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In recent days, there has been a growing concern regarding the misuse of Decentralised Finance (DeFi) for illicit activities, especially by terrorist groups that may use DeFi platforms to raise funds, build infrastructure, or expand their networks. About Decentralised Finance (DeFi) What is DeFi? Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is an emerging financial system that leverages blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to facilitate direct transactions between individuals and busines

Isobutanol

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is exploring the possibility of blending 10% isobutanol with diesel, as announced by the Union Minister for Transport recently. This research aims to improve fuel quality and reduce emissions in India's automotive sector. About Isobutanol Chemical Composition: Isobutanol, also known as isobutyl alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid with the chemical formula C?H??O. It is one of the four isomers of butanol and has a charact

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ?453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen its capital base and continue financing green energy projects across India. About Perpetual Bonds Definition: Perpetual Bonds (also known as perps or consol bonds) are a type of fixed-income security that has no maturity date. The issuer is

Biodiversity Heritage Sites

Recently, the government has declared 8.6 acres of green cover at Cantonment Railway Colony in Bengaluru as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This is the second BHS in the city after the Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK). This move is part of India's broader efforts to preserve ecologically significant areas and their biodiversity. About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are areas recognized for their rich biodiversity, which are being actively

AdFalciVax Vaccine

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) granted non-exclusive rights for its multi-stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, to five pharmaceutical companies. This development marks a significant step in India's efforts to combat malaria, especially the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths globally. About AdFalciVax Vaccine AdFalciVax is India’s first indigenous multi-stage malaria recombinant vaccine. It was

Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines has strongly reacted to China’s announcement of establishing a nature reserve in the South China Sea at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. This development has further escalated tensions between the two countries, both of which lay claim to the shoal. About Scarborough Shoal Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island by China, is a disputed atoll located in the South China Sea, roughly 220 kilometers west of the Philippines’ Luzon Island. Geograp

INS Aravali

INS Aravali is a major development in India's defense and maritime security strategy. Key Highlights: Location: The naval base is located in Gurugram, Haryana, strategically chosen to bolster India’s maritime infrastructure. Naming: It is named after the Aravali mountain range, symbolizing endurance and strength. Purpose: The base will play a crucial role in supporting naval information and communication centers critical to India’s maritime securi

Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG)

The Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) play an important role in supporting India’s internal and border security infrastructure. The latest update highlights the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) plan to expand the BWHG units along the India-China border, following the model of the India-Pakistan border. Key Details about Border Wing Home Guards: Purpose: BWHGs function as ancillary forces to the Army and other border forces, particularly during emergencies and in guarding

False Smut Disease

False Smut Disease has emerged as a significant threat to paddy crops in Punjab, especially at the critical maturing and harvest stages. The disease, caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens, is causing widespread damage to rice fields, leading to concerns over yield losses. Key Points about False Smut Disease: Causal Agent: The disease is caused by the fungus Ustilaginoidea virens, also known as Haldi Rog in local terms. It is sometimes referred to as Lakshmi disease or Oothup

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) is a groundbreaking mission designed to explore the boundaries of our solar system and provide new insights into solar wind, energetic particles, and space weather. Key Highlights of IMAP: Mission Goal: The primary objective of IMAP is to map the heliosphere's boundary, track energetic particles, and improve space weather forecasting. This is crucial for understanding how solar particles are energized and how the h