Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) marks the 10th anniversary of the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (FERI).
- Launched as a partnership between the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and the CBD Secretariat.
- Implemented by – CBD Secretariat.
- Objective – To assist ecosystem conservation and restoration in line with Aichi Biodiversity Targets
- Supports the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)
NASA unveiled Prototype (called the Engineering Development Unit Telescope).
- Led by – ESA (European Space Agency) in partnership with NASA.
- 1st space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves.
- Gravitational Waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time emitted during the most powerful events in the Universe
SPICE E (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) 2000 Bomb
Israel launched a SPICE 2000 bomb to destroy a building in Lebanon.
- A guidance kit that can be attached to 2,0000-pound bombs to carry out precision strikes.
- Made by Israel’s government-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
- Key-features – Autonomous operation, Pinpoint accuracy and effective target destruction, Tactical flexibility in trajectory, Low collateral damage.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Kazan Declaration adopted by BRICS rejected CBAM, calling it discriminatory.
- European Union’s (EU) policy to impose a carbon tax on imports of certain products from countries with less stringent climate policies.
- Implemented in 2023
- Issue – It could create new trade barriers for exports from developing countries to the EU
Bihta Dry Port
New dry port inaugurated in Bihta near Patna.
- Situated in – Bihar
- Bihar’s 1st dry port
- Dry Ports provide a logistics facility away from a seaport or airport for cargo handling, storage, and transportation.