Kashmir Willow

• In recent years, cricket bats made from Kashmiri willow have gained global attention following appearances in international games.

Kashmir willow 

• About: Mainly cultivated in the Kashmir region of India, Kashmiri willow is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet). 
  • It features slender trunks and a narrow, conical canopy, typically taking 20 to 25 years to reach maturity.
• Habitation: These trees thrive in the region’s humid and temperate climate, particularly along riverbanks and in areas with adequate soil moisture.
• Characteristics of Willow: Willows demonstrate excellent growth and productivity because of their ability to efficiently convert solar radiation into chemical energy.
  • The species shows high rates of evapotranspiration throughout the growing season.
  • Willows are resilient to flooding and thrive in waterlogged soils with low oxygen levels in the root zone.
  • Willows efficiently accumulate elevated levels of toxic metals, particularly Cadmium (Cd).
• Applications: It includes the cricket bat industry, packaging cases, basketry, furniture, and more.

World Heritage Young Professionals Forum 2024

• The Ministry of Culture is hosting the 2024 World Heritage Young Professionals Forum during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee and under UNESCO’s World Heritage Education Programme.

World Heritage Young Professionals Forum: 

• About: It serves as a platform for bringing together young people and heritage experts to promote intercultural learning and exchange.
  • Additionally, it offers youth the chance to engage with and learn about each other’s heritage, address shared preservation challenges, and explore new roles in heritage conservation.
• Focus: Each Forum centres around a specific topic related to World Heritage, tailored to the context of the Host Country’s World Heritage properties.
• Collaboration: Both local and international experts participate, engaging young professionals in a variety of activities including presentations, roundtable discussions, and site visits.
• Aim: This collaborative approach aims to address several sub-themes, including:
  • Exploring the accomplishments and challenges of the World Heritage Convention
  • Assessing the effects of climate change on World Heritage sites
  • Implementing innovative technologies to enhance awareness of World Heritage
  • Promoting sustainable tourism and development through youth entrepreneurship
• Heritage Learning: Through discussions, participants will gain profound insights into global principles of World Heritage and Sustainable Development, while also familiarising themselves with the management of India’s local heritage.

Zero-dose kids fall to 1.6 million in 2023’

• At nearly 1.6 million, India had the second highest number of children who did not receive any vaccine in 2023.

India’s ranking

• Improvement: However, India’s rank improved from 2021 when the country had recorded the most number of zero-dose kids globally at 2.73 million.
• Most Zero Doses: According to data published jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, Nigeria had the most number of zero-dose children at 2.1 million in 2023.
• Ranking of other countries: Other countries following India are Ethiopia, Congo, Sudan and Indonesia. China is 18th on the list of top 20 zero-dose countries, while Pakistan is at the 10th position.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

• Recently the government has stopped funds for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to opposition-ruled states. 

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:

• About: Samagra Shiksha, an Integrated Scheme for School Education, was launched nationwide as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme starting from the year 2018-19.
• Integration: This program consolidates the three previous Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
• Objective: The programme encompasses the entire school education sector, spanning from pre-school to class XII, with the goal of providing inclusive and equitable quality education across all levels. 
  • It views the concept of ‘school’ as a continuous journey from pre-school through primary, upper primary, secondary, and senior secondary levels.

GTRI

• GTRI  expressed serious concerns over spurt in import of precious metals from the UAE under a free trade agreement (FTA).

Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI):

• Aim: To produce clear and high-quality reports for governments and industries on trade, technology, and investment topics. 
  • GTRI offers valuable insights into export and import markets, as well as global trade analysis.

NITI Aayog Unveils GearShift Challenge

• NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, has initiated the NITI GearShift Challenge under the e-FAST India initiative.

NITI GearShift Challenge:

• Objective: To promote innovative business models aimed at adopting zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing significant economic and environmental challenges.
• Features: The challenge invites students, transport professionals, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models addressing financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks.
  • It has garnered interest from partners of e-FAST India, financial institutions, and industry associations.