Info Nuggets
Teesta Dam
The Teesta Dam is a proposed hydroelectric project on the Teesta River in Sikkim, India. It aims to generate significant electricity, aiding regional development and supporting India's power needs. However, it raises concerns about environmental impact, displacement of communities, and regional geopolitical tensions with neighboring Bangladesh.
Blue hole
A Blue Hole is a large, underwater sinkhole or vertical cave, typically found in coastal areas. These natural formations are often circular, with striking blue water due to the deep, clear depths. Blue Holes are significant for their unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and geological importance, often attracting divers and researchers. Examples include the Blue Hole in Belize and the TaamJa' Blue Hole in Mexico.
Chernobyl disaster
The mishap occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. A reactor explosion released large amounts of radioactive particles, contaminating nearby areas and affecting Europe. The disaster caused immediate deaths and long-term health issues, leading to widespread environmental damage. It exposed severe flaws in nuclear safety protocols, prompting global nuclear policy reforms and improved safety measures.
Sagar Island
Located in the Bay of Bengal, the island is part of West Bengal, India. It holds religious significance, being home to the famous Ganga SagarMela, attracting thousands of pilgrims. Sagar Island is a part of Sundarbans,it does not have any tiger habitation or mangrove forests or small river tributaries as is characteristic of the overall Sundarban delta.
NCW
The National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1992, is a statutory body aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of women in India. It works towards addressing issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, and advocating for women’s empowerment. The Commission reviews laws, makes policy recommendations, and helps in redressing grievances. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is the current Chairperson of the NCW.
Space sail
China’s SpaceSail project, part of its efforts to dominate global satellite internet services, aims to deploy a constellation of thousands of satellites. With the first batch launched in 2024, it seeks to offer worldwide broadband coverage and expand China's influence in the digital space, competing with initiatives like SpaceX'sStarlink.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)
It is a temporary body formed by both Houses of Parliament to investigate specific issues of national importance. It comprises members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. JPCs examine issues such as financial irregularities, corruption, or policy matters and make recommendations to Parliament.
Abraham Accords
These are normalisation agreements signed in 2020 between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and later Sudan and Morocco. Facilitated by the US, these accords aim to promote peace, economic cooperation, and security in the Middle East, marking a significant shift in regional diplomatic relations.
Palk Bay
It is a shallow water body situated between the Tamil Nadu coast of India and the Jaffna Peninsula of Sri Lanka. It plays a key role in regional geography and maritime activities, especially fishing. The bay is strategically important due to its proximity to the Palk Strait, with implications for India-Sri Lanka relations concerning fishing rights, boundary disputes, and environmental conservation.
