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1. A new study published in Nature and Science reveals volcanic eruptions on the Moon's far side, based on samples from China's Chang’e-6 mission. The study confirms that the far side, like the near side, experienced volcanic activity billions of years ago, with rock fragments dating back 2.8 to 4.2 billion years. This provides the first physical evidence of volcanic eruptions on the far side, which lasted over a billion years. The findings help explain the geological differences between the far and near sides of the Moon, with the far side being less flat and lacking large lava plains. The Chang’e-6 mission is part of China’s ongoing Lunar Exploration Program, continuing efforts to study the Moon’s geology. India plans to launch the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return mission in 2028 but has no immediate plans for far side exploration.
2. The 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, which set actionable steps to combat AMR by 2030. Key initiatives include the establishment of an AMR One Health Learning Hub and a regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia, the creation of a Biotech Bridge Initiative to foster research, and the promotion of global data sharing platforms. The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS), comprising FAO, WHO, UNEP, and WOAH, was highlighted for its role in global AMR advocacy and coordination. The commitments also include forming an Independent Panel on AMR by 2025 and adhering to Codex Alimentarius guidelines. AMR, driven by misuse of antimicrobials, threatens global health, with superbugs increasing risks of severe illness and imposing significant economic costs, potentially adding USD 1 trillion in healthcare expenses by 2050.
3. Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected for the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) under the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP) by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Located in Kanger Valley National Park, Dhudmaras is a prime eco-tourism destination with rich biodiversity, caves, and tribal culture. It is home to the Dhurwa Tribe, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional life through homestays and guided tours. As part of the BTVUP, Dhudmaras will receive support to enhance its economic, environmental, and tourism development for sustainable growth. The UNTRDP promotes rural development through tourism, focusing on sustainability and inclusiveness. The programme recognizes villages with cultural, natural, and social assets and helps them improve areas like infrastructure and governance. The UNWTO, established in 1975, advocates sustainable tourism aligned with the 2030 SDGs.
4. World Toilet Day, observed annually on 19th November, raises awareness about the global sanitation crisis and promotes safe, accessible toilets as part of Sustainable Development Goal 6. The 2024 theme, "Toilets - A Place for Peace," highlights the sanitation challenges caused by conflict, climate change, and neglect. Currently, 3.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation, and 419 million still practice open defecation, leading to health risks such as cholera. The WHO reports unsafe water and sanitation cause approximately 1,000 child deaths daily. India has made significant strides, launching the "Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman" campaign and achieving ODF Plus(+) status in 75% of villages under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen. Additionally, Swachh Bharat Mission Urban built over 63 lakh household latrines and 6.36 lakh community toilets, improving security and dignity for women in ODF regions.
5. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Navi Mumbai, have developed the Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model to predict the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) over the Indian sector. The EEJ is an intense electric current flowing within the Earth's ionosphere at the geomagnetic equator, around 105-110 km above the surface. The IEEJ Model provides simulations for different dates and solar activity conditions, with practical applications in satellite dynamics, GNSS-based navigation, satellite communications, power grids, and pipelines. India's southern tip, near the geomagnetic equator, experiences strong EEJ currents. The ionosphere, which overlaps several atmospheric layers, is crucial for reflecting radio signals and is affected by solar energy. The atmosphere is divided into the Homosphere (up to 90 km, with a uniform gas composition) and Heterosphere (above 90 km, where gases are rarer and less mixed).