Why is it in the News?

A new global report has raised concerns about dietary habits in India, highlighting a significant increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods compared to nutritious options.

Key Highlights of the Global Food Policy Report 2024:

• Diet Quality in India: At least 38% of the Indian population consumed unhealthy foods, while only 28% ate all five recommended food groups: one starchy staple, one vegetable, one fruit, one pulse/nut/seed, and one animal-source food.
• Trends in Food Consumption: The intake of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods is not only high but increasing, whereas the consumption of vegetables and other micronutrient-rich foods remains low.
• Processed Foods in South Asia: In India and other South Asian countries, the consumption of processed foods is on the rise. After cereals and milk, snacks and prepared foods make up a significant portion of Indian food budgets.
• Malnutrition Rates in India: The proportion of the population suffering from malnutrition in India increased from 15.4% in 2011 to 16.6% in 2021.
• Overweight Prevalence: The prevalence of overweight adults in India rose from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016.
• Packaged Foods: The share of household food budgets spent on packaged, highly processed, calorie-dense foods nearly doubled from 6.5% to 12% during this period.
• Cost of Nutrient-Rich Foods: In the South Asian region, micronutrient-rich foods are expensive, while cereals, fats, oils, sugar, and sugary and salty snacks are relatively inexpensive.

About the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI):

• The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.
• Established in 1975, it is a research centre of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural innovation network.

Vision and Mission:

• IFPRI’s vision is a world free of hunger and malnutrition.
• Its mission is to provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.

IFPRI’s research focuses on five strategic research areas:

• • Fostering Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Food Supply
  • Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for All
  • Building Inclusive and Efficient Markets, Trade Systems, and Food Industry
  • Transforming Agricultural and Rural Economies
  • Strengthening Institutions and Governance

Headquarters: Washington, D.C

Why is it in the News?

Members states of the world’s largest transnational conservation initiative meet to review progress and strategise the way forward.

About the Kaza TFCA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) Summit:

• The Kaza TFCA (Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) Summit is a high-level meeting of the heads of state and government representatives from the countries that make up the Kaza TFCA.
• The Kaza TFCA is a conservation area that spans parts of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Some key points about the Kaza TFCA Summit:

• It brings together the political leadership from the five Kaza member countries to discuss issues related to the conservation and sustainable development of the Kaza transfrontier area.
• Topics discussed include wildlife conservation, tourism development, community involvement, and joint management of shared natural resources across international boundaries.
• The Summit aims to strengthen political support, coordination and collaboration among the Kaza partner countries for effective transboundary natural resource management.
• It provides a platform for the member states to review progress made, agree on priorities, and give strategic direction for the Kaza program going forward.
• The Summits are held periodically, with the last one being hosted by Botswana in 2018 in Kasane.

About the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area:

• The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is a 520,000-square-kilometre wetland and spans five southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• It is home to a high concentration of wildlife species, including the largest elephant population.
• The KAZA TFCA was formally established on the 18th of August 2011 when the Heads of State of the five governments signed its Treaty in Luanda, Angola, during the SADC Summit for Heads of States.

The KAZA TFCA was established to:

• Conserve the shared natural resources and cultural heritage of this vast area of southern Africa
• Promote and facilitate the development of a complementary and linked network of protected areas that protect wildlife and provide and restore dispersal corridors and migratory routes
• Develop the KAZA TFCA into a world-class tourism destination offering a variety of breathtaking adventures and luxurious relaxation
• Promote the free and easy movement of tourists across borders
• Implement programmes that ensure the sustainable use of natural resources in ways that improve the livelihoods of communities and reduce poverty in the region
• Harmonise conservation legislation and natural resource management of the TFCA

Why is it in the News?

A court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant.

What is Golden Rice?

• In the late 1990s, German plant scientists Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer developed Golden Rice to combat vitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of infant blindness and increased mortality from infectious diseases like measles.
• Golden Rice is a type of rice that produces beta-carotene, giving it a golden colour, unlike white rice, which lacks these nutrients.
  • Vitamin A deficiencies are prevalent in countries where rice is a staple food.
• The widespread use of Golden Rice is expected to improve health by reducing rates of preventable blindness and mortality, especially among children and pregnant women.

Golden Rice and Vitamin A Deficiency:

• Potrykus and Beyer added two genes to white rice in 2004, creating Golden Rice, which they donated to impoverished nations as a solution to vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
• Governments approve Golden Rice cultivation only after ensuring it is safe for the environment, humans, and animals.
• Golden Rice can replace the daily intake of white rice without adverse effects, providing a natural source of vitamin A and beta-carotene to combat VAD.

Efficacy of Golden Rice:

• Adequate vitamin A levels in mothers support vision, immune health, and fetal development through the placenta and breastfeeding.
• Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness and weakens the body’s ability to fight common diseases, leading to high mortality rates among young children and their mothers.
  • Natural sources of vitamin A include animal products like milk, butter, cheese, eggs, and liver, while plants do not contain vitamin A directly, they contain beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.
• White rice is rich in carbohydrates but lacks beta-carotene, an antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A.
• Golden Rice, containing beta-carotene, can help prevent millions of deaths and alleviate suffering from VAD and micronutrient malnutrition in impoverished regions.

Additionally, expanding the cultivation of genetically modified, bio-fortified crops like Golden Rice could further address vitamin deficiencies in developing countries.

Why is it in the News?

Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s high altitude, cold desert district of Lahaul & Spiti have started surveys as part of the census to estimate the population of blue sheep or bharal and the Himalayan ibex, the main prey of the iconic snow leopard.

About Himalayan Ibex:

• The Himalayan ibex, a subspecies of the Siberian ibex, is native to the Himalayan regions of India, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal.
• These sure-footed, sturdy wild goats belong to the genus Capra in the family Bovidae and are typically found in mountainous regions across Europe, Asia, and northeastern Africa.
• Scientific Name: Capra sibirica hemalayanus
• Habitat: Himalayan ibex inhabit the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including the Trans-Himalayan areas, at elevations between 3,000 and 5,800 meters.
• In India, they are primarily found in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Features:

• Size: Adult Himalayan ibex weighs about 90 kg and stands around 40 inches tall.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger than females and have large, curved horns with front notches that grow each year.
• Coat: Their coat varies from light brown to reddish-brown with a white belly and distinctive black and white markings on their legs.
  • The coat is thick and woolly in winter, shedding in early summer. A darker dorsal stripe is also present.
• Behaviour: They are typically found in small herds, sometimes numbering up to 50 individuals.
  • They are agile and can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

About Blue Sheep/Bharal:

• The blue sheep, also known as the bharal, is a caprine species native to the high Himalayas.
• Its scientific name is Pseudois nayaur, and it is the sole member of the genus Pseudois.

Distribution:

• The bharal is found in several countries, including India, Bhutan, China (specifically in Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia), Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Features:

• Size: Medium-sized caprids, measuring 115 to 165 cm (45 to 65 in) in length, with tails ranging from 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in).
• They stand 69 to 91 cm (27 to 36 in) at the shoulder.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are slightly larger than females.
• Coat: Their short, dense coat is slate grey, often with a bluish shine. The underparts and backs of the legs are white, while the chest and fronts of the legs are black.
• Horns: The horns grow upwards, curve out, and then back, resembling an upside-down arc.
• Behaviour: Bharal are diurnal, alternating between feeding and resting on grassy mountain slopes.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule ICoat: Their short, dense coat is slate grey, often with a bluish shine. The underparts and backs of the legs are white, while the chest and fronts of the legs are black.
• Horns: The horns grow upwards, curve out, and then back, resembling an upside-down arc.
• Behaviour: Bharal are diurnal, alternating between feeding and resting on grassy mountain slopes.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I

Why is it in the News?

Venezuela is thought to be the first nation in modern times to have completely lost all of its glaciers.

About Humboldt Glacier:

• Venezuela's Humboldt Glacier, also known as La Corona, held great significance as the country's last remaining glacier.
• Located in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain range in the Andes, at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters, the Humboldt Glacier was part of a group of six glaciers that once covered an area of 10 square kilometres.
  • However, due to the accelerated melting caused by climate change, five of these glaciers had vanished by 2011, leaving Humboldt as the sole remnant.
• Humboldt Glacier's deterioration continued at an alarming pace in subsequent years.
• Recent studies conducted by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), a scientific advocacy organization, revealed that the glacier had shrunk to an area of less than 2 hectares.
  • As a result, it was downgraded from a glacier to an ice field, marking Venezuela as the first country in modern history to lose all of its glaciers.
• The demise of Humboldt Glacier serves as a stark warning of the global consequences of climate change.
• It exemplifies the rapid loss of ice in tropical regions, which not only impacts local ecosystems and water resources but also contributes to rising sea levels and exacerbates the effects of climate change worldwide.

About the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI):

• International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) was formed in 2009 following COP-15 in Copenhagen.
• It is a network of senior policy experts and researchers working with governments and organizations to create, shape and implement initiatives designed to preserve as much of the Earth’s cryosphere as possible.
• CCI's work focuses on three major areas of the cryosphere:
  • The Arctic
  • The Antarctic
  • High mountain regions
• By connecting cutting-edge science to a variety of policy-making forums and supporting integrated projects worldwide to protect the cryosphere, ICCI advances climate action.
• ICCI programs target the unique climate dynamics at work in the cryosphere, while at the same time lending increased urgency to global climate efforts aimed at CO2 and other greenhouse gases by communicating the unexpected rapidity and global implications of cryosphere warming.

Why is it in the News?

Technical experts from across the world are gathered at the United Nations headquarters in Kenya in preparation for the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16).

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral treaty that has the main objective of developing national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
• It is a multilateral treaty established in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (also known as the Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Signed by 150 government leaders, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development.
• Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and microorganisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live.

The CBD has so far produced two important international agreements:

• The Cartagena Protocol on biosafety entered into force in 2003, seeks to protect the environment from the potential risks of Genetically Modified (GM) organisms.
  • The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
  • It aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of living-modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking into account human health, especially focusing on transboundary movements.
  • The protocol was adopted in January 2000 in Cartagena, Colombia, and entered into force on September 11, 2003.
• The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources entered into force in 2014, aims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.
  • The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • It provides a legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, with a particular focus on ensuring that benefits are shared with the countries and communities that provide those resources.
  • The protocol aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity while also respecting the rights of indigenous and local communities over their traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
  • It was adopted in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010 and entered into force in 2014.
• The Conference has also implemented many positive decisions that have contributed to the promotion of environmental integrity and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
• In 2010, the conference in Nagoya adopted a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets for the 2011-2020 period.
• The convention provides a framework for member countries to develop national strategies and action plans for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
• As of now, 196 countries have ratified the convention, making it a widely accepted and crucial international agreement for addressing global environmental issues.

Why is it in the News?

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released the 2024 World Wildlife Crime Report on May 13, 2024.

About the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global organization that operates under the umbrella of the United Nations and serves as a leading authority in the fight against illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
• UNODC works to promote justice, security, and integrity in various areas related to crime prevention and criminal justice.

Objectives:

• The primary objectives of UNODC are to assist member states in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, reduce drug abuse and its associated health and social consequences, dismantle transnational organized criminal networks, prevent and address corruption, counter terrorism, and promote the rule of law and effective criminal justice systems.

History of UNODC:

• It was established in 1997 through the merger of two precursor entities:
  • The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) - It was founded in 1991 as a response to the growing global drug problem.
    • Its primary focus was to coordinate and support international efforts in combating illicit drug production, trafficking, and drug abuse. 
  • The Centre for International Crime Prevention (CICP) - The CICP, established in 1992, aimed to address a broader range of transnational crimes, including organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
• The merger of these two entities resulted in the creation of UNODC, which brought together expertise and resources in the fields of drug control and crime prevention under a unified structure.
  • Since its inception, UNODC has expanded its mandate and activities to encompass a wide range of global challenges related to drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism.

The mandate of UNODC:

• The mandate of UNODC is derived from several United Nations General Assembly resolutions and international conventions.
• The organization operates within the framework of the United Nations principles and aims to support member states in implementing these conventions and addressing the various aspects of crime and drug-related challenges.

Funding:

• It relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from governments, to carry out the majority of our work.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria

The Main Areas of UNODC's:

• Fighting Drugs: Implementing global drug control conventions, aiding in prevention and treatment, disrupting trafficking networks, and fostering international cooperation.
• Tackling Organized Crime: Helping states build legal frameworks, dismantle criminal networks, strengthen border control, and analyze emerging threats.
• Anti-Corruption Efforts: Supporting UNCAC implementation, establishing commissions, recovering stolen assets, and promoting integrity in public and private sectors.
• Strengthening Criminal Justice: Enhancing law enforcement, judiciary, and prison systems, improving access to justice, supporting rehabilitation, and promoting international legal standards.
• Combating Terrorism: Assisting in legal frameworks, enhancing law enforcement capacities, countering terrorist financing, and addressing online radicalization.
• Addressing Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling: Developing strategies, strengthening legislation, aiding victim protection, and fostering international cooperation.

What is the World Wildlife Crime Report?

• The World Wildlife Crime Report, now in its third edition (2024), continues the tradition established by earlier editions published in 2016 and 2020.
• It delves into trends related to the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife species, providing comprehensive analyses of the harms and impacts of wildlife crime.
• Furthermore, it investigates the driving factors behind wildlife trafficking trends and assesses the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at addressing this complex issue.

Why is it in the News?

For digital democracies, it is imperative to recognise the potential for self-inflicted social impoverishment by overlooking these long-term challenges of the Anthropocene.

What is an Epoch?

• Epochs form part of the Earth’s official timeline.
• All 4.6 billion years are split into Eons, Eras, Periods, Epochs and Ages - as designated by the International Commission on Stratigraphy.
  • The Earth’s current epoch, the Holocene, started at the end of the last ice age, around 12,000 years ago.
• In comparison, the current Eon (in British English Aeon) is the Phanerozoic, which started some 540 million years ago.

What is the Anthropocene Epoch?

• The Anthropocene Epoch is an unofficial unit of geologic time, used to describe the most recent period in Earth’s history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems.
• The term, coined by biologist Eugene Stormer and chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, combines the Greek words "anthropo" (man) and "cene" (new) to signify the dawn of a new human-centric era.
• Various phenomena characterize this proposed epoch, including global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, deadly heat waves, and the deterioration of the biosphere.
• These environmental changes highlight the unprecedented influence of human actions on the Earth's systems.

What is the Geological Time Scale?

• The geological time scale is based on the geological rock record, which includes erosion, mountain building and other geological events.
• Over hundreds to thousands of millions of years, continents, oceans and mountain ranges have moved vast distances both vertically and horizontally.
  • For example, areas that were once deep oceans hundreds of millions of years ago are now mountainous desert regions.
• To understand the context of the Anthropocene Epoch, it is essential to explore the geological time scale.
• From longest to shortest, these divisions are called eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
• The study of the correlation between strata and fossils is known as stratigraphy.

Current Epoch and Debate:

• Officially, the current epoch is the Holocene, which started 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age.
  • However, there is ongoing debate within the scientific community regarding the distinction between the Holocene and the Anthropocene.
• The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has yet to formally adopt the term Anthropocene as an official epoch.
  • The critical question the IUGS needs to address is whether human influence has significantly altered the Earth's systems to the extent that it is reflected in the rock strata.
• As the debate continues, the Anthropocene Epoch serves as a reminder of the profound impact of human activity on the planet and the urgent need to address environmental challenges for the sake of Earth's future.

Why is it in the News?

Developing a domestic manufacturing infrastructure for electrolyzers is expected to reduce the cost of green hydrogen and strengthen India's competitive advantage.

What are Electrolysers?

• Electrolysers are devices that produce hydrogen through a chemical process called electrolysis, which splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules using electricity.

How do They work?

• These devices consist of a stack of conductive electrodes separated by a membrane, to which a high voltage and current are applied.
• This induces an electric current in the water, causing it to decompose into its constituents: hydrogen and oxygen.
• The generated oxygen is either released into the atmosphere or stored for future use as a medical or industrial gas.
• The hydrogen produced can be stored as a compressed gas liquefied for industrial use or utilised in hydrogen fuel cells, which power various transportation vehicles like trains, ships, and aircraft.

Types of Electrolysers:

• Alkaline Electrolysers: This technology, predominantly used by the fertiliser and chlorine industries, employs thick membranes and nickel-based electrodes.
  • It currently represents a significant portion of global electrolyser capacity.
• Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolysers: Operating at high pressure, PEM electrolysers utilise thin perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes.
  • Though they require gold and titanium-plated electrodes and catalysts like platinum, iridium, and ruthenium, they produce high-purity hydrogen and are easy to cool, making them a popular choice.
• Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) Electrolysers: These devices utilise heat to produce hydrogen from steam and are ideal for locations with available heat sources such as nuclear or industrial facilities.
  • Operating at high temperatures ranging from 500 to 850 degrees Celsius.
• Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolysers: Operating at significantly lower temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, AEM electrolysers combine the less harsh conditions of alkaline electrolysers with the simplicity and high efficiency of PEM electrolysers.

Electrolyzers and Green Hydrogen Production:

• Green hydrogen is renewable hydrogen produced using water electrolysis technology and electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind.
• It is gaining unprecedented momentum globally, and it is believed that it is a key component in accelerating the shift to clean energy.
• The commercialization of electrolyzers can make green hydrogen more readily available and enable energy systems across the globe to undergo fundamental transformations to lower emissions and reduce their negative impact on the environment.

Why is it in the News?

The Red colobus, a rare group of imperilled monkeys spread across Africa, is the primary indicator of biodiversity decline in the continent’s tropical forests.

What is Red Colobus?

• Red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus spp.), a rare and imperilled group of primates endemic to Africa, serve as crucial indicators of the continent's biodiversity.
• They are part of the broader colobine family, which predominantly consists of leaf-eating species, distinguishing them from the omnivorous cercopithecines.
• Alongside Africa's red colobus monkeys, the colobine group also encompasses langurs found in South and Southeast Asia.
• These distinctive primates are distributed across diverse habitats, ranging from the forests of Senegal to the Zanzibar Archipelago.
  • Despite their ecological significance, red colobus monkeys face a dire threat of extinction, with more than half of the known 18 distinct forms listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Their survival is imperilled by various factors, primarily driven by human activities.
• Hunting for both trade and local consumption poses a significant threat, as does the relentless encroachment on their habitats.
  • Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation result from activities such as logging, mining, charcoal production, and the conversion of forests into agricultural lands.
  • These threats collectively endanger the existence of red colobus monkeys, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard their future.

Conservation of Red Colobus Monkeys:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group and the African Primatological Society have come together to initiate the Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan.
  • This collaborative effort focuses on making red colobus monkeys a priority target in conservation, ultimately contributing to the preservation of Africa's tropical forests and addressing unsustainable hunting practices.
• To effectively implement the action plan, a Red Colobus Working Group (RCWG) has been established.
  • This group will provide guidance and ensure that the plan's objectives are met. Additionally, a Red Colobus Conservation Network (RCCN) has been created to promote communication, capacity-building, and monitoring of the conservation efforts for red colobus monkeys.
• Through this joint venture, the IUCN and the African Primatological Society aim to secure the future of red colobus monkeys while safeguarding the ecosystems they inhabit.

Why is it in the News?

Chhattisgarh-based environment and forest activist Alok Shukla has been honoured with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for his efforts and exemplary community campaign in safeguarding the biodiversity-rich forests in the mineral-rich state.

About Goldman Environmental Prize:

• The Goldman Environmental Prize recognizes grassroots environmental heroes from roughly the world’s six inhabited continental regions:
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Islands & Island Nations
  • North America
  • South & Central America
• It is also called the Green Nobel.
• The Prize recognizes individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk.
• The Goldman Prize views “grassroots” leaders as those involved in local efforts, where positive change is created through community or citizen participation.
• Through recognizing these individual leaders, the Prize seeks to inspire other ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.

History:

• Reflecting a lifetime commitment to philanthropy and environmental issues, the Goldman Environmental Prize was founded in 1989 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman.
• The duo envisioned the Prize as a way to demonstrate the international nature of environmental problems and draw public attention to the global need for action.
• By rewarding ordinary individuals for their outstanding environmental achievements, the Goldmans hoped to inspire others to emulate the examples set by the Prize recipients.
• The first Goldman Environmental Prize ceremony took place on April 16, 1990, and it was timed to coincide with Earth Day.
• The recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize are announced annually in a live ceremony timed to coincide with Earth Day.
• The Prize is awarded in the city of San Francisco, California.
• Prize winners each receive a bronze sculpture in the shape of an Ouroboros.
  • Common to many cultures around the world, the Ouroboros, which depicts a serpent biting its tail, is a symbol of nature’s power of renewal.

Why is it in the News?

The first-generation women patachitra artists of the village sell their work online & are recognized the world over, encouraging future generations to stay in the profession.

About Patachitra Painting:

• Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular folk art forms of Odisha.
• Pattachitra- literally meaning ‘Picture on cloth canvas’ is a traditional treasure that has mesmerized the common man.
• The Patachitras, the intricate and artistic folk art, of Orissa are icon paintings that include wall paintings, manuscript paintings, palm-leaf etchings, and paintings on cloth, both cotton and silk.
• Pattachitra paintings are made of tussar silk.
• The origin of the paintings is traced to the 8th century A.D., from the fragmented pieces of evidence of cave paintings in Khandagari, Udaigiri, and Sitabhinji.
• Having a reference in the earliest known treatise on a painting called ‘Chitralakshana’, this art form finds its strong roots in the traditions of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha.
• These paintings have a ritualistic significance even to this day.
• The picturesque village of Raghurajpur, on the banks of river Bhargavi is well known for this artistry, along with its neighbours Puri, Dandasahi, and Khasposak.
• The Pattachitra artists are called ‘Chitrakaars’ (Painters), mainly belonging to the Maharana and Mahapatra castes.
• The creation of the Pattachitra paintings is a disciplined art form, and the chitrakars maintain rigidity in their use of colours and patterns, restricting the colours to a single tone.

Making of Paintings:

• Preparing the paints is perhaps the most important part of the creation of Pattachitra, engaging the craftsmanship of the chitrakars in using naturally available raw materials to bring about indigenous paints.
• The gum of the Katha tree is the chief ingredient and is used as a base for making different pigments, on which diverse raw materials are mixed for diverse colours.
• Powdered conch shells, for instance, are used for making a white pigment, while lamp soot is used for a black pigment.
• The root of the keya plant is usually used for making the common brush, while mouse hair is used on the requirement of finer brushes, to be attached to wooden handles.

Why is it in the News?

The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR jointly organized a high-level event, ‘Forging partnerships between science and policy’, on April 26, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.

About Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance:

• Established in November 2020, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is a collaborative effort of world leaders and experts from various sectors working together to accelerate political action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• The Group serves as an independent global advisory and advocacy entity, striving to maintain public support, political momentum, and visibility of AMR on the global health and development agenda.
• Background: The Group emerged from a recommendation by the Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, aiming to strengthen global leadership and political action against AMR.
• The first meeting of the Group was held in January 2021.

Secretariat Support:

• The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) on Antimicrobial Resistance, a joint effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), provides secretariat support for the Group.
• Through its collaborative and multisectoral approach, the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance is committed to addressing the growing threat of AMR and promoting responsible and sustainable access to antimicrobials.

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to develop resistance to the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
• As a result, the medications become less effective or even ineffective at treating infections caused by these resistant microorganisms.
• AMR occurs when microorganisms undergo genetic changes that enable them to survive exposure to antimicrobial drugs.
• These changes can be shared between different microorganisms, leading to the spread of resistance genes.
• Over time, the increased use and misuse of antimicrobial drugs have accelerated the development of AMR.

Common factors contributing to AMR include:

• • Overprescription of antimicrobials
  • Non-adherence to prescribed treatment regimens
  • Misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and livestock farming
  • Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
  • Lack of access to clean water
• The rise of AMR poses a significant threat to public health, as it makes the treatment of common infections more difficult and increases the risk of complications.
• Additionally, AMR has implications for global health security, as resistant infections can spread rapidly across regions and become a major public health challenge.

Why is it in the News?

A dam burst near a village in the Rift Valley region of southern Kenya in the early hours of April 29, 2024. Some 45 people have been killed according to the police chief of Nakuru County, where the incident took place.

About the Great Rift Valley:

• The Great Rift Valley, part of the larger East African Rift System (EARS), is a significant geological feature extending across East Africa, from Jordan in southwestern Asia to central Mozambique's coast along the Indian Ocean.
• Running through numerous countries including Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, the valley is one of Earth's most expansive rifts.

Formation:

• Resulting from tectonic plate movements about 40 million years ago, the Great Rift Valley's formation is linked to the East African Rift's emergence.
• Geologically active, the region experiences frequent earthquakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers.

Notable Features:

• A series of approximately 30 lakes dot the Great Rift Valley, including Lake Tanganyika (the world's second-deepest lake) and Lake Victoria (the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area).
• Many of Africa's highest mountains, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Margherita, form part of ranges fronting the valley.

What is a Rift Valley?

• A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where the Earth's tectonic plates move apart or rift.
  • Rift valleys are a result of the tectonic processes that shape the Earth's surface, specifically in regions where tectonic plates are diverging or pulling away from each other.
• Rift valleys are characterized by a long, narrow depression, often with steep sides, running along the length of the rift.
  • The depression is caused by the sinking of the ground between the two diverging plates as they pull away from each other.
  • The thinning of the Earth's crust leads to subsidence and the formation of a valley.
• Rift valleys can be found on land as well as on the ocean floor.

Some notable examples of rift valleys include:

• The Great Rift Valley in East Africa is part of the larger East African Rift System.
• The Red Sea Rift separates the African and Arabian tectonic plates.
• The Rhine Valley in Europe was formed by the divergence of the European and African plates.
• Rift valleys are geologically active areas often associated with volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the formation of hot springs, geysers, and other hydrothermal features.

Why is it in the News?

At the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference, Bhutan and the Tiger Conservation Coalition pledged to mobilize $1 billion for tiger conservation efforts.

About the Tiger Conservation Coalition:

• The Tiger Conservation Coalition is a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have worked for many years with partners to conserve tigers.
• It brings together leading tiger biologists and experts in wildlife crime, human-wildlife coexistence, policy, finance, development, and communications with unprecedented alignment on achieving tiger conservation at scale.
  • Its member organizations include the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Fauna & Flora, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Panthera, TRAFFIC, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• It is an independent group of organizations that combines and shares the vast knowledge, on-the-ground experience, and data of its members and partners to support Tiger Range Countries in developing and implementing effective approaches to tiger conservation.
• The Coalition was founded on strong relationships among eminent tiger experts already working together on major tiger assessments, including the latest assessment by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released in 2022, and the forthcoming Green Status Assessment, and coalesced around a common vision for tiger recovery.
• By engaging national and local civil society organizations from the region, and continuing to support the Global Tiger Initiative Council and the Global Tiger Forum, the coalition aims to further strengthen partnerships and impactful outcomes for tigers.
• In January 2022, the Tiger Conservation Coalition released its vision for tiger recovery through 2034, the next Year of the Tiger.
  • “Securing a Viable Future for the Tiger” presents a set of measurable goals and high-level strategic approaches to achieve the long-term presence of viable and ecologically functional populations of wild tigers.
• Its suggested actions, grounded in the latest science and results, would lead to increasing numbers of tigers secure in current and expanded protected habitats, with distribution and connectivity across their indigenous range.
• Tiger Conservation Coalition members co-developed Tiger Conservation Landscapes 3.0, an integrated habitat modeling system to measure and monitor changes in tiger habitat at range-wide, national, biome, and landscape scales in near real-time.
• This work serves as a model for objective, range-wide, habitat monitoring as countries work to achieve the goals laid out in the 30x30 agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Why is it in the News?

Nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023, with extreme weather being the second most significant factor driving food crisis, revealed the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) released April 24, 2024.

About Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024:

• The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024, released annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN), provides a comprehensive analysis of global food crises and their causes.
• Launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises, a multistakeholder initiative involving United Nations agencies, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, and various non-governmental agencies, the report highlights the alarming state of food insecurity worldwide.

Key findings from the GRFC 2024 include:

• Analysis of 1.3 billion people in 59 countries in 2023, with nearly 282 million facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
• Identification of 2023 as the fifth consecutive year of rising numbers of people suffering acute food insecurity, defined as life or livelihood-threatening food deprivation.
• Conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks have been identified as the primary drivers behind worsening food crises globally.
• Conflict hotspots like Palestine's Gaza Strip and Sudan experienced a significant escalation in food crises during 2023, with conflict and insecurity becoming the main drivers in 20 countries, directly affecting 135 million people.
• The Gaza Strip emerged as the area with the most severe food crisis over the past eight years of GRFC reporting, while Sudan is facing one of the worst food crises globally, with nearly one-third of its population in need of emergency food assistance.
• Weather extremes were the main driver in 18 countries, causing over 72 million people to face high levels of acute food insecurity.
• The 10 countries experiencing the largest food crises in 2023 included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
• On a positive note, the food crisis improved in 17 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.
• The GRFC 2024 report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to address the root causes of food crises and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.
• By understanding and responding to these challenges, we can work towards a more food-secure future for all.

Why is it in the News?

A recent study has warned that the warming planet may alter the characteristics of tundra environments and could transform them from carbon sinks to carbon sources.

About Tundra Ecosystem:

• The Tundra ecosystem is one of the unique ecosystems of the planet.
• The adverse climatic conditions of tundra regions like dry winds, meager precipitation, and extreme cold make it a unique and desert-like ecosystem with treeless fields.
• These harsh climatic conditions of the tundra region make the survival of plant and animal species quite severe.

Key Characteristics of Tundra Regions:

• Low Temperatures: Tundra areas experience frigid temperatures, ranging from -34 to -6 degrees Celsius (-30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Short Growing Seasons: The tundra's summer growth period lasts merely 50 to 60 days, with sunlight persisting up to 24 hours a day.
• Permafrost: Below the surface lies a layer of permanently frozen soil, varying from a few inches to several feet thick.
• Minimal Precipitation: Despite being likened to deserts in terms of moisture, tundra regions receive low precipitation levels, primarily in the form of snow.
• Limited Biodiversity: Harsh conditions in the tundra support fewer plant and animal species compared to other biomes.
• Carbon Sink: Tundras serve as significant carbon storage areas due to the slow decomposition rates in their cold environments.

Types of Tundra:

• Arctic Tundra: Found north of the taiga belt in the far Northern Hemisphere, encompassing regions between the North Pole and the boreal forest, including parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
• Alpine Tundra: Prevails above the tree line in mountain ranges worldwide, such as the Rockies, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps.
• Antarctic Tundra: Encompasses several sub-Antarctic islands and portions of the Antarctic continent.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: Common plant species in tundra regions include mosses, lichens, sedges, cotton grass, and birches.
• Fauna: Wildlife in tundra ecosystems includes Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears, and other cold-adapted species.

Why is it in the News?

On World Earth Day 2024, a global network promoting local food and traditional cooking has called for practical measures to cut down on plastic use in the food chain and to safeguard the environment.

About World Earth Day:

• World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is a globally recognized event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the sustainability of our planet.
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 in the United States and on either April 22 or the day the spring equinox occurs throughout the rest of the world.
• Theme: The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs Plastics”.
  • The theme aims to bring attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms nature.

Earth Day History:

• The origin of Earth Day can be traced back to 1970.
• The idea behind the event originated from Gaylord Nelson, a US senator, and Denis Hayes, a Harvard student.
  • They were both deeply disturbed by the deteriorating environment in the United States and the massive January 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
• Deeply disturbed by the environmental impacts, Gaylord Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student protests into an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution.
  • He recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to manage the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea of environment conservation to a broader public.
• They choose April 22, a weekday between Spring Break and Final Exams, to increase student participation.
• Its immediate success was evident with a massive turnout of 20 million people across the US.
• By 1990, Earth Day became a global event transcending national borders.

Earth Day Significance:

• Earth Day symbolizes the need to protect our mother nature.
• The day encourages every individual to think about environmental conservation and act accordingly.
• It speaks about the need to reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources, and protect wildlife and natural habitats.
• The day also serves as a platform to advocate for policy changes that can have a positive impact on the environment.

Why is it in the News?

Fossils recovered from Kutch in Gujarat may have belonged to the spine of one of the largest snakes to have ever lived, according to new research from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

Highlights of the Vasuki Indicus Discovery:

• A nearly 50-foot-long snake species, one of the longest and largest in recorded history,  once existed in the Indian subcontinent.
• The reptile, Vasuki indicus, lived in India nearly 47 million years ago, fossil remains found from Gujarat’s Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch suggest.
• This giant snake, named Vasuki indicus, is estimated to have reached 15 meters in length, exceeding even a T-Rex.
• Scientists found 27 vertebrae, some even in their original position within the spine. They believe Vasuki resembled a large python and lacked venom.
• The species was given the specific name of Vasuki indicus in acknowledgment of the country of its origin, India.
  • Vasuki is revered as the king of the snakes in Hindu mythology and is worshiped on special days like Nag Panchami.

About Vasuki Indicus:

• Vasuki indicus belongs to the Madtsoiidae family, and thrived during a “warm geological interval".
  • Researchers suggest that the warm tropical temperatures of Gondwanaland, averaging around 28°C, may have contributed to the substantial size and growth of this giant reptile.
  • There is a recognized correlation suggesting that higher ambient temperatures can enable larger growth in animals.
• Madtsoiids were also found in Europe and Africa, besides Asia.
• Vasuki indicus represents a large lineage of Madtsoiidae that originated in the Indian subcontinent and then spread to southern Eurasia, before reaching North Africa around 50 million years ago, that’s nearly 15 million years after the dinosaurs went extinct.
• Madtsoiidae, an extinct lineage of terrestrial snakes, thrived on the Indian subcontinent over a span of approximately 100 million years, from the Late Cretaceous to the Late Pleistocene, dating from roughly 98 million to 11,000 years ago.
• During the Late Cretaceous period, the supercontinent Pangea had fragmented into two major landmasses:
  • Laurasia, encompassing North America, Europe, and Northern Asia to the north; and
  • Gondwanaland to the south, which included present-day Africa, Antarctica, South America, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.
• The fossils of Vasuki indicus extracted from the early Lutetian grey shale layers of the Naredi Formation at the Kutch mine include an “excellently preserved, partial vertebral column”.
• The discovery sheds light on the biogeographic patterns of dispersion and diversification within the Madtsoiidae, particularly across the Gondwanan continents.
• The presence of this giant snake in the Eocene of India indicates a complex history of faunal exchanges between the Indian subcontinent and other landmasses prior to complete integration into the Eurasian plate.

Why is it in the News?

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, in collaboration with other environmental organizations, has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive action in response to plastic pollution.

About Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA):

• The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is an alliance of over 1,000 grassroots groups, NGOs, and individuals working towards a transition from a linear, extractive economy to a circular system.
• GAIA's primary objective is to create a world that prioritizes people's right to a safe and healthy environment, free from toxic pollution and resource depletion.
• GAIA envisions a just, zero-waste world where communities' rights are respected, and ecological limits are acknowledged. To achieve this vision, the alliance focuses on:
• Eliminating Incineration: GAIA advocates for alternatives to incineration and promotes waste management practices that protect the environment and public health.
• Promoting Zero Waste: The alliance supports the adoption of zero-waste strategies, emphasizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to conserve resources and reduce pollution.
• Addressing Plastic Pollution: GAIA recognizes the global plastic pollution crisis and works on initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives.
• Mitigating Climate Change: GAIA advocates for climate-friendly waste management practices, emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal.

What is Incineration?

• Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves burning hazardous materials at high temperatures to destroy contaminants.
  • This process takes place in an "incinerator," a furnace specifically designed to safely burn hazardous materials within a combustion chamber.
• Various types of hazardous materials can be treated through incineration, including soil, sludge, liquids, and gases.
  • While incineration effectively destroys many harmful chemicals such as solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides, it does not destroy metals like lead and chromium.
• Modern incinerators are equipped with air pollution control mechanisms, such as fabric filters, scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators.
  • These technologies help remove fly ash and gaseous contaminants generated during the incineration process, mitigating its environmental impact.
  • Despite its benefits in waste treatment, incineration remains a topic of debate due to concerns about residual pollutants and the potential for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Why is it in the News?

According to a recent report by UN Women, six months into the war, Gaza is facing a humanitarian crisis disproportionately impacting women and girls.

What is UN Women?

• Founded in 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of the UN reform agenda.
• Merges resources and mandates to create a more significant impact on gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Serves as a global advocate for women and girls, addressing their needs and accelerating progress.

Key Roles:

• Supports intergovernmental bodies like the Commission on the Status of Women in developing policies, global standards, and norms for gender equality.
• Assists member states in implementing these standards and offers technical and financial support upon request.
• Builds effective partnerships with civil society organizations.
• Leads and coordinates the UN system's work on gender equality while promoting accountability through regular monitoring of progress.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Works globally to realize the SDGs for women and girls.
• Promotes women's equal participation in all aspects of life.

Country-level Support:

• Collaborates with government and non-governmental partners in countries that request assistance.
• Helps implement policies, laws, services, and resources to advance gender equality.

Grant-making Funds:

• Fund for Gender Equality: Provides grants to support innovative, high-impact programs by government agencies and civil society groups.
• UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women: Finances initiatives that address violence against women and girls.

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW):

• A global policy-making body focused on gender equality and women's advancement.
• Operates as a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Information and Advocacy:

• Regularly provides information on women's rights issues to the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and the Security Council.
• Maintains the UN Secretary-General's database on violence against women, tracking measures taken by UN Member States and organizations.
• UN Women plays a vital role in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide by providing crucial support, resources, and advocacy through its various initiatives and collaborations.

Why is it in the News?

A 37-year-old man wounded by a wild monkey in Hong Kong is in intensive care suffering from infection with B virus.

What is B virus?

• B virus, also known as herpes B virus or Macacine herpesvirus 1 (McHV-1), is a type of herpesvirus found in macaque monkeys, particularly rhesus macaques.
• While asymptomatic in these animals, it can cause severe neurological complications, including encephalitis, in humans if transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with infected bodily fluids.

Is B virus infection fatal??

• B virus infections in humans are rare but potentially fatal, with symptoms ranging from fever and headache to neurological dysfunction and death.
  • Of the 50 cases reported in the US, 21 have died.
• Prompt treatment with antiviral medication is essential if exposure to B virus occurs, and preventive measures are crucial for individuals working with or handling macaques.

How does it spread??

• The transmission of this virus among humans is rare.
• So far, only one case of human-to-human transmission has been recorded.

What are the symptoms of B virus infection??

• Disease onset typically occurs within 1 month of exposure, although the actual incubation period can be as short as 3–7 days.
• The common symptoms seen during the infection are:
  • Fever, headache, myalgia, and localized neurologic symptoms (e.g., pain, numbness, itching) might occur near the wound site.
• Lymphadenitis, lymphangitis, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain also can occur.

Treatment:

• The treatment for B virus includes providing antiviral medications.

Why is it in the News?

Global trade dynamics are expected to remain sluggish in 2024, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• UNCTAD’s latest projections indicate global growth of 2.6 percent in 2024, slightly slower than in 2023.
• This marks the third consecutive year in which the global economy will grow at a slower pace than before the pandemic when the average rate for 2015–2019 was 3.2 percent.

India’s growth is expected to be marginally lower than in 2023:

• Regarding India, the report stated that the economy grew at 6.7 percent in 2023 and is expected to be marginally lower at 6.5 percent in 2024.
• It noted that the expansion in 2023 was influenced by strong public investment and the services sector, which received a boost from robust local demand for consumer services along with assured external demand for business services exports.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to keep interest rates constant in the near term, while strong public investment expenditures will offset restrained public consumption spending.

About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1964 to promote the interests of developing countries in global trade.
  • With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD has 195 member states and collaborates with numerous nongovernmental organizations worldwide.
  • The organization focuses on formulating policies related to various aspects of development, including trade, aid, transport, finance, and technology.
• UNCTAD plays a crucial role in addressing the concerns of developing countries regarding international institutions, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
  • By providing a platform for these countries to discuss and tackle their unique challenges, UNCTAD contributes to global economic development and reduces inequalities.
• Some notable achievements of UNCTAD include the establishment of the Global System of Trade Preferences (now replaced by the World Trade Organization), which reduces tariffs and removes non-tariff trade barriers, the Common Fund for Commodities, providing financial assistance to countries dependent on commodity exports, and various agreements for debt relief.
• In recent years, UNCTAD has focused on addressing globalization challenges and helping the least developed countries integrate into the global economy.

Why is it in the News?

As the 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues begins in New York, United States on April 15, participants pointed out that though recognition of indigenous territories is increasing, it is not happening at the pace the planet needs.

About the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:

• Established in 2000, the UNPFII serves as an advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), focusing on indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
• Alongside the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UNPFII is one of three UN entities mandated to address Indigenous Peoples' issues.

The Permanent Forum's primary objectives include:

• • Providing expert advice and recommendations to the Council, United Nations programs, funds, and agencies.
  • Raising awareness and fostering integration and coordination of indigenous issues within the UN system.
  • Preparing and disseminating information on indigenous issues.

Membership and Structure

• The UNPFII consists of sixteen independent experts who serve three-year terms and may be re-elected or re-appointed for one additional term.
• Eight members are nominated by governments, while the remaining eight are nominated directly by indigenous organizations from their respective regions.
• Following each session, the UNPFII submits a report containing recommendations and draft decisions to the ECOSOC, contributing to global efforts to address and improve the well-being of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Why is it in the News?

A contentious recent decision by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), permitting carbon offsetting for Scope 3 emissions of businesses with SBTi-based climate targets, has stirred controversy and skepticism.

About Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi):

• The Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a global movement launched post the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to mobilize companies in combating climate change.
• SBTi supports businesses in their decarbonization projects, ensuring compatibility with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C° and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Backed by a scientific method, SBTi verifies company objectives are aligned with COP21 goals.
• SBTi was initiated by four international organizations:
  • United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
  • Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
  • World Resource Institute (WRI)
• The primary objective of SBTi is to guide businesses in setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets that align with the Paris Agreement, are scientifically valid, and contribute significantly to reducing global emissions.

To determine a 1.5C° trajectory compatibility, SBTi uses science-based targets that account for the following factors:

• • A carbon budget focused on achieving the 1.5C° global warming limit.
  • GHG emission scenarios from the IPCC or the IEA.
  • Emission allocation method: emission intensity reduction, absolute emission reduction, or emission intensity convergence toward a sector-specific reference level
• Through this methodology, companies can establish clear and science-based GHG reduction targets, effectively contributing to global emission reduction efforts.

SBTi's Net Zero objective:

• In October 2021, SBTi introduced its "Net Zero" benchmark, challenging committed companies to achieve long-term reduction targets up to carbon neutrality.

The Net Zero goal builds upon the initial SBT approach and focuses on four essential components:

• • Short-term targets: To align with the 1.5°C objective, companies must set targets for reducing their total emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) within a maximum of 5 to 10 years.
  • Long-term objectives: Alongside short-term targets, Net Zero requires companies to define long-term goals compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and achieve them by 2050 (or 2040 for the energy sector).
  • Carbon finance for short-term contributions: Companies are encouraged to invest in external carbon sequestration or avoidance projects by purchasing carbon credits, complementing their GHG reduction efforts. SBTi prioritizes sequestered emissions over avoided emissions, considering the latter's carbon credits less reliable.
  • Neutralization: As the final stage in reaching carbon neutrality, companies must minimize residual emissions and then offset them through carbon sequestration actions.
• The SBTi movement has rapidly gained international recognition for its rigor, reliability, and the credibility of the people behind it.
• Several thousand companies of all sizes have rapidly adopted the scientific approach it promotes. To date, nearly 6,800 companies worldwide have signed up to the SBTi.

Why is it in the News?

In a groundbreaking conservation endeavor, the Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) has initiated a mission to rejuvenate the iconic Baobab trees.

About the African Baobab Tree:

• African baobab trees, scientifically known as Adansonia Digitata, are some of the oldest living organisms in the world.
• Baobab trees originated millions of years ago in West Africa and spread over time to other parts of the world, creating new species.
  • There are 9 baobab species, of which 6 have originated in Madagascar, 2 in Australia, and 1 in Africa.
• These trees range in height from 5 to 20 meters and are typically found in deciduous forests composed primarily of broad-leaved trees that shed their leaves during one season.
• It is one of nine species of baobab, is native to mainland Africa, and also thrives in the African savanna ecosystem.
• The savanna features warm temperatures year-round and experiences its highest seasonal rainfall in the summer.
• It is characterized by grasses and dispersed trees, allowing ample sunlight to reach the ground.
• Age Record: Carbon-14 dating has revealed that an African baobab specimen in Namibia is approximately 1,275 years old, making it the oldest known angiosperm tree.
• Tree of Life: African baobabs, being succulents, absorb and store water in their expansive trunks during the rainy season.
  • This unique adaptation enables them to produce nutrient-dense fruit during the dry season, even in arid environments.
• Utilization: Baobab trees, with lifespans exceeding a thousand years, offer a multitude of benefits including food, fodder for livestock, medicinal compounds, and raw materials for various purposes.
• Threats: Since 2005, nine of the thirteen oldest African baobab specimens and five of the six largest trees have either perished or experienced significant decline, possibly due to the impacts of climate change.

What are Angiosperms?

• Angiosperms, a taxonomic class of plants, are characterized by seeds enclosed within an ovule, such as those found in apples.
• This group is commonly known as hardwoods.
• Angiosperms typically comprise trees with broad leaves that undergo color changes and shed annually during autumn.
  • Examples of deciduous angiosperms include oaks, maples, and dogwoods. However, certain angiosperms, such as rhododendrons, live oaks, and sweet bay magnolias, retain their leaves.

Gymnosperms:

• Gymnosperms, another taxonomic class, encompass plants with seeds not enclosed in an ovule, as seen in pine cones.
  • The term "gymnosperm" translates to "naked seed," and this group is often referred to as softwoods.
• Gymnosperms commonly feature needle-like leaves that remain green throughout the year. Examples include pines, cedars, spruces, and firs.
• While many gymnosperms maintain their foliage year-round, some, like ginkgos, dawn redwoods, and bald cypresses, do shed their leaves.

Why is it in the News?

Natural gas has been called a ‘bridge fuel’ for countries looking to transition away from coal and oil dependency, and as they pursue a pathway towards renewables and electrification.

What is Bridge Fuel?

• Bridge fuel is a widely recognized term for fuels that aim to meet society's energy needs while minimizing environmental impacts during the transition to a clean, renewable energy economy.
• The primary objective of bridge fuels is to replace current fossil-fuel-dependent energy sources and pave the way for a greenhouse gas emission-free future.
• Natural gas is often considered a bridge fuel due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions during combustion compared to other fossil fuels.
• However, an ideal bridge fuel should also contribute to national energy independence and reduce pollution-related costs.
• Bridge fuels play a crucial role in balancing current energy demands with the long-term goal of achieving a sustainable, renewable energy landscape.

What is Natural Gas and How is it Formed?

• Natural gas, a non-renewable fossil fuel, is a mixture of hydrocarbon-rich gases.
• This colorless, odorless gas consists primarily of methane (70-90%), with smaller amounts of ethane and propane.
• Possible impurities include carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen.
• Natural gas formation dates back millions to hundreds of millions of years ago when layers of organic matter (such as plants, animals, and diatoms) accumulated on land and ocean floors.
• Over time, these layers were buried under sediment and rock. Intense pressure and heat transformed this carbon and hydrogen-rich material into coal, oil, and natural gas.
• Today, natural gas reserves are found deep within the Earth's crust, often alongside other hydrocarbon deposits like coal and crude oil.
• The extraction, processing, and utilization of natural gas play a critical role in meeting global energy demands while transitioning towards cleaner, renewable energy sources.

Applications of Natural Gas:

• Natural gas undergoes processing and conversion into cleaner fuels for various applications.
• During processing, several valuable by-products like propane, ethane, butane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are extracted for further use.

Key uses of natural gas include:

• Generating electricity and heat, serving as a primary energy source for power plants.
• In compressed form (CNG), it fuels vehicles, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel.
• Powering boilers and air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
• Manufacturing fertilizers, particularly ammonia, support the agricultural sector.
• As a cleaner fossil fuel, natural gas has a lower environmental impact than coal, emitting 50% less CO2.
• This makes it a critical component in the global shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Why is it in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global network of laboratories to identify and monitor potentially novel coronaviruses that could emerge shortly.

What is CoViNet?

• The Coronavirus Network (CoViNet) is a global collaboration of laboratories with expertise in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance.
  • This network aims to identify and monitor potential new coronaviruses that could emerge and impact public health worldwide.
• To enhance pandemic preparedness, CoViNet will expand its scope to include animal health and environmental surveillance, as well as timely risk assessments.
  • This will allow the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop more informed policies and protective measures against future viral outbreaks.
• CoViNet will also play a pivotal role in building and supporting laboratory capacities in low- and middle-income countries to monitor MERS-CoV and other emerging coronaviruses of public health importance.
  • By fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building, CoViNet aims to strengthen the global response to coronavirus threats.
• Furthermore, data generated through CoViNet's efforts will guide the work of the WHO's Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE) and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC). These groups rely on cutting-edge research and surveillance data to inform public health policies and vaccination strategies.
• With 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions, CoViNet currently encompasses a wide range of expertise and resources.
  • Three Indian institutions, namely, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology in Pune, and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, proudly represent the country in this global network dedicated to coronavirus surveillance and preparedness.

About the World Health Organization (WHO):

• The World Health Organization (WHO) stands as a paramount global health authority, dedicated to promoting health, preventing diseases, and improving healthcare systems worldwide.
• Established in 1948, WHO operates as a specialized agency of the United Nations, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It collaborates with governments, international organizations, and civil society to address pressing health challenges and provide guidance and support to countries in need.
• WHO's mandate encompasses a wide array of health-related issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, maternal and child health, and environmental health.
• Through research, policy development, and technical assistance, WHO plays a vital role in shaping health policies, setting standards, and coordinating responses to health emergencies such as pandemics and natural disasters.
• With a mission to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people, WHO continues to lead efforts in global health governance, advocacy, and capacity-building, striving for a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.

Why is it in the News?

A recent investigation in southern Africa has revealed a plethora of previously undiscovered biodiversity within a newly identified ecoregion known as the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).

About South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA):

• It represents a newly identified mountainous ecoregion spanning from northern Mozambique to Mount Mulanje in Malawi, which is the second-highest peak in southern Africa.
• This ecoregion comprises 30 granitic inselbergs rising over 1000 meters above sea level, hosting both the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, alongside uniquely diverse montane grasslands.
• SEAMA experiences notably higher annual rainfall and humidity, particularly during the dry season, compared to its surrounding areas.
• Since 2000, SEAMA has witnessed a loss of 18% of its primary humid forest cover, with rates reaching up to 43% in certain locations—marking one of the most rapid deforestation rates across Africa.
• The principal cause of montane forest depletion in SEAMA stems from slash-and-burn agricultural practices, predominantly employed for subsistence food cultivation by local communities, alongside charcoal production for household cooking and economic purposes.

What are Inselbergs?

• Inselbergs are solitary geological formations characterized by isolated, steep-sided hills or small mountains rising abruptly from flat or gently sloping terrain.
  • Composed of erosion-resistant rock, such as granite or quartzite, inselbergs stand out prominently in landscapes, with steep or even vertical sides resulting from differential erosion processes.
  • These formations, found predominantly in arid or semi-arid regions, take various shapes, including dome-shaped hills, conical peaks, or sheer-sided cliffs.
• Despite their isolated nature, inselbergs support unique ecosystems and biodiversity, creating microclimates and habitats for specialized plant and animal species.
  • Rock crevices, caves, and pockets of soil on inselbergs harbor distinct flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions, making these formations biodiversity hotspots.
  • Additionally, inselbergs often hold cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous peoples and local communities, serving as sites for religious rituals, cave paintings, or archaeological artifacts.
• However, inselbergs face threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation due to human activities like slash-and-burn agriculture and charcoal production.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these geological wonders and preserve their ecological and cultural significance for future generations.

Why is it in the News?

Amidst escalating global temperatures, a pioneering study spearheaded by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, sheds light on an unexpected threat posed by Lianas.

What are Lianas?

• Lianas are long-stemmed, woody vines that have their roots in the ground but use the trunks and branches of trees to climb their way up toward the canopy in order to reach sunlight.
• The term “liana” applies more to this type of lifestyle than to any specific family of plants, as lianas come from a variety of different taxonomic groups.
• They are found in tropical forests all over the world.
• These plants have developed a unique climbing strategy to reach the forest canopy and maximize their access to sunlight for photosynthesis.
• Their flexible stems, adventitious roots, and specialized structures such as tendrils and hooks allow them to twist, twine, and ascend the trunks and branches of trees.

How do Lianas Impact the Forest Ecosystem?

• Lianas can have both positive and negative influences on forest ecosystems, depending on their abundance and the specific environmental context.

Positive Impacts of Lianas on Forests:

• Biodiversity: Lianas enhance forest biodiversity by creating additional habitats, providing food resources, and supporting the life cycles of numerous organisms.
  • Insects, birds, mammals, and even some epiphytic plants rely on lianas for food, shelter, and reproductive sites.
• Nutrient Cycling: Lianas play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within forests. By absorbing nutrients from the forest floor and transferring them to the canopy through their stems, lianas facilitate nutrient exchange between different vertical layers of the forest.

Negative Impacts of Lianas on Forests:

• Competition for Resources: High densities of lianas can lead to competition with trees for essential resources like light, water, and nutrients.
  • This competition may impede tree growth, reduce seedling establishment, and hinder forest regeneration.
• Impact on Forest Structure and Stability: By increasing the likelihood of tree fall during storms or strong winds, lianas can negatively affect forest structure and composition.
  • When lianas grow on tree crowns, they increase the weight and wind resistance of trees, making them more susceptible to uprooting.
• Economic Implications: Lianas can also impact the growth and reproduction of commercially valuable tree species, which has economic implications for forest management and timber production.
  • Moreover, liana-infested trees often have reduced timber quality due to distortions in the tree trunk and branches.
• Low Carbon Sequestration: Their lower carbon sequestering capacity compared to trees further exacerbates the threat to carbon storage.

Why is it in the News?

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) commenced in the town of Seijosa in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Kessang district on January 18, 2024, with a call to protect and conserve hornbills.

About Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival:

• The first Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) took place in 2015 with the primary goal of acknowledging the Nyishi tribal group's significant role in hornbill conservation within the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR).
• Additionally, the festival aimed to generate alternative sources of income for the region and raise awareness across India about the marvels of PTR and its surroundings.
• The current year's festival is themed "Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh," meaning 'Let Our Hornbills Remain' in the Nyishi language.
• The focus of this year's festival is to emphasize the crucial importance of preserving these iconic birds.

About the Great Indian Hornbill:

• The Great Indian Hornbill is a bird family found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and Melanesia.
  • It is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
• The Great Indian Hornbill is now considered “Vulnerable” due to high hunting pressure, habitat loss, and deforestation.

Key Facts About Pakke Tiger Reserve:

• Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is bordered by the Tenga Reserve Forest to the North, the Doimara Reserve Forest to the West, and Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve (Assam) to the South.
• The region exhibits high species diversity and endemicity, acting as a transitional zone between the Indian and Malayan ecoregions.
• Located North of the Brahmaputra River, Pakke Tiger Reserve is positioned in the transition zone between the Assam plains and the hilly forests of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Vegetation primarily comprises tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora: Notable flora includes Polyalthia simiarum, Pterospermum acerifolium, Sterculia alata, Stereospermum chelonioides, Ailanthus grandis, and Duabanga grandiflor. Additionally, about eight species of bamboo are found in the area.
• Fauna: The fauna of the reserve includes iconic species like the Tiger and elephant, as well as predators such as the Leopard and the Clouded leopard, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.

Why is it in the News?

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has launched MedTech Mitra - a strategic initiative to empower MedTech innovators and advance healthcare solutions.

What is the MedTech Mitra Portal?

• The MedTech Mitra portal is an online platform designed to support medtech innovators by assisting in clinical evaluation, regulatory facilitation, and the adoption of new products in the medical technology sector.
• This collaborative initiative is overseen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), operating under the direction/guidance of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.

Significance:

• In conjunction with recent policies and incentive schemes, such as the medical devices policy and the production-linked incentive scheme, the MedTech Mitra platform aims to catalyze growth in the medical devices sector and promote domestic manufacturing.
• These initiatives seek to foster the indigenous development of affordable and high-quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, thereby significantly reducing the sector's reliance on imports.
• The platform is envisioned to streamline the innovation process and facilitate research and development for emerging start-ups, ensuring a smoother journey from concept to product.
• By offering comprehensive guidance, including support for animal and clinical trials, the platform aims to bridge gaps for startups and promote ease of innovation.
• The MedTech Mitra portal is poised to foster collaborations between engineers, scientists, and clinicians, addressing a previously existing gap in partnerships within the sector.

About the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) serves as the apex institution in India responsible for formulating, coordinating, and advancing biomedical research.
• With a primary mandate to conduct, coordinate, and implement medical research for societal benefit, ICMR is dedicated to translating medical innovations into tangible products and processes, subsequently integrating them into the public health system.
• Financial support for ICMR is provided by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.