30-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

CENTRE, ASSAM SIGN PEACE PACT WITH ULFA FACTION

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Union Home Ministry and the Assam government recently achieved a significant milestone by signing a memorandum of settlement with the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The peace pact, described as a “golden day for Assam’s future,” marks the commitment of ULFA cadres to surrender arms, vacate camps, and participate in the peaceful democratic process.

Key Points:

• Historic Agreement: The tripartite settlement, involving the Centre, Assam government, and ULFA faction, is deemed historic for Assam’s peace.
• Elimination of Violent Groups: Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the government’s success in eliminating violent groups in the state, bringing relief to the region.
• ULFA Commitments: ULFA cadres, numbering around 700, have committed to surrendering arms, leaving camps, and engaging in mainstream democratic processes since 1979.
• Time-Bound Programme: A time-bound program will be initiated by the Home Ministry to address ULFA’s demands, with a monitoring committee overseeing the process.
• Assam Agitation Remembrance: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the historical backdrop, emphasizing the suffering endured since 1979, with doors open for the Paresh Baruah faction to join talks.
• Reserved Assembly Seats: As a key point of the peace accord, 97 out of 126 Assembly seats in Assam will be reserved for indigenous people, ensuring representation and inclusivity.

Conclusion:

The peace pact signifies a crucial step towards stability in Assam, with ULFA’s commitment to peaceful integration and democratic processes. The reserved assembly seats underscore a commitment to indigenous representation, fostering a more inclusive political landscape in the state.

ODISHA ZOO TO GET AFRICAN LION, CHEETAH FROM DUBAI PARK

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Central Zoo Authority has approved the transfer of a cheetah, African lion, and chimpanzee from Dubai Safari Park to Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• The NZP will prepare suitable housing facilities as per CZA guidelines. Along with the specified animals, NZP will also receive ring-tailed lemur, red-necked wallaby, Hamadryas baboon, African grey parrot, and blue-and-gold macaw from DSP.
• In exchange, NZP will provide hippopotamus, blackbuck, hog deer, gaur, red junglefowl, and gharial. This exchange enhances biodiversity in both parks and aligns with wildlife conservation efforts.

REAL ESTATE BOOM IN AYODHYA IGNITES CONCERNS OVER ENCROACHMENT OF WAQF PROPERTIES

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The rapid real estate development in Ayodhya post the 2019 Supreme Court verdict allowing the construction of the Ram temple has raised concerns about encroachments on Waqf properties. Mohammad Azam Qadri, President of the Sunni Central Waqf Board sub-committee, Ayodhya, has raised alarms over encroachments on Muslim cemeteries, Idgahs, and mosques, urging authorities for protection.

Concerns Raised by Qadri:

• Over a dozen letters sent in the past few years to authorities highlighting encroachments on Waqf properties.
• Specific instances, like the encroachment of more than 3,000 square feet near Saket Degree College, are reported.
• Qadri attributes the encroachments to the sudden interest of the land mafia in Ayodhya due to the real estate boom post the 2019 verdict.

Scope and Statutory Bodies:

• Uttar Pradesh has 1,62,229 Waqf properties, with 1,50,000 under the Sunni Central Waqf Board and 12,229 under the Shia Central Waqf Board.
• Ayodhya district alone has over 100 mosques and 185 cemeteries.
• Zufar Farooqui, Chairperson of U.P. Sunni Central Waqf Board, highlights encroachment-related disputes statewide.

Official Response:

• The Ayodhya district administration claims necessary action is taken upon receiving information about encroachments.
• A district-level task force was constituted in 2021 to address encroachments on Waqf properties.

Concerns and Fear among Muslims:

• Qadri expresses fear despite guarantees from the local administration.
• Reference to the broken promises related to the protection of the 16th-century Babri mosque in 1992.
• Approximately 5,000 Muslims live within a four-km radius of the temple.

Changing Dynamics:

• Acceptance of changes by Muslims in Ayodhya, with adjustments to the evolving realities.
• No agitation over the suggestion of a ban on meat and liquor, as these shops are situated away from the temple vicinity.

Conclusion:

The surge in real estate activities in Ayodhya, accompanied by concerns of encroachment on Waqf properties, adds a layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics of the city. The assurances from authorities and the adaptation of the Muslim community reflect the delicate balance between development and the preservation of cultural and religious heritage.

HORTICULTURE BOOST: LITCHI CULTIVATION HAS EXPANDED TO 19 INDIAN STATES, ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

The cultivation of litchi, a cherished fruit of India’s hot summers, has transcended its traditional confines in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, reaching 19 states across the country. The National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) in Muzaffarpur is playing a pivotal role by offering technical expertise, plants, and training to farmers, envisioning a widespread adoption of litchi cultivation in India.

                

Expansion Across States:

• Litchi cultivation has expanded to 19 states, signifying a departure from its earlier concentration in Muzaffarpur.
• NRCL’s director, Bikash Das, highlights the ambitious yet true initiative of promoting commercial litchi cultivation on a pan-India scale.
• Farmers in various states are actively participating in commercial litchi production, a shift from the past scenario.

NRCL’s Support and Efforts:

• NRCL provides technical assistance, plants, and training to farmers to boost litchi cultivation.
• Scientific studies form the basis of the expansion plan, identifying suitable soil and climate conditions in different states.
• The centre’s nursery produces thousands of litchi saplings annually, supplying them to farmers in diverse states.
• NRCL offers renowned varieties like Shahi litchi, China, Gandki Lalima, Gandki Sampada, and Gandki Yogita to farmers.

Challenges in Litchi Cultivation:

• Litchi is sensitive to temperature, rainfall, humidity, and soil conditions, making it crucial for cultivation.
• Unfavorable climatic conditions can impact litchi crops, causing issues such as cracking and diminished sweetness.
• Litchi cultivation expansion is a gradual process, as saplings take years to bear fruit.

Current Landscape and Future Outlook:

• Litchi primarily thrives in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
• Bihar accounts for nearly 40% of India’s litchi production, followed by West Bengal (12%) and Jharkhand (10%).
• While litchi cultivation was sporadic in some states, NRCL’s initiatives have spurred commercial production plans.
• Despite the expansion, the transformation into full-scale commercial production will take time due to the maturation period of litchi saplings.

Conclusion:

The widespread cultivation of litchi across 19 states signifies a significant shift in India’s horticultural landscape. NRCL’s proactive measures and farmers’ participation underscore the potential for litchi to become a commercially viable crop beyond its traditional strongholds. The transition, however, demands patience as the cultivation cycle progresses from sapling planting to fruitful commercial production.

ODISHA TRIBALS ALLEGE ILLEGAL MINING SURVEY IN COMMUNITY FOREST AREA, DEMAND ACTION BY CENTRE

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

Tribal residents of Lamer Gram Sabha in Odisha have raised concerns over an alleged illegal mine exploration survey conducted by the Odisha Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (OMECL). The villagers claim that over 200 officials entered the Lamer Community Forest area without government authorization, threatening and intimidating the locals. The Gram Sabha, empowered by the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, asserts its rights to protect wildlife, forest, and biodiversity in the region.

Illegal Mine Exploration Allegations:

• A petition filed on November 21 accuses OMECL officials of conducting a mine exploration survey without government orders or prior notice.
• Villagers claim that administrative officials, police, and mining authorities entered the Lamer Community Forest area without permission.
• Despite initial refusals by villagers, officials threatened to proceed with the survey, allegedly using heavy machinery and vehicles.

Forest Rights Act (FRA) Empowerment:

• Lamer Gram Sabha, under the Forest Rights Act, received community forest rights in 2010, allowing them to protect wildlife, forests, and biodiversity.
• FRA provisions empower the Gram Sabha to regulate access to community forest resources and prevent activities harmful to the environment.
• The Sabha’s rights extend to safeguarding catchment areas, water sources, and other ecologically sensitive zones.

Unheeded Pleas and Demands:

• Despite repeated letters from the Gram Sabha about illegal activities, no action has been taken by the secretary of mines, forest officials, and administrative authorities.
• The Gram Sabha demands an independent inquiry into the unauthorized visit and actions of government and departmental authorities.
• The villagers call for the immediate withdrawal of permits issued by the North Forest Division Kalahandi and compensation for damage to Community Forest Resources.

Response and Future Action:

• The President of India’s office, in response to the Gram Sabha’s concerns, has instructed appropriate action on November 9.
• The demand for an impartial investigation and compensation underscores the community’s commitment to preserving their forest resources.

Conclusion:

The allegations of an illegal mine exploration survey in Lamer Community Forest area highlight the challenges faced by tribal communities in protecting their rights and natural resources. The Gram Sabha’s demand for action reflects the ongoing struggle to uphold the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and maintain ecological balance in the region. The response from the President’s office signals a potential investigation into the matter.

RoDTEP SCHEME

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has expanded the Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme to include sectors such as gems and jewellery, pharma, leather, textiles, and handicrafts.

                     

• Commerce and Industry Minister stated that this decision aims to neutralize taxes and duties on exported goods, promoting exports in sectors not covered earlier.
• Introduced under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 (effective since 2021), RoDTEP facilitates the reimbursement of taxes, duties, and levies, providing a mechanism to boost the export sector by addressing financial challenges faced by exporters.

NEAR INFRARED LIGHT

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Researchers have discovered that near-infrared light exhibits high effectiveness in rupturing cancerous cells.

       

• Near-infrared rays, which lie just beyond the visible electromagnetic spectrum, have demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to visible rays due to their higher penetrative power.
• This quality allows near-infrared light to reach and disrupt cancer cells more efficiently. However, researchers have raised concerns about the potential damage to vital tissues caused by its high penetrative power.
• Near-infrared rays are a segment of radiation within the infrared light spectrum, just beyond the visible range.
• Apart from its application in cancer research, near-infrared rays find utility in various fields, such as satellite observations of vegetation and soil composition.
• The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range of waves, including radio waves, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma-rays, arranged in ascending order of energy or frequency.