Krakatoa

• Krakatoa is a Group of four islands in the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java in Indonesia.
• It is considered the first 'global disaster' due to telegraph spreading news worldwide.
• It is situated at the Indo-Australian plate subducts under Eurasian plate
• The Area is prone to large earthquakes and tsunamis.
• It has generated tsunamis reaching South Asia, East Africa, and Western Australia.
• Krakatoa remains active and can potentially erupt again.

Maritime State Development Council (MSDC)

20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) was recently concluded in Goa.

• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) is an apex advisory body for the development of the maritime sector.
• It aims to ensure integrated development of Major and non-Major Ports.
• The MSDC was constituted in May 1997 to assess in consultation with State Governments, the future development of existing and new Minor Ports by the respective Maritime States either directly or through captive users and private participation.
• MSDC also monitors the development of minor ports, captive ports and private ports in the Maritime States with a view to ensure their integrated development with Major Ports.
• MSDC launched the National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System platform.
• Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) is a Policy Think Tank designed to bring together maritime stakeholders currently operating in silos.
• IMC will foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning, driving growth and development across India’s maritime sector.
• National Maritime Heritage Complex serve as an international tourist destination, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage through advanced technology.
• Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC):
• IIMDRC is a specialized platform that will offer merit-based and industry-governed solutions to resolve maritime disputes efficiently.
• It can address the multi-modal, multi-contract, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-national nature of maritime transactions.
• IIMDRC positions India as a global hub for arbitration, aligning with the "Resolve in India" initiative.

International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI)

Scientists have recently found a low-cost solution called nanosecond laser surface texturing to increase lubrication of the moving parts within the engine can enhance engine performance.

• ARCI was established in 1996-97 that focuses on application-oriented, industry-centric R&D.
• It's an autonomous Research and Development Centre that works under aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
• The main campus is situated in Hyderabad, covering about 95 acres, with additional operations in Chennai and Gurugram.
• It is Organized into Centres of Excellence (COEs) in various materials-related fields, including:
  • Nanomaterials
  • Ceramics
  • Engineered coatings
  • Fuel cells
  • Carbon materials
  • Sol-gel coatings
  • Laser materials processing
  • Solar energy materials
  • Automotive energy materials
• ARCI develops advanced materials-based technologies and undertakes sponsored projects for government agencies.
• It conducts contract research for Indian and foreign companies.
• It performs basic R&D, often in collaboration with renowned institutes worldwide.
• ARCI Provides testing, production characterization, consultancy, training, and literature/patent searches in areas of core competence.
• Has transferred technologies to over 46 companies and developed about 250 technological solutions for industrial and strategic sectors.
• Emphasizes multi-disciplinary inputs to support targeted development efforts.

Tricolored Munia, Yellow Bittern and Lesser Whistling Thrush

For the first time, a Biodiversity Survey was conducted at Avalahalli Lake, Yelahanka, involving 25 naturalists and birders from across Bengaluru.

• They identified about 60 bird species, as well as butterflies dragonflies, damselflies and 40 plant species at the survey conducted at Avalahalli Lake, Yelahanka.
• Bird species include the Lesser Whistling Thrush, Bronze-winged Jacana, Yellow Bittern, rare Cinnamon Bittern, Tricolored Munia and Red Avadavat.
• Notable butterfly species include: Grass Yellow, Lime Blue, Apefly, Common Four-ring, Chocolate Pansy, and Castor.
• The very purpose of saving this lake is to support the rich potential of birds and flora.
• The very purpose of saving this lake is to support the rich potential of birds and flora.
• The lake still has scope for improvement.