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1. India recently notified the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla (GGTP) Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the 56th tiger reserve of the country. Located in the Chota Nagpur and Baghelkhand plateaus, it covers a core area of 2,049.2 sq. km (including Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary) and a buffer zone of 780.15 sq. km. It is India's third-largest tiger reserve, following Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam and Manas. The reserve hosts 753 species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates, highlighting its rich biodiversity. It adopts a landscape approach, promoting ecological connectivity with neighboring reserves like Sanjay Dubri, Bandhavgarh, and Palamau. The reserve’s establishment aligns with India’s National Wildlife Plan (2017-2031) for sustainable conservation. Tiger reserves in India are notified by state governments under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
2. The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) is a 12-day initiative aimed at enhancing India’s cybersecurity resilience. The exercise focuses on training cybersecurity professionals to combat evolving threats through advanced cyber defense techniques. Key components include cyber defense training, live-fire simulations offering hands-on experience with cyberattacks on IT systems, and strategic decision-making simulations during national cyber crises for senior management. Additionally, a CISO’s Conclave gathers Chief Information Security Officers to discuss emerging trends and government initiatives. The event also features a cybersecurity startup exhibition, highlighting innovative solutions from Indian startups, strengthening the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.
3. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) in Navi Mumbai have developed the Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model to predict the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) over the Indian sector. The EEJ is an intense electric current in the Earth's ionosphere at the geomagnetic equator, around 105-110 km altitude. Ground-based magnetometers at Tirunelveli station are used for regular measurements. The IEEJ Model includes a web interface for simulations based on solar activity and different dates. The model helps understand ionospheric processes and has applications in satellite orbital dynamics, GNSS navigation, satellite communication, electrical power grids, transmission lines, and pipelines. Additionally, the atmosphere is divided into homosphere (below 90 km) and heterosphere (above 90 km), with distinct chemical compositions and properties in each.
4. World Toilet Day, observed annually on November 19 since 2013, raises awareness about the global sanitation crisis and promotes access to safe toilets. The 2024 theme, "Toilets – A Place for Peace," highlights the impact of conflict, climate change, and neglect on sanitation. Currently, 3.5 billion people lack safe sanitation, and 419 million still practice open defecation, leading to health risks like cholera. WHO reports that unsafe sanitation causes 1,000 child deaths daily. India has made significant progress with the "Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman" campaign and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Under SBM Grameen, 75% of villages achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, and SBM-Urban constructed millions of household and community toilets, improving security and dignity, especially for women.
5. Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, has been selected for the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) under the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP) by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Located in Kanger Valley National Park, Dhudmaras is known for its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage of the Dhurwa Tribe. The village, offering eco-tourism experiences like homestays and traditional food, will receive support to enhance economic and environmental sustainability. The UNTRDP promotes rural development through tourism, focusing on cultural and natural assets, sustainability, and innovation. The BTVUP helps improve villages in key areas to gain recognition as Best Tourism Villages. The UNWTO, promoting responsible tourism, has 159 member countries and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 8.9 for sustainable tourism.