National Science Day
National Science Day celebrated on February 28
- Commemorates the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by CV Raman
- Raman effect – When light hits a material, it interacts with its molecules and exchanges energy.
- As a result, some scattered light changes wavelength and color.
- The concept is used to explain blue color of oceans (due to sunlight scattering off water molecules) and blue sky (due to sunlight scattering off air molecules).
Bilateral Swap Agreement
India and Japan have renewed the $75 billion bilateral currencies swap agreement.
- Agreement between two central banks to exchange a cash flow in one currency against a cash flow in another currency according to predetermined terms and conditions.
- Help manage exchange rate volatility and provide liquidity during financial crises
Read on Currency Swap Agreement
Auroville Township
Auroville celebrated its 57th anniversary.
- Located in Tamil Nadu, near Pondicherry
- World’s largest and oldest intentional community (a planned residential community designed to have a high degree of social cohesion and teamwork)
- Founded in 1968, to put in practice the teachings of Sri Aurobindo
- Endorsed by UNESCO in 1966 as a project vital to humanity’s future
Cape Vultures
After 30 years, the Cape Vulture has been sighted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province near Mountain Zebra National Park.
- Exclusive to Southern Africa
- Found in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique.
- Feeds only on carrion, lives in groups, and is monogamous
- Listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red list.
Guduchi
Recent data shows a 376.5% rise in Giloy research over the past decade
- A climbing shrub
- Native to tropical India
- Has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.