1.Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary Declared as Tiger Reserve
On 2nd December 2024, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a tiger reserve, with in-principal approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Key Points
- Eighth Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh:Ratapani is now the eighth tiger reserve in the state, with a core area of 763.8 sq km and a buffer zone of 507.6 sq km, totaling 1,271.4 sq km.
- Enhanced Conservation Efforts:The designation ensures better management and conservation, backed by funding from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- Economic Opportunities:Ecotourism development is expected to generate employment and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
- Core and Buffer Area Notification:Issued under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the notification integrates nine revenue villages (26.947 sq km) into the buffer zone without affecting the rights of local villagers.
- Cultural Significance:The reserve encompasses the Vindhya hills, teak forests, and the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Proximity to Bhopal:Located in Raisen district, the reserve is less than 50 km from Bhopal, increasing its potential for tourism.
- Contextual Development:The announcement follows approval for Madhav National Park to also become a tiger reserve, with a notification expected within 15 days.
2.Coastal Shipping Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha
On 2nd December 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, aimed at promoting Indian-flagged vessels for coastal trade and enhancing maritime security, was introduced in the Lok Sabha amidst opposition protests.
Key Points
- Promoting Indian Vessels:The Bill seeks to restrict coastal trade to Indian-flagged vessels operated by Indian citizens and allows inland vessels to participate under specific conditions.
- Licensing Framework:It empowers the Director-General to issue trade licenses, considering crew citizenship and vessel-building requirements, to generate jobs for Indian seafarers and promote shipbuilding.
- National Database:The Bill proposes creating a National Database of coastal shipping for transparency and efficient information sharing.
- Strategic Planning:It mandates the preparation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan for the development and growth of the sector.
- Fair Procedures:Provisions ensure licenses cannot be suspended, revoked, or modified without a fair hearing process.
- Cost Efficiency of Coastal Shipping:Highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline, the Bill underscores coastal shipping’s cost advantage over other transport modes and its potential for boosting maritime trade.
- Outdated Legislation:It aims to replace outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and address regulatory inconsistencies between mechanised and non-mechanised vessels.
3.Coastal Shipping Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha
On 2nd December 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, aimed at promoting Indian-flagged vessels for coastal trade and enhancing maritime security, was introduced in the Lok Sabha amidst opposition protests.
Key Points
- Promoting Indian Vessels:The Bill seeks to restrict coastal trade to Indian-flagged vessels operated by Indian citizens and allows inland vessels to participate under specific conditions.
- Licensing Framework:It empowers the Director-General to issue trade licenses, considering crew citizenship and vessel-building requirements, to generate jobs for Indian seafarers and promote shipbuilding.
- National Database:The Bill proposes creating a National Database of coastal shipping for transparency and efficient information sharing.
- Strategic Planning:It mandates the preparation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan for the development and growth of the sector.
- Fair Procedures:Provisions ensure licenses cannot be suspended, revoked, or modified without a fair hearing process.
- Cost Efficiency of Coastal Shipping:Highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline, the Bill underscores coastal shipping’s cost advantage over other transport modes and its potential for boosting maritime trade.
- Outdated Legislation:It aims to replace outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and address regulatory inconsistencies between mechanised and non-mechanised vessels.
4.NCB Joins Hands with Spiritual Groups
On 2nd December 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) signed MoUs with five spiritual organisations under ‘Mission Spandan’ to combat drug abuse through spirituality and awareness.
- The MoUs were signed as part of the initiative envisioned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address drug addiction issues.
- ‘Mission Spandan’ aims to create a drug-free India by integrating spirituality, public awareness, and collective action into anti-drug efforts.
- The agreements involve collaboration with prominent spiritual organisations, including the Art of Living Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, ISKCON, Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation, and Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
- The NCB will provide technical support, educational materials, and coordination with local authorities to aid the campaign.
- The spiritual organisations will spearhead grassroots awareness initiatives, youth-focused programmes, and community engagement activities to spread the message of a drug-free lifestyle.
5.13th National Seed Congress
On 28th November, 2024, Union Agriculture Minister inaugurated the 13th National Seed Congress 2024, emphasizing India’s leadership in the global seed sector and sustainable agriculture.
- The three-day event, held at ISARC, Varanasi, gathered over 700 delegates, including policymakers, farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to address challenges in the seed sector.
- Union Minister highlighted the Congress as a platform for fostering partnerships, strengthening seed systems, and addressing food security challenges through public-private collaborations.
- Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister announced initiatives like 200 seed parks and the promotion of oilseeds and millets to enhance the state’s agricultural contributions.
- Key sessions explored India’s global seed sector role, fostering South-South collaboration, and enhancing public-private partnerships for improving seed quality and accessibility.
- Launches included the Abstract Compendium and Rice Fallow Webpage & Atlas, leveraging geospatial technology to optimize crop planning in Eastern India.
- A technical session on emerging seed technologies and regulatory frameworks examined innovations shaping the future of India’s seed industry.