Pelagic Birds
Breeding colonies of Pelagic birds were recorded on sandbars of Adam’s Bridge.
- Birds that spend a large portion of their lives on the open ocean.
- Reach towards land during high winds and storms.
- Greatly in size and excellent swimmers; Have exceptionally long thin wings that allow them to fly for long periods without rest.
- Have a special salt gland that extracts salt from the seawater.
- Examples – Bridled Tern, Saunder’s Tern, Little Tern, etc.
Soil liquefaction
India’s National Centre for Seismology says soil liquefaction caused severe damage in Myanmar.
- A phenomenon where a block of soil behaves as a liquid instead of a solid.
- Occurs when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking.
- If occurred beneath buildings and other structures, it can cause major damage during earthquakes.
Asbestos
Govt bans use of asbestos in KVs, Navodaya Vidyalayas.
- A naturally occurring mineral.
- Resistant to heat and corrosion.
- Used in – insulation and automotive parts, construction materials, and floor and roof tiles etc.
- Can causes Cancer and Asbestosis
- Major Areas – Russia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and China.
INIOCHOS 25
Indian Air Force to Participate in Multinational Air Exercise in Greece.
- An annual multinational air exercise hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force.
- Serves as a platform for air forces to hone their skills, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties.
Exercise Indra
14th Edition of Exercise INDRA is taking place in Chennai
- A bilateral naval exercise between India and Russia
- Taking place since 2003.