Today's Brief 20/12/2024
- Smriti IASxp
- Dec 20, 2024
- 4 min read
IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/W987gYAOGaI?si=b95bVGFEL-urryD5
JN Analysis:
1 .Sacred Grooves: In an important judgment concerning the protection of sacred groves (Orans) in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court has directed the State of Rajasthan to identify, survey, and notify sacred groves as forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, S.V.N. Bhatti, and Sandeep Mehta issued comprehensive directives to ensure the conservation of these ecologically and culturally significant lands.
Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, said that the apex court while giving several directors to the state government, has underscored that sacred groves are repositories of biodiversity and cultural heritage, warranting legal protection.
It directed the Rajasthan Government to implement all recommendations and safeguards comprehensively, ensuring that sacred groves are treated as protected forests with community involvement in their preservation.
Sacred groves are patches of natural or near-natural vegetation that are revered and protected by local communities due to their religious or spiritual significance.
These groves are often associated with deities, ancestral spirits, or other supernatural beings.
Here are some key characteristics of sacred groves:
Religious Significance: They hold deep spiritual meaning for the communities that protect them.
Biodiversity Hotspots: These groves often harbor a diverse range of plant and animal species, some of which may be rare or endangered.4
Cultural Heritage: They are integral to local cultures and traditions, often associated with folklore, myths, and rituals.
Ecological Importance: They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, soil conservation, and water cycle regulation.
Community Protection: Local communities actively protect these groves, often through traditional practices and customs.
Sacred groves can be found in various cultures around the world, including India, where they are particularly prevalent. They are a testament to the deep connection between humans and nature, and their preservation is essential for both ecological and cultural reasons.
2.New Delhi to host 2025 World Para Athletics C’ships at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: It will be the first time the event will be held in India, the World Para Athletics announced yesterday. The event will take place from September 26 to October 5.
New Delhi 2025 will be the 12th edition of the championships and the fourth time it has been hosted in Asia, following Doha 2015, Dubai 2019, and Kobe 2024.
In addition, the Indian capital will also host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix for the first time next year. It is scheduled to take place from March 11 to 13, also at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
3 .India Signs $42 Million Loan Agreement with ADB to Strengthen Coastal Resilience in Maharashtra: The Central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a 42 million dollar loan to strengthen coastal protection to help boost community resilience in Maharashtra. Speaking at the occasion, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Juhi Mukherjee said that ADB financing will help to restore and stabilise Maharashtra’s coastline and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In a statement, the Ministry of finance said, the ADB will help build the capacity of the Maharashtra Maritime Board in shore management planning, including the establishment of a coastal infrastructure management unit. It said the project will support capacity building of stakeholders on gender equality and social inclusion, coastal management, and livelihood activities.
4 . A marine heatwave is a period of unusually high ocean temperatures that lasts for an extended period. It's like a heatwave on land, but happening in the ocean. These events can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and economies.
The loss of an estimated 4 million common murres during the marine heatwave known as the “Blob” was the biggest bird die-off in recorded history, and seven or eight years later, the population has not recovered, biologists report.
Common murres, black-and-white seabirds that somewhat resemble penguins in appearance, are among the most plentiful seabirds in Alaska. Prior to the marine heatwave that lingered in the North Pacific from 2014 to 2016, about 8 million of them were in Alaska, about a quarter of the world’s population
Causes:
Climate Change: The warming of the planet is a major contributor to the increasing frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves.
Natural Variability: Natural climate patterns like El Niño can also contribute to marine heatwaves.
Impacts:
Coral Bleaching: Warmer waters can cause coral to expel the algae that live within their tissues, leading to coral bleaching and eventual death.
Harmful Algal Blooms: These blooms can produce toxins that harm marine life and humans.
Fish Disruptions: Marine heatwaves can disrupt fish populations, affecting fisheries and the food chain.
Economic Losses: These events can lead to significant economic losses for industries like fishing and tourism.
Monitoring and Prediction:
Scientists are working to monitor and predict marine heatwaves to help mitigate their impacts. By understanding the causes and patterns of these events, we can better prepare for and respond to them.
In conclusion, marine heatwaves are a growing concern due to climate change. Their impacts on marine ecosystems and human communities are far-reaching, highlighting the need for continued research and action to address this issue.
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