Oceanic Nino Index
Recently, the impact of El Nino and La Nina on the Indian monsoon is being studied.
- A vital index to study the dynamics of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
- Prepared by – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (US agency)
- Represents the rolling 3-month average temperature difference in the surface waters of the east-central tropical Pacific, near the International Dateline.
- Index values of +0.5 or higher indicate El Niño. Values of -0.5 or lower indicate La Niña
Exercise Varuna
Indian Navy to participate in 2024 edition of ‘Exercise Varuna’.
- Bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
- 2024 edition will be conducted in Mediterranean Sea.
Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas
VISHANU YUDDH ABHYAS, a mock drill on Pandemic Preparedness conducted under National One Health Mission (NOHM).
- Purpose – To assess the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) involving experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
- Stakeholders – Involved multiple national and state agencies including ICMR, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, state administrations etc.
National Test House
NTH signed MoU with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to promote energy efficiency in India.
- A premier institution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
- India’s largest multi-location multidisciplinary testing laboratory under the Central Government.
- Provides assistance to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- 1st Government Body to Certify Drones in India.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation
Recently, World Bank projected a decline in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in Indian Economy for FY25.
- Acquisition of produced assets (including purchases of second-hand assets), including production of such assets by producers for their own use, minus disposals.
- “Produced assets” means only those assets that come into existence as a result of a production process.
- It therefore does not include, the purchase of land and natural resources.
- Includes assets intended for use in production of other goods and services for a period of more than a year.
- E.g., construction of roads, railways, etc.