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UNICEF Report on Climate-Related School Disruptions
A research titled “Learning Interrupted – Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024” was just released by UNICEF the United Nations Children’s Agency. According to this estimate throughout 2024 climate events caused at least 242 million pupils worldwide to experience disruptions in their schooling. Because of data limitations this value is regarded as conservative. These interruptions were caused by 119 different climate dangers, which are identified in the report which covers 85 countries.

Definition of School Disruption
Any incident that interrupts routine school operations is considered a school disruption. Closures, schedule modifications, early breaks, postponed school reopenings and actual physical damage to educational facilities are all examples of climate-related incidents.
Impact of Heat Waves
At least 171 million children were impacted by heatwaves which were the main reason for school interruptions.
Over 118 million students were affected in April alone, with interruptions noted in the Philippines, Bangladesh and Cambodia.
Throughout the warmer months, the tendency persisted with dire consequences for education.
Other Climate Hazards
In September 18 million pupils experienced disruptions to their education due to tropical cyclones; further effects were observed in October and December. Another cause was flooding and storms, especially in March and November. Droughts, often exacerbated by El Niño conditions had long-lasting effects on education especially in Southern Africa, which faced its worst drought in over a century.
Regional Variations in Disruptions
According to the survey, there are notable geographical variations in school disruptions caused by climate change.
More than 127 million pupils in South Asia were impacted, making it the most affected region.
Heat waves caused 54 million disruptions in India alone.
Fifty million students were impacted in East Asia and the Pacific.
Thirty million pupils in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced disruptions. More than eight million pupils were impacted by floods and storms across the Middle East and North Africa.
Vulnerability of Children
According to UNICEF’s assessment children are especially susceptible to weather-related emergencies. Around one billion children reside in nations that are at incredibly high risk of environmental and climatic shocks. The research emphasizes how vital it is to take measures to shield children’s education from the growing effects of climate change.
Microplastics Impact Brain Function and Blood Circulation
Important and concerning new research has shown how microplastics affect brain function. According to research that was published in Science AdvancesMicroplastics may impede blood flow, which could impair cognitive function. These results are based on mouse trials indicating the pressing need to comprehend the consequences for human health.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres.
They come from manufactured plastic pellets and the breakdown of larger plastic objects.
These particles can be found in soil, oceans, and even far-flung places like Antarctic ice.
There are several methods for microplastics to reach the human body including by ingestion and inhalation.
Mechanisms of Impact on the Brain
The scientists observed microplastics in the mouse brain using sophisticated imaging techniques. These particles’ movements were monitored in real time by researchers. They discovered microplastics embedded in the cerebral cortex’s blood arteries which are essential for cognitive processes. The microplastics were shown to be engulfed by immune cells which obstructed blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
Effects on Cognitive Function
The test subjects experienced cognitive deficits as a result of the blood artery blockage. Neurobehavioral impairments that resembled depression states were observed in mice. Additionally weight loss was observed most likely as a result of changed food habits brought on by changing exercise patterns. These results point to a clear connection between brain health and microplastic exposure.
Routes of Brain Interaction
There are two primary ways that microplastics may impact brain function, according to earlier study.
The first is by indirectly affecting brain activity through peripheral organs.
Crossing the blood-brain barrier, which shields the brain from dangerous drugs, is the second path.
A third mechanism involving direct blood flow restriction is suggested by the current investigation.
Implications for Human Health
Although the study offers important new information, scientists advise against extending results from mice to people. Variations in vascular architecture, blood volume and immune systems can change the results. Human coronary arteries, for example have an interior diameter of roughly 4 mm, while mice’s arteries have substantially smaller diameters. Therefore it’s unclear if microplastics could hinder human health in the same way.
Increasing Frequency of Multi-Year Droughts Worldwide
A recent 40-year study by a group of researchers from different institutions has revealed that multi-year droughts (MYDs) are becoming more frequent and severe and that they have spread around the world affecting ecosystems and water supplies, and that this trend is associated with climate change, which makes drought conditions worse.
About Multi-Year Droughts
Prolonged dry spells that last two years or longer are known as multi-year droughts.
Depletion of soil moisture results from these occurrences. Additionally, they cause streamflow to decrease which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and agriculture. MYDs have the potential to enhance tree mortality and cause significant crop failures. 13,176 MYDs were found in the study between 1980 and 2018 each of which represented a durational event.
Global Impact of Droughts
According to the study the area of land impacted by MYDs has grown by almost 50,000 square kilometers every year. Temperate grasslands are among the most impacted areas. With major occurrences in central Chile, the western United States and areas of Australia the study determined the 10 most severe MYDs spanning many continents.
Notable Drought Events
Five of the top 10 MYDs happened between 2007 and 2018. The longest MYD occurred in the eastern Congo basin which affected an area of more than 1.4 million square kilometers between 2010 and 2018. There was a nine-year MYD in the southwestern Amazon as well peaking in 2015. These incidents demonstrate the global scope and persistence of MYDs.
Influence of El Niño Events
The study found a correlation between MYD occurrences and El Niño events in 1998, 2010, and 2015. This suggests that the effects of El Niño extend beyond the tropics influencing drought patterns in various regions. The years following these El Niño events saw some of the largest areas impacted by MYDs.
Future Projections and Preparedness
The study highlights the need for improved preparedness and teamwork to lessen the effects of these extreme events, warning that severe and prolonged droughts may become more common in the twenty-first century. Adaptation to the changing climate and its related challenges depends on effective strategies.
The United States suspends USAID funding to Bangladesh amid a global foreign aid review
The United States has suspended all USAID assistance to Bangladesh in response to President Donald Trump’s demand for a full 90-day review of foreign aid programs. This decision requires an immediate halt to all USAID-related activity in Bangladesh hurting a number of development projects across the country.
Context of the Suspension
When President Trump took office on January 20, 2025 he announced a 90-day freeze in US foreign development assistance to examine its effectiveness and alignment with American foreign policy goals. This ban applies to a wide range of aid programs with the exception of military financing for allies like Israel and Egypt. The instruction has resulted in the immediate termination of USAID operations in Bangladesh with partners instructed to suspend activities until further notice.
Impact on Bangladesh’s Development Initiatives
The suspension presents substantial obstacles for Bangladesh, which has been struggling with economic issues. Since 1972 USAID has been a key partner in Bangladesh’s development giving more than $8 billion to areas such as democracy and governance, food security, health, education and climate change. Notably in September 2024 USAID committed an additional $202.25 million to enhance good governance, social and economic opportunities and resilience in Bangladesh.
Historical Perspective on US-Bangladesh Aid Relations
The United States and Bangladesh have had a lengthy development connection. Both countries signed the “Economic Technical and Related Assistance” pact in 1974 under which the United States offered significant aid to Bangladesh to help it achieve its development objectives. The latest suspension is a substantial shift from this long-standing relationship creating uncertainty for current and future development projects.
Future Outlook
The suspension of USAID funding to Bangladesh underscores the broader implications of the U.S. administration’s reassessment of foreign aid. As the 90-day evaluation continues the restoration of aid to Bangladesh is uncertain, potentially harming the country’s development trajectory and bilateral relations with the United States.
Uniform Civil Code Rollout Begins in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand administration is expected to present the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during the forthcoming assembly session from February 5-8. This major measure was one of the BJP’s electoral promises for 2022.
UCC Committee Finalizes Draft
The UCC drafting committee was constituted in June 2022 and conducted significant public discussions. It claims to have received more than 2 lakh written responses and met 20,000 people.
The final draft focuses on problems such as gender equality, uniform property rights and adoption policies. It is now being printed before being tabled in the Assembly.
Objective of UCC Bill
The bill’s goal is to eradicate religious discrimination and arbitrariness from civil laws. It recommends the implementation of universal legislation for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption among other things.
What is Uniform Civil Code?
The concept of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is consistent with the principle of one country one regulation that applies equally to all religious sects. The UCC is clearly mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. According to this provision the State shall endeavor to secure a uniform civil code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
In essence Article 44 requires the state to offer a standard set of civil rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption for all residents, regardless of religion.
Thought leaders such as Nehru and Ambedkar supported the UCC during the constitution’s construction but significant opposition from religious hardliners and a lack of public knowledge at the time resulted in its inclusion under the non-enforceable Directive Principles rather than the fundamental rights. The framers believed that as socioeconomic conditions improved a consistent code would be applied.
P. Suriaraj Appointed Executive Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank
P. Suriaraj has joined Dhanlaxmi Bank as Executive Director bringing a wealth of experience from his time at Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. His appointment is expected to strengthen the bank’s strategic initiatives and operational efficiency.
Background and Appointment
Suriaraj’s extended financial career includes substantial contributions to Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd where he held several key positions. His knowledge is expected to benefit Dhanlaxmi Bank’s management staff.
Recent Developments at Dhanlaxmi Bank
Suriaraj’s nomination follows significant changes to the bank’s board. In September 2023 independent director Sridhar Kalyanasundaram resigned due to factionalism and governance concerns. This resignation has spurred internal concerns about the bank’s corporate governance practices.
Current Board Composition
As of January 2025 Dhanlaxmi Bank’s board comprises:
K.N. Madhusoodanan: Part-Time Chairman
Ajith Kumar K.K.: Managing Director & CEO
G. Rajagopalan Nair: Independent Director
D.K. Kashyap: RBI Additional Director
Sreesankar Radhakrishnan: Independent Director
Dr. Nirmala Padmanabhan: Independent Director
Ms. Vardhini Kalyanaraman: Independent Director
Nageswara Rao Chatradi: RBI Additional Director
Dr. Jineesh Nath C.K.: Director
This broad group intends to give complete oversight and strategic direction to the bank.
Implications for Dhanlaxmi BankSuriaraj’s appointment together with recent board changes marks a period of transition for Dhanlaxmi Bank. Stakeholders are extremely interested in how these developments will affect the bank’s governance, strategic decisions and overall performance in the competitive banking sector.