Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- A rare sighting of a pod of striped dolphins was recently reported off the coast of Visakhapatnam, a species not commonly seen in Andhra Pradesh waters.
- About Striped Dolphin:
- The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is a fast, streamlined marine mammal resembling the common dolphin in size and shape. It is one of the most widely distributed dolphin species, found across tropical and temperate oceans. These dolphins generally inhabit deeper offshore waters, particularly beyond continental shelves. Adults usually measure 2.2–2.6 metres in length, with males slightly larger. Their distinct dark grey stripes make them easily recognisable—one running from the beak over the eye to the flank and underside, and another from the eye to the pectoral flipper. Known for social behaviour, they are often seen in cohesive pods ranging from 25 to 100 individuals. A unique trait is “roto-tailing,” where they leap and spin their tails mid-air. Despite facing threats like bycatch, the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
- Why in News?
- An Indian national has become the first individual to be deported from the UK under the recently introduced “one-in, one-out” migration pact with France, marking the beginning of its implementation.
- About the One-In, One-Out Scheme:
- This bilateral migration arrangement between the UK and France seeks to discourage illegal crossings of the English Channel in small boats. Thousands of migrants attempt such risky journeys from northern France, often relying on smugglers and paying high fees to criminal networks. These voyages are perilous, with many lives lost at sea. Under the new framework, asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK without valid family ties will be returned to France. In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France who can demonstrate family connections and who have not previously attempted irregular entry. The deal is designed both to reduce dangerous crossings and to create a more controlled, lawful pathway for asylum seekers while addressing mounting migration challenges faced by both nations.
- Why in News?
- The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of a 4.88 km tunnel beneath Thane Creek, accomplished using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). This marks major progress in the project’s excavation phase.
- About NATM:
- Developed in Austria between 1957 and 1965, NATM relies on the natural geological stress of surrounding rock formations to stabilize tunnels. The method maximizes the strength of the soil or rock, providing structural reinforcement through sequential excavation and immediate ground support, often using shotcrete. Reinforcement is applied only where necessary, making the process efficient and adaptable to varying soil conditions. It is particularly suited for tunnels over 2 km in length where geology is inconsistent.
- About Thane Creek:
- Among Asia’s largest creeks, Thane Creek separates Mumbai from the mainland. It hosts the Thane Creek Flamingo Bird Sanctuary, recognized as a Ramsar wetland site in 2022, highlighting its ecological importance.
- Why in News?
- The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of a 4.88 km tunnel beneath Thane Creek, accomplished using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). This marks major progress in the project’s excavation phase.
- About NATM:
- Developed in Austria between 1957 and 1965, NATM relies on the natural geological stress of surrounding rock formations to stabilize tunnels. The method maximizes the strength of the soil or rock, providing structural reinforcement through sequential excavation and immediate ground support, often using shotcrete. Reinforcement is applied only where necessary, making the process efficient and adaptable to varying soil conditions. It is particularly suited for tunnels over 2 km in length where geology is inconsistent.
- About Thane Creek:
- Among Asia’s largest creeks, Thane Creek separates Mumbai from the mainland. It hosts the Thane Creek Flamingo Bird Sanctuary, recognized as a Ramsar wetland site in 2022, highlighting its ecological importance.