[Newsbits] 8-18.11.2024: Mechanical Qubit, Operation Dronagiri & more

Dengue fever cases have surged globally, with studies linking 19% of this rise to climate change. Nearly 12 million cases were reported in the Americas, and India’s cases are also increasing. Research by Stanford and Harvard shows rising temperatures directly correlate with increased dengue incidence. Climate change exacerbates health risks, potentially leading to a 40-60% rise in cases by 2050. Effective emission cuts could mitigate this growth to 40%. Dengue symptoms range from mild to severe, with no specific treatments. Vaccines face adoption challenges. Mitigating climate change is crucial to managing the future disease burden.

Mechanical qubits, relying on vibrational rather than electronic states, represent a breakthrough in quantum computing due to potentially longer coherence times. Developed by ETH Zurich, these qubits address limitations of traditional electromagnetic qubits. The team employed advanced fabrication techniques, including piezoelectric components, achieving 200 microseconds of coherence time. Despite challenges in harmonizing mechanical systems, hybrid designs combining mechanical and electromagnetic qubits show promise for improving quantum computing efficiency. This advancement could revolutionize quantum research, offering enhanced capabilities for solving complex problems.

India and Nigeria have reinforced their partnership in maritime security and economic collaboration during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Nigeria, the first in 17 years. Discussions with President Bola Tinubu addressed economic development, healthcare, and defence. Both nations committed to combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and Indian Ocean, critical for trade. Nigeria aims to attract more Indian investments, highlighted by a $14 billion pledge, including Jindal Steel’s $3 billion investment. Over 200 Indian firms in Nigeria support local development. This partnership underscores the growing importance of India-Nigeria ties in addressing shared challenges.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline has been extended to December 2025 for large coffee operators and June 2026 for smaller growers, providing Indian coffee and rubber sectors additional preparation time. The regulation ensures products are not linked to deforestation and requires thorough documentation. Indian coffee exports 70% to the EU, making compliance critical. The Rubber Board, in collaboration with TRST01, has initiated measures like issuing due diligence certificates to assist exporters. Stakeholder education and resource mobilization are essential to address challenges, ensuring long-term industry sustainability.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have partnered to advance agricultural and food processing innovation. This collaboration leverages ICRISAT’s research and CII’s industry connections to address challenges like climate change, resource management, and market access. A panel discussion held on November 15, 2024, highlighted the importance of innovation, biotechnology, and policy measures for sustainable agricultural growth. Future initiatives will focus on joint research, community outreach, and improving food security and farmer livelihoods through sustainable practices.