New study reveals sturgeon caviar sourced from illegal trade, labelled to mislead Subject: Environment Section: International Convention Context: A new study has revealed that sturgeon products being sold in the international market were from illegal trade and flouting wildlife protection norms. Sturgeon: Sturgeon is the common name for the 28 species of fish […]
Warm temperatures for prolonged periods may have led to massive pest attack in Assam Subject: Geography Section: Physical geography Context: Continuous warm temperatures for prolonged periods may have led to the serious pest infestation in Assam that damaged around 28,000 hectares of paddy crop in at least 15 districts. The crop was nearing […]
Antarctic ozone hole now larger, thinner & may take longer to recover. Mesosphere has a role to play: Study Subject: Environment Section: International convention Context: The ozone hole over the Antarctic has not only grown larger but also thinner throughout most of the spring, according to a new study. Ozone Hole: The ozone […]
CoP28 turns attention to potent methane emissions Subject: Environment Section: Climate change Context: The powerful heat-trapping emissions, namely methane, are likely to be discussed at the crucial CoP28 meeting in Dubai. About Methane: It is the second largest contributor to climate change, accounting for around 16% of the warming effect. Methane remains in […]
Lower oxygen at high altitudes increases lifespan in ageing mice Subject: Science and Tech Section: Health Context: The lower oxygen content at high altitudes increases lifespan significantly in ageing mice, according to a study published in PLOS Biology. Details of the study: The study shows that oxygen restriction, or continuous hypoxia, can extend […]
SoI, private firm to create 3D maps of cities, towns Subject: Science and Tech Section: Awareness in IT Context: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Survey of India (SoI), historically the custodian of India’s maps, has signed an agreement with a Mumbai-based private company, Genesys International, to prepare three-dimensional maps of several cities and […]
IMF, FSB, FATF to update G20 nations, others on implementing roadmap for crypto assets, says FM Subject: International relation Section: International organisation Context: THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF), Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF)will provide regular updates to G20 member nations and other countries about the progress related to […]
Review of sedition Subject: Polity Section: Constitution Context: In a recent development, the Supreme Court has announced its decision to hear a series of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the sedition provision in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in January. This move follows the introduction of bills by the Centre in Parliament, aiming to replace the […]
Pak applies for BRICS, seeks Russia’s support Subject: IR Section: Internal organisation Context: Pakistan, which has applied for the BRICS membership, is looking forward to joining the group of developing nations under Russia’s presidency in 2024. Details: The bloc currently includes China, the world’s second-largest economy, as well as Brazil, Russia, India, and […]