Awaza Programme of Action(2024-2034) (APoA)
Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
- Conference serves as a crucial platform to implement the newly adopted APoA..
About APoA:
- Adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in December 2024
- Offers a comprehensive framework to tackle persistent development challenges faced by LLDCs.
- Key deliverables include:
- Establishment of Regional Agricultural Research Hubs to strengthen food security;
- Launch of an Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility to mobilize critical funding;
- Development of a UNFCCC Negotiating Body to advance trade and climate resilience etc.
- Tags :
- Landlocked Countries
- Awaza Programme of Action
Lichen
A new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats.
About Lichen
- Lichen refers to a symbiotic association of two components, a fungus, the ‘mycobiont’, and at least one photosynthetic organism, the ‘photobiont’, consisting of a micro alga (usually a green alga) or cyanobacterium, or both.
- Lichens are very useful as a source of drugs, medicines, perfumery, food stuff, dyes, bio-monitoring and other useful compounds.
- These invade bare areas and contribute to soil formation.
- They are used as Bio-monitors for Air pollution.
- Tags :
- Lichen
Articles Sources
Coastal Shipping Bill
Parliament Clears Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 to Boost India’s Coastal Economy.
- The bill was proposed for adoption by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
- It aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign vessels.
Key features of Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025
- Simplify and modernise the legal framework which govern coastal shipping.
- National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan offers a long-term policy and infrastructure roadmap.
- National Database for Coastal Shipping provides real-time, transparent data to guide investors and planners.
- Tags :
- Coastal Shipping Bill
Articles Sources
Sheleads II Programme
Second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme –SheLeads was inaugurated in India.
SheLeads:
- It is aimed to advance gender equality in public and political leadership by supporting women leaders to participate in elections.
About UN Women:
- UN Women is the lead UN entity on gender equality, created in July 2010
- It exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.
- Key focus area
- leadership,
- economic empowerment,
- freedom from violence, and
- women, peace and security as well as humanitarian action.
- Tags :
- SheLeads II
Articles Sources
Ad Valorem Duty
USA will impose additional 25 percent ad valorem duty above the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India.
- Ad Valorem’ is a Latin word meaning ‘According to Value’.
- Ad Valorem’ is a duty levied as a percentage of value of the services or goods being imported, rather than on their weight or the number of units.
- Tags :
- Ad Valorem Duty
Starfish
The starfish were dying due to bacterium Vibrio pectenicida, related to the bacteria causing cholera in humans.
About Starfish
- Belong to a large group of marine animals known as echinoderms. Also known as ‘Sea Stars’ (Because of their shape).
- Feeding: Starfish are mostly predators and feed on invertebrates such as mussels and clams.
- Regeneration: Most species of starfish can regenerate, or regrow, damaged or lost arms.
- Circulatory System: No blood; transport of nutrients and oxygen is via seawater in the water vascular system.
- Ecological Role: Important predators in marine ecosystems, helping maintain the balance of species.
- Tags :
- Starfish
- Sea Stars
Virgin Polymers
According to a study India contributes to 4% of production of four Virgin Polymers with China being the largest producer.
About Virgin Polymers
- Virgin polymer refers to a plastic material that is produced directly from raw petrochemical feedstocks like natural gas or crude oil, and has not been previously used or processed.
- Examples: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC).
- Uses: Packaging materials, automotive components, textiles, medical equipment, and consumer goods.
- Advantages: Offer uniform properties, free from impurities & superior mechanical strength.
- Issues: Considered harmful for environment, Higher carbon footprint compared to recycled polymers, Relies on non-renewable fossil resources etc.
- Tags :
- Virgin Polymers
- Polyethylene
Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide
India’s first ever discovery of Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide at Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of the Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh.
Applications of Ni-Cu-PGE:
- Nickel: Used in stainless steel, alloys, and batteries (especially for EVs).
- Copper: Electrical wiring, electronics, plumbing, construction.
- PGEs: Catalysts, jewellery, electronics, and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Strategic Value:
- Critical for clean energy technologies, EVs, and defence applications, making it a key mineral group for energy transition.
- Tags :
- Energy Transition
- Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide
- Critical Mineral