Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

• Conference serves as a crucial platform to implement the newly adopted APoA..

About APoA:

• Adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in December 2024
  • Offers a comprehensive framework to tackle persistent development challenges faced by LLDCs.
• Key deliverables include:
  • Establishment of Regional Agricultural Research Hubs to strengthen food security;
  • Launch of an Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility to mobilize critical funding;
  • Development of a UNFCCC Negotiating Body to advance trade and climate resilience etc.

A new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats.

About Lichen

• Lichen refers to a symbiotic association of two components, a fungus, the ‘mycobiont’, and at least one photosynthetic organism, the ‘photobiont’, consisting of a micro alga (usually a green alga) or cyanobacterium, or both.
• Lichens are very useful as a source of drugs, medicines, perfumery, food stuff, dyes, bio-monitoring and other useful compounds.
• These invade bare areas and contribute to soil formation.
• They are used as Bio-monitors for Air pollution.

Parliament Clears Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 to Boost India’s Coastal Economy.

• The bill was proposed for adoption by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
• It aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign vessels.

Key features of Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025

• Simplify and modernise the legal framework which govern coastal shipping.
• National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan offers a long-term policy and infrastructure roadmap.
• National Database for Coastal Shipping provides real-time, transparent data to guide investors and planners.

Second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme –SheLeads was inaugurated in India.

SheLeads:

• It is aimed to advance gender equality in public and political leadership by supporting women leaders to participate in elections.

About UN Women:

• UN Women is the lead UN entity on gender equality, created in July 2010
• It exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.
• Key focus area
  • leadership,
  • economic empowerment,
  • freedom from violence, and
  • women, peace and security as well as humanitarian action.

USA will impose additional 25 percent ad valorem duty above the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India.

• Ad Valorem’ is a Latin word meaning ‘According to Value’.
• Ad Valorem’ is a duty levied as a percentage of value of the services or goods being imported, rather than on their weight or the number of units.

The starfish were dying due to bacterium Vibrio pectenicida, related to the bacteria causing cholera in humans.

About Starfish

• Belong to a large group of marine animals known as echinoderms. Also known as ‘Sea Stars’ (Because of their shape).
• Feeding: Starfish are mostly predators and feed on invertebrates such as mussels and clams.
• Regeneration: Most species of starfish can regenerate, or regrow, damaged or lost arms.
• Circulatory System: No blood; transport of nutrients and oxygen is via seawater in the water vascular system.
• Ecological Role: Important predators in marine ecosystems, helping maintain the balance of species.

According to a study India contributes to 4% of production of four Virgin Polymers with China being the largest producer.

About Virgin Polymers

• Virgin polymer refers to a plastic material that is produced directly from raw petrochemical feedstocks like natural gas or crude oil, and has not been previously used or processed.
• Examples: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC).
• Uses: Packaging materials,  automotive components, textiles, medical equipment, and consumer goods.
• Advantages: Offer uniform properties, free from impurities & superior mechanical strength.
• Issues: Considered harmful for environment, Higher carbon footprint compared to recycled polymers, Relies on non-renewable fossil resources etc.

India’s first ever discovery of Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide at Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of the Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh. 

Applications of Ni-Cu-PGE:

• Nickel: Used in stainless steel, alloys, and batteries (especially for EVs).
• Copper: Electrical wiring, electronics, plumbing, construction.
• PGEs: Catalysts, jewellery, electronics, and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Strategic Value: 

• Critical for clean energy technologies, EVs, and defence applications, making it a key mineral group for energy transition.