IUCN Green List
4 new sites have been added to the IUCN Green List.
- A global programme of certification aiming to achieve and promote effective, equitable, and successful protected and conserved areas.
- Highlights best practices, and sets benchmarks for progress in conservation management.
- Aligns with – Aichi Biodiversity Targets
PM Internship Scheme
Minister of Finance launched a dedicated mobile app for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS).
- A scheme aiming to provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth (aged 21 to 24) in India’s top 500 companies over 5 years
- Launched in – 2024
- Ministry – Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- Objective – To bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements and enhances employability of participants
- 12-month paid internships with monthly financial assistance of ₹5,000 per intern, and a one-time financial assistance of ₹6,000.
Microprocessors
ISRO and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) of Chandigarh have developed 32-bit microprocessors VIKRAM3201 & KALPANA3201 for space applications.
- A multipurpose, programmable, and clock-driven electronic device that performs computations and operations based on instructions.
- Structure – Comprised of millions of transistors, resistors, and diodes; these components are integrated on semiconductor IC (Integrated Circuit) chips, forming the core of the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
- Key Components –
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles mathematical and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Directs and coordinates the processing of instructions.
- Register Array: Small storage locations within the CPU used for quick data access.
- Functionality – Reads binary instructions from Memory; Processes input binary data, performs computations, and provides outputs.
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Peace agreement finalised, marking a significant step towards ending hostilities over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
- Conflict area between Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Origin – During the Soviet era, Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region in muslim dominated Azerbaijan, but its Armenian population (Christian) sought unification with Armenia.
- India’s position – India has not taken sides but supports a diplomatic resolution via the OSCE Minsk Group.
- Armenia and Azerbaijan are part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a key project for India’s trade routes.
Bureau of Indian Standards
BIS cracks down on E-Commerce platforms selling unsafe Non Certified products.
- A National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016.
- Mandate – Harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
- Composition – 25 members representing both Central and State governments.
- Headquarters – New Delhi