Archaeological exaction in Tamil Nadu, Pro-tem Speaker, H5N1

• Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu virtually launched archaeological excavations in eight locations across Tamil Nadu.
• The Chief Minister also released the findings of the Perumbalai excavations and a report on Tamil Nadu Inscriptions Volume XXVIII.
• The sites are:
• Keeladi and its cluster (Kondagai) in Sivaganga district
• Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district
• Kilnamandi in Tiruvannamalai district
• Porpanaikottai in Pudukottai district
• Tirumalapuram in Tenkasi district
• Sennanur in Krishnagiri district
• Kongalnagaram in Tiruppur district
• Marungur in Cuddalore district.

Vaigai Valley civilisation-Keeladi Excavation Site

• The Keeladi excavation site has provided significant insights into the urbanisation of ancient India during the Sangam era.
• The artefacts unearthed, including pottery, beads, and inscriptions, indicate a sophisticated civilization with evidence of literacy and trade.
• The location of Keeladi on the banks of the Vaigai River suggests its strategic importance for maritime trade, including potential connections with Roman civilization.

Dig Deeper: Compare Vaigai Valley Civilisation with Indus Valley civilisation and Mahajanpadas.

• Russia is set to ship the first batch of turbine hall pipeline valves for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project’s (KKNPP) reactors 5 and 6.

Turbine hall valves

• The high-pressure and low-pressure gate valves are designed for installation in the turbine hall to ensure a tight shutoff of fluid or gas flow, crucial for the system’s reliable operation.
• Each valve underwent factory checks including pneumatic, hydraulic, and tightness tests.
• The valves boast a high class of tightness, confirmed under Rosatom-accredited laboratories.

• These valves, designed to withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius, will be shipped by Rosatom’s machine-building plant, Petrozavodskmash.
• The KKNPP currently operates two 1,000 MWe VVER reactors built with Russian technology, with four more reactors of similar capacity under construction.
• Russia has agreed to supply fuel to KKNPP power units throughout their operational life.
• Here is the table summarizing India’s nuclear power plants that depend on foreign countries for technology and fuel:

Dig Deeper: With how many countries does India have a Civil Nuclear Agreement?

• India’s nuclear arsenal reached 172 warheads this year, slightly surpassing Pakistan’s 170.
• China has 500 warheads, some on high operational alert for the first time, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Annual assessment of the state of armaments, disarmament and international of SIPRI 2024

• The number and types of nuclear weapons in development have increased as states deepen their reliance on nuclear deterrence.
• The total global inventory is of an estimated 12 121 warheads in January 2024,
• Russia and the USA together possess almost 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons.

• SIPRI also noted India’s efforts to strengthen the undersea leg of its nuclear triad and develop long-range missiles.
• India’s third SSBN (nuclear-powered submarine with ballistic missiles) was reportedly launched in November 2021, and a fourth is under construction for a possible launch in 2024.
• The second SSBN, Arighat, launched in November 2017 and underwent advanced sea trials in 2021-22.

Dig Deeper: Read about India’s Nuclear doctrine and policy of ‘No First Use’.

• A team of scientists from India (Assam, Odisha), China, and the U.K. has developed a water-repellent catalyst that significantly reduces the cost of producing biodiesel.
• This spherical superhydrophobic activated carbon catalyst, designed to withstand water byproducts during biodiesel production, was detailed in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

Biodiesel

• It is a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oil.
• It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel.
• Biodiesel can be produced from diverse feedstocks like soybean oil and palm oil, offering flexibility in production.
• It is compatible with existing diesel engines, either as pure fuel (B100) or in blends (e.g., B20).

• Superhydrophobic catalysts mimic the water-repelling properties of natural surfaces like lotus leaves, preventing the poisoning of active sites by water.
• The novel catalyst is robust, highly effective, reusable, and derived from biomass, making it ecologically benign and affordable.
• This breakthrough could reduce the cost of biodiesel production, making it a more viable and sustainable energy option.
• The innovative catalyst enhances the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness of biodiesel production, paving the way for broader adoption and a greener future.

Dig Deeper: Read about various generations of Biodiesels and their source materials.

• Until the new Speaker is chosen for the 18^th Lok Sabha, Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh, the seniormost member of the Lok Sabha, is expected to be appointed as the pro-tem Speaker to swear in the new Members of Parliament.
• The role of the pro-tem Speaker is to temporarily fulfil the duties of the Speaker, including administering oaths to new MPs.
• The Constitution, while not specifically mentioning the pro-tem Speaker, outlines this role in the ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.’
• The pro-tem Speaker is appointed by the President and is responsible for swearing in new MPs under Article 99 of the Constitution.
• As soon as the new government is formed, the Legislative I Section of the Government of India prepares a list of the seniormost Lok Sabha members. It is then submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister for identifying an MP as Speaker pro-tem and another three members for oath-taking.
• After the President’s approval, the Ministry informs the appointees about their roles.
• The President administers the oath to the Speaker pro-tem, who then administers oaths to the new MPs with the help of the other three appointed members.
• This process usually takes place on the morning of the first session day.

Dig Deeper: Tradition of appointment of seniormost MP as Pro-tem speaker is sourced from which country?

• The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain is causing concern in the U.S. and India.
• H5N1 has been around since 1996, leading to the mass killing of birds.
• The virus has spread to 26 mammal species, including cattle, and recent human infections are raising alarms about a possible new pandemic.
• The sudden death of many crows in Alappuzha, Kerala, confirmed to have H5N1, is worrying locals about a potential wider spread.
• In the U.S., it’s affecting cattle, with three dairy farm workers already infected, sparking fears of a wider spread to humans.
• The virus is moving from herd to herd in 12 states in the US. Found in raw milk and milking machines.
• Scientists say it’s not yet adapted to spread easily between people, so the immediate risk is low, but the situation can change quickly.
• People working closely with infected birds or animals without proper protection are at risk.
• Nearly 900 people have been infected with H5N1 globally since 2003, with over half the cases being fatal.
• Response: Mass culling of poultry in affected areas, testing water, bird faeces, and human samples in key zones. People with livestock are advised to wear masks and take antiviral medication like Tamiflu.

Symptoms and Detection

• Similar to flu—respiratory problems, fever, cough, sore throat, and pneumonia. In the U.S., one worker only had conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Doctors should consider H5N1 in patients with respiratory issues or conjunctivitis who have been around livestock or dead birds. Early detection is key to stopping the spread.

• Precautions: Don’t handle infected birds or animals without protection.
• Watch for symptoms like respiratory issues or pink eye for 10 days after exposure and seek medical help if needed. Use pasteurized milk and thoroughly cook poultry and eggs to avoid infection.

Dig Deeper: What is the ‘Rebuild Kerala’ initiative and concept of ‘One Health’?