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- World Population Day serves as a global initiative to increase awareness about critical population issues and their profound societal impacts.
- Key Points about World Population Day:
- It is observed annually on July 11th.
- This event underscores the importance of addressing issues such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, and sustainable development.
- History:
- Established by the United Nations (UN), the first World Population Day was observed in 1989, with participation from over 90 countries.
- The inspiration behind this day came from the world population reaching five billion on July 11, 1987, prompting Dr. KC Zachariah of the World Bank to propose its observance.
- Facts about Global Population:
- In 2011, the world population reached 7 billion, and as of November 15, 2022, it surpassed 8 billion.
- According to UN projections, global population is expected to reach approximately 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.
- NATO has recently finalized a substantial contract worth nearly $700 million to ramp up production of Stinger missiles among member countries.
- About the Stinger Missile:
- The FIM-92 Stinger is a portable surface-to-air missile (MANPADS) system developed and manufactured by the American defense industry.
- Key Features:
- The Stinger missile measures 1.52 meters in length, 70 mm in diameter, with 10 cm fins.
- It is lightweight, weighing approximately 15 kilograms including the launcher, which is reusable.
- The missile can be deployed by troops or mounted on vehicles to provide short-range defense against aircraft threats.
- The Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) located in Karad, Maharashtra, is spearheading India’s ambitious scientific deep-drilling program.
- About BGRL:
- BGRL operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is dedicated to conducting India’s primary scientific deep-drilling initiative.
- The laboratory’s primary objective is to drill into the Earth's crust to a depth of 6 kilometers. This endeavor aims to enhance understanding of reservoir-triggered earthquakes in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtra.
- Benefits of Deep-Drilling Missions:
- Scientifically drilled boreholes serve as direct platforms for unique in situ experiments and observations. They enable continuous monitoring of fault lines and seismic behavior within a region.
- The Central Government has recently announced adjustments to the criteria used to confer classical language status
- About Classical Language Status:
- The revised criteria established by the government for determining the declaration of a language as classical are as follows:
- The language must have a long history dating back 1,500-2,000 years, with evidence of high antiquity in its early texts or recorded history.
- Classical Languages in India:
- To date, six languages in India have been granted classical language status:
- Tamil was the first language to receive this status in 2004.
- Sanskrit followed in the subsequent year, 2005.
- Telugu and Kannada were accorded classical status in 2008.
- Malayalam attained the status in 2013.
- Odia is the most recent addition to the list, receiving classical language status in 2014.
- Recently, the Raksha Rajya Mantri launched the "GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)" by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.
- About GAINS 2024:
- GAINS 2024 is an innovative scheme aimed at tackling challenges within shipyards and fostering technological development through startups nurtured in India.
- It specifically encourages MSMEs and Start-Ups to innovate and develop solutions that can contribute to technological advancements in the defense sector.
- Recently, a new species of shield-tail snake was unearthed in the Meghamalai-Munnar region of the Western Ghats.
- About Uropeltis caudomaculata:
- Named for the distinctive yellow spot adorning each side of its tail base, the newly identified species is dubbed Uropeltis caudomaculata.
- It stands out due to its increased count of ventral scales and its exclusive habitat along the eastern escarpment of the Western Ghats, spanning from Meghamalai to approximately 15 kilometers east of Munnar.
- Key Facts about Shield-Tail Snakes:
- These snakes are non-venomous and belong to the Uropeltidae family, a group of primitive snakes native to peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
- They are characterized by a prominent keratinous shield at the tip of their tails, hence their name "shield-tailed snakes."
- Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for the year 2024 will commence from July 15th.
- About the National Gopal Ratna Award:
- The award is presented as part of the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
- Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has annually conferred the National Gopal Ratna Award.
- This year's awards will be given in the following categories:
- Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds
- Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)
- Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
- Researchers at Berhampur University, Odisha, have recently identified a new species of marine amphipod named Demaorchestia alanensis.
- About Demaorchestia alanensis:
- Demaorchestia alanensis belongs to the genus Demaorchestia and is categorized as a marine amphipod, which are crustaceans resembling shrimp.
This discovery expands the known species within the genus Demaorchestia to six globally.
- About Amphipods:
- Amphipods belong to the invertebrate order Amphipoda within the class Crustacea, inhabiting various marine environments such as seas, lakes, rivers, beaches, caves, and moist tropical islands.
- They are often mistaken for tiny shrimp due to their similar appearance.
- The Kawal Tiger Reserve is emerging as a flourishing sanctuary for the captivating smooth-coated otter, locally known as “Neeti Pilli” in Telugu.
- About Smooth-Coated Otter:
- The smooth-coated otter, scientifically named Lutrogale perspicillata, is the sole extant species belonging to the genus Lutrogale.
- Distribution: These otters are predominantly found across much of southern Asia, extending from India eastwards. There is also a distinct population inhabiting the marshes of Iraq.
- The efforts at Kawal Tiger Reserve highlight its role in preserving this vulnerable species, offering hope for its continued survival and habitat conservation.
- Iran has recently unveiled its advanced Karrar combat drones, equipped with air-to-air missiles, to bolster its air defense capabilities.
- About Karrar Combat Drones:
- Developed by Iran, the Karrar is an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) designed for combat operations.
- It marks Iran's first long-endurance drone capable of engaging in combat scenarios.
- Features:
- Introduced initially in 2010, the Karrar drone boasts an operational range of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
- Powered by a turbojet engine, it achieves a maximum speed of 560 miles per hour.
- The drone can operate at altitudes reaching up to 47,000 feet.
- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has recently captured a breathtaking image of a star that exploded within the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A).
- About Cassiopeia A:
- Cassiopeia A is the remnant of a massive star that exploded approximately 340 years ago.
- It stands as the youngest known remnant of a massive star in our galaxy.
- The James Webb Space Telescope's latest image of Cassiopeia A not only showcases the beauty of this celestial event but also contributes crucial data to unraveling the mysteries of supernovae and their profound impact on the universe.
- The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is a biannual publication issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- About the Financial Stability Report (FSR):
- Published biannually by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the FSR offers a comprehensive assessment of financial stability within the country.
- It represents the consolidated evaluation of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), led by the Governor of the RBI.
- About the Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR):
- The Global Financial Stability Report is a periodic publication by the IMF, focusing on global financial markets and systemic stability.
- It provides analysis and insights into global financial conditions, risks to financial stability, and policy recommendations to mitigate vulnerabilities.