Whatsapp 93125-11015 For Details
1. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for another five years under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967. ULFA, an armed militant group formed in 1979, seeks Assam's secession from India through violent means. The group was first banned in 1990, and the ban has been periodically renewed, with the latest extension in 2019. Under Section 35 of the UAPA, the government can declare an organization unlawful or an individual a terrorist if involved in activities that promote terrorism or secession. The ban aims to curb ULFA's militant activities in Assam, ensuring national security.
2. The Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme for three years to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals. The scheme will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). ONOS seeks to address the 'pay to read' model of traditional academic publishing, where institutions pay to access research, and aims to democratize access to high-quality academic content, especially benefiting students and researchers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The scheme will provide access to over 13,000 journals from 30 leading international publishers, benefiting 6,300 institutions and around 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers. It will enhance access to international journals, improving India’s visibility in global research communities.
3. Recent research reveals that minke whales can detect high-frequency sounds up to 90 kHz, highlighting their sensitivity to ocean noise pollution. This finding indicates that minke whales, like other marine mammals, are more affected by anthropogenic noise from shipping, naval sonar, and industrial activities than previously understood. Such noise interferes with their communication, foraging, and navigation. The study suggests that current regulations may not adequately protect baleen whales, as their hearing ranges were underestimated. This new data calls for a reassessment of marine noise pollution policies. Minke whales are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, but the Antarctic minke whale remains "Data Deficient," with both species listed in CITES Appendix I and II due to concerns over potential threats.
4. The Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024 (BAHS), released by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlights key trends in livestock products for 2023-24. India’s milk production is estimated at 239.30 million tonnes, a 3.78% increase from the previous year, with top producers being Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Egg production is estimated at 142.77 billion eggs, ranking India 2nd globally. Meat production is projected at 10.25 million tonnes, a 4.95% growth, with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra as the top producers. Wool production stands at 33.69 million kg. Livestock growth has shown a CAGR of 7.38% from 2014-15 to 2022-23. Additionally, the 21st Livestock Census is underway to gather data on 16 animal species and poultry, including 219 indigenous breeds. The census, conducted every five years, provides crucial information on India’s livestock population.
5. In February 2024, Balrampur Chini Mills announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment in India's first bioplastics factory, aiming to produce biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Bioplastics are derived from renewable sources like sugarcane and corn, and can be made from polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). They offer a new revenue stream for sugar companies, expected to generate Rs 1,700-1,800 crore annually. Bioplastics reduce the carbon footprint, are non-toxic, and are durable for uses like food packaging and medical supplies. However, challenges include higher production costs, limited raw material supply, and competition with the sugar industry’s needs. With a projected decline in sugar production, balancing these demands will be a challenge. The future outlook for bioplastics is positive, driven by consumer demand for sustainable products and ongoing innovations in production technology.