31st January 2023 (8 Topics)

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Short News Article

Environment

Munroe Thuruthu: The sinking island of Kerala

A recent study revealed anthropogenic interventions as the main reason for the plight of Munroe Thuruthuresidents, Kerala’s first set of climate refugees.

Munroe Thuruthu is slowly going under water
Munroe Island is located 27 km away from the heart of Kollam.
It is a string of eight islets at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada river.
The island’s decline began with the construction of the Thenmala dam.
Located 70 km away and constructed in the 1960s under the Kallada Irrigation Project, the dam blocked the flow of fresh water as a result of sediments from the Kallada river — the main determinant of the land’s fertility.
Today the whole area has turned saline.

Environment

Red-headed vulture finally seen

For the first time since 2017, birders spotted a red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) in the Bhatti mines area of Delhi.

The red-headed vulture species feed on carcasses of medium sized and large mammals.
Family: The red-headed vulture belongs to the family Accipitridae.
Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus
Habitat: These red-headed vulture species are distributed in Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
Size: The red-headed vulture is a large bird, measuring 75 to 85 cm in length and weighing 3,500 to 5,500 grams.
IUCN Status: The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these bird species and has listed them as "Critically Endangered".

Science & Technology

IOC starts exportation of aviation gasoline

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has started the exports of aviation gasoline, which is used to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small planes.

Aviation gasoline is a high-octane aviation fuel with superior performance and quality standards compared to imported fuels.
Usually, flying schools use this fuel for piston-engine aircraft.
The gas is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will benefit around 35 flying schools in the country.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used in modern warfare, including in Russia-Ukraine, so the development marks an important milestone for India from the perspective of defense preparedness.
The beginning of fuel exports marks the entry of India into an estimated $2.7 billion global market.

Polity & Governance

Air Marshal A.P. Singh to be new Vice Chief of IAF

Air Marshal A P Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, officials said on January 30, 2023.

He will succeed Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, who will retire from service on January 31, 2023.
Air Marshal A P Singh is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command. He will take charge as the Vice Chief on Wednesday, the officials said.
He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 21, 1984.
Air Marshal A P Singh is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.

Science & Technology

Exercise Topchi 2023

This year’s edition of Exercise Topchi was recently conducted.

Indigenously manufactured weapon systems were the highlight of the Indian Army’s ‘Exercise Topchi’.
Exercise Topchi is an annual firepower demonstration and training exercise.
This edition of “Exercise Topchi” showcased the integrated employment of firepower and surveillance assets to include guns, mortars, rockets, drones, and aviation assets.
In line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the highlight of the exercise was display and firing by indigenously manufactured artillery equipment viz K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, Indian field gun (IFG)/ light field gun (LFG) system and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers.