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US envoy Amos Hochstein underscores the need for diplomatic resolution to quell rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along the Blue Line, UN-demarcated boundary separating Lebanon and Israel. Established in 2000 after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the Blue Line aims to prevent conflicts and facilitate security arrangements in the region.

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Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated India’s first FutureLABS center at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Thiruvananthapuram, focusing on semiconductor chip and strategic electronics. It aims to foster chip design, manufacturing, and research. Collaboration with the Ministry of Railways for electric locomotive technology development was announced, along with an MoU with Tata Power for microgrid tech. Moreover, the electric vehicle wireless charger technology developed by C-DAC(T) and VNIT Nagpur will be transferred to BelRise Industries Limited. Over 100 students were briefed on opportunities provided by the center.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new scorpion species with 8 eyes and 8 legs in Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park. Named Euscorpiops Krachan, it belongs to the subgenus Euscorpiops. Found during a wildlife expedition near the Tenasserim Mountain Range, the species was uncovered beneath a rock during a camping trip. This finding highlights the park’s biodiversity and underscores the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts.

Notes:
The University of Mauritius awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law to Indian President Smt Droupadi Murmu on March 12, 2024. President Murmu emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future, highlighting India’s commitment to youth empowerment and the transformative impact of education. She praised Mauritius as a valued partner in education and regional cooperation, with hundreds of Mauritian students benefiting from Indian programs annually.

Notes:
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW’s) report on used water management spotlights Haryana, Karnataka, and Punjab as leaders in the country. Urban water demand rises while groundwater levels dwindle. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) require enhanced treatment and reuse infrastructure. Financial constraints hinder 90% of ULBs. Merely 28% of 72,000 million liters of used water is treated. CEEW proposes a Municipal Used Water Management (MUWM) Index to prioritize treatment and reuse, aiming to address the pressing water crisis.