Exploring the ecological diversity in the Western Ghats of Kerala, researchers from MIT-World Peace University have identified a previously unknown damselfly species. The ‘Armageddon Reedtail’ (protosticta armageddonia) was named to stress the worldwide loss of insects due to environmental alteration and global warming, an event often referred to as “Ecological Armageddon.” This species is characterized by its dark brown to black body and striking greenish-blue eyes, accentuated with pale blue patterns on half of its eight abdominal segments. Its habitat is strictly restricted to original montane streams enveloped by a thick canopy cover.
Damselflies, belonging to the suborder Zygoptera or pair wings, resemble dragonflies but are noticeably smaller with slender bodies. They usually inhabit shallow freshwater environments, their long, filmy, net-veined wings making them elegant fliers.
SAMPRITI-XI Exercise 2023: Strengthening Indo-Bangladesh Defence Collaboration
The eleventh edition of the annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, kicked off on 3rd October 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This event, alternately hosted by India and Bangladesh, demonstrates the robust defence cooperation between the two nations.
SAMPRITI-XI, spanning 14 days, aims to improve interoperability among the two armies, exchange tactical manoeuvres, and endorse best practices. The exercises include a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), with emphasis on Sub-Conventional Operations according to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter – a regulation that empowers the UN Security Council to maintain peace. While the CPX focuses on decision-making post detailed discussions, the FTX validates basic level operations via joint tactical exercises for counter-terrorist operations.
World Animal Day: Global Call for Animal Welfare
World Animal Day, commemorated globally on 4th October, promotes the welfare and rights of animals. It serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s obligation to safeguard and care for the various species we share our planet with.
The theme for 2023, “Big or small, we love them all,” emphasizes compassion towards all animal species, irrespective of their size. The event traces its roots back to Heinrich Zimmermann, who initiated the commemoration in 1925; it was officially recognized at a 1931 Congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy.
Saudi Arabia Reduces Oil Premium for India: A Shift in Global Energy Dynamics
Saudi Arabia, ranked second among the world’s oil producers, has lowered the premium on its oil exports to India in response to changing global energy trends. The ‘Asian Premium,’ an extra fee imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Asian countries over the market-based selling price, has often been contested by India.
India has persistently advocated for the elimination of this premium and proposed an ‘Asian discount’ instead. Notably, Saudi Arabia recently slashed the premium to USD 3.5 per barrel from approximately USD 10 in 2022. This move signifies the competitive dynamics in the oil market where countries like India and China, the world’s second and third largest crude oil importers respectively, are increasing imports from Russia due to significant discounts offered in light of the Ukraine conflict.