Affairs:
- Mangroves are like natural walls that protect coastlines from the force of the ocean. Scientists have shown that they are very effective at reducing damage from storms and tsunamis. We should be planting more mangroves to protect our coastlines.
- The Indian government is changing how it taxes virtual digital assets (VDAs), like cryptocurrencies and NFTs, to prevent misuse and improve tax compliance. The government is making it clear that all income from crypto assets needs to be reported for taxes. If you don't report it, you'll face high taxes and penalties. They're also making companies report crypto transactions to make it easier to track and tax these assets.
- Scientists have made a major breakthrough by successfully treating a baby with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) while still in the womb. Doctors have found a way to treat a serious muscle-wasting disease in babies before they are even born! This is a huge step forward in treating SMA and could give babies with this condition a much better chance at a healthy life.
- The Indian Navy has given a decommissioned ship, Ex INS Guldar, to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC) to turn it into an underwater museum and artificial reef. The Indian Navy is sinking an old ship to create an underwater attraction for tourists and a home for sea creatures. This will help the environment, bring in tourism money, and provide a place for the Navy to train divers.
- India is trying to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, but there are challenges in using new technology to help with screening. There are new AI tools that can help find TB faster and cheaper, but the government is taking too long to use them. This is slowing down the fight against TB in India.
- The long-standing border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has flared up again after a bus conductor was attacked in Belagavi. This incident has stopped bus services between the states and highlights the deep-seated tensions over language and territory.
- Scientists from India have created the first detailed map of the Moon's south pole using data from the Pragyan rover, part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- Kerala is dealing with its trash problem by sending it to other states, but this isn't a long-term fix. They need to develop their own sustainable solutions, learn from successful local projects, and stop relying on temporary fixes. The massive fire highlighted the dangers of their current waste practices.
- The government lowered taxes for big companies a few years ago to try and get them to invest more. Now, they're wondering if it worked and if it was worth the loss of money. They're trying to figure out how to balance encouraging businesses with having enough money for important government services.
- The EU is taking precautions about caffeine, especially in its use as a pesticide. While your daily cup of coffee is probably safe, they want to make sure people are aware of the potential risks of consuming too much caffeine, especially in high-concentration products like energy drinks. They are not banning your morning coffee.
- India is trying to use less imported fertilizer by encouraging farmers to use a cheaper and more balanced fertilizer called APS. They're also promoting other types of fertilizers to help farmers use nutrients more effectively and improve crop yields.
- India is emphasizing the importance of cooperation and shared goals in rural development through the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO). At a recent AARDO meeting, they highlighted the need for collective action to improve the lives of rural communities in Asia and Africa.
- The COP16 biodiversity conference is resuming in Rome to address funding and policy commitments for protecting nature. Countries are meeting to figure out how to fund and implement plans to protect the planet's diverse life. They need to raise a lot of money and create systems to track their progress, ensuring everyone, especially local communities, is involved in these important decision