Neduntheevu, or Delft Island, is the largest island in the Palk Strait, located in northern Sri Lanka. Known for its unique landscape with coral formations, limestone cliffs, and wild ponies, the island also hosts historical ruins, including a Dutch fort. It is inhabited by around 4,800 Tamils.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, is the national agency responsible for weather forecasting and meteorological research. It provides crucial services for sectors like agriculture, aviation, and shipping, and issues warnings for severe weather events. IMD has expanded its global role, supporting regional cyclone management and contributing to UN initiatives.
The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean, spanning 40,250 km. It is home to over 450 volcanoes and experiences frequent earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements like subduction. This region, passing through 15 countries, accounts for 90% of the world's earthquakes.
Mission Mausam aims to enhance India's weather forecasting capabilities by focusing on advanced weather monitoring technologies, high-resolution atmospheric observations, and next-generation radars and satellites. With a budget of Rs 2,000 crore, the initiative seeks to improve weather prediction accuracy, address climate change challenges, and provide better preparedness for extreme weather events.
The R-360 Neptun is a Ukrainian subsonic cruise missile, initially developed as an anti-ship weapon and later adapted for land strikes. Weighing 870 kg, it has a range of 400 km and uses satellite and infrared guidance for precision targeting. It was first deployed by the Ukrainian Navy in March 2021.
The Nag Mk 2 is a third-generation indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile by DRDO, featuring Fire-and-Forget technology. Successfully tested at Pokhran, it targets modern armored vehicles with precision and minimal operator intervention. Its integration with NAMICA enhances battlefield mobility, strengthening India’s defense self-sufficiency and operational readiness.
Kerala's Kappad and Chal beaches earned the Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, for adhering to stringent environmental and safety norms. The eco-label, launched in 1985, promotes sustainable tourism through criteria like water quality, environmental management, education, and safety, recognizing several Indian beaches for their sustainability efforts.
India's crude oil imports surged in December 2024 due to reduced Russian supplies, boosting Iraq and UAE exports. India's growing population and industrialization have led to a lack of petroleum reserves. However, Russia's domestic demand constraints exports, prompting Indian refiners to source oil from Middle Eastern countries.
Interpol has launched its first 'Silver Notice', a pilot project involving 52 countries, to trace assets laundered across international borders. The initiative aims to help countries locate and recover assets linked to crimes like fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes, which can be seized or confiscated based on national laws.
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has announced that central government employees who donate organs will receive 42 days of special casual leave to cover recovery time, hospitalization, and post-surgery recovery. It applies to all types of organ donation operations and can be taken one week before the procedure with doctor's approval.