Aquamonitrix – Portable Ion Chromatograph

Source: TH

Context:
A team of scientists from the University of Tasmania has developed a portable ion chromatograph, Aquamonitrix, which allows real-time, on-site detection of nitrate and nitrite levels.

What is Aquamonitrix:
A compact, low-pressure ion chromatograph that can separate and detect anions such as nitrate and nitrite in real-time outside laboratory settings.

How it works:

• Sample Preparation: Soil pore water is extracted using a portable vacuum pump and filtered on-site.
• Separation: A short chromatographic column and sodium chloride solution are used as the carrier.
• Detection: A UV absorbance detector provides clear, interference-free peaks for nitrate and nitrite.
• Power: Battery-operated, suitable for field use.

Key Features:

• Low-pressure system: Simple, affordable, and safe for students.
• Eco-friendly: Uses sodium chloride instead of harmful eluents.
• Compact and portable: Ideal for field research and continuous monitoring.
• User-friendly: Designed for undergraduate students with minimal training.

Applications:

• Educational tool: Provides hands-on experience connecting theoretical knowledge to practice.
• Environmental monitoring: Tracks nitrogen cycle components like nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia on-site.
• Research: Long-term monitoring in greenhouses, rivers, and water treatment plants.
• Future potential: Can be expanded to detect arsenic for groundwater quality assessment in regions like India and Bangladesh.

Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025

Source: NIE

Context:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025 for public consultation.

What is the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025:
A comprehensive law to regulate, promote, and secure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in India. It proposes repealing the Drone Rules, 2021, and introducing a more robust framework.

Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), with the DGCA as the primary regulator.

Objectives:

• Ensure safe, responsible, and secure drone usage.
• Promote innovation, industrial growth, and integration into civil airspace.
• Protect public safety and privacy through strict compliance measures.

Key Features:

• Mandatory Registration: Unique Identification Number (UIN) required for all drones.
• Type Certification: DGCA approval necessary for manufacturing, sale, and operation.
• Remote Pilot Requirement: A valid pilot certificate is compulsory.
• Digital Sky Zones:
  • Green Zone – Flying allowed without permission.
  • Yellow Zone – Air Traffic Control clearance required.
  • Red Zone – Central government permission required.
• Compulsory Insurance: Third-party coverage mandatory.
• Safety & Security: Anti-tampering, traceability, and airworthiness checks.

Strict Penalties:

• Jail terms between 3 months and 3 years.
• Fines up to ₹1 lakh.
• Violations in restricted zones treated as cognizable offenses.
• Confiscation powers for drones, records, and devices.

Victim Compensation:

• ₹2.5 lakh for death and ₹1 lakh for grievous injury, handled by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.

Central Information Commission (CIC)

Source: DH

Context:
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has been headless for the 7th time in 11 years after Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya retired.

What is the Central Information Commission (CIC):
The top appellate body under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, handling second appeals and complaints regarding access to public information.

Established:
On 12 October 2005 by government notification under Section 12 of the RTI Act.

Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

Structure:

• Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and up to 10 Information Commissioners (ICs).
• Appointments by a committee consisting of:
  • Prime Minister (Chairperson),
  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha,
  • Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

Objectives:

• Ensure transparency and accountability.
• Reduce corruption and increase citizen participation.

Functions & Powers:

• Adjudication: Handles appeals against decisions of public information officers.
• Complaint Handling: Investigates delays, denials, or unreasonable fees.
• Monitoring: Ensures disclosures by public authorities.
• Penalties: Can fine officials for non-compliance.
• Annual Reporting: Submits reports to Parliament.

Quasi-Judicial Powers:

• Summon witnesses and receive evidence under oath.
• Examine public records.
• Issue directions to improve record-keeping.

WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – GLP-1 Drugs

Source: TH

Context:
The WHO has added GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) to its Model List of Essential Medicines for treating type-2 diabetes with comorbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.

About GLP-1 Drugs:
What it is:
Medications that mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, belonging to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (incretin mimetics).

Objectives:

• Primary: Control blood glucose in type-2 diabetes.
• Secondary: Support weight loss and improve cardiovascular and kidney health.

Key Features:

• Mostly injectable, some oral forms available.
• Improves insulin secretion, slows digestion, and suppresses appetite.
• Proven benefits for managing obesity and metabolic health.

About the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML):
What it is:
A list of medicines considered essential to meet health needs, ensuring availability and affordability.

Origin:
First published in 1977, updated every two years. The children’s version was introduced in 2007.

Objectives:
Guide countries in procuring effective and affordable medicines to achieve universal health coverage.

Key Features:

• Evidence-based selection based on proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
• Used by over 150 countries for national essential medicine lists.
• Encourages bulk procurement and generic drug production.

Operation Weed Out

Source: PIB

Context:
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 108.67 kg of hydroponic weed in less than 20 days under its ongoing “Operation Weed Out” across India.

What is Operation Weed Out:
A national enforcement campaign targeting the trafficking of high-potency hydroponic cannabis into India.

Launched by:
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the CBIC, Ministry of Finance.

Objectives:

• Curb illegal inflow of hydroponic cannabis from Southeast Asia.
• Disrupt drug syndicates and prevent narcotics circulation.
• Support the government’s Drug-Free India initiative.

Key Features:

• Intelligence-driven targeted operations.
• Simultaneous raids across airports and cities.
• Multi-agency coordination.
• Financial investigations to trace drug money.