Microplastics Impact Weather and Climate Patterns

 Recent studies reveal that microplastics in the atmosphere may influence weather and climate. Research from Penn State indicates these tiny particles can facilitate ice formation in clouds. This discovery adds to the understanding of microplastics’ pervasive presence on Earth. Their effects on precipitation and climate patterns remain largely unknown.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. They are found in various environments, including remote locations like the Mariana Trench and Mount Everest. These particles have been detected in human tissues, marine life, and even plant roots. Their widespread presence raises concerns about environmental and health impacts.

Microplastics as Ice Nucleating Particles

Microplastics serve as ice-nucleating particles in the atmosphere. They facilitate the formation of ice crystals in clouds. This process is crucial for understanding how clouds form and influence weather. The presence of microplastics can alter the way ice crystals develop, impacting precipitation patterns.

Research Methodology

Scientists conducted experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. They studied four types of microplastics – low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The researchers suspended these plastics in water droplets and cooled them gradually. This setup allowed them to observe the impact of microplastics on ice formation.

Findings on Ice Formation

The study found that microplastics caused water droplets to freeze at higher temperatures. Without defects, droplets typically freeze at around -38 degrees Celsius. However, with microplastics, freezing occurred at -22 degrees Celsius for many samples. This temperature shift indicates that microplastics introduce defects that promote ice nucleation.The findings suggest that microplastics could affect weather forecasting and climate modelling. They may alter precipitation patterns, which can have cascading effects on ecosystems and human activities. About these interactions is crucial for addressing climate change and its impacts.

Importance of Further Research

The research marks the need for more studies on microplastics and their environmental effects. As their presence continues to grow, understanding their role in the climate system becomes increasingly important. Future investigations will help clarify their influence on atmospheric processes and weather patterns.

website: popularscientist.com

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NAWO-DHAN: New Horticulture Agribusiness Initiative

 The Agriculture department is initiating a pilot project under the NAWO-DHAN scheme. This project aims to enhance horticulture agribusiness. It targets land owners and cultivators who have shown interest. An expression of interest (EoI) was released in October. So far, 22 land owners and 149 cultivators have responded. The response includes offers for 1,600 acres across 11 districts.

Project Overview

NAWO-DHAN stands for New Agriculture Wealth Opportunities Driving Horticulture Agribusiness Networking. The project focuses on increasing food crop production in Kerala. It aims to utilise land that is currently fallow or unused. The initiative will engage farmer groups through Service Level Agreements (SLA). This approach treats farming as a service, ensuring no transfer of land ownership.

Selection Process

The Agriculture department is currently shortlisting farmers. This selection is based on technical and financial criteria. The goal is to identify suitable candidates from the 149 cultivators who expressed interest. Selected farmers will collaborate under the NAWO-DHAN framework.

Economic Context

Kerala’s agricultural landscape presents challenges. There is an important production-demand gap for vegetables and fruits. Estimates show a gap of 13.76 lakh metric tonnes for vegetables and 14 lakh metric tonnes for fruits. This project seeks to address these gaps by promoting better land use.

Land Use Statistics

Kerala has a total cropped area of 25,23,014.31 hectares. Of this, more than 85% is dedicated to perennial crops. Only 15% is allocated to food crops. Additionally, around 1,03,334 hectares of land are currently fallow. The NAWO-DHAN initiative aims to convert some of this unused land into productive agricultural space.

Investment Opportunities

The state government is promoting this scheme to attract investments. Since agricultural income is not taxable, it is an appealing option for investors. The initiative encourages both individuals and multinational corporations to invest in high-tech value cropping. This could enhance the agricultural output of the region.

website: popularscientist.com

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#GreenAgribusiness

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#SustainableHortiBiz

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#HortiWealth

#FarmToFuture

NASA's Parker Solar Probe To Have Final Venus Flyby Today Ahead Of Historic Sun Encounter

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is all set to complete its final Venus gravity assist manoeuvre on Wednesday. It will pass within 233 miles (376 km) of the planet's surface. The US space agency said the flyby will adjust the spacecraft's trajectory into its final orbital configuration, bringing it to within 3.86 million miles of the solar surface by December 24, 2024. It will be the closest a human-made object has ever been to the Sun.

The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 on the mission to "touch" the Sun. It is just about the size of a small car.

NASA said Parker Solar Probe's flybys around the planet have been a major success for new Venus science, especially with the chance discovery from its Wide-Field Imager for Parker Solar Probe, or WISPR.

At the time of its third Venus flyby on July 11, 2020, the scientists turned the instrument towards Venus hoping to track the changes in the planet's thick cloud cover. 

“The WISPR cameras can see through the clouds to the surface of Venus, which glows in the near-infrared because it's so hot,” Noam Izenberg, a space scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland said.

What next?

The images from WISPR in 2020 and 2021 flyby revealed Venus' surface in a new light. With the November 6 flyby, the scientists are planning to seek answers to the puzzling questions of previous flybys.

Izenberg said the upcoming event will help scientists "evaluate whether WISPR can help us distinguish physical or even chemical properties of Venus' surface".

Post the Venus flyby on November 6, the spacecraft will be on course coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface, the primary objective of the mission first conceived more than 65 years ago. 

During this time, the spacecraft is expected to cut through plumes of plasma still connected to the Sun. 

On December 24, 2024, the closest approach to the Sun will take place. During this time, the mission control will be out of contact with the spacecraft. After this, the spacecraft will send a beacon tone on December 27, 2024, to check on its health and confirm whether or not it was successful. It will continue to remain in this orbit for the remaining time in the mission and complete two more perihelia at the same distance.

website: popularscientist.com

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National Cancer Awareness Day in India

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed in India on November 7 each year. This day aims to raise awareness about cancer, an important health issue. India was the first country to establish this observance. The date marks the birthday of Madame Marie Curie, a pioneer in cancer research. The Union Health Ministry encourages everyone to adopt healthy lifestyles and get regular screenings.

Importance of Cancer Awareness

Awareness is crucial due to the rising prevalence of cancer in India. Many people are unaware of the risks and prevention methods. Education on cancer can lead to early detection and better treatment outcomes. Public campaigns focus on lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, to reduce cancer risk.

Cancer Statistics in India

Recent studies highlight alarming cancer statistics in India. According to GLOBOCAN, approximately 916,827 cancer-related deaths occur annually. The most common cancers vary by gender. In men, cancers of the lip, oral cavity, lung, and oesophagus are prevalent. In women, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are more common.

Lifetime Risk of Cancer

The risk of developing cancer in India is. One in nine individuals is likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This statistic applies to both men and women. The risk is higher for specific types of cancer, such as lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women.

Projected Increase in Cancer Cases

The number of cancer cases in India is expected to rise dramatically. GLOBOCAN predicts an increase to 2.08 million cases by 2040, a 57.5% rise from 2020. This projection marks the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures.

Incidence Rates

In 2022, the estimated number of new cancer cases in India was 1,461,427. This translates to a crude rate of 100.4 cases per 100,000 people. The incidence is projected to increase by 12.8% by 2025 compared to 2020 figures.

Specific Cancer Risks

The cumulative risk of developing cancer before age 75 is concerning. It stands at one in nine for all cancers, one in 67 for lung cancer in men, and one in 29 for breast cancer in women. These figures stress the importance of early detection and regular health checks.

Burden of Cancer in India

The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) projects that the burden of cancer will reach 29.8 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by 2025. This statistic reflects the serious impact of cancer on health and quality of life in India.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures are essential in combating cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. Regular screenings can lead to early detection. Public health initiatives focus on educating the population about cancer prevention strategies.

Role of Government and Health Bodies

The Government of India, along with health organisations, plays a vital role in cancer awareness. Campaigns and educational programs aim to inform the public about cancer risks and prevention. Collaboration between various sectors is crucial for effective cancer control.

Awareness, education, and preventive measures are vital in the fight against cancer in India. The statistics and projections underscore the urgency of this issue.

website: popularscientist.com

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Record Heat in October 2024: India’s Hottest Month

October 2024 was the hottest October for India since 1901. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported unprecedented mean and minimum temperatures. Delhi experienced its warmest October since 1951, with no rainfall recorded.

Global Warming’s Influence

One factor contributing to these high temperatures is global warming. Over recent years, temperatures have risen globally. This trend has intensified in October 2024, affecting various countries, including India.

Western disturbances are vital for winter rainfall in northwest India. These are extra-tropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean. In October 2024, no western disturbances impacted northwest India. This absence led to a 76% decrease in rainfall compared to the norm.

Impact on Temperature Records

Central India recorded its hottest October since 1901. Northwest India had its second-warmest October, while south peninsular India experienced its third-warmest. All regions in India broke minimum temperature records for the month.

October marks the transition from the rainy season to winter. This period often sees higher temperatures due to the retreating monsoon. Residual moisture from the monsoon increases humidity, which contributes to heat retention.

Role of Humidity and Greenhouse Gases

Higher humidity levels trap heat in the atmosphere. Water vapor acts as a greenhouse gas (GHG). Without rainfall or winds, heat accumulates, creating sultry conditions. This phenomenon was evident across India in October 2024.

Consequences of Climate Change

The lack of rainfall and high temperatures are linked to climate change. As the atmosphere warms, changes in global weather patterns occur. This disrupts normal rainfall patterns, exacerbating heat conditions.

India is not alone in experiencing record heat. Japan recorded its warmest October since 1898. Regions from West Asia to Japan, including India and Pakistan, are facing similar temperature extremes.

Moisture Levels and Heat Indices

For every 1°C rise in global temperatures, moisture levels increase by 7%. This amplifies greenhouse gases and raises heat indices. High temperatures combined with humidity can lead to humid heatwaves.

Future Projections

As global temperatures continue to rise, humid heatwaves may become more frequent. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere exacerbates this trend. The implications for weather patterns and human health are.

The extreme temperatures observed in October 2024 highlight the urgent need to address climate change. The interconnectedness of global weather patterns means that actions in one region can impact many others. These dynamics are essential for effective climate.

website: popularscientist.com

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Namo Drone Didi Scheme for Women SHGs Launched

 

The Indian Government has launched the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme. This initiative aims to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing  drones. The scheme is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It has an allocation of ₹1261 crores and will run from 2024 to 2026. The goal is to support farmers by offering drone rental services for agricultural tasks.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objective is to enhance agricultural efficiency. Drones will be used for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides. This technology aims to improve crop yield and reduce operational costs for farmers. The scheme also seeks to create sustainable livelihoods for women in rural areas.

Target Beneficiaries

The scheme targets 14,500 selected Women SHGs across India. These groups will receive drones and training to operate them effectively. The focus is on empowering women and providing them with new income opportunities.

Financial Assistance

The government will provide 80% financial assistance for the purchase of drones. The maximum subsidy is set at ₹8.0 lakhs. Women SHGs can secure loans for the remaining amount through the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF). Additionally, a 3% interest subvention will be available on these loans.

Drone Package Details

The drone package includes essential equipment for agricultural use. Each package consists of:

• A basic drone with a spray assembly
• Drone carrying box – Standard battery set
• Downward-facing camera
• Dual-channel fast battery charger
• Additional tools like an anemometer and pH meter
• One-year onsite warranty

Moreover, the package includes spare batteries, propellers, and a comprehensive training program.

Training and Capacity Building

Training is a crucial component of the scheme. One member from each SHG will undergo 15 days of training. This includes drone pilot training and agricultural application techniques. Another member will be trained as a drone assistant, focusing on repairs and maintenance.

Implementation Structure

The scheme will be overseen by an Empowered Committee at the central level. This committee comprises secretaries from various departments, including Agriculture and Rural Development. An Implementation and Monitoring Committee will ensure effective execution and provide guidance.

Role of Lead Fertilizer Companies

Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will act as implementing agencies at the state level. They will coordinate with state departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs. The LFCs will ensure a transparent procurement process for drones.

Monitoring and Evaluation

An IT-based Management Information System (MIS) will monitor the scheme’s progress. This Drone Portal will track drone operations, fund disbursement, and overall service delivery. It aims to provide real-time updates on usage and performance.

The scheme is expected to provide sustainable income opportunities for SHGs. It will also introduce advanced technology into agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for farmers. The overall goal is to improve rural livelihoods and empower women through technology.

website: popularscientist.com

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 #WomenEmpowerment

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