Miombo forest
FAO and AICS have signed two agreements to protect the miombo forest and boost trade in the Mozambique-Zimbabwe border region.
- Named after the Swahili word for the dominant Brachystegia tree species.
- Location – Central Africa.
- Bordering countries – Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Climate – Ranges from humid to semi-arid, and tropical to subtropical or even temperate.
- Soils – Generally nutrient-poor.
Silicosis
Researchers claim that present limits of daily exposure to silica dust can pose serious risks of developing silicosis.
- A long-term lung disease, caused by prolonged inhaling of crystalline silica dust.
- Impacts – Hardening of lungs, shortness of breath etc
- Has no cure.
- Silica – Naturally found in various types of rocks like quartz, soil etc.
- Permissible Exposure Limit for silica dust in India – 0.15 mg/m3
Gurmar
Researchers have discovered anti-diabetic medicinal herb Gurmar on Gaya’s Brahmayoni Hill.
- Perennial, woody climber found in central and southern India and tropical Africa.
- Properties – Extractions from it has antiobesity and antidiabetic properties
- Causes decrease in body weight and inhibits glucose absorption.
- Applications – Used in dietary supplements for reducing body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Spintronics
Researchers developed a transparent conducting interface between two insulating materials using spintronics.
- A technology that utilizes both the intrinsic spin of an electron as well as its charge in transport devices.
- They are of particular interest in field of quantum computing, nano-electronic devices and modern electronic storage devices.
Geneva Conventions of 1949
Geneva Conventions of 1949, the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, completed 75 years of their adoption.
- Deals with – Rules limiting the barbarity of war.
- 4 Conventions protects – Wounded and sick soldiers on land, Wounded and shipwrecked military personnel at sea, Prisoners of war, and Civilians.
- India has ratified all 4 Geneva conventions 1949.