Small Hive Beetle
Small Hive Beetle (Aethinatumida), was recorded for the first time in India in West Bengal.
- An invasive pest affecting honeybee colonies.
- Impact – Feeds on honey, pollen, and bee brood, leading to honey contamination and colony collapse.
- Native to sub-Saharan Africa, now found in regions like North America, Australia, and recently India.
- Control Measures – Includes biological (e.g., fungi), cultural (hygienic practices), and chemical strategies.
Gas Hydrates
China is constructing the world’s first permanent undersea research station to study gas hydrates, a potential energy source larger than the Persian Gulf’s oil reserves.
- Ice-like crystalline solids where gas molecules (e.g., methane) are trapped in water cages.
- Found in marine sediments and permafrost regions; significant deposits exist globally.
- Significance – Potential energy resource, but methane release poses environmental risks.
- Applications – Studied for energy extraction, carbon capture, and climate change mitigation.
Project Varsha
INS Varsha, under Project Varsha to be operational by 2026
- A classified Indian naval project to establish a nuclear submarine base near Rambilli, Andhra Pradesh.
- Features – Includes underground pens and tunnels for stealth operations in the Bay of Bengal.
- Enhances India’s maritime defense and second-strike nuclear capability.
- Timeline – Expected commissioning by 2026, with phased expansions planned.
FCRA
According to Ministry of Home Affairs anyone registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) needs to obtain prior permission for accepting any foreign contribution.
- Purpose – Regulates foreign contributions to ensure they are used for legitimate purposes in India.
- Applicability – Applies to NGOs, associations, and individuals receiving foreign funds.
- Key Provisions – Requires registration, annual reporting, and adherence to specific utilization norms.
- 2020 Amendment – Prohibited domestic transfer of foreign funds, limited administrative expense of organizations receiving foreign funds to 20%, etc.
- Prohibited from receiving foreign contributions – Election candidate, MLA, Political Party; Public servants, Judges etc.
Bear Market
The S&P 500 (stock market index that tracks the performance of the largest 500 publicly traded US companies) has briefly entered bear market territory for the first time since 2022.
- A market condition where stock prices fall by 20% or more from recent highs.
- Causes – Triggered by economic slowdowns, investor pessimism, or geopolitical events.
- Impact – Leads to reduced investor confidence, lower household wealth, and economic contraction.