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ISRO Receives Satellites for SPADEX Docking Mission

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  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently acquired two 400kg satellites for an important mission called SPADEX, or Space Docking Experiment. This mission aims to demonstrate the ability of two satellites to dock in space, marking a key step for future space missions. SPADEX Mission Overview SPADEX involves launching two satellites into slightly different orbits using a single rocket. Once in space, these satellites will travel at speeds of approximately 28,000 km/h. They will align and perform a ‘space handshake’ to dock together, forming one orbiting unit. This docking capability is crucial for future missions, including  Chandrayaan-4  and the proposed Indian Space Station. Significance of Docking Docking technology is essential for various space operations. For instance, when astronauts travel to a space station, their spacecraft must dock precisely with the station. This ensures safe transfer of crew and cargo. SPADEX will validate the autonomous rendezvous and d
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Tamil Nadu Finalises Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Coastline

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  In January 2024, after an oil spill in Ennore, Thiruvallur district, the Tamil Nadu government introduced a detailed plan to handle future oil spills. This plan focuses on four coastal districts that are at high risk of oil spills and aims to prevent environmental damage. Identifying Risk Areas The Tamil Nadu State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan has identified four districts as ‘very high’ risk for oil spills: Ramanathapuram Thoothukudi Gulf of Mannar islands Thiruvallur In addition to these, Kanniyakumari and Chennai are considered ‘high-risk’ areas. The plan focuses on 15 sensitive zones, which need special attention and quick action if an oil spill happens. Protecting Critical Ecological Zones Certain regions with fragile ecosystems are given special protection under the plan, including: Gulf of Mannar Thoothukudi salt pans Beaches at Manapad, Rameswaram, and Tiruchendur Palk Bay and Kanniyakumari Mangroves in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur Tharangambadi and Velankanni beaches Ved
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New Carbon Credit Trading Rules

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The   Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)   launched two important guidelines in Hyderabad to help improve India’s Carbon Market, which is part of the country’s plan to fight climate change. These guidelines aim to make carbon credit trading more effective, helping India reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key Guidelines Overview The two new guidelines include: Detailed Procedure for Compliance Mechanism:  This explains what companies need to do to follow the rules when trading carbon credits. Accreditation Procedure for Accredited Carbon Verification Agencies : This sets standards for agencies that check and approve carbon credits. Purpose of the Guidelines The goal of these guidelines is to: Make carbon credit trading work better. Ensure that the carbon market is transparent and accountable. Help industries follow the rules and meet their environmental goals. Communication and Education Efforts Vavilla Aneela, the managing director of TSREDCO (Telangana State Renewable Energy Development
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Cabinet Approves ₹2,642 Crore Ganga Rail-Cum-Road Bridge

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Project Overview The new rail-cum-road bridge will help make transport faster and more efficient in the Varanasi-Chandauli area in Uttar Pradesh. This area is important for both passenger and freight traffic (goods transport), as it’s seeing more demand due to tourism and industry growth. Why is Varanasi Railway Station Important? Varanasi Railway Station is a major hub in India’s railway system. It connects many important areas and handles a lot of passenger traffic as well as goods like coal, cement, and food grains. It’s also key for pilgrims and tourists visiting the city, which boosts the local economy. Current Challenges The railway route between Varanasi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction is very crowded, especially with the high volume of goods being transported. This congestion is causing delays, and the current infrastructure cannot keep up with the growing demand. How will the Project Help? To reduce this congestion, the project will include: A new rail-cum-road bridge
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Sun Reaches Solar Maximum, Increasing Activity and Impacts

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The Sun has entered a period called solar maximum, part of its current solar cycle, which has led to an increase in sunspots and solar activity. This phase could affect everyday life on Earth, according to Jamie Favors, head of NASA’s Space Weather Programme. What is Solar Maximum? Solar maximum is a phase in the Sun’s 11-year cycle where the Sun’s magnetic activity increases significantly. During this time, the Sun shows more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The Sun’s magnetic poles may even flip, leading to this surge in activity. Characteristics of Solar Maximum During solar maximum:Sunspots are dark spots on the Sun’s surface that are cooler than the surrounding areas. The Sun produces more solar flares (explosions of energy) and CMEs (massive ejections of solar material). These events make the solar system more active and unpredictable. Impact on Earth The increased solar activity can trigger solar storms, which send charged particles toward Earth. These
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Record Solar Power Capacity Reached Globally in 2023

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In 2023, the world added 347 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. This rapid growth was driven by the falling costs of solar panels and supportive government policies, as noted in a report by IRENA and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Key Contributors China played the biggest role in this solar energy boom, contributing 63% of the new capacity, which amounted to 216.9 GW. Other leading countries, like the United States, Germany, Brazil, India, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, added a total of 83.4 GW. Europe alone increased its solar energy capacity by over 54 GW, while the US added about 25 GW. Employment Growth The surge in solar energy also led to a sharp rise in jobs. Global employment in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector grew to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022. Most of these jobs were in China, which accounted for 4.6 million positions. Europe had around 757,500 solar jobs, mainly in
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Southern Africa Culls Elephants Amid Severe Drought Crisis

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Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in over a century, causing serious food shortages. Countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia have started wildlife-culling programs to address the growing food insecurity caused by this environmental crisis. What is Causing the Drought? The drought in southern Africa is mainly due to the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused much less rain than usual in the region. Climate change is making this problem worse by making droughts like this more frequent and severe. Government Responses In response to the hunger caused by the drought, Zimbabwe has decided to cull (or kill) 200 elephants. The meat from these animals will be given to poor communities. Similarly, Namibia has allowed the culling of 723 animals, including elephants, hippos, and zebras, from its national parks. This is meant to help provide food during the crisis. Conflict Between Wildlife and Humans As the drought worsens, both humans and animals are struggling to find food and w
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