Published on: December 2, 2024
Snippets : 2 DECEMBER 2024
Snippets : 2 DECEMBER 2024
- The Forest Department is working to clear eucalyptus trees from nearly 800 hectares in the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary (RBS) in Haveri to help restore the habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The eucalyptus trees, which cover a significant portion of the sanctuary, have disrupted the natural grassland ecosystem essential for the GIB’s survival. Removing these trees will create open spaces for the bird, allowing it to monitor predators and find food. The removal is also beneficial for other species, such as blackbucks and wolves, which have been affected by the eucalyptus plantations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to restore the sanctuary’s ecosystem, with plans to clear 1,000 hectares by 2025, funded by the sale of the eucalyptus trees. The project also aims to reduce conflicts between wildlife and local farmers. Reintroducing the GIB to Karnataka is part of a larger conservation effort, with GIBs being bred in captivity to boost their population.
- The Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme is a government initiative aimed at enhancing horticulture productivity in India by ensuring access to high-quality, virus-free planting materials. With support from a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the program targets key objectives such as improving crop yields, promoting climate-resilient varieties, and implementing effective virus control measures. Its core components include the establishment of nine world-class Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) equipped with advanced diagnostic and tissue culture labs, a robust certification system for traceability and accountability, and affordable access to clean planting materials, with a focus on involving women farmers. The program, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), also emphasizes regional adaptation of technologies for diverse agro-climatic conditions across India.
- Cyclone Fengal made landfall in Puducherry on November 30, 2024. Cyclonic landfall occurs when a cyclone transitions from water to land, with the eye reaching the coast, as per the IMD. A cyclone may cause severe damage depending on its intensity, with potential risks like flying debris, flooding, and infrastructure disruptions. While landfall doesn’t necessarily mean a direct hit, the strongest winds can still impact coastal areas. Cyclones lose strength after landfall due to reduced moisture and surface friction. Landfall durations vary depending on wind speed and storm size. Cyclone Fengal, named by Saudi Arabia in Arabic, signifies cultural identity and adheres to international naming standards.
- National Pollution Control Day, observed annually on December 2, commemorates the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters caused by the leak of toxic methyl isocyanate gas in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which claimed over 15,000 lives and left lasting health issues for millions. The day highlights the importance of combating pollution, promoting sustainable living, and enforcing stricter industrial safety measures. The 2024 theme, “Clean Air, Green Earth: A Step Towards Sustainable Living”, underlines the urgency of reducing air and environmental pollution to safeguard future generations. Key pollution types, such as air, water, noise, soil, light, and thermal pollution, significantly impact ecosystems and human health, with air pollution alone accounting for 8.9 million annual deaths globally, as recognized by the UN.
- Karnataka’s Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage (DAMH) is set to declare 210 more heritage structures as state-protected monuments. These structures, including temples, precincts, and forts, have been identified across various divisions in Karnataka, such as Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Belagavi. The selection of these monuments is based on the criteria laid down under The Karnataka Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961. While this move is a step in the right direction, experts emphasize that mere declaration is not enough; the government must provide sufficient funds for restoration, conservation, and maintenance. Currently, 848 heritage structures are state-protected, and 608 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India
- Indian cricket administrator Jay Shah on Sunday took charge as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)
- One in seven pilots employed in six major Indian airlines is a woman, with IndiGo having the highest number of women pilots at 791, followed by Alliance Air, which has the highest proportion of women pilots at 17.36%. India has a total of 26,539 licensed pilots, with 1,767 being Indian women pilots, making up 15% of the country’s pilots, significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
- Two students from Bengaluru, Arham Nilesh Gada, a Grade 9 student, and Atharva Shastry, a Grade 7 student from National Public School (NPS), Koramangala, recently won the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC), an educational initiative organized by WWF-India. The challenge encourages students to explore wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainability through interactive quizzes and activities. Over four lakh students from more than 2,500 schools participated in this year’s event, with six teams reaching the national finals, including Arham and Atharva, who represented Karnataka. The national winners will compete at the WWGC international finals on December 12. Atharva, who has a deep fascination for reptiles, credited her success to her interest in the diverse world of wildlife, while Arham, inspired by the movie Jurassic Park, dreams of becoming a paleontologist. Their victory was a result of team efforts, with support from teachers, parents, and peers, along with regular mock quizzes to enhance their problem-solving skills.
- Former Australia batter Ian Redpath passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. He played 66 Tests and five ODIs in an international career that ran from 1964 to 1976.
- The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister recently wrote to the Prime Minister seeking the cancellation of rights granted by the Centre to a private firm to mine tungsten in Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block in Madurai district.
- The French President recently praised the more than 1,000 craftspeople who helped rebuild Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral in what he called “the project of the century”, five and a-half years after fire gutted the Gothic masterpiece.
- Recently, the 13th edition of Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra). It is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.
- Kerala’s Revenue department has initiated “Operation Smile” to provide land titles (patta) to the Koraga tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), residing in Kasaragod and Manjeswaram taluks. The Koraga tribe, primarily found in Kerala and Karnataka, has its own distinct language, 17 exogamous clans, and a matrilineal family system. Traditionally, they are agriculturists, relying on forest produce, and are known for their folk songs, dances, and rituals. By providing land titles, the Kerala government aims to secure the Koraga tribe’s livelihood, property rights, and overall well-being.
- The 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at Foreign Training Node, Pune today. The exercise will be conducted from 1st to 8th December 2024. The Cambodian Army contingent will comprise 20 personnel and the Indian Army contingent is also comprising 20 personnel from an Infantry Brigade.
