- LIMBLESS AMPHIBIAN FOUND IN KAZIRANGA FOR FIRST TIME
- A limbless amphibian, specifically a striped caecilian(Ichthyophis spp.), has been recorded in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reservefor the first time.
- This discovery was made during a rapid herpetofauna survey conducted from June 14-17.
- Specialty of the Striped Caecilian:
- Description: Caecilians are limbless amphibiansthat resemble worms or snakes. They spend most of their lives burrowed under soil.
- Habitat: Found in moist, tropical environments and are typically subterranean, making them one of the least studied amphibian species.
- Vulnerability: Due to their secretive lifestyle and specific habitat requirements, caecilians are highly vulnerable to climate change. Importance of Their Presence:
- Biodiversity Indicator: Evolutionary Significance: Caecilians hold critical links to the evolution and speciation of amphibians. Their presence in Kaziranga highlights the evolutionary continuity and intercontinental speciation events.
- Ecological Health: The presence of caecilians indicates a healthy ecosystem with sufficient moisture and suitable microhabitats for subterranean life.
- Conservation and Climate Change:
- Least Studied: As they are among the least studied amphibians, their discovery in Kaziranga opens new avenues for research and conservation.
- Climate Impact: Understanding their distribution and behavior can provide insights into the impacts of climate change on subterranean and amphibian species.
- Conservation Efforts: Training Programs: Kaziranga authorities conducted a training and sensitization program to enhance the skills of forest personnel in herpetofauna identification and conservation.
- Importance: Ensuring effective management and protection of these species is vital for maintaining the park’s ecological balance and biodiversity.
2. U.S. SET TO TRAIN INDIAN ASTRONAUTS AT NASA CENTRE
- The collaboration between NASA(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) has been growing over the years, focusing on various aspects of space exploration and technology.
- Previous Collaborations: NASA and ISRO have a history of successful collaborations, including the
- Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
- NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, which aims to study Earth’s changing ecosystems and natural hazards
- Gaganyaan Mission: India’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space, has also seen cooperation from NASA in terms of training and technical support Developments
- Expansion of Collaboration: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced an expansion of collaboration between NASA and India, including a joint effort aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with an Indian astronaut.
- Joint Effort on ISS: An Indian astronaut will be part of a joint mission aboard the ISS, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-India space cooperation.
- iCET Dialogue: The collaboration announcement followed the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) Dialogue between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan.
- The iCET Dialogue aims to advance critical and emerging technologies for the benefit of both nations and humanity.
- Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation: The U.S. and India concluded the Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation.
- This framework is designed to deepen interoperability in space missions between the two countries.
- Advanced Training for ISRO Astronauts: As part of the cooperation, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts will receive advanced training at the NASA Johnson Space Centre.
- This training will prepare Indian astronauts for future joint missions, enhancing
- their skills and capabilities.
3. BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB APPOINTED PRO TEM SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA
- Pro Tem Speaker – Definition: A Pro Tem Speaker is a temporary speaker appointed to preside over the first meeting of a newly elected Lok Sabha until the regular Speaker is elected.
- Duties of the Pro Tem Speaker
- Administering Oath: The Pro Tem Speaker administers the oath or affirmation to the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha.
- Overseeing Election of Speaker: The Pro Tem Speaker presides over the proceedings for the election of the new Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Constitutional Basis
- Article 95(1) of the Constitution of India: This article provides for the appointment of a Pro Tem Speaker by the President of India to perform the duties of the Speaker until a new Speaker is elected.
4. PATNA HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN 65% QUOTA IN BIHAR
- Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill, 2023
- Provisions: The Bill sought to increase the reservation for Backward Classes (BC), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) from 50% to 65% in educational institutions and government jobs.
- Specific Changes: EBC: Increased from 18% to 25%
- BC: Increased from 12% to 18%
- SC: Increased from 16% to 20%
- ST: Increased from 1% to 2%
- The existing 3% reservation for BC women was scrapped.
- Approval and Notification: The Bill was approved by Governor Rajendra Arlekar on November 18, 2023, and the State Government issued a gazette notification on November 21, 2023. Patna High Court Ruling
- Judgment: The Patna High Court set aside the amendments passed by the Bihar legislature, citing the Supreme Court’s cap of 50% on reservations as established in the Indira Sawhney case.
- Arguments: State Government:Argued that the increased quota was due to the lack of adequate representation of these classes.
- Petitioners: Contended that the decision was based on the proportion of castes from a caste survey, not on adequate representation in government jobs, and that it violated the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court
5. T.N. HOOCH TRAGEDY TOLL MOUNTS TO 39 – MANY IN SERIOUS CONDITION
- Hooch tragedyrefers to incidents where people die or suffer severe health issues due to the consumption of illicitly brewed alcohol, often referred to as “hooch” or “country liquor.”
- Health Impacts – Acute Poisoning: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
- Blindness: Methanol, a common adulterant, can cause permanent blindness.
- Neurological Damage: Long-term consumption can lead to severe neurological issues.
- Death: High toxicity levels can lead to multi-organ failure and death.
- Government Response
- 1. Regulatory Measures: Stricter regulations and monitoring of alcohol production and distribution.
- 2. Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of illicit liquor.
- 3. Law Enforcement: Crackdown on illegal distilleries and stricter penalties for those involved in the production and distribution of hooch.
- 4. Rehabilitation Programs: Initiatives to help individuals addicted to alcohol to recover and reintegrate into society.
ONE LINER
- TN forms 22 member panel headed by I.Jayakumar to prepare green logistics plan for city
- CM’s Thayumanavar scheme will benefit over 5 lakh urban poor. It began in Chennai and Nagappattinam as a pilot project
