Today's Brief 17/10/2024
- Smriti IASxp
- Oct 17, 2024
- 7 min read
IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/8ejJ91AodY0?feature=shared
JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/LLlyZe-uneI?si=Fl_6JW4nF8bZ_ohG
Kaziranga National Park (GS-3, ENV): Over 446 butterfly species have been spotted at the Kaziranga National Park making it the second highest in the country with the highest number of butterflies ,Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh has the highest butterflies
Namdapha, a National Park and Tiger Reserve, a true wilderness and enchanting beauty of lush green vegetation, impenetrable pristine and virgin forests covered an area of 1985.23 square kilometres having diverse flora and fauna lies in the international border between India and Myanmar (Burma) within Changlang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast India.
Namdapha National Park is located at a few kilometre away from Miao amidst misty blue hills along the turbulent Noa-Dihing river lies in the sprawling tropical rain forest.
It was declared as Tiger Reserve by the Government in 1983.
The beautiful forests possess great biodiversity of Flora and Fauna. A details study of its species and genetic variation has not yet been thoroughly done.
Namdapha is Botanist’s dream and it may take as long as 50 years to complete a comprehensive survey of its botanical resources.
There are more than 150 timber species. The Pinus merkusi and Abies delavavi are not found elsewhere in India. One of the rarest and endangered orchids, the Blue Vanda found here.
The most famous local medicinal plant Mishimi Teeta (Copti teeta), which is used by the local tribal for all kinds of diseases is available here but its export has been banned.
The diverse vegetation and habitats of Namdapha grooms diverse species of animals and birds. It is only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa) and numbers of Lesser cats.
A number of primate species are seen in the park, such as Assamese macaque, pig-tailed macaque, stump-tailed macaque and number of the distinctive Hoolock Gibbons (Hylobates Hoolock), highly endangered and only ‘ape’ species found in India dwells in this impenetrable virgin forest. Of the many other important animals are the elephants, black bear, Indian Bison, several species of deers, reptiles and a variety of arboreal animals.
Among the bird species, most notable are the White winged Wood Ducks, a rare and endangered species, the great Indian hornbills, jungle fowls and pheasants flop their noisy way through the jungle, and which harbours other colourful bird and animal species.
The inaccessibility of greater part of the park has helped to keep the forests in their pristine and virgin state in its natural form.
2. Track 1 : The First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore on October 16.
3. International Solar Alliance (GS-2 IR) : The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 3rd of next month.
The four-day event will continue till 6th of November.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global alliance of countries that have a geographical advantage in solar energy production. It was initiated by India and France at the COP21 climate conference in Paris in 2015.
The ISA is guided by its ‘Towards 1000’ strategy which aims to mobilise USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030, while delivering energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and resulting in installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity. This would help mitigate global solar emissions to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
For meeting these goals, the ISA takes a programmatic approach. Currently, the ISA has 9 comprehensive programmes, each focusing on a distinct application that could help scale deployment of solar energy solutions.
Activities under the programmes focuses on 3 priority areas – Analytics & Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Programmatic Support, that help create a favourable environment for solar energy investments to take root in the country.
Member States:
Asia: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Timor-Leste, Brunei
Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Algeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Benin
Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey
North America: United States, Mexico, Canada
South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
4.India’s semiconductor market is set to exceed 100 billion dollars by 2030 (GS-3 Sci&Tech).
The government’s $9.1 billion ‘Semicon India’ programme aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing and workforce development, driving innovation and growth in India’s tech ecosystem.
About SemiconIndia Programme
The Union Cabinet had approved the comprehensive Semicon India programme with a financial outlay of INR 76,000 crore for the development of a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in 2021.
Semicon India Program aims to provide attractive incentive support to companies / consortia that are engaged in Silicon Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors (including MEMS) Fabs, Semiconductor Packaging (ATMP / OSAT) and Semiconductor Design.
The programme
m will give an impetus to semiconductor and display manufacturing by facilitating capital support and technological collaborations.
5.Five Eyes Intelligence Group (GS-2 IR) : The "Five Eyes" is an intelligence alliance between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries share intelligence information and cooperate on security matters. The alliance was formed in the mid-20th century and has played a significant role in global intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts.
6.The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development and investment program proposed by China. It aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through land-based routes (the Silk Road Economic Belt) and sea-based routes (the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road). The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange between participating countries.
7.Stubble burning (GS-1,GEOG|GS-3 ENV)) is a significant environmental issue in Delhi and surrounding regions, particularly during the post-harvest season (October-November). It refers to the practice of farmers burning the leftover crop residue (stubble) after harvesting. While this practice is a quick and inexpensive way to clear fields for the next crop, it has severe negative consequences for air quality and public health.
Major Issues Associated with Stubble Burning
Air Pollution: The burning of stubble releases large amounts of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants can travel hundreds of kilometers, often contributing significantly to Delhi's already poor air quality. This can lead to respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and other health issues.
Climate Change: Stubble burning also contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.
Soil Health: The burning of stubble can deplete the soil of essential nutrients, leading to reduced soil fertility and crop yields.
Public Health: The poor air quality caused by stubble burning can have a significant impact on public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Efforts to Address Stubble Burning
To mitigate the harmful effects of stubble burning, various measures have been implemented:
Mechanical Alternatives: Promoting the use of machines that can shred or incorporate stubble into the soil.
In-situ Management Techniques: Encouraging practices like mulching and composting to manage stubble without burning.
Government Subsidies: Providing financial incentives to farmers who adopt alternative practices.
Awareness Campaigns: Educating farmers about the negative impacts of stubble burning and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Regional Cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring states to develop coordinated strategies to address the issue.
Despite these efforts, stubble burning remains a significant challenge in Delhi. A combination of technological advancements, policy interventions, and public awareness will be crucial to finding sustainable solutions to this environmental problem.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) (GS-1,GEOG) is a statutory body established by the Government of India to address air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. It was formed in response to the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding regions, which have significant adverse impacts on public health and the environment.
Key Objectives of CAQM:
Comprehensive Air Quality Management: To develop and implement comprehensive plans for air quality management in the NCR.
Coordination and Collaboration: To coordinate and collaborate with various stakeholders, including central and state governments, local bodies, and experts, to address air pollution issues.
Enforcement of Regulations: To ensure effective enforcement of air pollution control measures and regulations.
Public Awareness: To promote public awareness about air pollution and its health impacts.
Research and Innovation: To support research and innovation in air pollution control technologies.
Functions of CAQM:
Monitoring and Assessment: To monitor air quality in the NCR and assess the effectiveness of air pollution control measures.
Policy Formulation: To formulate and recommend policies for air quality improvement.
Regulatory Framework: To develop and implement a regulatory framework for air pollution control.
Enforcement Action: To take enforcement action against violators of air pollution regulations.
Public Participation: To involve the public in decision-making processes related to air quality management.
Significance of CAQM:
The establishment of CAQM is a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in the NCR. By providing a centralized platform for coordination, regulation, and enforcement, CAQM aims to improve air quality and protect public health.
The Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, was a conflict between the United States-led United Nations Command and the Soviet Union-backed Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It began when North Korea invaded South Korea, aiming to reunify the peninsula under communist rule.
The United Nations intervened, forming a multinational force to repel the North Korean invasion. However, the war quickly turned into a bloody stalemate along the 38th parallel. China's entry into the war on North Korea's side further complicated the situation.
After three years of intense fighting, an armistice was signed in 1953, dividing Korea into two separate countries: North Korea and South Korea.
The war resulted in millions of casualties, widespread destruction, and enduring geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The Korean Peninsula remains divided today, with the DMZ serving as a stark reminder of the conflict.
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