Short News Article

Published
2nd Jan, 2023

International Relations

Croatia becomes a fully integrated member of the EU

Croatia has switched to the euro and entered Europe’s passport-free zone – two important milestones for the country after joining the European Union (EU) nearly a decade ago.

About

The Balkan nation bid farewell to its kuna currency and became the 20th member of the eurozone.
It is now the 27th nation in the Schengen zone, the world’s largest passport-free travel area, which enables more than 400 million people to move freely around its members.
Croatia, a former Yugoslav republic of 3.9 million people that fought a war of independence in the 1990s, joined the EU in 2013.

Polity & Governance

Government launches ‘Prahari’ app for BSF Jawans

The government launched the Border Security Force (BSF) mobile app 'Prahari'. This app is a great example of proactive governance.

About

With the app, BSF soldiers can get personal and service related information, housing, Ayushman-CAPF and leave related information on their mobiles.
Soldiers can also get information on various welfare schemes through this app.

Environment

TN Launches Project To Protect Nilgiri Tahr

In India's first-of-its-kind initiative, Tamil Nadu launched the 'Nilgiri Tahr project' to restore the state animal's original habitat and stabilising its population.

Duration: Five-year
The initiative was devised in line with Project Tiger and Project Elephant.

About the Species

Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered wild goat species.
Local name: Varaiaadu
Habitat: The species was earlier found along the entire stretch of the Western Ghats, but they now remain restricted to small fragmented pockets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.- WWF data (2015)
- The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri Tahr.
Protection Status: They are protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972 and considered endangered by the IUCN.

Science & Technology

Ethylene glycol and the controversy behind it

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) initiated a probe into the claims of Uzbekistan that at least 18 children died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by an Indian firm.

What is Ethylene glycol?

Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the formula (CH?OH)?.
It is an odourless, colourless, flammable, viscous liquid. It is mainly used for two purposes
- as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibres
- for antifreeze formulations
In addition to its use in antifreeze, ethylene glycol is used as an ingredient in hydraulic fluids, printing inks, and paint solvents.
It is also used as a reagent in making polyesters, explosives, alkyd resins, and synthetic waxes.