Mi-8, also known as Pratap, is a helicopter served the IAF since 1969.
It is commonly used as a transport helicopter and as an airborne command post, an armed gunship.
It has served the IAF in mainland India and the island territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
It has been deployed in various operations such as IPKF operation in Sri Lanka, UN Mission in Congo, Siachen etc.
The Indian Air Force is phasing out the Mi-8 helicopters.
Degradation of Plastic Bags
A recent study has found that the plastic wastes which find its way to ocean are being shredded by marine organisms in to microplastics.
The marine wildlife is actually contributing to the spread of microplastics within the marine environment.
A marine organism “Orchestia Gammarellus”, an amphibod found in the coastal areas of Northern and Western Europe involved in breaking up of the plastic bags into microplastics.
Scientists examined the rate at which plastics were broken down by the marine organism.
They also found that the type of plastic such as conventional, degradable and biodegradable had no effect on the rate of ingestion by the organism.
Amphibod – They are microscopic Crustaceans inhabiting all parts of the sea, lakes, rivers, sand beaches, caves, and moist (warm) habitats on many tropical islands.
Asset Stripping
It refers to the practice of buying an ongoing business with the aim of selling off its individual assets to buyers in the open market.
It usually happens when a business as an ongoing entity is no longer able to operate profitably and add value to its existing shareholders.
Instead of incurring even more losses, it might be a better option for the shareholders to simply sell off its assets and realize its value.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
It is a paramilitary force that works under the command of the Union Home Ministry.
The CISF security consultancy wing was raised in 1999 which provide expert advice over 150 institutions such as IITs, IIMs, RBI etc.
It earns revenue through this service by charging consultancy fee.
Recently, it has extended its special consultancy wing services to the schools across the country to protect school children.
It will provide security suggestions to organizations and agencies to strengthen safety and security features.
Hambantota Port
Hambantota port is located in southern province of Sri Lanka.
It was formally handed over to China on a 99-year lease.
The lease is accordance to repay the $8 billion loan that the country owes to China.
China Merchants Port Holdings Company and the Sri Lanka ports Authority will own the port and the investment zone around the port.
The port city is twinned with Chinese city of Guangzhou since 2007.
Twin towns are a form of legal or social agreement between towns, cities, provinces, regions, states, and even countries in geographically and politically distinct areas.
It is intended to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures as an act of peace and reconciliation and to encourage trade and tourism.
World Heritage Tag
The Telangana government is planning to send a proposal to UNESCO to get “World Heritage Site” tag for Hyderabad.
Monuments which will be included in the file are Charminar, Golconda and Qutb Shahi Tombs.
Charminar was built by Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th Sultan, Qutub Shahi Dynasty in 1591.
Golconda fort was first built by kakatiya dynasty and later ceded to Bahmani sultanate in 1364.
Qutb Shahi dynasty of Bahmani sultanate expanded the fort which was finally came under Mughal ruler Aurangazeb.
Qutb Shahi tombs are located in Ibrahim Bagh close to Golconda fort.
