UPSC Prelims Facts – 24 April 2024

UPSC Prelims Facts

World Military Expenditure Report 2023 released

  • Released by – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
  • Key findings –
    • India was 4th largest military spender in world in 2023 after United States, China and Russia.
    • In 2023, military expenditure by NATO member states reached $1341 billion or 55% of world spending.
    • World military expenditure, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and geopolitical tensions, reached to an all-time high of $2443 billion

Mount Erebus is expelling pockets of gas containing crystallised gold everyday

  • Active volcano in Antarctica and world’s southernmost active volcano.
  • One of several volcanoes forming Ross Island off the coast of West Antarctica.
  • Type – Stratovolcano composed of alternating layers of solidified ash, hardened lava, and rocks
  • Significance – Only volcano to emit gold in a metallic form.

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) achieved captive breeding of golden trevally.

  • Known as – Golden king fish
  • A reef-associated fish and lives in company of larger fishes like skates, groupers etc. 
  • CMFRI – Monitor and assess the marine fisheries resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
    • Works under – Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

ISRO celebrated Satellite Technology Day (STD) commemorating the 50th year of the Aryabhata

  • India’s 1st satellite (named after the famous Indian astronomer Aryabhata)
  • Launched in – 1975
  • Launched by – A Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar (Russia).
  • Objective – To conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics

Rare butterfly species Neptis philyra was recently discovered for the first time in India.

  • Discovered in – Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Commonly known as – Long-streak sailor
  • Generally found in – East Asia
  • Habitat- Evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *