Breakthrough in Plasticiser Degradation Technology
An urgent issue now is the startling increase in carcinogenic plasticizers in the environment. Because they are absorbed via the skin, these compounds, which are frequently employed to improve the flexibility and look of plastics and personal care items, directly endanger human health. In tackling this problem a group of researchers at IIT Roorkee under the direction of Dr. Pravindra Kumar has achieved progress. They were effective in breaking down diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) a plasticizer that is difficult to decompose using an esterase enzyme from the soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus. This creative study presents a viable strategy for reducing plastics’ negative environmental effects.
About Plasticisers
Plasticisers are additives found in many different products such as food containers, toys, and shampoos. Although they increase durability and flexibility they may leak into the environment. One of the most common high molecular weight phthalates, DEHP is recognized for its tenacity and possible health hazards.
The Role of Esterase Enzyme
The capacity of the Sulfobacillus acidophilus esterase enzyme to break down DEHP was discovered. X-ray crystallography was used by researchers to characterize this enzyme, revealing its active sites and methods of degradation. The enzyme breaks DEHP into mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and 2-ethyl hexanol making it an important player in plasticiser breakdown.

Research Methodology
The IIT Roorkee team cloned the genes of the EstS1 esterase enzyme into the E. coli bacteria in order to produce it on a big scale. This technique uses aerobic culture to produce enzymes efficiently. The effectiveness of the enzyme in breaking down DEHP was also assessed by the researchers using advanced biochemical techniques.
Sequential Enzyme Action
The group employed a stepwise enzyme strategy in the lab tests. Following the esterase enzyme’s breakdown of DEHP and MEHP and 2-ethyl hexanol, phthalate dioxygenase converts the phthalate into intermediate molecules. These intermediates are finally changed into protocatechuate which then enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle and produces water and carbon dioxide.
Future Prospects
The goal of the research team is to incorporate into bacteria all five of the enzymes involved in the breakdown process. Because the enzymes will be active longer and run constantly inside the bacteria as a result of this integration, the degradation efficiency will be increased. To speed up the degradation of plasticizers even more, the team is investigating enzyme engineering.
Environmental Impact
This study is a step forward in the fight against plasticizer-induced environmental degradation. The team at IIT Roorkee is creating a cleaner future by converting toxic materials into innocuous byproducts. The results demonstrate how bioremediation methods can be used to address one of the most important issues of our day.
Z-Morh Tunnel Inaugurated
The goal of Kashmir’s Z-Morh Tunnel infrastructure project is to improve regional connectivity. This 6.4-kilometer tunnel links Kangan town in the Ganderbal area with Sonamarg a well-liked tourist attraction. Its construction tackles the problems caused by avalanches and severe snowfall in the winter, which frequently make the routes unusable. The tunnel is expected to provide year-round access which will help Ladakh’s military operations and tourism.
The Need for the Z-Morh Tunnel
The area has harsh winters due to its elevation of over 8,500 feet. Sonamarg’s economy, which is reliant on tourism, has been negatively impacted by seasonal road closures. The Z-Morh Tunnel will ensure uninterrupted access, which is crucial for both military and civilian transit.
Construction Challenges
The project, which was started in 2012, was repeatedly delayed because of administrative and budgetary problems. Tunnelway Ltd. was given the contract initially but the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) eventually took it over. After winning the contract in the end, APCO Infratech had a soft opening in February 2024. The Model Code of Conduct for local elections caused the final inauguration to be postponed.
Strategic Importance
The Z-Morh Tunnel is a component of the larger Zojila Tunnel project, which intends to link Ladakh and Srinagar. Given the region’s tense borders with China and Pakistan this connectivity is essential to India’s defense policy. The tunnel will improve operational efficiency by lowering the military’s dependency on air transportation for logistics.
Economic Benefits
The Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to boost area economies in addition to its military use. It would revitalize the tourism industry and ease trade between Kashmir and Ladakh by guaranteeing year-round access to Sonamarg. Shorter travel times will help farmers and traders which would boost regional investment.
Future Prospects
Sonamarg will become a year-round travel destination thanks to the Z-Morh Tunnel which will encourage adventure and winter sports. The region is envisioned by local politicians as a major ski resort. The region’s accessibility and economic prospects will be increased as a result of the shorter travel time between Srinagar and Leh.
New Appointment Process for Election Commissioners
In India, the Election Commissioners (ECs) and Chief Election Commissioners (CEC) play a crucial role in guaranteeing free and fair elections. The CEC was often replaced by the next most senior Election Commissioner. This procedure has been altered, nonetheless by the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Rajiv Kumar, who will leave his position as CEC on February 18, 2025 will be replaced by a wider pool of applicants thanks to this Act.
New Selection Process Overview
In choosing the CEC and ECs, the new selection procedure seeks to increase accountability and openness. To choose a panel of five applicants, the Ministry of Law will form a Search Committee which will be led by the Law Minister. The Prime Minister a Cabinet member, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha will be on the Selection Committee when this panel is presented.
Role of the Search Committee
The Search Committee is in charge of assembling a pool of applicants for the EC and CEC roles. The Law Minister and two additional members of the Government of India who hold the rank of Secretary shall make up the committee as per Section 6 of the Act. The goal of this method is to provide a more representative and varied selection procedure.
Inclusion of External Candidates
The ability to consider candidates outside of the present pool of Election Commissioners is one feature of the new Act. The Act allows for the appointment of eligible candidates from outside the Election Commission, even if Gyanesh Kumar is still a viable contender for the CEC position. Discussions over the implications of this adjustment for the Election Commission’s independence and credibility have been triggered.
Legal Background and Supreme Court Intervention
A Supreme Court intervention that raised questions about the Executive’s sole authority to select Election Commissioners led to this legislative reform. In order to maintain checks and balances the court decided that a committee, composed of the Leader of the Opposition should be included in the selection process. The purpose of this decision was to guarantee the Election Commission’s impartiality and avoid any potential biases in the selection process.
Implications of the New Law
Former CEC O P Rawat voiced worries about the new law’s possible impact on the Commission’s legitimacy. Allowing the government to nominate people he pointed out, may result in politicized appointments. A double-edged sword the Act has the potential to either strengthen or weaken the Commission’s independence, depending on how the new selection procedure is carried out.
Future Considerations
The integrity of the Election Commission will be constantly watched as the new appointment procedure develops. The impact of this legislative reform will be tested during the next CEC selection process. Stakeholders will be observing how the new law affects India’s election governance dynamics.