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1. Auroras, dazzling lights seen predominantly at high latitudes, recently appeared globally, including in unusual regions like India, observed via all-sky cameras near the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. Auroras result from interactions between charged solar winds and Earth's magnetosphere, generating geomagnetic storms. These phenomena, known as northern lights (aurora borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and southern lights (aurora australis) in the Southern Hemisphere, arise from collisions of atmospheric particles, emitting various colors depending on gas type and altitude. Auroras can impact Earth's systems, potentially causing blackouts, disrupting satellites, endangering astronauts, and influencing space weather. Notably, STEVE, a unique purple-hued arc with a green "picket-fence" structure, resembles auroras but can be observed from lower latitudes. Geomagnetic storms, rare but potent disturbances, transfer solar wind energy to Earth's magnetosphere, with major occurrences happening roughly once every few decades, the last notably in 2003.
2. India recently rebutted claims of abusive conditions at its shrimp farms, citing MPEDA's certification process for all shrimp exports. Shrimp farming, vital to India's seafood industry, yielded USD 5.6 billion in exports in 2022-23, with Andhra Pradesh leading production. MPEDA, established in 1972, oversees industry standards and export promotion. Government initiatives like PMMSY and FIDF support quality production and infrastructure development. The KCC Fisheries scheme provides credit to fisheries farmers, aiding their working capital needs. India's robust regulatory framework and export-oriented policies underscore its commitment to sustaining the shrimp farming sector while ensuring compliance with international standards.
3. The recent sighting of snow leopards in the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park of Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Valley region is significant for snow leopard conservation in India. As an apex predator and flagship species of High Mountain Asia, snow leopards play a crucial ecological role. India's status as home to 2% of the global snow leopard range underscores the importance of conservation efforts. The discovery sheds light on a lesser-known population of snow leopards and expands our understanding of their distribution. Snow leopards were found in arid alpine regions above the treeline, facing anthropogenic pressures like livestock grazing. Understanding snow leopard characteristics, including their physical adaptations like extra large paws and long tail, is vital for conservation strategies aimed at preserving this majestic species in its natural habitat.
4. Recently, UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register welcomed the inclusion of three significant literary works: the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana. Authored by revered figures such as Goswami Tulsidas, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Acharya Anandvardhan respectively, these works hold profound cultural and historical significance. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a pivotal role in securing this recognition during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP). Notably, this marks IGNCA's debut submission to the Regional Register since its establishment in 2008. The Memory of the World Program, initiated by UNESCO in 1992, aims to preserve and safeguard crucial documentary heritage worldwide. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), representing 43 countries, oversees the protection of invaluable cultural treasures.
5. State Bank of India (SBI) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first bank to join as a Trading cum Clearing (TCM) Member at the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX). This development allows SBI's IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) to participate in trading on the IIBX platform, following RBI's authorization for IBUs to function as trading and clearing members at IIBX under Special Category Clients (SCCs). This move is anticipated to boost trading volumes for gold and silver, enhancing transparency and efficiency in India's Bullion Market. Regulated by the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA), IIBX operates within the GIFT-City IFSC, serving as India's inaugural bullion exchange where precious metal transactions occur directly between buyers and sellers, including futures market engagements.
6. The recent heat waves in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district have posed significant challenges for litchi farmers, exacerbating existing concerns about low flowering due to erratic weather. Scorching temperatures and strong westerly winds have led to a drop in immature litchi fruits, impacting orchards and farmers alike. The National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) recommends increased irrigation to combat rising temperatures, yet small farmers struggle with associated costs. Climate change further compounds issues, disrupting litchi production by deviating from ideal temperature conditions. Consequently, the anticipated litchi harvest may be delayed and potentially halved compared to previous years, resulting in substantial crop losses for farmers. With Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas contributing nearly 40% of India's litchi production, the adverse effects of heat waves extend beyond local communities, warranting government support to mitigate losses.