Environment

 

Environment Current Affairs, Important for Competitive Exams.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially comes into force

The Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force, as announced by the Environment Ministry. The IBCA and its Secretariat have become a treaty-based, inter-governmental international organization and legal entity as of January 23.

Five countries – Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia – have deposited their instruments of ratification under the Framework Agreement. A total of 27 countries, including India, have consented to join the IBCA. Several international and national organizations working in wildlife conservation have partnered with the IBCA.

The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the ‘Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger’ event. The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the IBCA last year, with its headquarters in India.

The IBCA aims to conserve seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

India Adds Four New Ramsar Sites, Taking Tally to 89

The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, taking the total to 89. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change shared this news ahead of World Wetlands Day, stating that the new sites include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that India continues to have the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third in the world. He congratulated Tamil Nadu for becoming the state with the most Ramsar sites, now totaling 20. This addition also marks a significant achievement for Sikkim and Jharkhand, which have added their first Ramsar sites.

Amrit Udyan Open for Public from February 2 to March 30

Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open to the public from February 2 to March 30, six days a week (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with Mondays reserved for maintenance. The garden will also be closed on February 5, February 20-21, and March 14 for specific events. Visitors can enter through Gate No. 35, with a shuttle service from Central Secretariat Metro Station available every 30 minutes.

Special days are reserved for:

  • March 26: Differently-abled persons
  • March 27: Defence, paramilitary, and police personnel
  • March 28: Women and Tribal Women’s SHGs
  • March 29: Senior citizens

Entry is free, with online booking at visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in or walk-in options. Additionally, Rashtrapati Bhavan will host the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav from March 6 to 9, showcasing Southern India’s cultural heritage.

India’s First Case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Detected in Bengaluru

First Case in India: An eight-month-old baby has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru, marking India’s first case amid a surge in such cases in China. The child has no travel history.

Government Response: The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the case, and it was reported to the Union Health Ministry. The Ministry assures India is prepared to manage respiratory illnesses, with no unusual surge in cases detected.

Monitoring and Updates: A joint monitoring group meeting was held to discuss the rise in respiratory illnesses in China. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has requested updates from the WHO.

HMPV Overview:

Symptoms: HMPV causes symptoms similar to the common cold, like cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Vulnerable Groups: Children, sexagenarians, and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable. Most cases are mild, with most people contracting it before age 5.
Transmission: It spreads easily from person to person or contaminated surfaces. Recognized as a significant contributor to respiratory infections since its discovery in 2001.

Prevention Advice: The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, advises the public to take general precautions for respiratory infections, such as avoiding contact if symptomatic, following respiratory etiquette, and using common medicines for cold and fever.

IMD Declares 2024 as Warmest Year in India Since 1901

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 2024 was the warmest year on record in India since 1901.

IMD Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, stated that minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be higher than normal across most parts of the country in January, except in some areas of the eastern, northwest, and west-central regions.

However, western and northern parts of Central India may experience more cold wave days than usual. Rainfall in north India from January to March is projected to be below normal.

Scroll to Top