Braesse’s Paradox
Some analysts suggest that Bengaluru’s tunnel road and double-decker road plans exemplifies Braess’s Paradox.
- A concept that shows how adding a new road to a road network can sometimes make traffic flow worse, instead of better.
1st Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report
Recently a press report on Riverine Dolphin Estimation by the Environment Ministry onMarch 3, commemorated as World Wildlife Day.
- Conducted By – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Methodology – Done through sound-based triangulation using acoustic hydrophones for accurate counting since they are blind and rely on echolocation.
- Largest population found in the – Ganga and its tributaries
- State-wise, the maximum dolphins were found in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Two new species of jumping spiders have been discovered from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Location – Western Ghat, Kerala.
- Part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
- Known for its endemic species “Chenkurinji“.
- Shares boundary with Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Major rivers – Shendurney, Kazhuthurutty and Kulathupuzha.
- Forest Type – Myristica swamp forest.
Crypto Strategic Reserve
US President announced creation of a Crypto Strategic Reserve.
- National stockpile of digital assets created under a federal regulatory framework.
- Significance – Help diversify government holdings and hedge against financial risks.
- Issues – Volatility of cryptocurrencies
Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Disposal
Trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste linked to the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy commenced
- The Tragedy involved the leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas
- MIC is used as a chemical intermediate for production of carbamate pesticides
- The waste includes contaminated soil from the defunct facility, reactor residues, Sevin (pesticide) residues, naphthol residues, and “semi-processed” waste.