Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 28 Jul 2023
- 4 min read
Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition
Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) during the 4th G-20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting in Chennai.
- The ECSWG aims to enhance cooperation among the G20 nations for a sustainable future.
- RECEIC, with 39 multinational corporations, aims to adopt resource efficiency and circular economy principles to address environmental challenges from waste.
- It focuses on tackling waste-related issues like plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
- India's efforts in mitigating plastic waste burdens through Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines are emphasized.
- 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste generated in India in 2021-22, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processors.
- 2.6 million tonnes worth of EPR certificates generated by plastic waste processors, with around 1.51 million tonnes purchased by PIBOs against 2022-23 obligations.
Read more: India's Circular Revolution
Impact of Pollen Diversity on Honeybee Diets
Researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife Research seek insights into the impact of pollen diversity on honeybee diets and their regulation of pollen collection and consumption.
- Honeybees balance their protein-lipid intake, ensuring they do not overconsume either nutrient beyond what is required.
- Inadequate nutrition and landscape transformations are two significant contributors to the decline of over 40% of managed honeybees in the United States annually.
- Nutritional deficits can have adverse negative impacts on bees and colonies.
- The researchers' primary hypothesis is that honeybees tightly control their multiple nutrient intakes using a two-level process.
- First, foragers judiciously gather pollen based on its nutritional content.
- Next, nurse bees selectively feed on accumulated pollen, or bee bread, to balance their nutrient intake.
- The findings of the research will equip beekeepers with valuable insights, enabling them to provide essential dietary supplements and improve the health of their colonies.
India Hosts Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023
Recently, the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 was inaugurated at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida.
- It is the first time India is hosting this event. The championship sees the participation of 15+ nations from Asia.
- India's weightlifters recently won a record-breaking 61 medals at the Weightlifting Commonwealth Championships.
Read more: Role of Sport in Aspirational India
FDA Approves Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Opill
The U.S. FDA recently approved Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
- Opill is a progestin-only pill that uses a synthetic hormone called norgestrel to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterus lining.
- Opill is advised for breastfeeding mothers, those intolerant to estrogen, and individuals with certain health conditions.
- It is not recommended to use Opill with other hormonal birth controls or as an emergency contraceptive.
Read more: Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021
