Siberian crane – Sukpak

Context: A Siberian Demoiselle crane named Sukpak has set a new distance record for migratory birds arriving in Rajasthan, India.

About Sukpak

• Scientific Name : Anthropoides virgo (also known as Grus virgo).
• Breeding and Wintering Range
  • Breeding: Found across Central Asia, Mongolia, and extending to Northeast China.
  • Wintering: They primarily spend winters in western India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Migration Path
  • Traditional Route: Typically migrate via Himalayan valleys.
  • Notable Route: Some, like the crane Sukpak, take a reverse migration path through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Cultural Importance
  • Indian Names: Called koonj or kurjaa in local languages.
  • Symbolism: Holds significant cultural value in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN Status: Classified as Least Concern.

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Riyadh Design Law Treaty

Context: India along with the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has adopted the Design Law Treaty (DLT)

About the Treaty

• The Treaty seeks to harmonise procedures and simplify registration processes of industrial designs in different countries
• Objective: The treaty will facilitate design protection by eliminating red tape and simplifying the application procedures making it easier and affordable to protect and market designs.
• Conference: The Treaty was signed in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia which has hosted the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty representing the final-stage treaty negotiation.
• Structure:The Treaty will consist of articles and rules. 
  • Updation: The Assembly of the Contracting Parties will be able to amend the rules, thereby fostering a dynamic framework within which to further develop design law.
• Prepared by:The Department for Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications, Brands and Designs Sector, of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Provisions: 
  • Streamlining Design Application Procedures: The application can now contain several designs in a single application, rather than having to file a separate application for each individual design
  • Easy to Obtain a Filing Date:It will be sufficient for applicants to submit some essential parts of the application rather than a complete application now
  • Framework for Post Registration Procedures: Clear definition of all the elements required in a request for recording certain transactions, such as a renewal, a change in ownership or a license etc.
  • Facilitating Protection: Applicants will retain control over the publication date of a design, even after having secured a filing date.
  • Relief Measures: If the time limit in a procedure before an industrial property office is missed, relief measures will be available to help applicants to avoid losing their rights

President’s Colours

Context: Four battalions of the Army’s Mechanised Infantry are presented with the President’s Colours by Army Chief General during a ceremony at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School at Ahilya Nagar.

• Award: The President’s Colours were awarded to the 26th and 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment and 20th and 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards

About The Mechanised Infantry

• It blends the best of Infantry and Mechanised forces with its battalions deployed across all theatres and also in UN peacekeeping missions.
• Origins: The Mechanised Infantry Regiment was officially raised on April 2, 1979, under the visionary leadership of Lieutenant General A.S. Kalkat.

About The President’s Colour Award

• It is the highest honour that is bestowed upon any military unit in the Indian Army.
  • It is also known as Nishaan, which is an emblem that is worn by all unit officers on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform.
• The Colours is a ceremonial flag bearing the unit’s insignia and motto is presented to units upon completing specified meritorious service to recognise their contributions in operations and peacetime.

India and ISA Collaborate on Solar Projects in Indo-Pacific Region

Context: Recently a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and International Solar Alliance (ISA) to execute solar projects in four Indo-Pacific countries.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

• Investment and Implementation: India has committed USD 2 million to fund solar projects and ISA will serve as the Project Implementing Agency, providing technical and programmatic support to the Countries. 
  • Countries Involved: Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles
• Project Objectives: Address energy challenges, such as unreliable electricity and perishability of agricultural products.
  • Focus areas include:
    • Solar cold storage systems.
    • Solarisation of healthcare facilities.
    • Solar water pumping systems for irrigation.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Improved energy access and reliability.
  • Creation of employment opportunities.
  • Advancement in the transition to a clean energy economy.
• Significance:
  • Aligns with the Quads Wilmington Declaration to promote clean energy supply chains.
  • Supports global efforts to tackle climate change and ensure sustainable development.
  • Contributes to holistic economic development and social justice.
  • Strengthens India’s leadership in the global clean energy transition.

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Red-Breasted Flycatcher

Context: The tiny Red-breasted Flycatcher, measuring just 12 cm, has captured the attention of birdwatchers at Ameenpur Lake in Hyderabad.

About the Red-Breasted Flycatcher

• Scientific Name: Ficedula parva
• Migration: This small bird is  known for its incredible migratory journey from Eastern Europe to South Asia.
• Appearance: Males are distinguished by their vibrant reddish-orange patch below the neck, making them a special sight for birders.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• Threat: Despite being relatively stable in numbers, their habitats, especially wetlands and forests, are under threat due to urbanization and environmental degradation.

About Ameenpur lake

• Ameenpur Lake is an artificial lake which was constructed in the 16th century during the Qutb Shahi dynasty to irrigate a nearby garden.
• Urban Biodiversity Heritage Site: It is the first urban biodiversity heritage site in India, and is regaining its status as a haven for birds and wildlife. 
• Recent Revival: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has undertaken efforts to restore the lake’s ecological health.

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