Prelims Focus 1st February 2025

Kurdistan Region

In News: India has sent a shipment of medical materials, along with bronchodilators, inhalers, and ventilators, to help the citizens of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. 

• Strategic Importance of India’s Aid

• • • Enhances India’s humanitarian outreach in West Asia.
    • Strengthens healthcare international relations and goodwill in a geopolitically sensitive area.
    • Reinforces India’s dedication to global catastrophe relief and medical aid.
    • Example of India being as a ‘Vishwabandhu Bharat’, or a international buddy

• About Kurdistan Region

• • Country: Iraq (semi-self sufficient location).
  • Capital: Erbil.
  • Governorates: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, Halabja.
  • Neighbouring Nations: Shares borders with Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq-controlled territories.
  • Political Structure: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) operates autonomously.

Teesta Bridge

In News: The West Bengal government has accredited the Teesta bridge assignment after over 10 years.

• After the state government gave its nod, the Centre has permitted Rs 1,100 crore for the project and could link Sikkim and West Bengal.
• The Coronation Bridge, the existing bridge over the Teesta, was built within the reminiscence of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from 1937 to 1941. At that time, its construction cost over Rs 1 lakh. Its foundation stone was laid by then Bengal Governor John Anderson.
• However it was broken in the 2011 earthquake.
• Now the new bridge will improve tourism and serve strategic purposes, specifically for military connectivity to the China and Bhutan borders.
• The Doklam standoff in 2017 highlighted the need for a new bridge to steady the path for military operations.

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)

In News: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a significant upcoming private spaceflight mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled to launch no earlier than April 2025. This mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, marks the fourth flight in Axiom’s series of missions aimed at advancing commercial human spaceflight.

Objectives

Axiom Mission 4 aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Commercial Space Activities: The mission will facilitate various commercial endeavors in space, such as scientific research and technological development, while also exploring opportunities for space tourism.
2. International Collaboration: By including astronauts from multiple countries, Ax-4 aims to strengthen international partnerships and contribute to global space initiatives.
3. Scientific Research: The crew will conduct experiments across various fields, including materials science and biology, taking advantage of the unique microgravity environment of the ISS.

Significance

• The Axiom Mission 4 represents a pivotal step in the evolution of commercial spaceflight. 
• It not only showcases the capabilities of private companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX but also emphasizes the growing role of international collaboration in space exploration. 
• As this mission prepares for launch, it stands as a testament to humanity’s ongoing quest to explore and utilize outer space for scientific advancement and commercial opportunities.

Yamuna River Ammonia Contamination

In News: The Yamuna River in Delhi is facing significant ammonia contamination, primarily due to untreated industrial waste and sewage discharge from neighboring Haryana. This pollution has been a recurring issue, particularly during the winter months when ammonia levels can spike dramatically.

Reasons for High Ammonia Levels

• Industrial Discharge: Numerous industries in Haryana, particularly those involved in textiles, chemicals, and food processing, discharge untreated effluents into the Yamuna. Reports indicate that around 413 industries are contributing to this problem, with major clusters located in regions like Sonipat, Panipat, and Rohtak.
• Sewage Contamination: Raw sewage from various drains in Haryana flows directly into the river. This mixing of untreated sewage has been identified as a primary cause of elevated ammonia levels. Specific locations such as Nathupura and Khojkipur have been highlighted as points where drain water enters the Yamuna.
• Water Treatment Limitations: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) operates water treatment plants that are designed to handle ammonia levels up to 1 ppm (parts per million). However, recent measurements have shown ammonia levels exceeding 5 ppm, which hampers the plants’ ability to produce potable water. The Wazirabad water treatment plant has experienced significant reductions in output due to these high ammonia concentrations.

Impacts of Ammonia Contamination

• Water Supply Disruptions: The elevated ammonia levels have led to reduced water supply across various parts of Delhi, including areas like Kalkaji and Greater Kailash. The DJB has had to operate its treatment plants at reduced capacity or temporarily shut them down when ammonia levels exceed treatable limits.
• Health Concerns: High ammonia levels can pose health risks if not adequately treated before reaching consumers. The DJB’s reliance on chlorination to neutralize ammonia is challenged by the high concentrations present in the river, leading to concerns about water quality for residents.

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