15-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

FROM RESTORING FORESTS TO RIVER BASINS, SEVEN CONSERVATION INITIATIVES ACROSS CONTINENTS RECOGNISED BY UN

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

The United Nations has acknowledged seven impactful initiatives across Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia as World Restoration Flagships.

These initiatives are dedicated to rejuvenating ecosystems teetering on the edge of degradation, offering hope for both environmental conservation and socio-economic development.

World Restoration Flagships Recognized by the UN:

Restoring Mediterranean Forests Initiative:

• Countries involved: Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
• Novel approach safeguarding and restoring natural habitats.
• Restoration of 2 million hectares of forests since 2017; aiming for over 8 million by 2030.

Living Indus Initiative:

• Official launch at the 27th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Aims to restore 25 million hectares of the Indus river basin by 2030.
• Designates the Indus River as a living entity with rights, involving multiple countries.

Acción Andina Social Movement:

• Led by the non-profit Andean Ecosystems Association (ECOAN).
• Aims to protect and restore one million hectares of Andean forests.
• Focus on securing land titles for local communities and safeguarding forests from mining and timber exploitation.

Sri Lanka Mangrove Regeneration Initiative:

• Science-driven program co-led by local communities.
• Focus on restoring natural balance in the ecosystem.
• Achieved 500 hectares of restored mangroves; targets 10,000 hectares by 2030.

Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) Initiative:

• Targets restoration of forests in critical corridors of the TAL.
• Involves local communities as citizen scientists, anti-poaching units, and forest guards.
• Spans an 810 km stretch between the river Yamuna and Bhagmati, covering parts of India and Nepal.
• Aims to restore 350,000 hectares of forests by 2030.

Regreening Africa’s Agriculture:

• Enhances carbon storage, increases crop and grass yields, and makes soil more resilient.
• Utilizes fixed nitrogen as a natural fertilizer.
• Focuses on sustainable agricultural practices.

Growing Forests in Africa’s Drylands Initiative:

• Expands restoration from 41,000 to 229,000 hectares by 2030.
• Involves African farmers planting millions of trees annually.
• Creates over 230,000 jobs, supporting sustainable development.

ON THE RIGHTS OF FOREST-DWELLERS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – THE HINDU

The notification of the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district has raised concerns among forest-dwellers in the area regarding their rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA).

Forest Rights Act, 2006:

The Forest Rights Act, enacted in 2006, aims to address the historical injustice faced by forest-dwelling communities and ensure their rights to forest resources.

Its objectives include rectifying historical injustices, ensuring land tenure, livelihood, and food security, and strengthening conservation efforts through the involvement of forest rights holders.

Rights Granted Under the Act:

Land Rights:

• Forest dwellers are entitled to ownership of land they cultivate, up to a maximum of 4 hectares per family.
• Ownership is limited to cultivated land and cannot be sold or transferred except through inheritance.

MFP Use Rights:

• Forest dwellers have rights to extract Minor Forest Produce and access grazing areas and pastoralist routes.
• Minor forest produce excludes timber and other major forest resources.

Right to Protect and Conserve:

• Communities have the right to protect and manage forests, crucial for safeguarding against threats like illegal logging and land encroachment.

Eligibility and Recognition Process:

• Rights can be claimed by Scheduled Tribes residing in forests or forest lands, as well as those who have lived there for at least three generations prior to December 13, 2005.
• Recognition involves a transparent process: Gram Sabha recommendation, scrutiny by screening committees at Taluka and District levels, and a final decision by the District Level Committee.

Concerns Regarding Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary:

• The recent notification prohibits cattle-grazing in the sanctuary, affecting traditional grazing practices of forest-dwelling communities.
• This contradicts the FRA, which recognizes grazing rights of pastoralist communities in forests.
• Despite a revised court order allowing grazing in forests except national parks, sanctuaries, and tiger reserves, Tamil Nadu maintains a total ban on grazing in all forests.

About Gram Sabha:

• The term Gram Sabha is defined in the Constitution of India under Article 243(b).
• Gram Sabha is the main body of the Panchayati Raj system, representing the village community.

Composition:

• Comprises individuals above 18 residing in the village, whose names are in the electoral rolls for the village-level Panchayat.

Powers and Functions:

• Gram Sabha exercises powers and functions as provided by the State Legislature.

Important Functions:

• Development Programs: Aids in implementing Panchayat development programs.
• Beneficiary Identification: Identifies beneficiaries for programs; if unsuccessful, Gram Panchayat takes over.
• Community Support: Gathers support, financial or voluntary labor, for community welfare programs.
• Mass Education: Supports mass education and family welfare programs.
• Unity Promotion: Promotes unity and harmony within the village community.
• Interaction with Panchayat: Seeks clarification and discusses activities with Panchayat members.
• Vigilance Committee Reports: Considers and recommends action on Vigilance Committee reports.
• Tax Consideration: Discusses taxes, rates, rents, fees, and rate enhancements.
• Referral Decision: Considers matters referred by the Gram Panchayat for its decision.

Decision-Making Authority:

• Gram Sabha holds the power to annul its decisions, emphasizing its autonomy and significance in local governance.

REALITY TECH FIRM UNVEILS DIGITAL TWIN OF MOHAMMED QULI QUTB SHAH’S TOMB

TOPIC: (GS1) MEDEIVAL HISTORY – SOURCE – THE HINDU

Hexagon, a reality technology company, recently unveiled a digital twin of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb in Hyderabad.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah:

• Parentage: Born on April 4, 1565, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was the third son of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali and his Hindu mother Bhagirathi.
• Literary Talent: Beyond his administrative prowess, he showcased literary skills, composing verses in Persian, Telugu, and Urdu.

Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah:

• Akbar (1556–1605): Mughal Emperor known for religious tolerance and administrative reforms.
• Rani Durgavati (1550–1564): Queen renowned for bravery against Mughal expansion.
• Maharana Pratap (1572–1597): Rajput ruler famous for defiance against Akbar.
• Chand Bibi (1550–1599): Regent known for defending against Mughal forces.
• Guru Ram Das (1574–1581): Sikh Guru who contributed to Sikhism’s growth.
• Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): Founder of the Sur Empire known for administrative reforms.

Key Accomplishments:

Reign and Accomplishments:

• Ascended to the throne in 1580, ruling for 31 years.
• Successfully led military campaigns, maintaining stability despite rebellions.

Foundation of Hyderabad:

• Initiated urban planning to address overcrowding, laying the foundation of Hyderabad in 1591.
• Meticulously planned city layout with landmarks like Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Badshahi Ashurkhana.

Architectural Marvels and City Planning:

• Charminar symbolized the city’s grandeur under Muhammad Quli’s patronage.
• Hyderabad’s gridiron layout showcased his vision for the city’s development.

Support for Arts and Literature:

• Flourishing calligraphy and literary contributions during his rule.
• Muhammad Quli, a poet himself, composed poetry in Persian and Telugu under the pen name “Taraqqi.”

Medical and Literary Contributions:

• Hyderabad became an intellectual hub for medical and literary pursuits.
• Muhammad Quli’s legacy is preserved in institutions like the Salar Jung Museum, reflecting his cultural contributions.

Legacy and Influence:

Cultural Integration:

• Muhammad Quli’s reign epitomized cultural fusion, blending Hindu and Islamic traditions in the Deccan region.
• Symbolized unity and harmony, showcasing an inclusive ethos in administration.

THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF STEM CELLS IN MENSTRUAL BLOOD

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE – THE HINDU

Around two decades ago, biologist Caroline Gargett embarked on a groundbreaking exploration into hysterectomy tissue, unveiling the presence of remarkable cells in the endometrium.

Dr. Gargett’s discovery of endometrial stromal mesenchymal stem cells, known for their regenerative capabilities, marked a significant leap in medical research.

Endometrial Stem Cells:

Regenerative Potential:

• Ability to differentiate into various cell types: neurons, cartilage, fat, bone, heart, liver, and skin cells.

Collection Methods:

• Obtainable through biopsy or harvesting from menstrual blood, providing a less invasive and more accessible means of procurement.

Application in Women’s Health:

Understanding Endometriosis:

• Link between endometrial stem cells and endometriosis, offering insights into its causes and potential therapeutic targets.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential:

• Variances in menstrual stem cells between healthy and endometriosis-affected individuals offer avenues for diagnostic tests and targeted treatments.

Treatment Innovations:

• Clinical trials exploring menstrual stem cell transplantation show promise in treating pelvic organ prolapse and other gynecological conditions.

Beyond Gynecological Diseases:

Wider Therapeutic Applications:

• Potential applications in treating diseases beyond gynecological disorders, including diabetes and wound healing.

Clinical Trials and Future Prospects:

• Small-scale trials affirm the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplantation, opening doors for further exploration in diverse medical fields.

Challenges and Biases:

Underrepresentation in Research:

• Despite therapeutic potential, menstrual stem cells receive minimal attention, hindered by cultural taboos and biases surrounding menstruation.

Funding and Investment:

• Limited funding and gender bias in research funding pose significant challenges, necessitating increased advocacy for equitable investments.

Way Forward:

Addressing Bias:

• Crucial to tackle sex and gender bias in research funding to encourage equitable investments in women’s health research.

Recognition and Validation:

• Overcoming cultural taboos and biases is essential for recognizing menstrual stem cells as a valuable resource in regenerative medicine, transforming perceptions of menstruation from inconvenience to scientific opportunity.

KERALA HOUSE REQUESTS CENTRAL GOVT. TO AMEND WILDLIFE ACT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Kerala Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Central government to amend the Wildlife Protection Act to address the growing human-wildlife conflicts in the state.

About the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

• Provides a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, plants, and their habitats.
• Regulates and controls the trade of wild animals, plants, and products derived from them.
• Lists schedules categorizing species for varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.

Constitutional Provisions:

• The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, transferred Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds from State to Concurrent List.
• Article 51 A (g) emphasizes the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
• Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy mandates the state to protect and improve the environment, safeguarding forests and wildlife.

Schedules under the Act:

Schedule I:

• Covers endangered species with stringent protection measures.
• Prohibits hunting across India, except under severe threats to human life or incurable diseases.
• Examples: Black Buck, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Asiatic Cheetah.

Schedule II:

• High protection with trade prohibition.
• Examples: Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Cobra.

Schedules III & IV:

• Species not endangered but still protected.
• Prohibits hunting, with lesser penalties than Schedules I and II.
• Examples: Chital (spotted deer), Bharal (blue sheep), Hyena, Sambhar (deer).

Schedule V:

• Includes vermin species that can be hunted.
• Examples: Common Crows, Fruit Bats, Rats, and Mice.

Schedule VI:

• Regulates cultivation of specified plants, restricting possession, sale, and transportation.
• Requires prior permission for cultivation and trade.
• Examples: Beddomes’ cycad, Blue Vanda (Blue Orchid), Red Vanda (Red Orchid), Kuth, Slipper orchids, Pitcher plant.

‘RECONSIDER MOVE ON WITHDRAWAL OF FREE MOVEMENT REGIME’

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE – THE HINDU

A coalition of five non-government organizations in Mizoram has urged the Central government to reconsider its decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border.

UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

• Mizoram NGOs highlight India’s commitment as a signatory to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007.
• Express disappointment with the decision to scrap the FMR and initiate border fencing instead of fostering relations between the border communities.

About Free Movement Regime (FMR):

• Implemented in 2018 under the Central government’s Act East policy.
• Allows hill tribes from both India and Myanmar to travel within 16 km on either side of the border with a border pass.
• Border pass, valid for one year, permits a two-week stay per visit.
• Facilitates cultural assimilation, weddings, common festivals, and trans-border trade among locals.

Importance of FMR:

• Strengthens cultural and fraternal linkages among trans-border villagers.
• Reflects physical, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural connections.

Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB):

• Stretches 1,643 km across Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Extends from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south.
• Guarded by the Assam Rifles.

A SCHEME THAT IS BLEEDING HOSPITALS DRY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhati (KASP), an acclaimed health insurance scheme in Kerala, is facing severe financial challenges, adversely affecting public hospitals. Lauded for providing free medical treatment to a significant population, the scheme’s mismanagement has led to a financial burden on the state.

Key Points:

Financial Strain on Public Hospitals:

• KASP, covering around 42 lakh families, is draining state finances due to administrative inefficiency.
• The government owes hospitals ₹1,128.69 crore, hindering their ability to procure essential supplies, causing drug shortages and affecting patient care.

Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE):

• Kerala, despite high per capita government expenditure on health, has the highest per capita OOPE at ₹7,206 in the country.
• KASP, initially meant to reduce healthcare expenditure, indirectly contributes to increased OOPE due to financial mismanagement.

Audit Findings and Lack of Oversight:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) highlighted issues in KASP’s management.
• Lack of proper audits, financial discipline, and oversight resulted in cost overruns and overdue claims.

Transition Challenges:

• Kerala’s shift from the insurance mode to the trust/assurance mode in 2020 increased claims expenditure from ₹700 crore to ₹1,629 crore in 2022-23.
• The state’s higher health insurance expenditure (82%) is due to a fixed premium from the National Health Agency, irrespective of inter-state health service differences.

Unsustainable Model and Government Oversight:

• Public health experts emphasize the sustainability challenges lie in SHA’s unprofessional management.
• The government’s disregard for KASP’s present form’s unsustainability jeopardizes public hospitals, pushing them toward financial ruin.

FIRE CAPPED TIT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

Birders in the Aravalli hill region have observed the reverse migration of species, including the fire-capped tit, signaling the shift from winter to summer.

About Fire Capped Tit:

• Small bird belonging to the Paridae family.
• Himalayan bird migrating south to Western Ghats and Kerala in September and returning around February and March.
• Inhabits forests, feeds on invertebrates, nectar, and pollen, often found in the high canopy but descends to lower growth.
• Breeds in the Himalayas during summer, known for its melodious song.

Distribution:

• Local breeding summer visitor in northern mountains from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh.
• Winters in foothills and occasionally in plains, extending south to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN classification: Least Concern.

Early Reverse Migration Possible Reasons:

• Mild winters in central India might have prompted the bird to start its migration earlier than usual.

BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

The Odisha government has officially designated the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

About Biodiversity Heritage Site:

• Defined as unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems with rich biodiversity.
• Components include species richness, high endemism, rare/threatened species, keystone species, evolutionary significance, wild ancestors, fossil beds, and cultural/aesthetic values.

Declaration Authority:

• State Governments, under section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, can declare areas as BHS in consultation with local bodies.
• The State, in consultation with the Central Government, can formulate rules for BHS management and conservation.
• Empowered to create schemes for compensating or rehabilitating those economically affected by such declarations.

Importance of Biodiversity Heritage Sites:

• Biodiversity is vital for ecological security.
• Human activities contribute to biodiversity loss, necessitating conservation ethics within communities.
• BHS designation helps preserve unique ecosystems and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

HASTSAL MINAR

TOPIC: (GS1) ART AND CULTURE – SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Efforts are underway to uncover the secrets of Hastsal Minar, emphasizing heritage preservation in the modern era.

About Hastsal Minar:

• Location: Situated in a small village in western Delhi.
• Construction completed in 1634 under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s reign.
• Also known as Mini Qutab Minar, Hastsal Ki Laat, and Kaushal Minar among locals.

Architecture:

• Constructed with lakhori bricks and clad in red sandstone.
• Stands 17 meters tall (five storeys) on a square platform with an octagonal body.
• Features a staircase leading to a domed Chhatri pavilion at the top.
• Three storeys with reducing diameter, accessible via a narrow staircase.

Historical Significance:

• Utilized by Shah Jahan as one of his hunting lodges during the 17th century.

Present Condition:

• Recognized as Grade A in heritage value in 2018.
• Granted permission for conservation under Phase IV of the Delhi government’s project to protect lesser-known monuments.

GROW PORTAL

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE – PIB

A Member of NITI Aayog recently launched the “Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-Suitability Mapping” portal.

About GROW Portal:

• Hosted on the Bhuvan website, the portal ensures universal access to state and district-level data.
• Aligns with national commitments to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Key Initiatives and Collaborations:

• Led by NITI Aayog, the GROW initiative involved collaboration from various institutions.
• Utilized advanced technologies such as remote sensing and GIS for assessing agroforestry suitability nationwide.

Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI):

• Thematic datasets resulted in the creation of ASI for national-level prioritization of greening and restoration projects.
• Parameters include land use, wasteland, slope, water proximity, and soil organic content.

System Features:

• Provides district-level information on wasteland areas suitable for agroforestry.
• Generates prioritization regimes (highly suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable).
• Offers live maps, area analysis-statistic reports, and interactive tools for flexibility in handling weightages based on local conditions.

SWACHHATA GREEN LEAF RATING SYSTEM

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE – PIB

The Swachhata Green Leaf Rating system, initiated by the government, focuses on ensuring high standards of hygiene and sanitation in the hospitality sector.

Objective:

• Aims to prevent pollution in water bodies and maintain a clean environment.
• Specifically targets hotels, lodges, homestays, ‘Dharamshalas,’ and camps equipped with portable toilets.

Launch and Collaboration:

• Launched in November 2023 by the Union Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• The rating system emphasizes compliance with safe sanitation practices outlined in the provided guidelines.

Implementation Structure:

• The implementation involves a three-tiered committee system.
• Verification Sub-Committee, formed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), conducts on-ground verification.
• District Committee, chaired by the District Collector, oversees the process at the district level.
• State-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, manages and supervises the overall implementation across the state.

Current Status:

• Despite three communiques from the Union Tourism Ministry, there has been no response from states, leading to a delay in the initiation of the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating system.