theIASHub | 15 Jul, 2025 | 38
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Grassland Bird Survey Report: Recently, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve released its first-ever Scientific Survey Report on Grassland Birds, revealing a remarkable diversity of avian species.
o The survey documented 43 species of grassland-dependent birds, including:
- 1 Critically Endangered species
- 2 Endangered species
- 6 Vulnerable species
o These findings underscore Kaziranga’s floodplain grasslands as one of the richest avian habitats in India.
o Star Discovery: A breeding colony of the Endangered Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), locally known as Tukura Charai, was rediscovered in the Kohora Range—a significant indicator of healthy grassland ecosystems.
o Focus on Threatened and Endemic Species: 10 key species that are either globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains.
o Ecological Significance: It is the largest undisturbed and representative area of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains, playing a crucial role in ecosystem conservation.
o Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
o Flora includes dense elephant grass and swamplands enriched with aquatic plants like water lilies, hyacinths, and lotus.
o Fauna comprises several endangered species, including the one-horned rhinoceros (world’s largest population), Royal Bengal tiger, eastern swamp deer, elephant, wild buffalo, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, and Gangetic dolphin, making it a vital wildlife habitat.
Trade Watch Quarterly : Recently, NITI Aayog released the third edition of its flagship publication, Trade Watch Quarterly, for the third quarter of FY 2024–25 (October–December 2024).
- Merchandise exports grew by 3%, reaching $108 billion.
- Imports increased by 6.5% to $187 billion, widening the trade deficit.
- A robust services surplus of $52 billion, driven by 17% growth in services exports, helped offset the merchandise gap.
o Export Composition Trends: India emerged as the 5th largest exporter of Digitally Delivered Services (DDS), clocking $269 billion in 2024.
- Aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts entered the top export list with over 200% YoY growth.
- High-tech exports especially in electrical machinery and arms/ammunition, have grown at a CAGR of 10.6% since 2014.
o It aims to drive economic development, promote cooperative federalism, and enable state participation in national policymaking.
o Composition: → Chairperson: PM of India →Vice Chairperson: Appointed by the PM
→ CEO: Appointed by PM; holds Secretary rank
→ Full-Time Members: Subject matter experts in key fields
→ Ex-Officio Members: Up to four Union Ministers
→ Governing Council: Includes CMs of States, LGs of UTs, and PM (as Chair)
→ Special Invitees: UT administrators and domain experts
→ Regional Councils: Formed for addressing specific regional challenges
Operation Shiva : Recently, the Indian Army launched Operation Shiva to ensure the safe and uninterrupted conduct of the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir.
o The annual pilgrimage leads to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of around 3,888 meters, where a naturally formed ice Shivling symbolizes Lord Shiva.
o Focuses on securing both Northern and Southern Yatra routes amidst rising threats from Pakistan-backed terror proxies, particularly after Operation Sindoor.
o Over 8,500 troops have been mobilized, backed by advanced technology and logistics.
o Dynamic counter-terrorism grid is in place with prophylactic security & corridor protection.
o More than 50 Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and Electronic Warfare (EW) units have been deployed to neutralize drone threats.
o Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) conduct regular surveillance with live monitoring of the Yatra routes and the holy cave.
o Engineer task forces are engaged in track widening, bridge construction, and disaster mitigation.
o Over 150 doctors and paramedics deployed.
Quantum Noise : Recently, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, in collaboration with national and international researchers, conducted a groundbreaking study challenging the conventional belief that quantum noise always disrupts entangled states.
o Impact vs. Classical Noise: Unlike classical noise, which adds random errors to a signal, quantum noise has deeper, more complex effects, often altering the fundamental quantum properties of the system.
o Single-particle (intra-particle) entanglement is stronger: Entanglement within a single particle is more resistant to noise than entanglement between two particles.
o A specific type of noise called amplitude damping can not only damage but also create or bring back entanglement in single-particle systems.
o In contrast, entanglement between two separate particles only fades with noise and doesn't recover or form on its own.
o Scientists developed a formula to track and predict how entanglement behaves when noise is present. Entanglement within one particle decays more slowly compared to between two particles, across different types of noise.
o The behavior of entanglement under noise can be shown using simple geometric shapes, making it easier to understand. This form of entanglement can help build stronger and more reliable quantum computers and communication systems.
Ordinarily Resident : Recently, the Election Commission of India (EC) launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, bringing renewed attention to the eligibility criteria for voter registration—especially the interpretation of ‘ordinarily resident’ under electoral laws.
o This move has reignited debate on the inclusion of India’s vast migrant labour population within the existing framework.
o Section 20 defines ordinarily resident and makes key clarifications: Mere ownership or possession of a house in a constituency does not qualify someone as an ordinarily resident.
- Who is temporarily absent from their home can still be considered ordinarily resident.
o Certain categories, such as: Members of the armed forces,
- State armed police posted outside their State,
- Employees of the Government of India posted abroad, and
- Constitutional office-holders (declared by the President in consultation with EC),----are deemed ordinarily resident in their home constituencies, along with their spouses.
o It helps maintain electoral integrity by preventing fraudulent registrations and promoting accountable representation.
Sugar and Fat Boards : Recently, in a landmark move to combat lifestyle diseases and promote healthy eating habits, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed all Central and State government offices to display ‘Sugar and Fat Boards’ in canteens and food stalls within their premises.
o Recommended Limits: Sugar: Max 25 grams per day (≈ 5 teaspoons)
- Visible Fats (oil, ghee, butter): Max 30 grams per day (≈ 6 teaspoons)
o Origin of the Concept: First introduced in schools under CBSE and ICSE, the initiative is now being scaled up to government offices nationwide.
o Experts warn that reused cooking oil produces trans fats, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
RoRo Ferry Service : Recently, in a significant boost to inland water transport, the Goa government launched two Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ferry vessels ‘Gangotri’ and ‘Dwarka’ on the Chorao-Ribandar route across the Mandovi River.
o The service is being hailed as the first of its kind in India in terms of scale, design, and operational efficiency.
o The river is a lifeline for North Goa, meeting a major portion of the state's drinking water and ecological needs.
o Key tributaries include: Rogaro, Kushavati, Nanorem, Nanuz, Valvota, and Mapusa.
o The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on Chorao Island, situated in the Mandovi River.
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