- NITI AAYOG’S TOURISM PROJECT IN NICOBAR ISLANDS A THREAT TO ECOLOGY, INDEGENOUS PEOPLE
- Ecological Threats: The project poses a “tremendously destructive” threat to the island’s rich ecology, which includes important habitats like those for leatherback turtles.
- Large-scale construction is expected to lead to significant ecological damage, including deforestation and habitat loss.
- Impact on Indigenous People: The development project threatens the livelihood and culture of the indigenous population in the Nicobar Islands.
- There are concerns about the displacement and marginalization of indigenous communities due to the influx of tourists and new residents.
- Seismic Activity Risks: The Nicobar Islands fall in a zone of seismic activity, making largescale construction potentially dangerous.
- The risk of natural disasters exacerbates the potential negative impact on both the environment and local communities.
- Population Boom: The project is likely to lead to a significant increase in the local population, which could strain the island’s resources and infrastructure.
- Policy and Development Models: The author criticizes the government’s approach to development, which prioritizes economic gains over environmental and social sustainability.
- The past projects endorsed by political parties have turned out to be destructive rather than beneficial
2. HEAVY RAIN LASHES KERALA, SEAWATER ENTERS HOUSES IN MANY PARTS OF STATE
- Severe Weather Conditions: The state experienced intense rainfall due to a reinvigorated monsoon and an offshore trough. This led to heavy rain in the north and central regions of Kerala, bringing life to a standstill in many places.
- Damage to Property and Infrastructure: Several houses were partially destroyed, and trees were uprooted.
- The shutters of various dams were opened due to heavy rain in the catchment areas.
- Flooding and Seawater Ingress along the coast
- Rough seas were reported in coastal areas, exacerbating the flooding situation
- Impact on Daily Life: Roads and infrastructure were damaged.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Flood-Resistant Construction especially in coastal and flood-prone areas.
- Improve Drainage Systems in urban and rural areas to prevent waterlogging and quicken the drainage of floodwaters.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response: Strengthen Early Warning Systems to provide timely alerts to residents about impending severe weather conditions.
- Local Community Training in disaster preparedness and response to minimize loss of life and property. Long-Term Environmental Management: Coastal Protection from erosion and seawater ingress, by building seawalls and planting mangroves.
- Sustainable Development: Ensure that development projects consider the ecological balance and are designed to withstand extreme weather events.
- Policy and Planning: Comprehensive Flood Management Planning that include zoning regulations to prevent construction in high-risk areas. (CRZ) Enhance coordination between state and central government agencies for efficient disaster management and resource allocation
3. INDIA – TIBET
- U.S. Delegation Visit: The visit followed the passage of the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’ in the U.S. Congress.
- The delegation, invited by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), included bipartisan co-authors of the Bill.
- Purpose: To show U.S. support for the Tibetan cause, criticize China’s repression of Tibetans, and advocate for resumed talks between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing.
- Prominent U.S. politicians, including Nancy Pelosi, made strong anti-China statements. India’s Position and Actions Diplomatic Stance:
- India has provided refuge to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees since 1959 but recognizes Tibet as part of China since 1954.
- India has avoided public criticism of China’s policies in Tibet.
- Recent Developments: India’s External Affairs Minister hosted the U.S. delegation, and the Prime Minister met them, suggesting a more deliberate diplomatic approach.
- This is seen as a message to Beijing amid ongoing India-China tensions, especially after the 2020 Galwan clash.
4. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO COAL MINING CAUSES RESPIRATORY, SKIN DISESE IN WORKERS
- Respiratory Diseases: Chronic bronchitis and asthma were commonly reported.
- Skin Diseases: Eczema, dermatitis, and fungal infections were prevalent.
- Statistics: At least 65% of the participants reported health issues related to coal mining pollution.
- Medical Expenses: Hospitalization Costs: Dhanbad had the highest average annual hospitalization expenses at ₹28,461 per household.
- Vulnerability: People living closer to coal mines showed higher incidences of lung and skin diseases Transition from Coal
- Just Transition: The study aimed to explore how to transition coal-dependent workers and regions to other forms of employment sensitively and effectively.
- The global shift away from coal is expected to lead to job losses and economic downturns in coal-dependent regions.
- Renewable Energy Goals: India has committed to sourcing nearly 500 GW of electricity from renewable energy by 2030, which would be nearly half of its projected installed capacity.
- Despite this, coal remains a significant source of power generation, with about 205 GW of India’s installed power generation capacity being coal-powered thermal plants.
- Recent Trends: In the January-March quarter of this year, renewable energy accounted for 71.5% of the record 13.6 GW power generation capacity added by India.
- For the first time since the 1960s, coal’s share of the total power capacity dropped below 50%.
5. INDIA’S LARGEST LEOPARD SAFARI OPENS AT BANNERGHATTA
- Location: Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 30 km south of Bengaluru.
- Scale and Cost: Spread over 20 hectares and developed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore.
- Features: The safari currently houses eight leopards, with plans to increase the number. The enclosure is secured with 4.5-meter-tall chain-link mesh and steel sheets to ensure safety.
- Visitor Experience: Aims to offer an educational and engaging experience by allowing visitors to observe leopards in a naturalistic environment. Importance of the Leopard Safari
- Conservation Efforts: Leopard Population: Provides a safe habitat for leopards, contributing to their conservation.
- Protection: The enclosure is designed to prevent leopards from straying out, ensuring both the safety of the animals and the visitors.
- Educational Value:
- Zoos as Educational Centres: Minister Eshwar Khandre emphasized that zoos should serve as educational hubs. This safari is a step towards educating the public about wildlife and the importance of conservation.
- Tree Identification: Officials are directed to help visitors identify various tree species, promoting environmental awareness.
- Tourism and Recreation: Attracting Visitors: The safari is expected to attract tourists, boosting local tourism and providing a recreational space for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Elephant Feeding Centre: Alongside the leopard safari, a milk feeding centre for elephants was inaugurated, enhancing the visitor experience and supporting elephant calves’ development.
- Economic Impact: Local Economy: The safari can boost the local economy by attracting tourists, creating jobs, and generating revenue for the park and surrounding areas.
- Research and Data Collection: Wildlife Study: The safari provides opportunities for researchers to study leopard behavior, health, and ecology in a controlled environment, contributing valuable data to conservation science
ONE LINER
- NATO’s 32 Nations appointed Dutch PM Mark Putte as the alliance’s next head
- Biomass made from the purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer – CSRS University.
