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1. Arachnologists have identified a new species of spider named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin in Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary. This green lynx spider preys on small insects, blending with the babul tree leaves due to its green hue, and contributes to controlling pest populations. Lynx spiders, known for their excellent eyesight, typically use ambush or stalking tactics to capture prey.
2. NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) has partnered with the Bank of Namibia to establish a real-time instant payment system similar to India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI). This system aims to facilitate faster Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions, promoting financial inclusion for underserved populations. NIPL focuses on internationalizing the RuPay card scheme and UPI mobile payment solution, leveraging its expertise in payment systems.
3. The Critical Minerals Summit in New Delhi aimed to accelerate India's domestic production of critical minerals. Organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with other organizations, the summit emphasized a cluster-based approach to enhance synergies in mineral extraction, refining, and utilization. It stressed the need for regulatory clarity, financing structures, and ESG standards to attract investors.
4. India's mineral production witnessed an 8.2% year-on-year growth, with significant increases in gold, copper, and coal production. The index of mineral production for the mining and quarrying sector in February 2024 showed positive growth for several important minerals. However, some minerals like iron ore and lead experienced negative growth.
5. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India concluded its #PlayTrue Campaign, promoting clean play in sports and empowering athletes, coaches, and the sporting community with an understanding of anti-doping regulations. The campaign aimed to establish a resilient anti-doping framework in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
6. Researchers discovered the world's deepest blue hole, Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TJBH), in Mexico's Chetumal Bay. TJBH exceeds 420 meters below sea level, surpassing other well-known blue holes. Blue holes serve as biological hotspots hosting diverse marine life, and exploration of these sites is challenging due to their depth and access conditions.
7. India will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) in Kochi, Kerala, reflecting its commitment to global environmental stewardship and scientific collaboration in Antarctica. The ATCM aims to address strategic planning for sustainable management of Antarctica and promote cooperation among Consultative Parties. India operates research stations in Antarctica and actively participates in scientific expeditions to the region.