NaaS (Network-as-a-Service)
The market for NaaS in India is expected to expand from $1.18 billion in 2024 to $7.32 billion by 2029.
- Cloud service model in which customers rent networking services from cloud providers.
- Advantages –
- Provides the flexibility to pay for services based on usage
- Allows customers to operate the networks without maintaining their own networking infrastructure.
Liquid Nitrogen
The Commissioner of Food Safety in Tamil Nadu has directed officials to monitor use of liquid nitrogen in food items.
- Produced by – Compressing and cooling nitrogen gas below its evaporation point.
- Features –
- A colorless, odorless, non-flammable, non-corrosive and extremely cold element
- Inert cryogenic fluid with a temperature of −196 °C
- Applications – Freezing and transporting of food products, Cryotherapy, etc.
- Concern – Rapidly freeze skin tissue and eye fluid, resulting in cold burns and frostbite
Cardamom
Cardamom prices are rising rapidly.
- Referred to as – ‘Queen of Spices’
- Native to – Evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of southern India.
- Major producers – Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
- Favourable Growing Conditions – Loamy soil, which is usually acidic; Rainfall: 1500-2500 mm; Temperature: 15°C to 35°C
Atacama Desert
Researchers found a biosphere of extreme microbes 13 feet below the Atacama Desert which could inform the search for life on Mars.
- One of the driest coastal deserts
- Located between – Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean, along the narrow coast of northern Chile.
- Showcases unique combination of environmental extremes (extreme dryness, the highest UV radiation levels etc.)
- Used as an analog for studying harsh conditions of Mars.
Climate Promise Initiative
UN Development Programme unveiled Climate Promise 2025, next stage of its Climate Promise Initiative.
- Aim – To support developing countries on their climate action.
- World’s largest offer of support to developing countries on NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) enhancement and implementation.
- NDC – Each Party to Paris Agreement is required to establish an NDC, which includes targets for mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions and for adapting to climate impacts.