Clean Plant Programme: A Major Leap Forward in the Horticulture Sector
💠In a transformative move for India’s horticulture sector, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
💠Supported by a substantial investment of Rs. 1,765.67 crore and spearheaded by AgriGoI, the CPP aims to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops across the country
💠In a transformative move for India’s horticulture sector, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
💠Supported by a substantial investment of Rs. 1,765.67 crore and spearheaded by AgriGoI, the CPP aims to enhance the quality and productivity of fruit crops across the country
#National_Park
Kalesar National Park
▪️ Located in Yamunanagar District, Haryana.
▪️ Contiguous to Simbalbara NP in Himachal and Rajaji NP in Uttarakhand.
▪️ popular destination for leopards, panthers, elephants, red jungle fowl and bird-watching
▪️ Kalesar National Park is named after the Kalesar Mahadev temple located in this national park
Kalesar National Park
▪️ Located in Yamunanagar District, Haryana.
▪️ Contiguous to Simbalbara NP in Himachal and Rajaji NP in Uttarakhand.
▪️ popular destination for leopards, panthers, elephants, red jungle fowl and bird-watching
▪️ Kalesar National Park is named after the Kalesar Mahadev temple located in this national park
🔆Komodo Dragon:
✅It is the largest extant lizard species.
✅Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis
✅It is a monitor lizard of the family Varanidae.
✅It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
📍Features:
✅The lizard grows to 3 metres (10 feet) in total length and attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds).
✅Their tongues are yellow and forked.
✅Adults are an almost-uniform stone color with distinct, large scales, while juveniles may display a more vibrant color and pattern.
✅Although most young are produced through sexual reproduction, females that are isolated from males sometimes produce offspring through parthenogenesis.
✅They are well-known for their venomous bite, which contains toxins that cause massive blood loss and shock in their prey.
✅They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings.
✅Lifespan: 30 years
✅Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Endangered
✅It is the largest extant lizard species.
✅Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis
✅It is a monitor lizard of the family Varanidae.
✅It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
📍Features:
✅The lizard grows to 3 metres (10 feet) in total length and attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds).
✅Their tongues are yellow and forked.
✅Adults are an almost-uniform stone color with distinct, large scales, while juveniles may display a more vibrant color and pattern.
✅Although most young are produced through sexual reproduction, females that are isolated from males sometimes produce offspring through parthenogenesis.
✅They are well-known for their venomous bite, which contains toxins that cause massive blood loss and shock in their prey.
✅They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings.
✅Lifespan: 30 years
✅Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Tele-MANAS
✅ Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is a tele-mental health initiative launched by the Government of India under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) on October 10, 2022.
Need for Tele MANAS:
✅Mental health crisis
✅High suicide rates
✅Mental disorders
✅Untapped healthcare access
Key features of Tele MANAS:
✅24/7 toll-free helpline:
✅Two-tier system
✅Integrated care
✅WHO praised model: Recognized by the WHO as an effective, innovative model for large-scale mental health care delivery
✅ Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is a tele-mental health initiative launched by the Government of India under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) on October 10, 2022.
Need for Tele MANAS:
✅Mental health crisis
✅High suicide rates
✅Mental disorders
✅Untapped healthcare access
Key features of Tele MANAS:
✅24/7 toll-free helpline:
✅Two-tier system
✅Integrated care
✅WHO praised model: Recognized by the WHO as an effective, innovative model for large-scale mental health care delivery
🔆Precision Medicine in India: The Need for Biobank Laws
📍Understanding Precision Medicine :
✅Precision medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that uses genetic information to tailor treatments.
✅Genomics plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating various diseases.
✅Emerging technologies like gene editing and mRNA therapeutics contribute to precision medicine.
📍Role of Biobanks :
✅Biobanks store biological samples and genetic data for research.
✅Large and diverse biobanks are essential for the success of precision medicine.
✅India has 19 registered biobanks, but regulations are inconsistent and inadequate.
📍Challenges in India :
✅Lack of comprehensive biobank laws hinders the development of precision medicine.
✅Participants may not fully understand how their data will be used or who will have access to it.
✅There is no clear authority to regulate biobanks and protect individual rights.
📍Understanding Precision Medicine :
✅Precision medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that uses genetic information to tailor treatments.
✅Genomics plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating various diseases.
✅Emerging technologies like gene editing and mRNA therapeutics contribute to precision medicine.
📍Role of Biobanks :
✅Biobanks store biological samples and genetic data for research.
✅Large and diverse biobanks are essential for the success of precision medicine.
✅India has 19 registered biobanks, but regulations are inconsistent and inadequate.
📍Challenges in India :
✅Lack of comprehensive biobank laws hinders the development of precision medicine.
✅Participants may not fully understand how their data will be used or who will have access to it.
✅There is no clear authority to regulate biobanks and protect individual rights.
#NASA has launched the #EuropaClipper, the largest spacecraft it has ever built for a planetary mission. The aim of this spacecraft is to examine whether #Jupiter's moon #Europa has conditions suitable to support life....
🔘Syntretus Perlmani
In News
Researchers recently discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp named Syntretus perlmani that matures inside living adult fruit flies before bursting out, much like a scene from the Alien films.
About
It is a new species of parasitoid wasp.
It is the first wasp found to infect adult fruit flies, a stark contrast to related wasp species that usually target the larvae and pupae stages of flies.
These fruit fly invaders are considered parasitoids rather than parasites because they always kill their hosts unlike the latter, which generally leave them alive.
Female S. perlmani wasps use a specialised organ called an ovipositor to inject eggs directly into the abdomen of adult fruit flies.
Over the next 18 days, the eggs develop into wasp larvae, slowly growing inside the host until they eventually kill the fly by emerging out of its body.
The research team found evidence of S. perlmani across the eastern United States, including Mississippi, Alabama, and North Carolina
In News
Researchers recently discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp named Syntretus perlmani that matures inside living adult fruit flies before bursting out, much like a scene from the Alien films.
About
It is a new species of parasitoid wasp.
It is the first wasp found to infect adult fruit flies, a stark contrast to related wasp species that usually target the larvae and pupae stages of flies.
These fruit fly invaders are considered parasitoids rather than parasites because they always kill their hosts unlike the latter, which generally leave them alive.
Female S. perlmani wasps use a specialised organ called an ovipositor to inject eggs directly into the abdomen of adult fruit flies.
Over the next 18 days, the eggs develop into wasp larvae, slowly growing inside the host until they eventually kill the fly by emerging out of its body.
The research team found evidence of S. perlmani across the eastern United States, including Mississippi, Alabama, and North Carolina
🔆Greening of Antarctica: A Rapidly Accelerating Trend
📍Warming and Greening :
✅ The Antarctic Peninsula is warming faster than the global average.
✅ Extreme heat events are becoming more common.
✅ Satellite imagery confirms a widespread greening trend across the Peninsula.
📍Vegetation Growth :
✅The area of vegetation cover increased from less than 1 sq. km in 1986 to almost 12 sq. km in 2021.
✅ The greening trend has accelerated by over 30% in recent years.
📍 Implications :
✅ Increased plant life will add organic matter to the soil.
✅ This will facilitate soil formation, potentially paving the way for other plants to grow.
UPSC Question
Mains: Discuss the implications of the rapid greening of the Antarctic Peninsula due to climate change. What are the potential ecological and environmental consequences of this trend?
📍Warming and Greening :
✅ The Antarctic Peninsula is warming faster than the global average.
✅ Extreme heat events are becoming more common.
✅ Satellite imagery confirms a widespread greening trend across the Peninsula.
📍Vegetation Growth :
✅The area of vegetation cover increased from less than 1 sq. km in 1986 to almost 12 sq. km in 2021.
✅ The greening trend has accelerated by over 30% in recent years.
📍 Implications :
✅ Increased plant life will add organic matter to the soil.
✅ This will facilitate soil formation, potentially paving the way for other plants to grow.
UPSC Question
Mains: Discuss the implications of the rapid greening of the Antarctic Peninsula due to climate change. What are the potential ecological and environmental consequences of this trend?
#Environment
■ The Law Nina Shadow -
✅The delayed onset of La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have raised concerns regarding air quality in North India, particularly Delhi. Predictions indicate significant pollution challenges in the early winter months, with the potential for some relief in December and January, contingent on the strengthening of La Niña conditions.
Impacts of La Niña and Monsoon Variability
● Climate Change and Air Quality:
✅Recent studies from the National Institute of Advanced Science (NIAS) have highlighted the interplay between climate change, La Niña, and air quality. The winter of 2022-23 saw Delhi experiencing its best air quality in a decade, largely attributed to favorable climatic conditions.
✅ However, the uncertainty surrounding La Niña's arrival introduces challenges for air quality management.
● Shift from Local to Global Factors:
✅Air pollution has evolved beyond local emissions to encompass larger meteorological phenomena. Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach that considers regional and global climate influences on air quality. This necessitates attention to large-scale atmospheric patterns, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which affect pollution distribution across borders.
The Role of PM2.5 and Policy Implications
● Dominance of PM2.5:
✅Policymakers must prioritize PM2.5, primarily arising from fossil fuel combustion, rather than focusing excessively on PM10, whose main source is dust. Misallocation of resources and misplaced priorities can hinder public health objectives.
✅Effective policies should address the dominant sources of PM2.5 emissions for meaningful air quality improvement.
●NIAS-SAFAR Model Analysis:
Concerning Projections for Winter Air Quality:
✅The NIAS-SAFAR model provides a grim outlook for Delhi's air quality this winter.
●Factors contributing to this assessment include:
✅Delayed Monsoon Retreat: A slower withdrawal of the monsoon leads to higher humidity and stagnant winds, trapping pollutants near the surface.
✅Delayed La Niña Onset: The anticipated development of La Niña between September and November may result in stagnant wind conditions, worsening pollution levels in northern India.
● Potential Relief in Later Winter Months:
✅If La Niña conditions materialize in December and January, the NIAS-SAFAR model suggests that stronger winds and fewer clouds could improve air quality. However, a longer, more severe winter could counteract these benefits by lowering the inversion layer, which traps pollutants, thereby complicating air quality management.
The Stubble Burning Dilemma
● Contribution to Pollution:
✅Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana poses a significant threat to Delhi's air quality, particularly in the absence of La Niña. Dominant north-north-westerly winds are likely to transport pollution from these agricultural practices into the city, exacerbating existing air quality challenges.
Future Projections and Climate Change Implications
● Unpredictable Outcomes of La Niña:
✅The possibility of La Niña arriving earlier than expected could have far-reaching consequences. The NIAS-SAFAR model indicates that an early La Niña onset could worsen air quality in the southern peninsular region but potentially improve conditions in northern India.
● Climate Change and Extreme Pollution Events:
✅Emerging evidence links extreme air pollution events to climate change. Local emissions are compounded by the uncertainties introduced by rapidly changing climatic conditions. A broader focus on airsheds rather than isolated cities is essential for effective air quality management. F
● Conclusion: Rethinking Air Quality Strategies:
✅To address the multifaceted challenges of air quality in North India, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach that incorporates larger climatic factors. This can be achieved through collaborative efforts between scientific bodies and policymakers to develop health-centric strategies and allocate resources effectively.
■ The Law Nina Shadow -
✅The delayed onset of La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have raised concerns regarding air quality in North India, particularly Delhi. Predictions indicate significant pollution challenges in the early winter months, with the potential for some relief in December and January, contingent on the strengthening of La Niña conditions.
Impacts of La Niña and Monsoon Variability
● Climate Change and Air Quality:
✅Recent studies from the National Institute of Advanced Science (NIAS) have highlighted the interplay between climate change, La Niña, and air quality. The winter of 2022-23 saw Delhi experiencing its best air quality in a decade, largely attributed to favorable climatic conditions.
✅ However, the uncertainty surrounding La Niña's arrival introduces challenges for air quality management.
● Shift from Local to Global Factors:
✅Air pollution has evolved beyond local emissions to encompass larger meteorological phenomena. Researchers advocate for a comprehensive approach that considers regional and global climate influences on air quality. This necessitates attention to large-scale atmospheric patterns, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which affect pollution distribution across borders.
The Role of PM2.5 and Policy Implications
● Dominance of PM2.5:
✅Policymakers must prioritize PM2.5, primarily arising from fossil fuel combustion, rather than focusing excessively on PM10, whose main source is dust. Misallocation of resources and misplaced priorities can hinder public health objectives.
✅Effective policies should address the dominant sources of PM2.5 emissions for meaningful air quality improvement.
●NIAS-SAFAR Model Analysis:
Concerning Projections for Winter Air Quality:
✅The NIAS-SAFAR model provides a grim outlook for Delhi's air quality this winter.
●Factors contributing to this assessment include:
✅Delayed Monsoon Retreat: A slower withdrawal of the monsoon leads to higher humidity and stagnant winds, trapping pollutants near the surface.
✅Delayed La Niña Onset: The anticipated development of La Niña between September and November may result in stagnant wind conditions, worsening pollution levels in northern India.
● Potential Relief in Later Winter Months:
✅If La Niña conditions materialize in December and January, the NIAS-SAFAR model suggests that stronger winds and fewer clouds could improve air quality. However, a longer, more severe winter could counteract these benefits by lowering the inversion layer, which traps pollutants, thereby complicating air quality management.
The Stubble Burning Dilemma
● Contribution to Pollution:
✅Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana poses a significant threat to Delhi's air quality, particularly in the absence of La Niña. Dominant north-north-westerly winds are likely to transport pollution from these agricultural practices into the city, exacerbating existing air quality challenges.
Future Projections and Climate Change Implications
● Unpredictable Outcomes of La Niña:
✅The possibility of La Niña arriving earlier than expected could have far-reaching consequences. The NIAS-SAFAR model indicates that an early La Niña onset could worsen air quality in the southern peninsular region but potentially improve conditions in northern India.
● Climate Change and Extreme Pollution Events:
✅Emerging evidence links extreme air pollution events to climate change. Local emissions are compounded by the uncertainties introduced by rapidly changing climatic conditions. A broader focus on airsheds rather than isolated cities is essential for effective air quality management. F
● Conclusion: Rethinking Air Quality Strategies:
✅To address the multifaceted challenges of air quality in North India, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach that incorporates larger climatic factors. This can be achieved through collaborative efforts between scientific bodies and policymakers to develop health-centric strategies and allocate resources effectively.
Climate Change Impacts on Indian Farmers
Key Findings
✅ Poor households globally experience greater income losses from heat stress and floods compared to wealthier households.
✅ India's poor farmers are particularly vulnerable due to structural inequalities.
✅ Climate stressors can reduce on-farm income and force farmers to adopt adverse coping strategies.
📍Government Initiatives :
✅ India has implemented various initiatives to address climate change impacts on agriculture.
✅ National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and contingency plans for all agriculture districts have been implemented.
✅ India was the first country to implement an employment guarantee scheme as a social safety net.
📍Recommendations :
✅ Diversify income sources through off-farm employment opportunities.
✅ Address gendered barriers in non-farm employment.
✅ Scale up anticipatory social protection programs.
✅ Provide effective livelihood support before extreme weather events.
Key Findings
✅ Poor households globally experience greater income losses from heat stress and floods compared to wealthier households.
✅ India's poor farmers are particularly vulnerable due to structural inequalities.
✅ Climate stressors can reduce on-farm income and force farmers to adopt adverse coping strategies.
📍Government Initiatives :
✅ India has implemented various initiatives to address climate change impacts on agriculture.
✅ National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and contingency plans for all agriculture districts have been implemented.
✅ India was the first country to implement an employment guarantee scheme as a social safety net.
📍Recommendations :
✅ Diversify income sources through off-farm employment opportunities.
✅ Address gendered barriers in non-farm employment.
✅ Scale up anticipatory social protection programs.
✅ Provide effective livelihood support before extreme weather events.
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