Eucalyptus Tree
Kerala government allow the Kerala Forest Development Corporation to plant eucalyptus trees
- Native to – Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands.
- Tree Type: Most of its Species are evergreen.
- Uses – Fuel wood, furniture wood, paper and pulp industry.
- Concerns –
- Extensive water users and contributors to soil depletion
- Foliage is toxic to animals and humans if ingested.
Linear Accelator (LINAC)
The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) exchanged MoU on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and technology transfer of Linear Accelerator with industry.
- Device used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer.
- Functioning –
- It uses microwave technology to accelerate electrons which collide with a heavy metal target to produce high-energy x-rays.
- Then the high-energy x-rays are directed to the patient’s tumor to destroy cancer cells.
Committee on Import Licensing
Statement released by WTO’s CIL showed Japan and China have formally raised concern over India’s laptop import licensing measure announced last year but was soon reversed.
- Established under – Article 4 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (ILP Agreement).
- Function -Supervises the implementation of the ILP Agreement.
- ILP – Seeks to reduce scope for discrimination or administrative discretion in the application of import licensing procedures.
Gold Backed Currency
Recently, Zimbabwe launched the gold-backed currency called ZiG.
- Has fixed value directly linked to gold, and is convertible into gold.
- Money supply is limited by available gold reserves.
- Has its inherent value and has potential for stability in long run
- Fiat currency – Lacks intrinsic value and is established as legal tender by government.
- Its value is determined by supply & demand and is not supported by any physical commodity.
Narva River
Recently, a new dispute emerged between Russia and Estonia, cantered around the removal of navigation markers on the Narva River
- Situated in – Baltic Sea basin
- Borders – Eastern part of Estonia and on the northwest part of Russian Federation.
- Important transboundary water bodies in the basin – Lake Peipsi and Narva reservoir.