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Freshwater Species at Risk of Extinction

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Recent assessments reveal alarming statistics regarding freshwater biodiversity. A study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicates that nearly 25 per cent of the 23,496 species examined are threatened with extinction. This analysis marks the urgent need for conservation efforts in critical habitats. Extinction Statistics The study identified 4,294 species at high risk of extinction, which equates to approximately 18.3 per cent of the total assessed. The majority of these species are found in biodiversity hotspots such as Lake Victoria, Lake Titicaca, Sri Lanka’s wet zone, and India’s Western Ghats. These areas are home to unique species that exist nowhere else on the planet. India food delivery Historical Context of Extinctions Since the year 1500, there have been 89 confirmed extinctions, with an additional 178 suspected. The United States, Mexico, and the Philippines have reported the highest numbers of extinctions among freshwater species. Nota...
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ISRO to Launch US Communications Satellite Bluebird

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history by launching an American communications satellite. This is the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite. The mission is expected to occur in February or March 2025. India cultural tours Background of the Mission Historically, ISRO has focused on launching small satellites from American manufacturers. The upcoming launch will be the first instance of a massive communications satellite being deployed by a US company from Indian soil. This initiative reflects the growing partnership between India and the United States in the field of space technology. The Role of AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based company, is expected to be the manufacturer of the satellite. The company has developed technology that allows users to make voice calls using standard smartphones. Unlike other satellite communication providers, AST SpaceMobile does not require users to purcha...
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Kaveri Engine Ready for Inflight Testing

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India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has made advancements with the Kaveri engine, which is now ready for inflight testing, marking a very important moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace technology, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Background of the Kaveri Engine The Kaveri engine development began in the late 1980s to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Initial designs faced technical challenges, leading to a shift in focus towards a modified “dry” version suitable for UAVs. Technical Specifications The dry version of the Kaveri engine generates thrust between 49-51 kN. This thrust level is adequate for UAVs, such as the Ghatak stealth drone. Future enhancements aim to incorporate an afterburner, potentially increasing thrust to 73-75 kN for more demanding applications. Extensive testing has been conducted, including trials in both Russia and India. The engine has successfully passed critical ground and high-altitude tests, demonstrat...
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National Consumer Day Observed on December 24

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National Consumer Day is observed annually on December 24, and commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The act was established to safeguard consumers against exploitation and unfair trade practices. This theme for National Consumer Day 2024 is “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice.” New Initiatives Launched Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi will unveil several initiatives in New Delhi. These include the Jago Grahak Jago app, which educates consumers about their rights. The Jagriti app and Jagriti Dashboard will help identify unfair practices on e-commerce platforms. These tools aim to empower consumers and promote awareness. e-Mapp Portal Introduction The e-Mapp portal will be introduced to streamline licensing and registration processes for businesses. This portal aims to reduce compliance requirements. It will also enhance transparency within the business sector. Improved processes will benefit both consumers and businesses. A new...
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NISAR Satellite Launch Set for March 2025

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In March 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NISAR satellite, a milestone in space exploration, the 2.8-tonne satellite will be deployed using the GSLV Mk-II rocket. NISAR represents a collaborative effort between India and the United States, culminating in a ₹5,000-crore project initiated in 2009. India food delivery What is NISAR? NISAR is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. Unlike traditional satellites that capture images with cameras, SAR satellites emit radio signals that bounce back to generate detailed images. This technology allows NISAR to operate effectively in darkness, adverse weather, and dense vegetation. Development and Collaboration NASA initially sought a partnership with Germany’s DLR for a new SAR satellite. However, due to scheduling conflicts and budget cuts, NASA turned to ISRO. Impressed by ISRO’s successful missions, including Chandrayaan-1 and RISAT-2, NASA and ISRO officially launched the NISAR mission in 2014. Monitori...
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WHO Predicts 55% Chance of La Niña Formation

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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported the probability of La Niña developing soon, which leads to cooler ocean surface temperatures. However, current forecasts suggest that any cooling effects will be minimal. What is La Niña? La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Oceans. It often influences global weather patterns. La Niña can lead to increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others. Current La Niña Forecasts The WMO indicates a greater than 50% chance of La Niña forming in the upcoming three months. Predictions estimate a 55% likelihood of its development between December 2024 and February 2025. This is a slight decrease from earlier forecasts. The anticipated La Niña is expected to be weak and short-lived. Such conditions typically result in lesser impacts on global climate. The phenomenon may not alter temperature trends. Relationship with Global Warming Despite the pot...
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What is Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence?

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                                                         Moravec’s paradox illustrates how AI excels at complex tasks but struggles with simple, interactive ones. This opens the door for combining human intelligence with AI, especially in agriculture. By Integrating traditional farming knowledge with AI, this Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI) can create sustainable solutions to support Indian farmers. Importance of Agriculture in India Agriculture is crucial to India’s economy, which contributes 18.2% to the GDP. Additionally, it supports 42.3% of the population’s livelihoods. Indian farmers possess extensive knowledge developed over centuries. They manage diverse crops, soil types, and weather conditions effectively. Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITK) Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITK) is vital for small farmers, who comprise over ...
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