CURRENT-AFFAIRS

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• A recently identified orchid species, Crepidium assamicum, has been found in Dibru Saikhowa National Park.
• About Crepidium assamicum:
  • This new addition belongs to the Crepidium genus.
  • It was discovered in Assam’s Dibru Saikhowa National Park.
  • The discovery was made by Dr. Jintu Sarma and Khyanjeet Gogoi, assistant professors from the Department of Botany at Guwahati College, who are well-known as the Orchid Man of Assam.
  • With this finding, the total number of Crepidium species in India has risen to 19, bringing the global count to 281.
  • Scientific studies estimate there are around 27,000 distinct orchid species worldwide, with India being home to approximately 1,265 and Northeast India hosting about 800. Assam alone boasts around 414 orchid species.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• The 2024 edition of the IAEA's report on Climate Change and Nuclear Power has been published, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment to meet nuclear power expansion goals.
• About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
  • The IAEA is the leading intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical collaboration in the nuclear sector.
  • It is recognized as the "Atoms for Peace and Development" organization within the United Nations framework.
  • The agency promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
  • History: Although established as an independent organization through its own international treaty (the IAEA Statute), the agency reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
  • Membership: The IAEA currently has 178 member states.
• Structure:
  • General Conference: Comprising all member states, this body meets annually to approve budgets, programs, and discuss general policies.
  • Board of Governors: This group of 35 members convenes approximately five times a year to oversee the agency's functions, approve safeguards agreements, and appoint the director general.
• Secretariat: The day-to-day operations of the IAEA are managed by the Secretariat, led by the director general.
• Functions of the IAEA:
  • The agency collaborates with member states and global partners to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
  • It implements nuclear safeguards, which include monitoring, inspection, and information analysis to ensure nuclear activities remain peaceful and to prevent diversion for weapons-related purposes.
  • The IAEA carries out comprehensive safeguards agreements as mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), serving as a crucial defense against nuclear weapons proliferation.
  • The agency facilitates the exchange of scientific and technical information among its member states.
  • It also enhances national, regional, and international capabilities to respond effectively to nuclear and radiological incidents, crucial for minimizing their impact.

​​​​​​

• The Nature Restoration Law (NRL), recently enacted by the European Union (EU), serves as an inspiring framework for India as it addresses its escalating environmental challenges.
• About the Nature Restoration Law (NRL):
  • The NRL is a European Union legislation aimed at addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
  • It is the first comprehensive law of its kind at the continental level.
  • This law is a central component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which establishes binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, particularly those with significant potential for carbon capture and storage, as well as for mitigating natural disasters.
  • Under the NRL, EU Member States are required to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, encompassing terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, forest, agricultural, and urban environments.
  • By 2050, restoration efforts must cover all ecosystems identified as "requiring restoration."
  • The NRL also mandates improvements in urban green spaces, the removal of artificial barriers to ensure free-flowing rivers, the enhancement of pollinator populations, and the planting of an additional 3 billion trees across the EU.
  • Member States must develop "restoration plans" that outline how they will meet these targets and ensure the restored areas remain resilient against significant deterioration.
  • While creating these Nature Restoration Plans, Member States are also required to assess socio-economic impacts and benefits, as well as estimate the financial resources needed for effective implementation.

​​​​​​

• A recent study reveals that a species of hornet, known for consuming foods with alcohol, can tolerate levels of alcohol that no other known animal can endure, without experiencing any side effects.
• About Hornets:
  • Hornets are a type of social wasp, living in large, well-organized colonies.
  • There are around 20 species of hornets, which are native to Asia, Europe, and Africa, with one species introduced to North America.
  • They belong to the Vespidae family, which includes hornets and various wasps such as yellow jackets, paper wasps, potter wasps, and pollen wasps.
  • Typically, hornets are black or brown with distinctive yellow or yellowish markings.
  • Their larger size often leads to a reputation for being more dangerous than other wasps, although they are not always more aggressive.
  • Hornets deliver more venom per sting than any other stinging insect.
  • The northern giant hornet, or Asian giant hornet (V. mandarinia), native to Asia, holds the title of the largest wasp species in the world.
  • Hornets usually construct their nests in elevated locations.
• Diet:
  • Hornets have a diverse diet that includes sugar and protein.
  • They prey on other insects, such as honeybees and social wasps, which they chew into a paste to feed their larvae.