Short News in Table

August 7, 2023

GS Paper I GS Paper II GS Paper III Art and Culture Environment and Ecology International Relations

Manas National Park	The recent All India Tiger Estimation 2022 revealed Manas National Park’s shift to high tiger density in western Assam, However, a substantial challenge is posed by a staffing deficiency of approximately 63%. About Manas Tiger Reserve: Geographical Location: Situated in Assam, Manas National Park is intersected by the Manas and Beki rivers. Climate: It experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Endemic Flora: Catechu tree Sissoo White siris Distinctive Fauna: Pygmy hog Golden langur Assam roofed turtle Protected Area Status: World Natural Heritage Site Encompasses a wildlife sanctuary, national park, and tiger reserve
Clouded Leopards	Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have observed a peculiar behavior among clouded leopards within Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam. These leopards appear to engage in an enigmatic hide-and-seek activity within the lush tropical canopy forests. About Clouded Leopard: The clouded leopard is categorised into two species: The mainland clouded leopard distributed from central Nepal to peninsular Malaysia. It is akin to the Ice Age sabretooth due to its large canines relative to skull size. It also has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down head first from trees Protection Status: Vulnerable under IUCN Red List, The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) native to Borneo and Sumatra.
BRICS Health Minister’s Meeting	Recently, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare addressed the virtual BRICS Health Minister’s Meeting. Venue: The meeting was held in Durban, South Africa. UHC Emphasis: South Africa emphasizes Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the theme “Bridging the Gap on Sustainable Health on the Road to UHC 2023” TB Research Commitment: India reaffirms its commitment to the BRICS TB Research Network Initiative, aimed at eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
Project Devika	Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; stated that North India’s inaugural River Rejuvenation Project, Devika, is nearing its completion. About Devika Project: Project Cost: Rs 190 crore on the lines of ‘Namami Ganga’, Sharing of allocation: 90:10 by the Centre and UT respectively constructed by: Devika Rejuvenation Project is being constructed by Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED). Devika River: It originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi river.
Subramania Bharathi	Recently the President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a portrait of nationalist Tamil poet-journalist Subramania Bharathi at the Raj Bhavan. She also renamed the Durbar Hall on the campus as ‘Bharathiar Mandapam’. About Subramania Bharathi: A multifaceted personality, he was a renowned poet, a fervent freedom fighter, and a dedicated social reformer. Birth: December 11, 1882, in Ettayapuram village of Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu. Important Works: Kaṇṇan pāṭṭu , Panchali sapatham, Kuyil pāṭṭu, Pudiya Russia and Gnanaratham. His publication of the groundbreaking “Sudesa Geethangal” in 1908 garnered significant attention. In 1949, he achieved the distinction of being the first poet whose literary works were nationalized by the state government.