Prelims Focus 1st April 2025

Centrifuge

In News: Iran’s uranium enrichment program has drawn global interest, with lots of superior centrifuges being deployed.

• • Centrifuges play a crucial function in uranium enrichment, which is important for nuclear electricity generation and weapon development.
  • Natural uranium contains 3% U-238 and only 0.7% U-235. Since only U-235 is fissile, it has to be enriched for use in reactors and guns.
  • Nuclear energy reactors require uranium with 3-20% U-235, at the same time as nuclear guns need 90% enrichment.
  • Iran’s uranium enrichment program has drawn international interest, with lots of superior centrifuges being deployed.

• About Centrifuge

• • A centrifuge is a device that separates substances based on density and the usage of centrifugal pressure.
  • Used notably in scientific research, clinical programs, and nuclear technology.

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

In News: A latest faunal survey carried out via the Forest Department, has stated 63 new species of odonates, butterflies, and birds in the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary.

• It lies within the Malappuram district in Kerala.
• Spanning about 227.97 sq.Km, the sanctuary is situated at the western slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.
• The forest regions of Karimpuzha WLS bureaucracy a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), diagnosed underneath the Man and Biosphere Programme of UNESCO.
• Karimpuzha WLS shares a boundary with Mukurthi NP (Tamil Nadu) at the jap aspect and Silent Valley NP (Kerala) on the southern aspect.
• The call ‘Karimpuzha’ is derived from the Karimpuzha River, a tributary of the River Chaliyar.
• The sharp topographical gradient of the hills starting from forty m to 2550 m is the primary motive for the particular biodiversity of the Karimpuzha WildLife Sanctuary.
  • The place merges with landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Steep hills, deep valleys, marshy lands, grasslands, and shola forests with hillocks, and perennial water sources blended with altitudinal versions make it a great habitat for a number of flora and fauna.
  • The nomadic tribe cholanaikans, cavemen of Kerala, are living in the Karimpuzha WLS.
• They are categorised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by the Government of India.
• Flora: It is the country’s only forest stretch in which seven forest sorts determined within the kingdom are all present, including evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, sub-tropical hill forest, sub-tropical savannah, montane wet temperate forest and montane moist grasslands.
• Fauna: It is domestic to numerous fauna endemic to the Western Ghats, including the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed macaque, narrow loris, tiger, gaur.

INIOCHOS-25

In News: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to participate in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a significant biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base in Greece from March 31 to April 11, 2025. 

• This exercise will involve air forces from 15 countries and is designed to enhance interoperability and tactical expertise among participating nations. 
• The IAF contingent will deploy advanced aircraft, including Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 aerial refuelers, and C-17 transport aircraft, to engage in realistic combat scenarios that simulate modern air warfare challenges. 
• The exercise aims to foster international military cooperation, refine joint operational planning, and exchange best practices in complex air operations. 
• By participating in INIOCHOS-25, the IAF underscores its commitment to global defense partnerships and operational excellence, thereby reinforcing India’s strategic ties with allied nations and enhancing its capabilities in joint operations.

Teesta River

In News: Bangladesh has officially welcomed China to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), a significant initiative aimed at addressing water resource management challenges in the region. 

• During a recent visit by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, to China, both nations discussed the potential for Chinese involvement in this ambitious project, which includes constructing a large reservoir, deepening the riverbed, and developing infrastructure along the riverbanks. 
• The Teesta River is crucial for irrigation and water supply in both Bangladesh and India, making this project strategically important. 
• Despite concerns from India regarding China’s growing influence in Bangladesh, Yunus emphasized the need for Chinese expertise and investment, particularly as Bangladesh seeks to secure a $725 million loan from China to support the project. 
• This collaboration aligns with China’s broader strategy of enhancing its presence in South Asia through infrastructure investments, further complicating regional dynamics as Bangladesh navigates its relationships with both China and India.

Download as PDF