[Newsbits] 14.03.2025: Chagos Archipelago, National Board for Wildlife & More

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory body responsible for wildlife policy and conservation in India. Established in 2003 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it evolved from the Indian Board for Wildlife (1952). The NBWL comprises 47 members, including the Prime Minister as chairperson. Recently, it met in Gir National Park, Gujarat, to review conservation programs and announce new initiatives for gharials and the Great Indian Bustard. Controversies surround its approval of projects in sensitive habitats. Its 2014 reconstitution reduced non-governmental representation, raising concerns about its conservation focus.

The United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, which Ukraine has supported following talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ceasefire aims to stop missile, drone, and bomb attacks along the front line. As part of the deal, the U.S. resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Discussions on Ukraine’s critical mineral resources were also revived. The ceasefire includes humanitarian efforts like prisoner exchanges. The U.S. will present the proposal to Russia, with high-level meetings planned. Meanwhile, military actions continue, with Ukraine recently conducting its largest drone attack on Moscow to pressure Russia.

Scientists have confirmed Plastic Ice VII, a new phase of water, under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Led by Livia Bove from Sorbonne University, the discovery expands knowledge of water’s behavior in planetary environments. Unlike regular ice, Plastic Ice VII has a crystalline structure but allows molecular rotation. It forms above 450 K (177°C) and at pressures over 3 GPa. Researchers used quasi-elastic neutron scattering and diamond-anvil cells for observation. Found in icy moons like Ganymede and Titan, it has implications for planetary science, astrobiology, and material engineering, potentially leading to advancements in technology for extreme environments.

Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through infected larval mites (chiggers). A study by Christian Medical College, Vellore, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, conducted on 32,000 individuals in Tamil Nadu, found scrub typhus responsible for nearly 30% of fever hospitalizations. Symptoms include fever, headache, and rash, often leading to misdiagnosis. Severe cases can result in organ failure. The disease peaks between August and February in rural areas. Increased public awareness and improved diagnostics in rural healthcare are essential for timely treatment and reducing fatalities.

A study by Punjabi University and Thapar University found a strong correlation between heavy metal pollution and cancer risk in Punjab. Conducted along the Ghaggar River from 2017 to 2018, the research revealed excessive levels of lead, cadmium, and nickel, surpassing Central Pollution Control Board limits. Key contaminated sites included Sirhind Choe, Badi Nadi, and Dhakanshu Drain, with pollution peaking during monsoon due to agricultural runoff and untreated wastewater. Children are at higher risk, with carcinogenic exposure exceeding US safety limits. Researchers urge stricter regulations, improved water monitoring, and immediate public health interventions to mitigate the crisis.

The Ministry of Mines is launching India’s first auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) in Goa on March 13, 2025. This initiative, introduced under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, allows private firms to conduct reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical minerals, including lithium, copper, and gold. The first phase will auction 13 blocks through an online bidding process. A roadshow and AI Hackathon 2025 will also take place, focusing on AI-driven mineral exploration. The auction aims to boost private participation, enhance mineral security, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical minerals for industrial and technological advancements.