AIM4NatuRe Initiative
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe).
- Launched by FAO on Earth Day 2025 to enhance global monitoring of ecosystem restoration.
- Objective: Supports Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework—restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
- Technology-driven: Uses satellite data, AI, and standardized frameworks for transparent reporting.
- Global impact: Expands FAO’s AIM4Forests program to include wetlands, grasslands, and marine ecosystems
Red crowned Roofed Turtle
At least 20 red-crowned roofed turtles were re-introduced in the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
- Freshwater turtle native to South Asia.
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered (IUCN), listed under CITES Appendix I.
- Habitat: Found in deep-flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites; National Chambal Sanctuary is a key habitat.
- Threats: Habitat loss, drowning in illegal fishing nets, poaching, and pollution
Tiexian Reef
China seizes disputed Tiexian Reef
- Part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island).
- Geopolitical significance: Recently seized by China, escalating tensions with the Philippines.
- Strategic importance: China claims it as a natural feature entitled to a territorial sea, boosting its presence in the region.
- Military context: Incident coincided with US-Philippines joint military drills (“Balikatan” exercises)
Bandar Abbas Port
Recently, a explosion took place in a shipment of “sodium perchlorate rocket fuel” (used in missiles) at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port, a part of Bandar Abbas Port Complex.
- Iran’s largest port
- Situated on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route.
- Economic role: Handles over four-fifths of Iran’s shipping activity and is a hub for oil exports.
Semi Cryogenic Engine
ISRO has successfully conducted the second short hot test of the semi cryogenic engine that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
- Combine the benefits of cryogenic and conventional engines, employing a cryogenic oxidizer (e.g., Liquid Oxygen), along with a hydrocarbon-based fuel (e.g., kerosene).
- A cryogenic engine utilizes liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer giving 100% efficiency without any greenhouse emissions or pollution.
- Aims to achieve a balance between performance and operational simplicity by blending cryogenic and non-cryogenic propellants.