In News:

The Sahara Desert, one of the driest regions globally, is undergoing a surprising transformation due to an extratropical cyclone that impacted northwestern Africa on September 7-8, leading to patches of green across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

Key Details:

• Satellite Observations: NASA's satellite images reveal extensive greenery sprouting in areas typically known for drought conditions, as reported by NASA’s Earth Observatory.
• Flourishing Vegetation: Climate researcher Sylwia Trzaska noted that shrubs and trees are thriving in low-lying regions like riverbeds. Peter de Menocal, president of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, highlighted that plant life can quickly respond to significant rainfall, transforming dunes into vibrant landscapes.
• Historical Context: Research indicates that the Sahara was once a lush environment with lakes and vegetation between 11,000 and 5,000 years ago. Recent heavy rains have replenished normally dry lakes.
• Rainfall Dynamics: The unusual rainfall event is attributed to the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has moved further north than usual, resulting in equatorial-like downpours in the Sahara. Some areas experienced over half a foot of rain, surpassing typical annual precipitation levels.
• Impact of Rain Patterns: While the rains primarily affected less populated regions, severe flooding has resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and impacted around four million people across 14 African nations, according to reports from the World Food Programme and Associated Press.
• Climate Change Factors: Experts suggest that the repositioning of the ITCZ may be connected to record-high ocean temperatures and climate change, potentially altering rainfall patterns across Africa.
• Future Projections: As global ocean temperatures stabilize, de Menocal predicts that the rain belt may revert to a more southerly position, potentially crossing the equator.
• Sahara Desert Facts:

o   The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, spanning approximately 4,800 km in length and 1,800 km in width.

o   It covers about 31% of the African continent, extending across 11 North African nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Chad, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, and Sudan

In News:

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is set to assess the integration of the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with cross-border remittances via the global postal network, according to a recent official announcement.

About the Universal Postal Union

The UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations and serves as the main platform for international cooperation in the postal sector. Established by the Treaty of Bern in 1874, it stands as the second oldest international organization in the world.

Functions

The UPU coordinates postal policies among its member nations and oversees the global postal system. It establishes the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations aimed at enhancing the volume and quality of mail, parcel, and financial services. Additionally, it plays an advisory, mediating, and liaison role while providing technical assistance when necessary.

Membership

Any member state of the United Nations is eligible to join the UPU. Non-member countries can also become UPU members, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of the existing member nations. Currently, the UPU comprises 192 member countries.

Structure

The UPU consists of four main bodies:

1.       The Congress: The highest authority of the UPU, convening every four years.

2.       The Council of Administration: Responsible for ensuring the continuity of UPU operations between Congresses and supervising activities related to regulatory, administrative, legislative, and legal matters.

3.       The Postal Operations Council: Acts as the technical and operational hub of the UPU, composed of 48 member countries elected during Congress.

4.       The International Bureau: Functions as the secretariat, providing logistical and technical support to the other UPU bodies.

The headquarters of the Universal Postal Union is located in Bern, Switzerland.

In News:

The Gujarat government has recently announced plans to establish a Caracal Breeding and Conservation Center in the Chadva Rakhal area of Kutch, with a budget of ?10 crore.

About the Caracal

• The caracal, known locally as "siya gosh" (meaning "black ear" in Persian), is a reclusive and primarily nocturnal feline celebrated for its agility and remarkable skill in catching birds mid-flight.
• In terms of nesting, caracals typically utilize abandoned porcupine burrows or rock crevices for denning and are often found with their young hidden among dense vegetation. They tend to live in small groups, and their elusive behavior makes them hard to spot in the wild.

Habitat and Distribution

Caracals inhabit various environments, including woodlands, savannahs, and scrub forests. In India, suitable habitats are found in regions such as Kutch, the Malwa Plateau, the Aravalli hills, and Bundelkhand. This species is also present in numerous countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

Threats to Survival

The caracal faces significant threats from extensive hunting, illegal wildlife trade, and the destruction of its natural habitats.

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN, the caracal is classified as "Least Concern." In India, it is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its benchmark interest rate at 6.5% for the 10th consecutive monetary policy review since April 2023. The policy stance was shifted to “neutral,” indicating potential for a future rate cut.

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Overview

• The decision to keep interest rates unchanged was supported by a majority of five out of six members of the MPC, which convened for three days starting October 7.
• The change in policy stance from “withdrawal of accommodation” to “neutral” was unanimously agreed upon.

Focus Areas

• The MPC emphasized the need for a durable alignment of inflation with targets while supporting economic growth.
• Macroeconomic parameters for inflation and growth were described as well balanced.

Inflation Insights

• A moderation in headline inflation is expected to reverse in September, likely remaining elevated due to adverse base effects.
• Retail inflation was below the central bank’s median target of 4% in July and August.

Growth Projections

• The RBI maintained its 7.2% GDP growth projection and a 4.5% average inflation estimate for 2024-25, with risks evenly balanced.
• Second-quarter inflation projection was revised down to 4.1% from 4.4%, while a rise to 4.8% is expected for the October to December quarter.

Domestic Growth and Investment

• Domestic growth remains robust, with private consumption and investment growing together.
• This growth has provided the RBI with the capacity to prioritize inflation control to achieve the 4% target.

Risks to Inflation

The Governor highlighted that unexpected weather events and escalating geopolitical conflicts pose significant upside risks to inflation.

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of NMHC in Lothal, Gujarat, under the Sagarmala programme.

• Purpose and Vision  Aimed at showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage using an edutainment approach with modern technology.

Employment Generation

•  Expected to create approximately 22,000 jobs: 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect.

Project Phases

• Phase 1A
• Features a museum with 6 galleries, including:
• A large Indian Navy & Coast Guard gallery with external naval artifacts.
•  Replica of Lothal township surrounded by an open aquatic gallery.
•  A jetty walkway.
• Phase 1B
• Expansion includes:
• 8 additional galleries.
•  The world's tallest Light House Museum.
•  Bagicha complex with facilities for 1,500 cars, a food hall, and a medical center.
• Phase 2
• Development of Coastal States Pavilions by respective states and union territories.
• Hospitality zone featuring maritime-themed eco-resorts and museuotels.
• Recreation of ancient Lothal City and establishment of a Maritime Institute with hostel.
• Creation of four theme-based parks:
• Maritime & Naval Theme Park
• Climate Change Theme Park
• Monuments Park
• Adventure & Amusement Park

Governance and Management

• Governing Council
• Chaired by the Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, overseeing project implementation and operation.
• Separate Society
• A dedicated society will manage future phases, governed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Benefits and Funding

• Beneficiaries
• Local communities, tourists, researchers, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, conservation groups, and businesses.
• Funding
• Construction of the Light House Museum in Phase 1B will be financed by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).

Sagarmala Programme

• Objective
• A flagship initiative aiming to transform India’s maritime sector by enhancing logistics performance and fostering port-led development and coastal community upliftment.
•  Background
• Approved in March 2015, the programme focuses on utilizing India’s extensive coastline and waterways for economic growth.