Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 28 Jul 2023

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.

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.