Taj Trapezium Zone
Supreme Court directed NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) to assess the impact of neighboring glass industry on Taj Mahal.
- A trapezoidal area around the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri to protect these monuments from pollution.
- Constituted under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, following a Supreme Court ruling in 1996.
- Industries in the zone were mandated to switch from coal/coke to cleaner fuels.
- Significance – Includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tobacco
Government has amended ‘Tobacco Board Rules, 1976’, extending the validity of registration for Virginia tobacco growers from 1 year to 3 years.
- India is the 2nd-largest producer of tobacco globally, with major production in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
- Tobacco Board: A statutory body established in 1976 under the Tobacco Board Act to regulate production, distribution, and export.
- Types of Tobacco: Includes Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, known for its flavor and aging properties.
- Tobacco contributes significantly to India’s agricultural exports, with major importers like Belgium and China
Vulture Conservation Centre
34 critically endangered vultures were transferred from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) in Pinjore (Haryana), to Maharashtra.
- Established to conserve critically endangered vulture species affected by diclofenac poisoning.
- Pinjore, Haryana hosts India’s first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC), with nine such centres nationwide.
- Vulture Action Plan: Launched for 2020–2025 to minimize diclofenac use and protect vulture habitats.
- Significance: Vultures play a crucial role as nature’s garbage collectors, preventing wildlife disease
Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent
Scientists have discovered a hidden continent beneath Greenland’s ice, called the Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent.
- A submerged microcontinent beneath the Davis Strait, separating Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland.
- Formation: Resulted from tectonic shifts millions of years ago, creating thick continental crust.
- Geological Features: Includes underwater basins and ridges shaped by tectonic movements.
- Significance: Enhances understanding of tectonic processes and continental drift in the North Atlantic
Arun 3 Hydroelectric Project
India-Nepal inaugurated commencement of electromechanical works at the Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project to ensure its timely completion
- A 900 MW run-of-the-river project on the Arun River in Nepal.
- Executed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis.
- Infrastructure: Features a concrete gravity dam, underground powerhouse, and a 317 km transmission line to India.
- Strengthens India-Nepal energy cooperation and contributes to regional development