associated with clonal hematopoiesis. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which can develop into all blood cell types, play a vital role in restoring blood cell production in patients with dysfunctional bone marrow, particularly in cases of blood cancers.