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Earth Welcomes Temporary ‘Mini-Moon’ 2024
From September 29 until November 25, 2024 Earth will have a temporary companion named asteroid 2024 PT5. For two months this asteroid will circle our globe like a tiny moon. But even with the majority of amateur telescopes it is too dim to view.
What is a mini-moon?
A mini-moon is a small asteroid that is momentarily drawn into Earth’s gravitational field. These mini-moons are transitory, not lasting as long as our permanent Moon. One of these mini-moons will be the asteroid 2024 PT5 which is around 10 meters (33 feet) in size. When it is close to Earth it will momentarily orbit alongside our Moon.
Characteristics of Asteroid 2024 PT5
On August 7, 2024 NASA’s ATLAS program made the discovery of the asteroid 2024 PT5. It travels in a manner resembling that of other asteroids in the belt of Arjuna. Instead of completing a full orbit around Earth it will take a horseshoe-shaped course before breaking free from Earth’s gravity and continuing its voyage into space.
Scientific Importance
Scientists can gain additional insight into the behavior of near-Earth objects as they approach our planet thanks to this small moon. Through an analysis of the interaction between Earth’s gravity and the asteroid 2024 PT5 astronomers can improve their ability to forecast the paths of future asteroids.
Historical Context of Mini-Moons
Yes, Earth has had other mini-moons in the past. For example one orbited our planet from July 2006 to July 2007. In 1981 and 2022 an additional asteroid known as 2022 NX1 circled the Earth for brief periods of time. These events show that Earth occasionally catches small asteroids in its gravitational field.
Can we see asteroid 2024 PT5?
This mini-moon is interesting, but it will be challenging to see. At a brightness magnitude of 22, it will be invisible to all but the most sophisticated observatories. Most people even with good telescopes won’t be able to watch its passage.
About mini-moons
Mini-moons are transitory natural satellites that circle the Earth after being trapped by its gravity. They are typically small—just a few meters in diameter—and remain in orbit for only a few months. The most well-known mini-moon, 2006 RH120, spent around a year in Earth’s orbit. These objects help scientists better comprehend the movement and dynamics of asteroids in space yet they differ greatly from our permanent Moon.
India Plans to Launch Carbon Market by 2026
Since its initial announcement in June 2023, India has been working to establish a carbon market under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). The goal of this initiative is to assist in lowering hazardous emissions across various businesses. Sectors that are able to cut emissions below the mandated levels under this program can sell carbon credits to others that fall short of their targets. To offset their emissions those who don’t meet their targets have to purchase these credits.
When will the CCTS start?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) released the specific guidelines governing the operation of the CCTS in August 2024. To ensure the program’s success the government has not yet established clear targets for reducing emissions. According to BEE authorities, the program might be operational by 2026.
What is the CCTS?
Companies are incentivized by the CCTS to either limit or decrease their emissions. As part of the Paris Agreement of 2016 India committed to reducing its emissions intensity—that is the quantity of emissions per unit of GDP—by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This indicates that India is attempting to increase economic growth while reducing pollution.
India’s emission reduction goals
In addition to the 2030 target, India’s long-term objective is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This indicates that India wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 by removing as much greenhouse gas from the atmosphere as it emits. This is crucial for addressing the effects of climate change in India as well as for global climate initiatives.
Why is India introducing the CCTS?
International initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) of the European Union have an impact on India’s choice to implement the CCTS. The CBAM, which is scheduled to take into effect in 2026, will charge imported goods according to the amount of pollution they produce. Carbon markets have also been established by nations like China and Indonesia which perhaps inspired India to adopt comparable policies. A major obstacle facing the CCTS is ensuring that it is actually effective in lowering emissions. Strong emission objectives and enforcing industry compliance are essential to its success.
What is a carbon market?
Businesses can exchange carbon credits on a carbon market to lessen the total effect of CO2 emissions. One ton of CO2 eliminated is equivalent to one carbon credit. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol served as the impetus for the proposal. A significant cap-and-trade program is in place in California and the European Union launched its Trading System in 2005. In order to offset their own emissions businesses and individuals can purchase carbon credits on voluntary markets. Blockchain technology is one of the new technologies being investigated to increase market transparency. Additionally carbon markets aid in the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.
Global Bio-India 2024 Summit
India’s prowess in biotechnology was demonstrated at the conclusion of the fourth edition of Global Bio-India 2024. The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) collaborated to arrange the event which was held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on September 12–14.
Event Overview
Dr. Jitendra Singh the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, gave the event its formal opening. Numerous national and international biotechnology industry participants convened for three days to exchange concepts and advancements.
Themes and Highlights
This year’s topic was “Biotech Innovation” and “Bio-manufacturing” highlighting the critical roles that both sectors play in advancing India’s bioeconomy. Eleven new items created by biotech companies in India were unveiled during the event, demonstrating the nation’s increasing inventiveness and talent. During the concluding meeting significant collaborations were established such as the funding arrangement between IPE Global and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation to support initiatives aimed at expanding the biotech industry in India.
Awards and Recognitions
Several awards were given to recognize exceptional contributions to the biotech industry including:
- BIRAC Innovators Awards
- Best Startup Exhibitor Awards
- Best Incubator Exhibitor Awards
- BioE3 Competition Awards
Government Initiatives
The government also unveiled fresh plans to encourage biotechnology innovation. These include the i4 (Innovation for Industry) program and the PACE (Promoting Academic Collaboration and Entrepreneurship) program both designed to encourage collaboration between academia and industry.
Keynotes and Insights
One of the special guests, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao stressed the importance of creating models like BIRAC for emerging fields like nanotechnology and quantum technology. In addition he praised the late Dr. M.K. Bhan for his inspirational contributions to India’s biotech industry and demanded increased funding for deep tech businesses.
Prominent personalities such as Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale and Ms. Shilpy Kochhar thanked all of the participants, partners and organizers for their hard work during the closing ceremony. India’s expanding biotechnology sector was emphasized by Global Bio-India 2024 which also provided a detailed roadmap for advancing manufacturing and innovation. It strengthened India’s standing as a major participant in the world biotech market.
About Global Bio-India 2024
One of India’s premier biotechnology conferences, this one aims to create international alliances. More than 20,000 people attended, and it included more than 500 exhibitors. Along with increasing investment prospects the focus was on innovation in fields including healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. The occasion highlighted India’s dedication to biotechnology and its capacity to take the lead in biotech developments worldwide.
State of Africa’s Environment 2024
Unsafe sanitation practices and poor water quality have serious consequences especially in sub-Saharan Africa. These issues raise the risk of illness and cause extensive water pollution. Inadequate sanitation facilities and contaminated water are major causes of death in this area.
Impact of Unsafe Water and Sanitation
In sub-Saharan Africa, unsafe water causes major health risks. Compared to wealthy nations like Europe where the rate is more than 1,000 times lower, the death rate from unclean water is over 50 per 100,000 people. Nearly 40% of deaths related to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene services (also called WASH services) occur in 10 African countries.
Effects on Children’s Health
The most vulnerable group to bad sanitation is children. Infections brought on by contaminated water or waterborne diseases are widespread in the area. Approximately 8% of child fatalities in Africa are attributed to poor sanitation according to the World Bank. Over 254,000 children under the age of five perished in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021 as a result of poor sanitation. Another issue caused by improper sanitation is stunted growth in children.
Economic Impact
Poor water and sanitation also hurt the economy. In sub-Saharan Africa these issues are estimated to reduce the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by up to 6%. Despite numerous international commitments to assist there is currently insufficient financing to address the issue despite the fact that increasing sanitation has major economic benefits.
Open Defecation Challenge
One of the main issues is open defecation, which occurs when individuals defecate outdoors without access to restrooms. About 196 million people still do this in sub-Saharan Africa. While the percentage of people practicing open defecation has dropped from 32% to 18% the use of unsafe sanitation methods has increased in some rural areas, showing that progress in achieving safe sanitation is slow.
There is a close relationship between unsanitary conditions and contaminated water. In sub-Saharan Africa these challenges are severe and require urgent attention. Efforts must be concentrated on supplying potable water and banning open defecation in order to enhance public health and economic prosperity.