Kazan Declaration adopted by BRICS rejected CBAM, calling it discriminatory. 

About carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM)

• It is European Union’s (EU) policy to impose a carbon tax on imports of certain products from countries with less stringent climate policies. E.g. Steel.
• Carbon Border Tax aims to prevent companies shifting production to less-regulated countries.
• CBAM, implemented in 2023, moves from transitional phase to full enforcement by 2026.

India’s Concerns 

• It could create new trade barriers for its exports to the EU.
• CBAM tax burden would represent 0.05% of India's GDP (Centre for Science and Environment). 

Mormugao Port Authority has been recognized globally as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform.

• ESI is published by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) since 2011.
• It identifies ships that perform better in reducing air emissions than required by the current emission standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

About Mormugao Port:

• It’s a major port of India located in Goa,
• India’s first port to introduce Green Ship Incentives (Harit Shrey scheme) through the ESI.

Harit Shrey scheme (2023): Incentivises ships with favourable ESI scores; and its aim towards decarbonization and green shipping

Bihar’s first dry port also known as inland container depot (ICD) inaugurated in Bihta near Patna. 

• Dry Ports provides a logistics facility away from a seaport or airport for cargo handling, storage, and transportation. 

Significance of Bihta Dry Port

• Exports: It will boost exports, mainly agro-based, garments and leather products from Bihar. 
• Improved Logistics: It will streamline cargo handling and transportation, lowering transportation costs, and securing storage and handling.
• Benefits to adjoining states:  Catering to entire eastern India.
  • It is connected by rail to major gateway ports of Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam, Nhava Sheva, & major national and international trade routes.

31st edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is going on in Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam.

• SIMBEX, which began as 'Exercise Lion King' in 1994 is one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The Supreme Court (SC) observed that while Aadhaar card can be used to establish identity, it is not an authoritative proof for date of birth.

About Aadhaar Card:

• It is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
  • It can also be deactivated or omitted by UIDAI.
• It requires minimal demographic and biometric information.
• Aadhar is not a proof of citizenship or domicile.

Previous SC observations:

• Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than six months.
• Aadhar cannot be made mandatory for any services except welfare schemes.

The initiative was launched recently at a UN Security Council debate on women, peace, and security.

About “Common Pledge” initiative

• It is designed to bring together mediators, governments, and civil society to ensure the full, equal and meaningful engagement of women in peace processes.
  • It involves appointing women as lead mediators and including them in mediation teams.
• In line with landmark resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.
  • Resolution 1325-It was first formal acknowledgment of gender aspects of conflict, which emphasize women's vital role in peace building and conflict resolution.

Women from flood-prone Borchila in Assam are transforming water hyacinth into eco-friendly products and creating jobs under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.

• Water Hyacinth is a non-native aquatic invasive plant that has become widespread in India. 

Negative Impact of Water Hyacinth

• Water Quality Degradation: It deplete oxygen in water, harming aquatic life.
• Ecological Imbalance: It can outcompete native plant species, leading to a decline in biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems.

Positive Impact/Usage of Water Hyacinth

• It can reduce water pollution (Absorb heavy metals, toxins) and process animal feed, compost, and bioenergy. 
• It can be harvested and processed into eco-friendly products like crafts and furniture

Toxins from bacteria called microcystin can make animals and people sick when they come into contact with infected water of Lake Erie: Study

About Lake Erie:

• Lake Erie, fourth largest of the five Great Lakes of North America (Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron and Ontario).
• It’s the warmest, most shallow and most biologically diverse of the North American Great Lakes

• It forms the boundary between Canada (north) & US (west, south, and east).
• Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.