Society

PM Launches Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (PIB)

On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This initiative focuses on addressing critical gaps in the social infrastructure of tribal communities across India.

Key Objectives:

• Saturation of Development: Implement holistic development in tribal majority villages through 25 scheme interventions under the aegis of 17 Ministries.
• Focus Areas: Health, education, social infrastructure, and livelihood enhancements.

Implementation Details:

• Target Duration: 5 years
• Total Outlay: Rs. 79,156 crores
  • Central Share: Rs. 56,333 crores
  • State Share: Rs. 22,823 crores
• Coverage: 63,843 villages in 549 districts across 30 States/UTs.
• Beneficiaries: Over 5 crore tribal people.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):

 

 

 

New Scheme Approved: Jal Hi AMRIT (PIB)

Overview:

The government introduced the Jal Hi AMRIT scheme in its first 100 days under AMRUT 2.0, aiming to enhance the management of water resources in urban areas.

Objectives:

• Incentivization: Encourage States and UTs to efficiently manage Used Water Treatment Plants (UWTPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
• Environmental Standards: Ensure treated water meets quality and environmental standards.

Focus Areas:

• Capacity Building: Foster competition among cities.
• Quality Improvement: Incentivize qualitative enhancements in treated effluent discharge.

Assessment Framework:

• Mid-Course Assessment: Regular evaluations.
• Water Quality Testing: Ongoing checks for compliance.
• Final Assessment: Awarding Clean Water Credits (3 to 5-star ratings) valid for six months.

 

AMRUT 2.0

 

 

Polity

Food Safety Laws in States (Indian Express)

Context:

The Uttar Pradesh government recently mandated that food establishments must prominently display the names of the operator, proprietor, manager, and other relevant personnel.

Legal Considerations:

• In July, the Supreme Court of India stayed similar directives issued by the police in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, asserting that only the competent authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, could issue such orders, indicating police overreach.

Rules for Food Safety in India

 

Ladakh's Special Status Demand (Indian Express)

Recent Advocacy:

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a padayatra from Leh to Delhi, advocating for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Importance of the Sixth Schedule:

• Greater Autonomy: The Sixth Schedule provides for enhanced self-governance in tribal areas, crucial for preserving Ladakh’s cultural identity and effectively managing local resources.

 

World Affairs

Israel-Iran Conflict (The Hindu)

Context:

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, raising concerns about a potential regional crisis.

 

Key Developments:

1. Iran's Missile Attack: Iran launched missiles targeting Israel, heightening regional tensions.
2. Shift in Military Focus: The Israeli military has redirected its focus from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
3. Retaliation Concerns: Analysts fear that any Israeli retaliation could exacerbate the conflict.
4. Instability from Assassination: The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has further destabilized the region.
5. Trade Disruption Risks: The ongoing conflict threatens to disrupt trade routes, particularly as Hezbollah is allied with Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been known to attack ships in the Red Sea.

 

 

Economy

New SEBI Rules to Curb F&O Frenzy (Indian Express)

Context:

SEBI has announced new regulations aimed at minimizing speculation and protecting retail investors in the derivatives market, specifically within the Futures & Options (F&O) segment.

Objectives of the New Regulations:

• Minimize Risks: Mitigate undue risks in the market.
• Enhance Stability: Increase overall market stability.
• Promote Prudent Management: Improve risk management practices among investors.

Rationale for the New Rules:

• The derivatives market, particularly F&O, has witnessed a surge in speculative activities, particularly from retail investors in smaller cities, leading to significant losses for many traders.

Measures Implemented:

• Entry Barriers: Raise barriers to entry for new traders.
• Leverage Reduction: Limit intraday leverage to reduce risk.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Ensure market behavior is maintained through active monitoring.
• Target Speculative Practices: Address practices related to options selling and speculative trades on expiry days to reduce volatility.

 

 

 

Environment

Government Report on Elephant Census: Decline by 20% in 5 Years (Indian Express)

Context:

A government report detailing the declining elephant population in India has shown a 20% decrease over five years. Although printed, the report remains unreleased.

Findings:

The report identifies significant threats to the species from ongoing developmental projects.

 

 

Herpetofauna Survey at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (The Hindu)

Overview:

A recent survey conducted within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) led to the identification of new species of reptiles and amphibians.

Key Discoveries:

• Newly Recorded Species:

  • Reptiles: 33 new species.
  • Amphibians: 36 new species recorded for the first time.

• Critically Endangered Species Found:

  • Micrixalus spelunca: Cave Dancing Frog
  • Nyctibatrachus indraneili: Indraneil’s Night Frog

• Endangered Species Found:

  • Star-eyed Bush Frog
  • Nilgiri Bush Frog
  • Nilgiris Wart Frog

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Overview:

• Location: Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu (tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu)
• Meaning: Mudumalai translates to "ancient hill range" (approximately 65 million years old).
• Boundaries: Bordered by Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the west and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) in the north.
• Tourist Attractions: Theppakadu elephant camp.
• Vegetation Types:
  • Tropical evergreen
  • Moist deciduous
  • Teak forests
  • Grasslands and swamps
• Notable Flora:
  • Elephant Grass
  • Giant Bamboo
  • Timber species like Teak and Rosewood
• Fauna: Includes Elephants, Gaur, Tigers, Panthers, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, and others.

 

Science and Technology

Promise of Psychedelic Drugs in Treating Anxiety and Depression (Indian Express)

Research Insights:

Recent studies highlight the potential of psychedelics, particularly serotonergic compounds, in effectively reducing anxiety-like symptoms.

Implications:

The findings suggest pathways toward developing targeted therapies for anxiety and depression, marking a significant advancement in mental health treatment.

Psychedelics and the Research 

 

 

Five-Hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) (The Hindu)

Context:

China has commenced the second phase of construction to enhance the capabilities of the Five-Hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), the world's largest single-dish radio telescope.

Five-Hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST)