Axis of Resistance
Experts believe that Iran can launch an attack on Israel through its ‘axis of resistance’ coalition.
- A network of autonomous militant Islamist groups led by Iran
- Origin go back to the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
- It includes Hezbollah (Lebanese Shia militant organization) Hamas (Palestinian Sunni militant group) Palestinian Islamic Jihad Houthis (Yemen militant group)
Green shoots
RBI held that India’s rural economy is playing the role of Green Shoots in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Sector.
- Signs that an economy or a sector is growing after an economic downturn.
- FMCG sector – Goods that are produced, distributed, marketed and consumed within a short span of time.
- Examples – detergents, toiletries, tooth cleaning products, cosmetics.
Perpetual Bonds
India’s first additional Tier I (AT-1) perpetual bond was issued after recent rule changes to make them more appealing.
- Fund-raising instruments that do not carry any maturity date as bonds usually do.
- Instead, they offer to pay their buyers a coupon or interest at a fixed date for perpetuity.
- Investors can get the principal back by selling the bond in the secondary market, or when the issuer decides to redeem the bonds.
- These bonds have an obligation only to pay interest and are not required to repay the debt.
Solar Paraboloids
Solar Paraboloid technology is being seen as the frontier technology in improving solar energy efficiency.
- Advanced form of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and operates using a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC).
- Consists of parabolic mirrors focussing sunlight onto the receiver tube placed at the focal line.
- Advantages – Ability to operate at high temperatures, higher thermal efficiency, reduced heat losses.
- Issues – High upfront costs, infrastructure requirements.
Cholera
Bharat Biotech launched its Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV), Hillchol.
- An acute diarrheal infection of the intestine caused by bacteria Vibrio Cholerae.
- Sources – Faecal contamination of water and food
- Causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
- Hillchol vaccine – Inactivated, single-strain oral vaccine suitable for children older than one year.