Published on: July 1, 2024
Snippets : 1 JULY 2024
Snippets : 1 JULY 2024
- In 2023, India discovered 641 new fauna species (442 new to science and 199 newly recorded in India) and 339 plant taxa (171 new to science and 168 new to India). Notable discoveries include Capra himalayensis (a distinct Himalayan Ibex species) and Miniopterus srinii (a new bent-winged bat). Significant plant discoveries include Curcuma kakchingense (a new turmeric species) and Asystasia venui (a flowering plant). Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu were prominent in fauna discoveries, while West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttarakhand led in plant discoveries. Additionally, the Fauna of India Checklist Portal was launched, encompassing 121 checklists covering 36 phyla, providing data on 1,04,561 animal species, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched two geoportals developed by ISRO: “Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)” for rural land record management and “National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)” for disaster risk reduction. Bhuvan Panchayat empowers citizens with real-time data, reducing dependency on local administration, and promoting ease of living. NDEM provides space-based inputs on natural disasters, aiding in disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. These initiatives are part of ongoing reforms to integrate space technology in infrastructure development and disaster management, enhancing transparency and citizen empowerment. ISRO’s achievements include high-resolution satellite imagery and increased private sector participation.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a preliminary study on developing an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76, following the Defence Ministry’s approval, with substantial indigenous content planned; this effort continues the advanced technology vessel (ATV) project, which includes the Arihant series and nuclear-powered submarines, while an air-independent propulsion (AIP) module developed by DRDO awaits fitment on Scorpene-class submarines starting with Kalvari in 2025 to enhance endurance and reduce detection.
- General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande. Born on July 1, 1964, General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. Like the Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, he is an alumnus of the Sainik School, Rewa, in Madhya Pradesh
- India has won ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes after Red Bull’s triple world champion Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris collided late in the race while fighting for the lead
- Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has launched an advanced AI system named Pantera for early detection of forest fires. The system features a high-resolution PTZ camera with a 15 km visual range, covering over 350 sq km of the reserve. It operates from a control room in Kolitmara and integrates AI capabilities to differentiate between smoke and clouds, ensuring accurate fire alerts. Additionally, it uses infrared technology for night-time operation and integrates data from 15 commercial satellites for comprehensive fire monitoring. The system provides real-time alerts within 3 minutes of fire detection, integrates weather data and historical fire incidence for proactive management, and tracks resources using GPS.
- Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, mission deployed in the South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has reached Pearl Harbour in Hawaii to take part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.
- The IMF has released an AIPI Dashboard assessing AI readiness across 174 economies globally, categorizing them into Advanced Economies (AE), Emerging Market Economies (EM), and Low-Income Countries (LIC). Top performers include Singapore, Denmark, and the United States among AE, and India, China, and Sri Lanka among EM. Key areas assessed include digital infrastructure, human capital policies, innovation, and regulation. AI is expected to impact jobs significantly across all economies, with concerns over widening global inequality, prompting calls for inclusive policy design.
- Three new criminal codes will replace existing laws: IPC → Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), CrPC → Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Indian Evidence Act → Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). During the transition period till June 30, cases follow old laws; from July 1, new laws apply. Police face challenges with dual procedures for evidence collection and panchnama, requiring familiarity with both legal frameworks. Variability in court interpretations necessitates thorough training. Strict procedural compliance is crucial to avoid defense loopholes. Panchnama and evidence collection involve extensive digital documentation, posing integrity risks and budget constraints. Training includes phased, intensive programs from constables to SPs, supplemented by online sessions and awareness boards at police stations.
