Published on: September 10, 2024
Snippets : 9-10 SEPTEMBER 2024
Snippets : 9-10 SEPTEMBER 2024
- An aggressive weed, Mikania micrantha, is rapidly spreading in Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR), covering 10%-15% of the area and threatening biodiversity. Despite being known for its destructive impact in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park and India’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve, efforts to control the weed are stalled due to delays in fund release under Project Tiger. The spread of Mikania micrantha along with other invasive species is affecting native species like bamboo, raising concerns over increased human-animal conflict in Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts.
- Top seed Velavan Senthilkumar beat fourth seed Noor Zaman of Pakistan 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 in the final of the $12,000 Men’s ACE Challenger tournament in Kuala Lumpur for his ninth PSA title.
- Google has identified a foot road near Kasarkod Tonka in Honnavar as the ‘Olive Ridley Turtle Road’ and the adjacent sandy beach as a conservation area, a move that has pleased local fishermen and environmental activists. The 1.4 km-long road has been disputed for five years, as a private port company wanted to widen it for port access, while locals argue it is a key nesting site for the critically endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Scientists and visitors have tagged the area as a nesting site, possibly influencing Google’s recognition, which may aid future conservation efforts.
- Two new ginger species named Globba tyrnaensis and Globba janakiae have been discovered in the Double Decker Living Root Bridge area of Meghalaya.
- The United Arab Emirates has successfully completed the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.
- The BepiColombo spacecraft, a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), recently provided its first clear view of Mercury’s south pole. Launched on October 20, 2018, the mission is named after Italian mathematician Giuseppe “Bepi” Colombo and aims to study Mercury’s surface, composition, magnetic field, and its interaction with the solar environment. The spacecraft comprises two main components: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO), provided by ESA to map and analyze Mercury’s surface and composition, and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO), provided by JAXA to examine Mercury’s magnetic field and magnetosphere. The mission’s objectives include investigating Mercury’s geological history, studying its magnetic field and interaction with the solar wind, measuring its exosphere, and testing principles of general relativity.
- INDIA- USA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS -2024 COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN
- The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) is conducting its first Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme from September 9 to 13, 2024, in New Delhi. This five-day event is designed for Major Generals and equivalent officers from the Indian Armed Forces, as well as officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs. The CORE Programme aims to enhance senior officers’ leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and preparedness for future threats by focusing on jointness, integration, and modern military concepts, with discussions on topics like changing warfare dynamics, globalization, cyber warfare, and the impact of AI and autonomous systems.
- The Karnataka Cabinet approved “Nipuna Karnataka,” a state government initiative aimed at providing guaranteed employment through skilling programs that align youth skills with industry demands, especially in emerging technologies. The scheme has a total budget of Rs 300 crore, with Rs 100 crore from the state government and Rs 200 crore expected from corporate CSR contributions from companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. It focuses on equipping the youth with industry-relevant skills such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The program will target youth across Karnataka, including women returning to work after maternity breaks, and will be implemented through public-private partnerships with companies and educational institutions. The delivery mode (online/offline) is yet to be finalised, but it will be standardized across the state.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched in 2015 under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative, is a small-deposit savings scheme to promote education and savings for girl children. Accounts can be opened in authorized banks or post offices for girls under 10 years, with a maximum of two accounts per family. Deposits range from ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh annually for 15 years, with the account maturing after 21 years. Withdrawals up to 50% are allowed for education after age 18 or completion of 10th grade. Tax benefits include deductions under Section 80C and tax-free interest and proceeds. Starting from October 2024, accounts under non-legal guardians must be transferred to legal guardians, and excess accounts will be closed.
- India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’ at Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, highlights the importance of conserving non-tidal freshwater wetlands to tackle climate adaptation and resilience challenges. Teal carbon is stored in wetlands through vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter, helping to sequester carbon and regulate greenhouse gases. However, degraded wetlands can emit methane and carbon dioxide due to pollution, land use changes, and water extraction. The study calls for holistic nature-based solutions like reducing methane emissions through biochar, improving water management, and selecting suitable vegetation for better flood mitigation and climate resilience.
- India reported its first confirmed case of mpox, a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There are two clades of the virus: Clade I (Central Africa) and Clade II (West Africa), with India’s case involving Clade II. Mpox presents symptoms like skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and spreads via direct contact with body fluids, lesions, or contaminated items. There is no specific treatment for mpox, but early supportive care helps manage symptoms.
- The Indian Navy launched two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft vessels, INS Malpe and INS Mulki, at Cochin Shipyard. These vessels measure 78 meters in length, 11.36 meters in width, and have a draught of 2.7 meters. They can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots, covering up to 1,800 nautical miles with a displacement of approximately 900 tonnes. Armed with torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, and a close-in weapon system, these vessels are designed for anti-submarine warfare, mine-laying, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations. They will replace the in-service Abhay-class corvettes and are equipped with indigenous sonar technology.
- The Swachh Vayu Survekshan Award 2024, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), ranks 130 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities to track progress in reducing air pollution by 40% by 2025-26. The initiative, started in September 2022, aims to raise awareness about air quality, assess city comparisons, and contribute to the goal of clean air for all. Cities are evaluated through the PRANA portal, and awards are presented in three categories based on population size, with winners like Surat, Firozabad, and Raebareli receiving cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
