According to Global Forest Watch, India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, equivalent to a 6% decrease in tree cover during this period. Tree cover and Forest cover
Category: Current Affairs
Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)
A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO in Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024.
State of World Population – 2024 Report
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released it’s State of World Population – 2024 report titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”. Key points
Greenium
The Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) yield lower interest than conventional G-Secs, and the amount foregone by a bank by investing in them is called a greenium.
Herpes virus B
A 37-year-old man wounded by a wild monkey in Hong Kong is suffering from infection with B virus.
Fish species capable of using tools
Researchers have found three fish species that live in the Laccadive Sea, off the southwest corner of the Indian coast, are capable of using tools.
Salman Rushdie releases his memoir ‘Knife’
British-American author Salman Rushdie has released his much-awaited memoir “Knife”.
Operation Iron Shield
Israel’s successful interception of drones and missiles launched by Iran, has been officially named operation “Iron Shield”.
Lake Kariba
Water levels at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe have dropped dramatically because of the latest El Nino drought. Key points
CAFE Norms
The central government has started preparations for the upcoming BS-VII and CAFE-III emission norms. CAFE Norms
OTC derivatives
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to permit resident entities to hedge exposure to price risk of gold using OTC derivatives in the IFSC, in addition to the derivatives on exchanges in the IFSC.
Key Fact Statement (KFS)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all banks and regulated entities that it cannot levy additional fees on loans that are not previously disclosed in the Key Fact Statement (KFS). Key points
Israel’s Multi-Layered Air Defence System
Israel’s multi-layered air defence system has defended the country from a major attack, with Iran launching over 300 armed drones and long-range missiles launched towards it on April 13. Key points
Men5CV: Nigeria becomes first country to rollout of new 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine
Nigeria has become the first country in the world to introduce a new, highly effective vaccine. Meningitis
Soil acidification and soil inorganic carbon
According to a new study, soil acidification in India might lead to loss of 3.3 billion tonnes of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) from the topsoil over the next 30 years. Key points Effects of soil acidification (Source: Down To Earth)