Whatsapp 93125-11015 For Details
1. World Crocodile Day, observed on June 17th, aims to raise global awareness about the conservation challenges facing endangered crocodiles and alligators worldwide. The Crocodile Conservation Project, launched by the United Nations and the Government of India after the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, focuses on protecting natural habitats, boosting crocodile populations through captive breeding, and improving hatchling survival rates in the wild. The project has established 34 breeding and rearing centers across India, including in Bhitarkanika, to revive the endangered saltwater crocodile population. Recent census data shows a significant increase in saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, from 95 in 1975 to 1,811 in 2023. Despite successes, the rise in crocodile numbers has led to increased human-crocodile conflicts, resulting in 50 deaths since 2014. Efforts to mitigate these conflicts include installing barricades along 120 river banks, yet challenges persist.
2. Eight scientists were awarded the 2024 Kavli Prize for their significant contributions to astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. This prestigious international award, initiated in 2008 and named after Fred Kavli, honors outstanding achievements in these fields biennially. The prize is administered by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in collaboration with the Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. Unlike the Nobel Prize, which restricts recognition to achievements made "during the preceding year," the Kavli Prize acknowledges achievements without such temporal limitations. This year's laureates include professors from prominent American universities, recognized for their pioneering work in areas such as exoplanet characterization, nano-engineering for drug delivery, semiconductor quantum dots, and neuroimaging techniques related to facial recognition and brain function mapping.
3. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, has committed USD 105 million towards financing a 550 Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power project in Rajasthan, India. MWp denotes the maximum capacity of solar or wind projects, which varies based on environmental conditions. This investment aims to facilitate affordable solar electricity prices for businesses and industries across India through long-term energy contracts, supporting the country's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India has set ambitious targets to achieve 500 gigawatts (GW) of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity by 2030, prompting increased investments in sustainable energy transitions. Established in 1944, the World Bank, initially known as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), focuses on providing financial and technical assistance for global development, while the IFC supports private sector development in developing countries by enhancing market access and financing opportunities.
4. Recently, the Common Services Centres Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to convert 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) into Common Service Centres (CSCs). This initiative is part of the 'Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs Scheme' launched in 2020. The collaboration aims to integrate FPOs with CSCs to provide citizen-centric services to farmers and enhance employment opportunities in rural areas. CSCs, a key component of the Digital India Programme, already offer services like tele-consultation, crop insurance, e-veterinary, Kisan Credit Card, and PM Kisan schemes, benefiting farmers by boosting their bargaining power, reducing production costs, and increasing their incomes through aggregated agricultural produce.
5. India is set to host its inaugural multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, in August 2024, inspired by the US-hosted Red Flag exercise. This exercise will take place in two phases: the first in southern India and the second in the western sector. Participating countries include Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with others observing. Germany will showcase its A-400M aircraft, which is being considered by the Indian Air Force under an open tender for medium transport aircraft. Recently, the Indian Air Force participated in Red Flag 2024 in Alaska, where Indian Rafales engaged in joint exercises with Singaporean and American aircraft, focusing on beyond-visual range combat and air defence roles.