Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 04 Oct 2023
- 4 min read
Armageddon Reedtail
Recently in Kerala's Western Ghats, researchers from MIT-World Peace University have found a new damselfly species, naming it 'Armageddon Reedtail' (protosticta armageddonia).
- The species, 'Armageddon reedtail', was named to highlight the global decline of insects due to habitat loss and climate change, referencing the term "Ecological Armageddon."
- It is distinguishable by its dark brown to black body and vibrant greenish-blue eyes, with half of its eight abdominal segments marked by delicate pale blue markings.
- It thrives exclusively in primary montane streams under dense canopy cover.
- Damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (pair wings). They are similar to dragonflies, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies.
- Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.
SAMPRITI- XI Exercise 2023
The 11th edition of the annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, commenced on 3rd October 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This exercise, organized alternately by India and Bangladesh, highlights the strong bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
- SAMPRITI-XI is a 14-day exercise that aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies, share tactical drills, and promote best practices.
- The exercise will include a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), focusing on Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, it gives the UN Security Council the power to maintain peace.
- The CPX will emphasize decision-making after thorough deliberations.
- The FTX will validate grassroots-level operations through joint tactical drills for counter-terrorist operations, including hostage rescue, crowd control measures, and the use of helicopters.
- The two nations also conduct Naval Exercise Bongosagar.
Read more: India-Bangladesh Relations
World Animal Day
World Animal Day is observed on 4th October, serving as a global commemoration focused on the promotion of animal welfare and the protection of their rights.
- It serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and care for the diverse species that share our planet.
- The theme for World Animal Day 2023 is "Big or small, we love them all," emphasizing the importance of compassion for animals of all sizes.
- Its origins trace back to the visionary Heinrich Zimmermann, who initiated the event in 1925 and saw its recognition during a 1931 Congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy.
Read more: People Rights Vs Animal Welfare
Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Premium for India
Saudi Arabia, the world's second-largest oil producer, has reduced the premium charged on its oil exports to India in response to evolving global energy dynamics.
- The Asian premium, an additional fee imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Asian nations beyond the market-based selling price, has been a subject of concern for India. India has consistently advocated for the elimination of this premium and has even proposed the introduction of an 'Asian discount' instead.
- Notably, Saudi Arabia has recently reduced the premium to USD 3.5 per barrel from around USD 10 in 2022.
- This adjustment underscores the competitive dynamics in the oil market, where nations, including India and China, the world's second and third largest crude oil importers, have increased imports from Russia due to substantial discounts offered following the Ukraine conflict.
Read more: India's Oil Dependence
