31 January 2025: Daily CA Updates

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.