News In Short 21-12-2024

Masali 

Syllabus :GS 1/Places/GS3/Environment 

In News

• Masali village has become India’s first solar-powered border village.

About Masali 

• It is situated in  Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
• It is  located 40 km from the Pakistan border
• The village of 800 people now has 119 houses with solar rooftops, generating over 225 kilowatts of electricity.
  • This initiative, part of the PM Suryaghar Yojana, was carried out under the Border Development Project. 
• Masali is the second solar village in Gujarat, after Modhera, and the first in a border area in India.

Source :IE

Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore Campaign 

Syllabus :GS 2/Governance 

In News

• The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” campaign during Good Governance Week, emphasizing its role in bringing effective governance to rural areas and strengthening grassroots democracy. 

Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” campaign 

• It is the Nation-wide campaign for Redressal of Public Grievances and Improving Service Delivery.
• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is coordinating the 2024 campaign
• Covered Areas : It is being conducted in all North Eastern States including Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is also being conducted in all the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
• Key Activities:  Public grievances redressed in Special Camps
  • Public grievances redressed in CPGRAMS
  • Public grievances redressed in the State portals
  • Service Delivery applications disposed
  • Collation and dissemination of Good Governance practices
  • Success stories on resolution of public grievances

Source :PIB

Phewa Dialogue

Syllabus: GS2/ IR

In News

• Recently, Nepal and China launched the “Phewa Dialogue” series, aimed at fostering regional prosperity, peace, and economic integration in South Asia.

About

• The Phewa Dialogue derives its name from the renowned Phewa Lake, one of Nepal’s largest lakes, located in the Pokhara Valley.
  • The lake is fed by perennial springs, including Harpan Khola and Seti Khola, adding to its scenic and ecological significance.

Significance of the Phewa Dialogue

• Regional Cooperation: The dialogue aims to foster cooperation and understanding among South Asian nations, which is crucial for addressing shared challenges and promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
• Economic Integration: A key focus is on enhancing economic integration within South Asia, which could lead to increased trade, investment, and economic growth for participating countries.
• Addressing Key Issues: The dialogue provides a platform for discussing critical issues facing the region, such as industrial changes, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.
• Track II Diplomacy: The involvement of academic institutions like Sichuan University and Tribhuvan University highlights the role of Track II diplomacy in fostering dialogue and shaping policy discussions.

Source: TH

India and ADB Loan Agreement for SMILE Programme

Syllabus :GS 3/Economy

In News

• The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $350 million policy-based loan agreement for the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme. 

SMILE programme

• The SMILE program is a policy-based lending initiative comprising two subprograms aimed at expanding India’s manufacturing sector and enhancing supply chain resilience.
• It focuses on improving logistics efficiency by strengthening multimodal infrastructure at national, state, and city levels, standardizing warehousing and logistics assets to attract private investment, enhancing external trade logistics, and adopting low-emission smart systems for efficient logistics.
  • The reforms align with efforts to improve India’s manufacturing sector and global competitiveness.
• The recent loan aims to improve logistics infrastructure, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and build resilient supply chains in India. 

Do you know ? – The Asian Development Bank (ADB), established in 1966, is dedicated to promoting a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while working to eliminate extreme poverty.  – It is owned by 69 members, with 49 from the region.

Source :PIB

MSP for Copra Hiked 

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• The government announced an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for copra by up to ₹420 to ₹12,100 per quintal for 2025.

MSP

• It is a form of market intervention by the Government to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. 
• The prices are announced by the Government at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). 
• The major objectives are to support the farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution. 

Crops Covered under MSP

• Kharif Crops (total 14) like paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, tur/arhar, moong, urad, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, sesamum, niger seed, cotton;
• Rabi Crops (total 06) like wheat, barley, gram, masur/lentil, rapeseed and mustard,and safflower;
• Commercial Crops(total 02) like jute and copra.
  • MSP for Toria and de-husked coconut is also fixed on the basis of MSPs of rapeseed & mustard and copra respectively.

Source: TH

Himalayan Birch Tree

Syllabus: GS3/Species in News

Context

• According to new research, climate change is altering the tree line landscape of the central Himalayas.
  • Birch trees that dominate the region are being replaced by fir, a slow-growing evergreen conifer. 

About

• Fir trees (Abies spectabilis) are typically found at a lower altitude compared to the Himalayan birch (Betula utilis). 
• While both species are climbing upslope on the highlands, fir is climbing faster.
• Reason: The conifers are likely benefiting from a warmer climate while birch trees are struggling to grow due to stress from increased temperatures and lack of moisture.

Himalayan Birch Tree

• Scientific Name: Betula utilis
• It is found in regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. 
• It is known for its striking white bark and its adaptability to the harsh, cold climates of high-altitude areas.
• This tree species plays an important role in its ecosystem, providing shelter and food for wildlife. 
• The seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the tree itself provides cover.

Source: DTE

Squirrels

Syllabus: GS3/Species in News

Context

• A new study has concluded that California ground squirrels are ‘opportunistic omnivores’.  

About

• Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that belong to the family Sciuridae.
• There are over 200 species of squirrels, and they can be found in various environments, ranging from forests to urban areas.
• Diet: Squirrels are omnivores, but they are primarily herbivores.
  • They eat nuts (especially acorns), seeds, fruits, and fungi. 
  • Some species will also eat small insects, bird eggs, or fungi if necessary. 
  • Squirrels have a habit of storing food for the winter.
• Habitat and Range: Squirrels can be found all over the world, except in Australia and Antarctica. 
• Types of Squirrels:
  • Tree Squirrels: These are the most common type and are typically found in forests and wooded areas.
  • Ground Squirrels: These squirrels live primarily on the ground, often burrowing underground to escape predators and to store food.
  • Flying Squirrels: These squirrels are capable of gliding through the air due to a membrane of skin called the patagium, which stretches from their wrists to their ankles.

Source: DTE

Northern Giant Hornet (Murder Hornet)

Syllabus: GS3/Species in News

Context

• The Northern giant hornet, nicknamed the “murder hornet”, has been eradicated in the United States.

About

• The northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also known as the Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long. 
• This invasive species, native to Asia, was first spotted in Washington state in 2019. 
• Murder hornets pose a significant threat to agriculture, insects, and native pollinators, with the ability to destroy an entire honeybee hive in just 90 minutes.
• It generally doesn’t attack people unless threatened, but can sting through most beekeeper suits, delivering nearly seven times more venom than a honeybee and can sting multiple times.
• Conservation Status: Currently, there are no efforts to conserve this species.

Source: IE