Pyromes
Forest fire CO2 emissions increased 60% globally since 2001
- Regions where forest fire patterns are affected by similar environmental, human, and climatic factors
- It thus reveals the elements pushing recent increases in forest fires.
- Reflects the idea that fire behaves differently across various ecological zones.
European Sky Shield Initiative
Switzerland joins European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
- Genesis – Founded in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine
- A German led European Iron Dome-style defence system.
- Aim – Bolstering Europe’s defence against air strikes
- Members – 21 member states, including the UK
- At the heart of this initiative is the Arrow 3, an Israeli-American missile defence system
Trojan Asteroid
Discovery of a Trojan asteroid (2019 UO14) for Saturn establishes the presence of celestial bodies alongside all giant planets (Jupiter, Neptune & Uranus).
- Occupy a stable Lagrange Point (Usually L4 and L5) in a planet’s orbit around the sun.
- Lagrange Point – A position in space where objects stay in a relatively stable position without drifting away.
- Mission Lucy (launched in 2021) – 1st mission to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids
Locusts
Farmers in Kerala are experiencing the menace of locust infestation.
- Short-horned insects similar to grasshoppers with highly migratory habits.
- Exhibit voracious feeding behaviour leading to food and fodder emergency.
- 4 species including Desert, Migratory, Bombay, and Tree locust are found in India.
- Preventive Steps – Use of Pesticide like Malathion
Inter Parliamentary Union
Recently, 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) concluded.
- Global organization of national parliaments
- Began in 1889
- Objective – Facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empower parliaments to promote peace and democracy around the world.
- Members – 180 Members (Including India)
- HQ – Geneva, Switzerland