ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has recently launched an AI-based Agromet Advisory Service to assist farmers with timely, data-driven weather and climate insights.

What is the AI-based Agromet Advisory Service?

This service integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide real-time, personalized climate advisories to farmers, helping them make informed decisions in the face of increasing climate variability. Key aspects include:

• Personalized Climate Insights: Farmers will receive hyper-local, actionable weather and climate information tailored to their specific location and farming practices. This allows farmers to make data-driven decisions about crucial aspects of farming such as:

  • Sowing schedules

  • Irrigation requirements

  • Pest and disease management

• User-Friendly Delivery: The advisories are delivered through accessible digital channels, notably via an AI-powered WhatsApp bot, making it easy for farmers—particularly in remote areas—to access this valuable information.

• Government Support: The initiative is supported under the Government of India’s Monsoon Mission III, which aims to enhance the resilience of India’s farming communities to changing weather patterns.

Key Features of the Agromet Advisory Service

• Data-Driven Decisions: By leveraging AI and machine learning, the service converts complex meteorological data into practical, user-friendly recommendations, aiding farmers in making real-time decisions about critical agricultural practices.

• Targeting Smallholder Farmers: The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are smallholder farmers, who often lack access to timely weather updates or expert agricultural guidance.

• Phase-wise Implementation: Initially rolled out in Maharashtra, the advisory service will be tested and refined through the ICAR’s Agro-Meteorological Field Units (AMFUs) before expanding across the country and potentially to other countries in South Asia.

• Enhanced Digital Tools: The initiative is an upgrade to the Intelligent Systems Advisory Tool (iSAT), which was previously piloted during Monsoon Mission II. iSAT, initially designed to convert complex data into agronomic advisories, is now evolving into a full-fledged AI-powered tool under this new initiative.

Support and Collaboration

The ICRISAT project is backed by key national and international organizations, including:

• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): Leading the collaboration.

• CRIDA-ICAR (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture)

• ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute)

• IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology)

• IMD (Indian Meteorological Department)

These institutions will work together to ensure that the advisories are based on the latest scientific data and best practices in agronomy and meteorology.

Conclusion

This initiative represents a significant step towards integrating AI and digital tools in agriculture to address the challenges posed by climate change. By providing smallholder farmers with timely, actionable advice, ICRISAT’s Agromet Advisory Service promises to improve agricultural productivity and resilience, especially in the context of the increasingly erratic monsoon patterns and climate extremes.

The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, is seeing a positive trend in its tiger population, with the count rising from 71 to 80 tigers over the past three years, based on an internal survey conducted by PTR in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR)

• Location: PTR spans the Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich districts of Uttar Pradesh. It is nestled in the upper Gangetic Plain Biogeographic Province, near the India-Nepal border, and falls within the Terai Arc Landscape, an important ecological corridor for wildlife in South Asia.

• Total Area: The reserve covers an area of 730 square kilometers, including a 602 square kilometer core zone that serves as a protected habitat for wildlife.

• Rivers: Several rivers, including the Gomti, Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot, flow through the reserve, making it ecologically significant. The Gomti River originates within the reserve.

Ecological Features of PTR

• Topography and Habitat:

  • The region features dense sal forests, tall alluvial grasslands, savannahs, and impenetrable swamps, all influenced by periodic flooding from the rivers.

  • The Sharda Sagar Dam, which extends for about 22 km, is situated along the boundary of the reserve.

• Climate: The area experiences a dry and hot climate, with a mix of dry teak forests and Vindhya Mountain soils.

Flora and Vegetation

• Sal Forests: The sal woodland is a dominant vegetation type, covering approximately 76% of the reserve. It has strong natural regeneration, crucial for maintaining the area's ecological health.

• Other Vegetation Types:

  • Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests

  • Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

  • Seasonal Swamp Forests

  • Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

• Grasslands: The reserve is dotted with grass meadows that host species such as:

  • Sacchrum

  • Sclerostachya

  • Imperata

  • Themeda

  • Bothriochloa

  • Vetiveria

Wildlife in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

• Tiger Population: The PTR is home to endangered Bengal tigers, with the population growing to 80 individuals—a success story for conservation efforts.

• Other Fauna:

  • Swamp Deer

  • Hog Deer

  • Leopard

• Avifauna: The reserve is a haven for bird species, including:

  • Swamp Francolin

  • Great Hornbill

  • Bengal Florican

  • Lesser Florican

  • Black Francolin

  • Jungle Bush Quail

  • Red Junglefowl

  • Asian Openbill

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently approved the recruitment of 58,000 additional personnel for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to bolster security in industrial hubs, particularly in regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

About the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Type: The CISF is one of India's premier Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and its headquarters is located in New Delhi.

• Motto: "Protection and Security"

Establishment and Growth of CISF

• Formation: The CISF was established in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968 with an initial strength of just three battalions. It was formed to provide security to critical public sector undertakings in India.

• Transformation: In 1983, the Act was amended, and CISF was recognized as an Armed Force of the Union, significantly expanding its role and responsibilities.

• Current Strength: The force now has over 188,000 personnel and provides security cover to 359 establishments across the country.

Organizational Structure

• Leadership: CISF is headed by an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with the rank of Director-General, supported by an Additional Director-General.

• Divisions: CISF is divided into seven sectors:

  • Airport

  • North

  • North-East

  • East

  • West

  • South

  • Training

  The force also has a Fire Service Wing, responsible for managing firefighting and rescue operations.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

CISF has evolved into a multi-skilled organization responsible for securing critical infrastructure across India, including:

1. Security of Sensitive Installations:

   • Nuclear installations

   • Space establishments

   • Airports (since 2000)

   • Seaports

   • Power plants

2. High-Profile Security Duties:

   • Delhi Metro

   • Parliament House Complex

   • Government buildings

   • Iconic heritage monuments

   • Central jails in Jammu & Kashmir

3. VIP Security: CISF also provides security to high-profile individuals, ensuring their safety through dedicated teams.

4. Disaster Management: Personnel are specially trained to handle natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. Their role in disaster management is critical during crises.

5. Fire Protection: CISF is one of the largest providers of fire protection services in India and is the only CAPF with a dedicated fire wing.

Expanded Role Post-2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks

After the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the CISF's mandate was extended to cover private corporate establishments. It now provides security to various private entities, making it one of the most versatile and widely engaged forces in the country.

Financial Model

The CISF operates on a compensatory cost model, meaning that it bills its clients (both public and private entities) for the security services it provides.

Public Interface

• CISF has the unique distinction of having a daily public interface due to its presence at airports, Delhi Metro, and heritage monuments. It is the only CAPF to regularly engage with the public in such a high-profile manner.

Conclusion

The CISF plays a pivotal role in securing India’s critical infrastructure, and the recent expansion of its personnel reflects its growing responsibility in maintaining security across industrial zones, particularly in sensitive areas affected by Left Wing Extremism. With its expertise in a wide range of security functions, from disaster management to fire safety and VIP protection, CISF remains a cornerstone of national security infrastructure.

China and Russia recently initiated joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, a significant geopolitical event given the strategic importance of the region. These exercises are likely to have implications for regional security dynamics, as both countries are increasing their military cooperation in response to growing tensions with Western powers and neighboring nations.

About the Sea of Japan (East Sea)

The Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, surrounded by key nations and holding great strategic importance.

Geographical Features:

• Location: The Sea of Japan is bordered by:

  • East: Japan and Sakhalin (a Russian island).

  • West: Mainland Russia, North Korea, and South Korea.

• Area: The sea covers approximately 978,000 square kilometers.

• Shape: It is elliptical in shape, with its main axis extending from southwest to northeast.

• Connections:

  • South: Connected to the East China Sea via the Tsushima and Korea Straits.

  • North: Connected to the Okhotsk Sea via the La Perouse and Tatar Straits.

  • East: Linked to the Pacific Ocean through the Tsugaru Strait and the Inland Sea of Japan via the Kanmon Strait.

Physical Characteristics:

• Depth: The average depth of the Sea of Japan is 1,667 meters, with the deepest point being the Dohoku Seamount, an underwater volcano.

• Climate: The relatively warm waters of the Sea of Japan play a significant role in creating Japan’s mild climate.

• Water Balance: The sea has limited freshwater inflow from rivers (less than 1%), and its water exchange is predominantly influenced by inflows and outflows through the connecting straits.

• Tides: Due to its almost enclosed nature, the Sea of Japan experiences minimal tides, similar to the Mediterranean Sea.

Biological Productivity:

The Sea of Japan is rich in oxygen, contributing to its high biological productivity, making it a valuable resource for marine life and fishing activities.

Economic Activities in the Sea of Japan

• Mineral Resources: The sea is known for its rich mineral deposits, including magnetite, natural gas, and petroleum, making it a region of interest for economic exploitation.

• Ports: The Sea of Japan serves as a vital route for trade and commerce, with important ports in the bordering nations:

  • Russia: Vladivostok, Sovetskaya Gavan, Nakhodka, Alexandrovsk-Sakhalinsky, and Kholmsk.

  • North Korea: Hamhung, Chongjin, and Wonsan.

  • Japan: Niigata, Tsuruta, and Maizuru.

Strategic Importance and Military Activities

The Sea of Japan has long been a critical area for military strategy, particularly due to its location between major powers like Russia, China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. The recent joint naval drills between China and Russia underscore the growing military cooperation between the two nations, which has raised concerns among regional players such as Japan and South Korea.

These drills serve to bolster the military presence of both China and Russia in the region, especially as tensions rise over territorial disputes and the growing military presence of the United States and its allies in the Indo-Pacific. The joint drills also come at a time when Russia is facing increased isolation due to the war in Ukraine, and China is expanding its influence across the region.

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), with its fragile ecosystems and vulnerable topography, faces increasing risks from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). These events, which have already caused severe destruction in neighboring countries like Nepal, are now a growing concern for India as well. The accelerated glacial melt due to climate change and the region’s seismic activity make these events all the more unpredictable and deadly.

What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

A GLOF occurs when there is a sudden release of water from a glacial lake. This release is often caused by the failure of a moraine or ice dam that holds the water in place. The catastrophic flooding that follows can result in massive downstream damage, including destruction of infrastructure, homes, and ecosystems.

Causes of GLOFs:

1. Glacial Retreat Due to Climate Change: Rising temperatures are causing glaciers in the Himalayas to retreat, forming large glacial lakes. Many of these lakes are dammed by unstable moraines that are susceptible to failure. For instance, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods were triggered by such glacial melt and heavy rainfall.

2. Cloudbursts & Extreme Rainfall: Intense rainfall can raise the water levels of these lakes, putting pressure on weak moraine dams. Kedarnath GLOF (2013) and North Sikkim GLOF (2023) are examples where cloudbursts intensified the situation.

3. Avalanches & Landslides: Ice or rock falling into the lakes can create displacement waves that breach the dams. Chamoli (2021) and South Lhonak Lake (2023) are examples where avalanches and landslides caused sudden breaches.

4. Seismic Activity: The Himalayas lie in Seismic Zones IV and V, which means the region is prone to earthquakes that could alter lake stability. The 2015 Nepal Earthquake raised GLOF threats by altering lake dynamics.

5. Internal Seepage & Weak Moraines: Erosion caused by water seepage weakens moraine dams, causing them to suddenly collapse. The 1985 Dig Tsho GLOF in Nepal is a classic example.

6. Unregulated Infrastructure Development: Construction projects such as hydropower plants and roads in sensitive glacial and river zones can destabilize the region. For example, Teesta-III Dam was destroyed in the 2023 Sikkim GLOF.

Types of Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas

1. Supraglacial Lakes: These lakes form on top of glaciers from the accumulation of meltwater. They are highly vulnerable, especially during the summer melting season.

2. Moraine-dammed Lakes: These are found near the glacier snout and are held by unstable moraine dams. They are structurally weak and are prone to sudden failure under external stressors.

India's Vulnerability to GLOFs

India is highly vulnerable to GLOFs due to the vast number of glacial lakes present in the region and the unique challenges associated with monitoring and mitigating their risks.

Geographic Extent & Vulnerability:

• The Indian Himalayan Region spans 11 major river basins, housing more than 28,000 glacial lakes, with around 7,500 located within India, especially above 4,500 meters in altitude.

• Many of these lakes are remote and difficult to access, making year-round monitoring difficult.

• Satellite data from ISRO (1984–2023) indicates that out of 2,431 glacial lakes (larger than 10 hectares), 676 have expanded, and 601 of these have more than doubled, indicating an increasing vulnerability to GLOFs.

Past GLOF Events:

• 2023 South Lhonak GLOF (Sikkim): This event led to the destruction of the Rs 16,000 crore Chungthang hydropower project and significantly increased sedimentation in the Teesta River, which elevated the risk of downstream flooding.

• 2013 Chorabari GLOF (Uttarakhand): This was part of the Kedarnath tragedy, where a combination of glacial melt, cloudbursts, and landslides resulted in catastrophic damage.

Climatic Triggers:

• Climate change and extreme weather events are increasing the risk of GLOFs. About 66% of these events are caused by ice avalanches or landslides, while the rest occur due to meltwater pressure or seismic activities.

• The record-breaking heat in 2023 and 2024 has intensified glacial melt, further exacerbating GLOF risks.

Measures to Mitigate GLOF Risk in India

India has recognized the growing threat of GLOFs and is taking a multi-faceted approach to mitigate the risks.

1. National GLOF Mitigation Programme:

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) launched a USD 20 million programme targeting 195 high-risk glacial lakes (initially focusing on 56).

• This program aims to transition from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster risk reduction, coordinating through the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR).

2. Scientific & Technological Interventions:

• Advanced Tools: Multi-institutional expeditions in 6 Himalayan states are employing technologies like:

  • Bathymetry to measure water volume.

  • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to detect ice cores beneath moraine dams.

  • UAVs for terrain mapping.

  • SAR Interferometry to detect micro-slope shifts.

  • Automated Weather and Water Stations (AWWS) in Sikkim, which provide real-time data on lake conditions.

3. Security Forces & Local Participation:

• In regions lacking automated monitoring systems, ITBP personnel are trained for manual early warning systems.

• Local communities are actively involved in monitoring efforts, ensuring cultural sensitivity and building trust.

4. NDMA’s 5-Fold Strategy:

• Hazard Assessment of all vulnerable glacial lakes.

• Automated Weather & Water Stations (AWWS) for real-time monitoring.

• Early Warning Systems (EWS) for downstream areas.

• Risk Mitigation through controlled lake drawdown and structural measures.

• Community Engagement for awareness, preparedness, and trust-building.

Way Forward:

1. Advanced Monitoring & Early Warning:

• Real-time glacial lake surveillance using AWWS, remote sensing, and SAR technology.

• Implement automated alerts and community-based warning systems to proactively manage the risks of GLOFs.

2. Indigenous Solutions & Resilient Infrastructure:

• Encourage startups and academic R&D in cryosphere technologies to enhance monitoring and mitigation capabilities.

• Strengthen moraine dams, enforce construction codes, and ensure flood barriers for hydropower projects to align with GLOF safety standards.

3. Institutional, Transboundary & Community Action:

• Training SDRFs for high-altitude response and fostering data-sharing with neighboring countries like Nepal and China.

• Conduct mock drills and embed resilience into local development planning.

Conclusion:

India faces a high and growing risk from GLOF events due to climatic, geological, and infrastructural vulnerabilities. The inaccessible terrain, lack of early warning systems, and increasing glacial melt call for urgent attention to risk mapping, surveillance, and community-integrated mitigation strategies in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is a landmark piece of legislation in India. It aims to recognize the rights of forest-dwelling communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest dwellers, who have long been stewards of forest ecosystems. Unlike many global conservation laws that prioritize protecting forests at the expense of local communities, the FRA integrates the rights of forest dwellers with biodiversity conservation.

Objectives and Scope of the Forest Rights Act (FRA)

The FRA, 2006 seeks to address the historical injustices faced by indigenous and forest-dwelling communities by recognizing their land and resource rights. The Act is particularly important for those who have relied on forests for their livelihoods for generations but whose rights were overlooked by the state.

Key Statistics:

• Impacts an estimated 150 million forest-dwelling people.

• Affects 40 million hectares of land and approximately 1,70,000 villages.

• Over 28% of India’s population is dependent on forests for food, shelter, and livelihood, including forest-based products.

Types of Forest Rights Under FRA (2006)

1. Individual Forest Rights (IFR):

   • Recognizes the rights of individuals and families to cultivate land and build homes on forest lands.

   • These rights are particularly important for livelihood security in rural and remote forest areas.

2. Community Forest Rights (CFR):

   • Grants communities access to traditional community resources and minor forest products like bamboo, honey, wood oil, mahua (a local fruit), and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

   • Rights include access to grazing land, water bodies in forests, and habitat rights for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

   • These rights recognize the cultural and seasonal resource needs of pastoral and nomadic communities.

3. Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR):

   • Provides management rights of forests to the Gram Sabhas (village councils) rather than the Forest Department.

   • This provision emphasizes community-led conservation of forest resources.

Other Key Provisions of FRA (2006)

• Evidence-Based Claims: Forest rights can be recorded and verified through Gram Sabhas, with traditional knowledge and oral evidence accepted as valid for claim validation.

• Protection Against Eviction: FRA prevents forced displacement of forest dwellers without due legal process. If relocation is required, rehabilitation and compensation must be provided.

• Sustainable Resource Use: The FRA encourages the sustainable use of forest resources to ensure ecological balance while supporting the livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities.

Challenges and Concerns in the Implementation of FRA

While the FRA, 2006 has been transformative for forest-dwelling communities, its implementation has faced several challenges:

1. Bureaucratic Resistance and Exclusion: Many forest officials are resistant to the FRA provisions, fearing loss of control over forest lands. As a result, there are instances of mass rejection of claims and evictions despite legal protections.

2. Legal Battles and Evictions: A 2019 Supreme Court order led to the potential eviction of 17 lakh tribal families whose claims had been rejected. Though protests led to a temporary halt, the situation highlighted the fragility of forest rights protections in India.

3. Conflicts with Conservation Policies: India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Protected Area Model have led to significant displacement of forest communities, with conservation policies often criminalizing traditional forest use, ignoring the biodiversity protection role of these communities.

4. Slow Recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFRs): Although 30 million hectares of land could be vested as CFRs, progress has been slow. By October 2023, only 2.3 million land titles had been granted, and 4.5 million claims remain unresolved.

Global Efforts for Forest Conservation and India’s Role

India, being one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, has a critical role in the global conservation effort. Several international frameworks and agreements guide conservation policies worldwide:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Established at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, it serves as the largest international agreement to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

2. UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007): This declaration affirms the right of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to maintain and strengthen their traditions, cultures, and institutions.

3. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF): Adopted at COP-15 in 2022, this framework promotes the 30 by 30 target, aiming to protect 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030, with full participation of IPLCs in the conservation process.

How the FRA Differs from Global Conservation Models

India's Forest Rights Act offers an alternative to traditional conservation models that often lead to displacement of indigenous communities. The FRA's inclusive approach differs significantly from global conservation laws in several key ways:

1. Community-Led Conservation: The FRA recognizes the historical role of indigenous communities in protecting forests. Studies show that traditional governance systems employed by these communities have been more effective in preserving ecosystems than state-controlled models.

2. Legal Recognition of Forest Dwellers: Unlike many global laws that regard forests as state-owned, the FRA grants land and resource rights to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and traditional forest dwellers, overriding colonial-era laws that disregarded indigenous claims.

3. Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods: The FRA emphasizes the economic sustainability of forest-dwelling communities by allowing them to harvest minor forest produce, which helps them maintain their livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.

4. Opposition to Forced Evictions: Global conservation laws often criminalize traditional forest use, leading to forced evictions. In contrast, the FRA protects forest dwellers from eviction without proper legal process and ensures their rights are recognized.

India’s Legal Instruments for Conservation

Alongside the Forest Rights Act (FRA), India has other legal instruments that help in biodiversity conservation:

1. Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002: This Act supports the documentation and protection of traditional knowledge related to biodiversity. It also establishes institutional mechanisms at the national, state, and local levels to manage biodiversity.

2. Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and Project Tiger (1973): These policies created the protected area model, leading to the establishment of national parks, sanctuaries, and tiger reserves. As of February 2025, India has 1,134 protected areas and 58 tiger reserves.

3. Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996: This empowers Gram Sabhas in tribal areas to have decision-making authority over local resources, giving them a voice in forest governance.

4. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAPs): This plan outlines key goals for biodiversity protection, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ (IPLCs) rights are recognized.

Conclusion

The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 stands as a global precedent for inclusive conservation. It recognizes the integral role of indigenous communities in preserving biodiversity and provides them with legal recognition to continue their traditional livelihoods while conserving forests. Strengthening the implementation of FRA can further protect both forests and livelihoods, making India’s approach a model for sustainable conservation worldwide.

American singer Justin Timberlake revealed that he had been battling Lyme disease during his recently completed world tour.

About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick (or black-legged tick). It's caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and while it can be treated with antibiotics, it often leaves long-term symptoms in individuals who are diagnosed later in the infection.

Origin:

• The disease is named after Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified in children in 1976.

• It is most commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Types:

Also known as Lyme borreliosis, the infection affects several body systems, primarily the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints.

How Lyme Disease is Transmitted

Lyme disease is transmitted by infected ticks that bite humans to feed on blood. The bacteria causing Lyme disease are not carried by all ticks, but only deer ticks are capable of transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi.

Key Points on Transmission:

• Deer ticks (black-legged ticks) are the primary vectors.

• These ticks are typically found in wooded or grassy areas, especially during warmer months (spring and summer).

• The disease cannot be spread by:

  • Human-to-human contact

  • Pets to humans

  • Air, food, water, or insect vectors like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease progresses in stages, and the symptoms can overlap, making early diagnosis crucial.

1. Early Stage:

   • Fever, headache, fatigue

   • Erythema migrans: A characteristic rash that looks like a bull’s-eye or target around the tick bite.

2. Later Stages:

   • Arthritis: Particularly in large joints like the knees.

   • Neurological issues: Such as meningitis, numbness, memory problems, and weakness.

   • Heart problems: Lyme disease can lead to heart block, causing irregular heartbeats.

   • Chronic symptoms: If untreated, can cause long-lasting damage to the nervous system and joints.

Treatment of Lyme Disease

Early treatment with antibiotics is effective in curing Lyme disease. However, if not detected early, recovery can be slower, and some symptoms (such as fatigue and joint pain) might persist even after the infection is treated.

Antibiotic Treatment:

• For early-stage Lyme disease, oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline or amoxicillin) are typically prescribed.

• In more severe cases or late-stage disease, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be required, especially if there are complications like neurological or heart issues.

Post-Treatment Symptoms:

In some cases, individuals experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), where symptoms continue even after successful antibiotic treatment. Common issues include:

• Chronic fatigue

• Muscle and joint pain

• Sleep disturbances

Prevention of Lyme Disease

• Tick Repellents: Use tick repellents containing DEET or picaridin.

• Proper Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck pants into socks when walking in tick-infested areas.

• Tick Checks: After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, check for ticks on your body, especially in hidden areas like underarms, groin, and behind the ears.

• Removing Ticks: If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling the tick out gently without twisting.

Conclusion

Lyme disease is a serious illness that can have lasting effects on health if not properly treated. It’s essential for individuals, particularly those spending time outdoors in areas with a high population of ticks, to be vigilant about prevention and early detection. Justin Timberlake’s public disclosure of his battle with Lyme disease underscores the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and the need for better understanding of this under-discussed disease.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023. It aims to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Key Objectives of the Mission

• Global Hub for Green Hydrogen:
  To make India a major player in the green hydrogen sector, not just for domestic use, but also for exporting green hydrogen and its by-products to other countries.

• Decarbonizing Sectors:
  The mission also aims to decarbonize various industries, especially the energy sector, through sustainable energy solutions like green hydrogen.

Components of the National Green Hydrogen Mission

1. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT):

   • SIGHT focuses on two major areas:

     • Domestic Manufacturing of Electrolysers: To encourage local production of electrolysers, which are key components for generating hydrogen from renewable sources.

     • Production of Green Hydrogen: Supporting the domestic production of green hydrogen from renewable energy sources (wind, solar, etc.), in line with India’s net-zero goals.

2. Pilot Projects:

   • Pilot Projects in Emerging End-Use Sectors: The mission will fund pilot projects in emerging sectors where hydrogen can be a game-changer, such as steel, fertilizers, transportation, and industrial processes.

3. Development of Green Hydrogen Hubs:

   • Green Hydrogen Hubs will be identified and developed in regions capable of supporting large-scale hydrogen production or utilization. These hubs will foster growth, innovation, and trade in hydrogen production.

4. Public-Private Partnership Framework:

   • The Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP) will be created to encourage collaborative research and development (R&D) between public and private sectors. This framework will help develop technologies and innovations to advance the hydrogen ecosystem.

5. Skill Development Program:

   • A coordinated skill development programme will be launched to train professionals and workers in the hydrogen sector, ensuring there is an adequately skilled workforce to support the growing industry.

6. Funding for Testing Facilities:

   • The mission will also provide funding for testing facilities to ensure quality, performance, and safety in the production and trade of green hydrogen.

Financial Outlay & Implementation

• The total budgetary outlay for the National Green Hydrogen Mission is Rs. 200 Crores till the financial year 2025-26.

• The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has been designated as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) to oversee and execute the mission’s objectives.

Benefits

• Energy Security: Green hydrogen can contribute to energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring a clean energy future.

• Sustainable Growth: The mission supports sustainable growth by promoting the use of renewable energy for hydrogen production, leading to lower carbon emissions.

• Export Potential: By creating green hydrogen hubs and focusing on exports, India can tap into the growing global hydrogen market, positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen trade.

• Job Creation: The mission is expected to create jobs across various sectors, including R&D, manufacturing, training, and infrastructure development.