1. RESOLUTION TO AMEND WILDLIFE ACT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Kerala Legislative Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution urging the Central government to suitably amend the Wildlife Protection Act to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

The Resolution

• About: The resolution aimed at eliminating wildlife that trespasses on human habitations, imperilling the life and property of citizens, destroying crops, and preying on livestock.
• Wildlife Intrusions and Lethal Threats: The government's response to wildlife intrusions in areas adjacent to forests has led to lethal attacks on residents, prompting a call for legal updates.
• Empowering Chief Forest Conservators: The resolution urged the Central government to authorize Chief Forest Conservators to use lethal force against wild animals encroaching on residential areas and posing imminent danger to human lives.
• Wild Pigs as Vermin: The resolution advocated for wild pigs to be classified as vermin, emphasizing the need for the Central government to implement scientific and humane strategies to manage the wildlife population effectively.
• Criticism and Protection of Settler Farmers: The government faced opposition criticism for its alleged failure to safeguard the lives and property of approximately 50 lakh families, primarily settler farmers residing near forested regions in the State.
• Significance of Forests in the State: Given that forests encompass 30% of the State's geographical area, the resolution held paramount importance for addressing wildlife management and protection concerns.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• About: It establishes a legislative framework for the preservation of various wild animal and plant species. It also encompasses the management of habitats, regulation of trade in species' parts, and control of products manufactured from them.
• Classification under the Act: The act includes schedules categorizing plants and animals, subjecting them to different levels of government protection and oversight.
• India's Inclusion in CITES: The Wildlife Act played a crucial role in India's admission to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 48A of the Indian Constitution mandates the State to safeguard and improve the environment, including the protection of wildlife and forests. This provision was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

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2. INSAT-3DS Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Scientists tracking extreme climate affecting the country will soon be facilitated with improved satellite data and high-resolution images of the Earth obtained from the soon-to-be-launched INSAT-3DS.

INSAT-3DS

• About: INSAT-3DS Satellite represents a follow-on mission of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite from Geostationary Orbit.
• Orbit Adjustment: Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-stationary Orbit, optimizing its functionality.
• Funding and Support: The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), highlighting government support for advanced meteorological endeavors.
• Enhanced Capabilities: The mission is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
• Augmentation of Services: The INSAT-3DS satellite will augment the Meteorological services alongside the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites, bolstering India's capabilities in weather monitoring.

The primary objectives of the mission are:

• To monitor Earth’s surface, carry out Oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance.
• To provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the Atmosphere.
• To provide the Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs).
• To provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.

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3. ULPIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Secretary, Department of Land Resources, rolled out National Generic Document Registration System (NDGRS) throughout Assam along with the launch of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) seeding of geo-referenced Cadastral Maps.

National Generic Document Registration System

• About: Initiated by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the NGDRS is a significant project aimed at transforming property and document registration across the country.
• One Nation One Software Initiative:, NGDRS serves as a common, generic application developed for registration departments nationwide, ensuring standardization and efficiency.
• Developers and Features:
• Developed by: National Informatics Centre Pune and is designed for use by sub registrars, citizens, and apex users in registration departments.
• Customizability and User Interface: NGDRS offers a highly configurable platform for states to create specific instances and customize the software according to their needs.
• Information and Restrictions: The ability to access circle rates for land, calculate property valuation, and understand land type.
• NGDRS also restricts transactions involving prohibited properties such as government land, tribal land, and mortgaged land, aiding buyers in making informed decisions.
• Streamlined Process for Citizens: With NGDRS, citizens can apply online for document submission, make instant payments, and schedule appointments, thereby minimizing the need for physical visits to the sub-registrar's office.

Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN)

• About: ULPIN, likened to "Aadhaar for land," assigns a unique 14-digit alphanumeric code to each surveyed land parcel.
• This eliminates ambiguity and prevents land fraud, particularly in rural areas with outdated and disputed records.
• Geo-Referencing: The identification relies on precise longitude and latitude coordinates, requiring detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps.
• This accuracy streamlines land management and reduces disputes by pinpointing exact land boundaries.
• Digitalization and Modernization: ULPIN marks a significant step forward in the DILRMP, a project launched in 2008 to digitize land records.
• It aligns with the vision of an Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS), enabling efficient land governance.

Benefits of ULPIN

• Accurate land statistics and accounting facilitate the creation of land banks, fostering improved land use planning.
• Improved transparency and reduced fraud attract investments and promote economic development.
• Streamlined land transactions benefit landowners, businesses, and the government.

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4. WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate eased to a three-month low of 0.27 percent (year-on-year) in January due to moderation in prices of food articles and manufacturing products, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

• About: The WPI is a gauge used to monitor and record fluctuations in the prices of bulk goods at the wholesale level within India.
• Published by: Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Base year: WPI has been revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017.
• Formula: WPI = (Total value of the basket of goods and services at current prices / Total value of the basket of goods and services at base year prices) x 100
• Component of WPI: Manufactured products = 65% approx (64.2% now)

oPrimary articles = 20% approx (22.6% now)

oFuel and power = 15% approx (13.1% now).

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• CPI calculates the average change in prices of goods and services at the retail (consumer) level. 

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5. WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the World Government Summit, Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up with the words 'Guest of Honor - Republic of India.

World Government Summit

• About: An annual global gathering since 2013, uniting world leaders, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders.
• Aim: To anticipate future opportunities and challenges while addressing pressing global issues
• Established: Under the leadership of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
• Held: Annually in Dubai, UAE.
• Theme: "Shaping Future Governments"
• Six Main Themes:
• Government Acceleration and Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence and The Next Frontiers
• Reimagining Development and Future Economies
• Future Societies and Education
• Sustainability and The New Global Shifts
• Urbanization and Global Health Priorities

Summit Objectives

• Explore the agenda of the next generation of governments.
• Focus on harnessing innovation and technology to address universal challenges.
• Champion the mission of shaping future governments and creating a better future for humanity.

Significance Of World Governments Summit

• Catalyzing Global Collaboration: The summit functions as a premier forum for international governance actors to synergize efforts, exchange diverse viewpoints, and navigate complex global dynamics.
• Humanitarian Conundrums: It facilitates the crafting of efficacious interventions for pressing development and humanitarian challenges.
• Forging Proactive Strategies for an Uncertain Future: The summit serves as a global platform for constructing proactive strategies to surmount emergent challenges and fostering social stability through the exchange of best practices.

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6. SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), first proposed in 2016, was meant to be India’s challenge to the dominance of the US in space launch services. But in the past two years, it has only seen two demonstrator launches.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

• Number of Stages: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage. 
• Payload: SSLV is capable of launching 500kg satellite in 500km planar orbit. 
• Small in Stature, Big in Potential: Compared to its ISRO siblings, the SSLV boasts a compact design and payload capacity. While the workhorse PSLV carries 1.75 tonnes, and the behemoth LVM3 manages a whopping 8 tonnes, the SSLV focuses on agility.
• Key benefits of SSLV: SSLV have Low cost, with low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, Launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.

oThe maiden flight of the SSLV in August last year was a failure due to vibration disturbance

oThe SSLV injected the ISRO's EOS-07 satellite, US-based firm Antaris' Janus-1 and Chennai-based space start-up Space Kidz's AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into a 450-km circular orbit.

• Global Competitor: Elon Musk’s SpaceX is the SSLV’s biggest rival.

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7. AHIDF SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, recently launched the realigned AHIDF Scheme and released the Radio Jingle on AHIDF at New Delhi. 

Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

• Launched: On 24th June 2020.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
• Objectives:

oTo help increasing of milk and meat processing capacity and product diversification thereby providing greater access for unorganized rural milk and meat producers to organized milk and meat market.

oTo make available increased price realization for the producer.

oTo make available quality milk and meat products for the domestic consumer.

oTo fulfill the objective of protein enriched quality food requirement of the growing population of the country and prevent malnutrition in one of the highest malnourished children population in the world.

oDevelop enterpreneurship and generate employment.

oTo promote exports and increase the export contribution in the milk and meat sector.

oTo make available quality concentrated animals feed to the cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig and poultry to provide balanced ration at affordable prices.

• Eligibility: Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), Private companies, Individual entrepreneurs, Section 8 companies, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. 

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8. AGATTI AND MINICOY ISLAND (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: After Prime Minister’s visit to Lakshadweep, India has decided to firmly extend its naval footprint by establishing naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands along with air bases in order to secure the vital sea lands of communication.

Agatti Island

• About: It is situated on a coral atoll called Agatti atoll in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
• Location: Situated 459 km (248 nautical miles) southwest of Kochi, Kerala, India.
• Area: 3.84 sq km.
• Economic Activities: Fishing, with Agatti and Minicoy being the only islands with surplus fish production.
• Coir (coconut fiber) and copra (dried coconut meat) processing.

Minicoy Islands

• Location: Minicoy Island, the southernmost tip of Lakshadweep, rests 398 kilometers (215 nautical miles) southwest of Kochi, India.
• Dimensions and Proximity: With a land area of 4.80 square kilometers, Minicoy boasts one of the largest lagoons in Lakshadweep. 
• Lies between: The island neighbors the bustling 9° Channel, a crucial shipping route, and lies approximately 130 kilometers north of the Maldivian archipelago.

Lakshadweep

• About: It is a union territory of India. 
• Islands: It is an archipelago of 36 islands serving as the maritime boundary between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east. 
• Located: It is located 200 to 440 km (120 to 270 mi) off the Malabar Coast of India.
• Largest island: Minicoy Island (south of the nine-degree channel).
• Some islands under the Lakshadweep Island: Kavaratti ,Agatti ,Minicoy, Amindivi ,Androth,Kalpeni,Pitti ,Suheli Par ,Keltan, Chetlat, Kadmat, Bitra Perumul Par, Bangaram.
• 8 Degree Channel: It separates the islands of Minicoy and Maldives.
• 9 Degree Channel: It separates the island of Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago.

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9. BAPS SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Prime Minister of India to inaugurate the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi in UAE, the 1st Hindu temple in the Gulf nation.

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple

• Architectural Style: Nagara, reflecting India's rich heritage.
• Materials: Exterior adorned with pink sandstone from Rajasthan, contrasting with the elegance of Italian marble interiors.
• Domes: Two central domes, aptly named "Harmony" and "Peace," symbolize interfaith co-existence.
• Wall of Harmony: A unique 3D-printed wall showcases the temple's construction journey through a captivating video.
• Seven Spires: Each represents one of the seven Emirates, signifying unity with the local community.
• Interfaith Bridge: Open to all, fostering understanding and respect among communities. Notably, land was donated by a Muslim king, with contributions from prominent figures of Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Parsi, and Jain faiths.

Key Architectural Features 

• Conception: A stone tableau portrays Pramukh Swami Maharaj's divine vision of the Abu Dhabi temple, conceived in 1997.
• Pillars: Both circular and hexagonal, a singular structure stands out as the "Pillar of Pillars," intricately carved with an astonishing 1,400 miniature pillars within its form.
• Deities: This multifaceted sanctuary enshrines revered deities from India's four corners, including Lord Ram, Shiva, Jagannath, Tirupati Balaji, and Lord Ayappa, fostering a spirit of universal devotion.
• Holy River: Encircling the temple, a sacred waterway carries the blessed waters of the Ganges and Yamuna, flowing serenely alongside a Varanasi-inspired ghat where devotees can perform ritual ablutions. The mystical river Saraswati is represented by an ethereal white light, adding to the spiritual dimension.

Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

• About: It  is a branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnavite Hindu sect. BAPS has a global network of approximately 1,550 temples.

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10. BUBONIC PLAGUE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Oregon Health Authority recently confirmed a rare case of the bubonic plague infecting a resident.

Bubonic Plague 

• About: It is an infection spread mostly to humans by infected fleas that travel on rodents. 

oBubonic plague is one type of plague. It gets its name from the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) caused by the disease

• Called: Black Death, it killed millions of Europeans during the Middle Ages.
• Caused by: A specific type of bacterium called Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis can affect humans and animals and is spread mainly by fleas.
• Symptoms: Fever, headaches, and vomiting,[1] as well as swollen and painful lymph nodes occurring in the area closest to where the bacteria entered the skin.
• The three most endemic countries:Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Peru.
• Presently, human plague infections continue to occur in rural areas in the western United States, but significantly more cases occur in parts of Africa and Asia.

The other types of plague are:

• Septicemic plague, which happens when the infection goes all through the body.
• Pneumonic plague, which happens when lungs are infected.

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