PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
A study by IIT Madras reveals the pervasive presence of PFAS in Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake.
- PFAS – Vast family of synthetic chemicals found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, upholstery, food packaging, water or stain resistant coatings, and industrial materials.
- Also known as – ‘Forever Chemicals’ since they do not degrade easily in the environment.
- Concerns – Adverse health effects such as liver damage, low infant birth weights, hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, immune system effects, and even cancer.
Changpa
The events of climate change have disrupted the normal life of the Changpa tribe.
- Changpa Tribe – Semi-nomadic tribes of Tibetan origin living in the plains of eastern Ladakh.
- Occupation – Majority of them are pastoralists and rear Changra goats that yield the Pashmina fibre
- Religion – Tibetan Buddhism
- Reboo – Conical yak-skin tents where the Changpas live in.
Kolkata Port
Kolkata Port registers a modest cargo growth in FY24, records 65 per cent jump in net surplus
- Also known as – Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port
- Significance – India’s oldest operating port and the only riverine major port located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Built by – British East India Company (1870)
- The port is now a statutory body under the Ministry of Shipping
Erez Crossing
Israel said that it will temporarily open the Ashdod port to receive humanitarian aid packages that will be transported to the Erez crossing.
- Erez crossing – Major checkpoint between Israel and northern Gaza.
- Also known as – Beit Hanoun Crossing
- Ashdod port – Situated in north of Gaza
- One of Israel’s main cargo ports and can handle more than 1.5 million containers a year.
Parivartan Chintan
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan to chair maiden ‘Parivartan Chintan’ being held in New Delhi.
- ‘Parivartan Chintan’ – 1st ever conference of the heads of all Tri- Services (Indian Army, Navy and Airforce) Institutions.
- Hosted by – Ministry of Defence.
- Objective – To generate new and fresh ideas, initiatives and reforms to propel jointness and integration efforts among the tri-services.