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Posted 23 Apr 2024

8 min read

Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023 Report

It was released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- Establishedin1966, it is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

Key findings
- India was fourth largest military spender in world in 2023 with an expenditure of $83.6 billion after United States, China and Russia.
- In 2023, military expenditure by NATO member states reached $1341 billion or 55% of world spending.
- World military expenditure, driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and geopolitical
  tensions, reached to an all-time high of $2443 billion.

Mount Erebus is expelling pockets of gas containing crystallised gold everyday which is worth around $6,000.
- Other volcanoes are known to emit gold, Mount Erebus is the only one to emit it in a metallic form.

About Mount Erebus
- It is an Active volcano in Antarctica and World’s southernmost active volcano.
- It is one of several volcanoes forming Ross Island off the coast of West Antarctica.
- It is a Stratovolcano composed of alternating layers of solidified ash, hardened lava, and rocks ejected by earlier eruptions.

Key Findings
- 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline.
- Extreme climate conditions exacerbated humanitarian crises, with millions experiencing acute food insecurity and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
- Greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, etc reached record high.

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) achieved captive breeding of high-value marine fish golden trevally.
It will help to promote sustainable seafood production and boost India's mariculture activities.

Golden trevally (or golden king fish)
- It is a reef-associated fish and lives in company of larger fishes like skates, groupers etc.
- Use: For consumption and ornamental purposes.

CMFRI:
- Monitor and assess the marine fisheries resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare .
- Joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967.

Rare butterfly species Neptis philyra was recently discovered for the first time in India.

About Neptis Philyra
- It has been discovered in Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary in lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is commonly known as long-streak sailor.
- It has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and yellow brown on the underside.
- It is generally found in east Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central and southwest China.
- Habitat- evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

C-CAMP has joined the Blockchain for Impact Biome Virtual Network Program to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions through biomedical innovation.

About C-CAMP
- It was conceptualised by Department of Biotechnology in 2009 as an enabler or catalyst of cutting-edge research and innovation in life sciences.
- It is also a member of Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC).
- Mandate: Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, through its involvement in Seed Funding Schemes for Startups, Entrepreneur Mentorship program and Bio-Incubation facility.

ISRO celebrated Satellite Technology Day commemorating the 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch in 1975.

About Aryabhata
- It was India’s first satellite, named after the famous Indian astronomer in the 5th century.
- It was built by the ISRO and launched by a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar (Russia).
- It aimed to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.

About Padma Awards
- Instituted in 1954, these are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on Republic Day.
- Given in three categories Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service).
- Given in various disciplines and fields like art, medicine, literature and education, sports etc.
- Normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, Government could consider giving an award posthumously.
- Award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to name.