National Critical Mineral Mission Why in the News: The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the National Critical
Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs. 16,300 crore.
• Definition:
• The Indian government has sanctioned the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) with a total budget of 34,300 crore for a seven-year period.
• This initiative is designed to minimize reliance on imports, strengthen domestic exploration and processing, and accelerate India's transition to green energy technologies.
- Implementation:
• To be implemented by the Ministry of Mines over seven years until 2030-31 (FY31).
• Objectives:
• Enhancing Processing and Recycling Capabilities: Investment will be promoted in mineral processing parks, recycling technologies, and research focused on sustainable extraction techniques.
• Acquiring Overseas Mineral Assets: Public sector enterprises and private firms will be encouraged to secure mineral resources abroad to maintain a consistent supply of essential minerals.
• Regulatory and Financial Support: The initiative will streamline approval processes and introduce financial incentives to support mineral exploration and development.
• Boosting Domestic Exploration: A substantial share of the mission's funds will be directed
• towards intensifying mineral exploration efforts both on land and in offshore regions.
Paris Summit 2025 Why in the news: France will host the 'Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence' in
Paris from February 10-11, co-chaired by India.
> Definition: The Paris Al Summit, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, is dedicated to global artificial intelligence governance, fostering innovation, and promoting Al for the public good.
> India's Participation: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the summit, having accepted the invitation to participate in this international dialogue on AI.
> Key Themes: The event will focus on five key themes:
• Public Interest AI
• The Future of Work
• Innovation and Culture
• Trust in Al
• Global Al Governance
• Key Objectives:
• Addressing Market Concentration: The summit seeks to examine the dominance of major technology corporations, such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, in foundational Al models.
• Enhancing Al Governance: Discussions will focus on strategies for ethical Al development, regulation, and fair market competition.
• Encouraging Multistakeholder Collaboration: The event aims to bring together a diverse range of participants, including government officials, business leaders, researchers, and civil society representatives.
Indian Squid
Why in the news:Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochihas decoded gene
expression of Indian Squid
> Definition: The Indian squid, also referred to as the Indian calamari, is a species of cephalopod commonly found along the coastal waters of India.
> Characteristics of Indian Squid:
o Size: Typically measures between 20 to 30 cm, though some individuals can grow up to 50 cm.
Coloration: Displays a light pinkish-gray body with two large fins on either side.
• Anatomy: Possesses eight arms and two elongated tentacles, which are used for capturing prey.
Mobility: A swift swimmer, utilizing jet propulsion for rapid movement through the water.
• Respiration: Prefers environments with high dissolved oxygen levels, which are essential for its survival.
> Habitat of Indian Squid:
• Found in diverse marine habitats within the Indian Ocean.
• Inhabits both coastal waters and deeper offshore regions.
• Typically resides at depths ranging from 100 to 500 meters, though some species are found as deep as 1,500 meters.
> Distribution of Indian Squid:
o Occurs across the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea.
Its range extends eastward from Mozambique to the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.
• Found as far north as Taiwan.
> IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats.
Harmful Algal Blooms Why in the news: Marine scientists have warned of the increasing frequency and intensity of the harmful algal blooms (HAB) posing the threat of food-borne diseases among fish consumers.
> Definition:
• Under specific environmental conditions, algae in water bodies can grow rapidly, leading to algal blooms.
• These blooms appear as visible patches in various colors, such as green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the algae species.
• They can occur in freshwater, marine (saltwater), and brackish water (a mix of fresh and saltwater).
While most algal blooms are harmless and serve as a food source for marine organisms, some pose risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. These are termed Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
• Causes of HABs:
• Several environmental factors contribute to the formation of HABs, including:
• Warmer water temperatures, particularly in summer, which accelerate algae growth
• Excessive nutrient influx, primarily from fertilizers, sewage discharge, and agricultural runoff, leading to nutrient enrichment in water bodies.
• Although multiple types of algae can trigger HABs, three groups are responsible for most toxic blooms:
• Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
Dinoflagellates
/ Diatoms
> Impacts of HABs:
• Production of toxins: HABs can release harmful toxins that, depending on their concentration and type, may cause acute or chronic diseases in humans and animals.
• Oxygen depletion: As algae die and decompose; they consume oxygen, leading to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which can be fatal for fish and other aquatic life.
• Disruption of aquatic ecosystems: Blooms near the water surface can block sunlight, preventing underwater plants and organisms from performing photosynthesis, thereby disrupting the aquatic food chain.
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