India urges BRICS nations to unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to mobilise USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance annually by 2035 to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Baku to Belem Roadmap

• UNFCCC COP29, held in Baku (Azerbaijan), agreed on a new global finance goal and a framework for raising ambition for climate finance in run-up to COP30 in Belém (Brazil). 
• It aims at scaling up climate finance to developing country parties to support low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development pathways and implement NDCs.

On April 3, a record was set in Lok Sabha as 202 MPs spoke during a five hour long Zero Hour.

About Zero hour

• It is the period immediately following Question Hour and the laying of papers, before any listed business is taken up.
• Timing: It starts around 12 noon, which is why it is termed Zero Hour.
• It is not formally recognised in the parliamentary procedure.
• Procedure for raising matters: Members must submit notices stating the subject they wish to raise.
  • The Speaker decides whether to allow the matter to be raised.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is commemorating its 25^th foundation day.

About NCPOR

• Established in 1998 as an autonomous Research and Development Institution of Government of India, it is located in Goa.
• It is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the polar and Southern Ocean realms.
  • It manages the Indian Antarctic Research Bases “Maitri” and “Bharati”, and the Indian Arctic base “Himadri”.
• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) announced that all Anganwadi Centres across India are now registered on the POSHAN Tracker application. 

About POSHAN Tracker

• It is a mobile-based application that enables real-time tracking of attendance, growth monitoring, and nutrition services while replacing physical records with auto-generated monthly reports. 
• Available in 24 languages, it aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability in nutrition service delivery.
• It is part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, a centrally sponsored scheme unifying Anganwadi services, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (14-18 years) to combat malnutrition nationwide.

The Warangal Chapata Chilli, or Tomato Chilli, from Telangana has been granted the GI (Geographical Indication) tag.

About Chapata Chilli (Tomato Chilli)

• Unique Characteristics
  • Bright red colour and round shape resembling a tomato.
  • It is less spicy but has extensive flavour due to its capsicum oleoresin properties.
• Types: It is of three types namely Single Patti, Double Patti and Odalu. 

The Prime Minister of Thailand has gifted a copy of Tipitak in Pali language to the Indian Prime Minister on his ongoing visit.

About Tipitaka

• These are collections of three sets (baskets) of Buddhist texts, primarily in the Pali language, which forms the foundation of Theravada Buddhism. These include:
  • Vinaya Pitaka: It included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order.
  • Sutta Pitaka: It Included sermons and teachings of the Buddha.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka: It dealt with philosophical matters offering deep insights into the nature of reality. 
• Theravada Buddhism: Followers of the older Buddhist tradition described themselves as theravadins, i.e., those who followed the path of old, respected teachers, the theras.

India’s seaweed farming sector, currently valued at Rs 200 crore, is projected to expand to Rs 3,277 crore over the next decade.

About Seawood

• It is a nutrient-rich sea plant that grows in the ocean and seas.
• It contains 54 trace elements and essential nutrients that fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart problems and high blood pressure.
• Key Products from Seaweed: 
  • Alginate: A natural thickener from brown seaweed, used in food, cosmetics and medicine.
  • Agar: A jelly-like substance from red seaweed, used in desserts, jams and laboratory cultures.
  • Carrageenan: A gelling agent from red seaweed, commonly used in dairy and processed foods.

New Study has uncoded the mysteries of how the venom of Pope’s Pit Viper works. 

• Study can help establish the foundation for venom toxicity, pharmaceutical advancements, and enhanced antivenom compositions.
• Study becomes important as India aims to decrease snakebite mortality by 50% by 2030.

About Pope’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus popeiorum)

• Habitat: Tropical, sub-tropical wet mountain forests, bamboo forests, mountain scrublands, swamps etc.
• Distribution: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia.
  • It is native to northern and northeastern parts of India.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.