DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

The recent calcium carbide-related incident in Bhopal, where over 60 people, primarily children, were hospitalized due to injuries from makeshift "calcium carbide guns" during Diwali celebrations, has highlighted the hazardous nature of this substance and its misuse in the community.

About Calcium Carbide:

• Chemical Formula: CaC?.

• Appearance: It is a grayish-black lump or crystalline powder with a garlic-like odor.

• Manufacturing: Calcium carbide is produced by heating a mixture of lime (CaO) and carbon (such as coke) at 2000 to 2100°C in an electric arc furnace.

Uses of Calcium Carbide:

• Acetylene Production: It is primarily used to produce acetylene gas, which is made by reacting calcium carbide with water. Acetylene is an important industrial gas used for welding, cutting, and as a chemical building block.

• Artificial Ripening of Fruits: In some countries, calcium carbide is misused as an artificial ripening agent for fruits. This practice is illegal in many regions, including India, due to its harmful health effects.

• Steel Manufacturing: Calcium carbide is also used in steelmaking, as a reducing agent, and for metal cutting in industrial applications.

Health Risks of Calcium Carbide:

• Health Hazards: Handling calcium carbide can lead to serious health issues such as:

  • Dizziness, weakness, and difficulty swallowing.

  • Irritation of the skin and eyes.

  • Frequent thirst, vomiting, and skin ulcers.

• Acetylene Gas: When calcium carbide reacts with water, it produces acetylene gas, which is extremely flammable and can be hazardous to those exposed to it.

• Contamination: If calcium carbide is used for artificial ripening, it can leave behind arsenic and phosphorus residues on the fruit, both of which are toxic substances. This makes the fruit unsafe to consume.

Regulations:

• Banned Uses: Under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, the use of calcium carbide as a fruit ripening agent is banned.

• Public Safety Concerns: The recent injuries in Bhopal, caused by makeshift calcium carbide guns used in Diwali celebrations, highlight the dangers of misuse in fireworks and other recreational activities.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that is often misunderstood but is a very real medical issue that affects approximately 2 to 3% of the global population.

What is Fibromyalgia?

• Definition: It is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues of the body. The pain is often widespread and can occur in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs.

• Associated Symptoms: In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia often experience:

  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances (such as difficulty falling or staying asleep).

  • Cognitive issues often referred to as "fibro fog", including memory problems, lack of concentration, and difficulty processing information.

  • Mood disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression, which can worsen the experience of the condition.

Causes of Fibromyalgia:

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

1. Heightened Pain Sensitivity: Studies show that people with fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity to pain, meaning they experience pain more intensely than others. This phenomenon is often referred to as central sensitization, where the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive.

2. Genetics: There may be a genetic component, as fibromyalgia can sometimes run in families.

3. Infections or Trauma: In some cases, fibromyalgia is triggered by physical trauma or infections that may lead to the condition. For example, some people report developing fibromyalgia after a major illness, injury, or surgery.

4. Stress: Chronic stress is believed to be another contributing factor, as it can exacerbate symptoms or trigger flare-ups.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

• Pain: The hallmark symptom is widespread musculoskeletal pain. People with fibromyalgia often describe the pain as aching, burning, or throbbing. It may vary in intensity, coming in flare-ups.

• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness is common, even after a full night’s rest. The fatigue can interfere with daily activities and worsen the experience of other symptoms.

• Headaches and Migraines: Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from frequent headaches or migraines.

• Digestive Problems: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, or constipation can occur.

• Restless Leg Syndrome: This condition causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often making sleep more difficult.

• Face and Jaw Pain: Issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the jaw and facial muscles, are common.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia:

• Diagnosis: There are no specific tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is typically based on a physical examination, patient history, and ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms.

• Treatment: While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, various treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life:

  1. Medications: A combination of pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs are commonly prescribed. Drugs like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are sometimes used to reduce pain and improve sleep.

  2. Exercise and Movement Therapies: Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and stretching, can help reduce pain and improve strength and flexibility.

  3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Therapy can help individuals manage stress and the emotional toll that comes with fibromyalgia. Behavioral therapy also helps address depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

  4. Lifestyle Changes: Many people with fibromyalgia find relief through lifestyle adjustments such as improved sleep hygiene, stress management, and balanced nutrition.

Recently, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri participated in the Sea phase of JAIMEX-25, a maritime exercise between India and Japan. This exercise highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain, specifically within the context of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership established in 2014.

About JAIMEX 2025

• Objective: The exercise aims to enhance naval cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This partnership plays a critical role in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Phases of the Exercise:

  1. Sea Phase:

     • This phase involves advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) drills, missile defense operations, and other joint maritime operations.

     • It enhances interoperability between the two navies, particularly in flying operations and underway replenishment (refueling and resupply while at sea).

  2. Harbour Phase:

     • This phase, held at Yokosuka, includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges, operational planning, and the sharing of best practices.

Significance of JAIMEX 2025

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: JAIMEX-25 is another step in the deepening India-Japan naval cooperation, which is a cornerstone of their broader strategic partnership.

• Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Both nations share a vision of promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The exercises help bolster their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

• Other Bilateral Exercises:

  • Malabar Exercise: A trilateral naval exercise involving India, Japan, and the United States.

  • Veer Guardian: An Air Force exercise between India and Japan.

  • Dharma Guardian: An Army exercise between the two countries.

INS Sahyadri

• Ship Type: INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate.

• Commissioning: Commissioned in 2012, it is designed and constructed in India, making it a symbol of India's growing defense capabilities.

• Capabilities:

  • The ship is armed with Barak-1 and Shtil-1 3S90M missiles, as well as BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

  • It also features anti-submarine rocket launchers.

• Role in Exercises: INS Sahyadri has actively participated in numerous operational deployments, both bilateral and multilateral exercises, showcasing its advanced stealth capabilities and multi-role versatility.

Conclusion

The JAIMEX-25 exercise exemplifies the growing strategic and operational partnership between India and Japan in the maritime sphere. With the INS Sahyadri taking part in key phases of the exercise, this collaboration is set to enhance both nations' naval interoperability and regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) has recently opened its Bengaluru Centre, marking another step in its effort to enhance its outreach and promote the development of the packaging sector in India.

About Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP)

• Establishment: The IIP was established on 14th May 1966 and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

• Headquarters: The main headquarters and principal laboratories are located in Mumbai.

• Branch Offices: Over the years, the IIP has expanded its presence with regional branches in:

  • Chennai (1971)

  • Kolkata (1976)

  • Delhi (1986)

  • Hyderabad (2006)

Objectives and Functions

• Primary Objective: The core aim of the IIP is to promote the export market by encouraging innovative packaging designs and improving the overall packaging standards in India. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the packaging industry in the country.

• Activities:

  1. Packaging Testing and Evaluation: IIP conducts thorough testing and evaluation of packaging materials and packaging designs to ensure quality and compliance with international standards.

  2. Consultancy and R&D: The Institute offers consultancy services and is involved in research and development activities related to packaging innovations and sustainability.

  3. Training and Education: IIP provides specialized training in innovative packaging, targeting a wide range of stakeholders, including:

     • Artisans

     • Weavers

     • Exporters

     • Other industry stakeholders

• International Linkages: IIP maintains strong connections with international organizations, enhancing its global reach and expertise. Some of its key affiliations include:

  1. Asian Packaging Federation (APF)

  2. Institute of Packaging Professionals (IOPP), USA

  3. Institute Packaging (IOP), UK

  4. Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), USA

• Collaborations with National Bodies: IIP works closely with various Indian commodity boards and export promotion councils, such as:

  1. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

  2. Spices Board

  3. MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority)

  4. Tea Board

  5. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)

• Key Events:

  1. INDIAPACK: A biannual International Packaging Exhibition organized by IIP, showcasing innovations in packaging.

  2. INDIASTARA: A national contest for excellence in packaging, which recognizes outstanding packaging designs.

Conclusion

The Indian Institute of Packaging continues to be a key player in the advancement of packaging standards in India, driving innovation, quality improvement, and internationalization. With the launch of the Bengaluru Centre, the IIP is poised to further enhance its role in shaping India's packaging future.

What is a Payment Aggregator (PA)?

A Payment Aggregator (PA), also known as a merchant aggregator, is a third-party service provider that enables merchants (businesses) to accept online payments from customers. This service is typically integrated into websites or mobile apps for smooth transaction processing.

Functions and Features of Payment Aggregators:

• Payment Options: PAs provide a variety of payment methods such as debit/credit cards, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cardless EMIs, among others.

• Fund Settlement: After processing a transaction, PAs handle fund settlement, i.e., transferring funds from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s bank account. They also manage disbursements to various stakeholders like employees, suppliers, or tax authorities.

• No Need for a Merchant Bank Account: A PA allows merchants to accept payments without the need for a direct merchant account with a bank.

• Incorporation and Licensing: In India, a PA is incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and must be authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). If the PA is non-bank based, it requires specific authorization from the RBI as it handles funds.

Examples of Payment Aggregators:

• Amazon Pay India

• Google Pay India

• Razorpay

• Pine Labs

What is a Payment Gateway?

A Payment Gateway is a software service that connects a merchant’s bank account to an online platform for processing transactions. The gateway securely handles the authorization of transactions and ensures that money is transferred from the customer's bank account to the merchant’s account using different payment methods like:

• Net Banking

• Credit/Debit Cards

• UPI

• Other Online Wallets

Key Role of Payment Gateway:

• Authorization: It facilitates the approval of payment transactions through various payment modes.

• Intermediary: The payment gateway acts as an intermediary between the customer's bank and the merchant's payment portal.

Difference Between Payment Aggregator (PA) and Payment Gateway:

• Payment Gateway is the technology enabling a secure transaction, whereas a Payment Aggregator offers multiple payment gateway services along with additional functionalities like fund settlement, merchant account management, and more.

• Payment Aggregator essentially consolidates multiple payment gateways, offering merchants the ability to accept payments through various modes without needing separate relationships with each service provider.

• Most PAs Own Payment Gateways: To offer exclusive services and ensure smooth transaction processing, payment aggregators usually own and operate the payment gateways.

What Is a Merchant Account?

A merchant account is a specialized business bank account used by businesses to accept payments, particularly credit card and debit card payments. Here are its key points:

• Business Account: This account is specifically set up for handling business transactions, enabling companies to accept electronic payments.

• Acquiring Bank: For a merchant account to function, the business must partner with an acquiring bank or a merchant account provider that facilitates the processing of electronic payment transactions.

• Payment Methods: It supports various payment options such as cards, online transfers, and digital wallets.

Payment Aggregators vs. Payment Gateways:

• Payment Aggregators provide a comprehensive payment solution, allowing merchants to accept various types of payments through multiple gateways.

• Payment Gateways are the underlying technology that enables the actual transfer of funds between banks for each specific transaction.

The Ayni Air Base is a strategic military facility located in Tajikistan, just west of the capital, Dushanbe. India has operated and developed the base since 2002, making it India’s first overseas military facility.

Development and Modernization

• Soviet-Era Facility: The base was originally a neglected Soviet-era airbase before India undertook its modernization.

• Indian Investment: India invested close to $100 million to upgrade the infrastructure, including the extension of the runway to 3,200 meters. This expansion allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft.

• Upgrades: Facilities for refuelling, repairs, and hangars were improved, making it operationally effective for both military and humanitarian purposes.

India’s Role at Ayni Air Base

• Military Presence: At various times, India stationed about 200 personnel from the Indian Army and Air Force at the base. India also temporarily deployed its Su-30MKI fighter jets and helicopters to the base, especially around the 2010s.

• Humanitarian Operations: The base played a critical role in humanitarian aid missions to Afghanistan, especially post-2001, and was used for evacuating Indian nationals after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan.

• Strategic Location: Ayni’s proximity to the Wakhan Corridor (a narrow strip of land between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)) gave India unique strategic leverage. From this base, India could potentially target key Pakistani cities, such as Peshawar, if needed.

Withdrawal from Ayni Air Base

• Agreement Ends: India officially withdrew its operations from Ayni Air Base after the bilateral agreement that allowed India to station personnel there ended in 2022.

Strategic Importance for India

• Geopolitical Advantage: Ayni provided India with an important foothold in Central Asia, a region traditionally influenced by Russia and increasingly by China.

• Counter-Terrorism Operations: Before the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, the base served as an essential point of contact with anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan, positioning India as an important player in the region’s security dynamics.

• Evacuation from Afghanistan: In August 2021, during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, India used Ayni Air Base to evacuate its nationals and diplomatic personnel, underscoring the base’s significance in India’s evacuation operations.

Conclusion

The Ayni Air Base was an important element of India’s strategic reach in Central Asia and its engagement with Afghanistan. The base helped India maintain a presence in a region of critical geopolitical importance.