Indian gaur spotted in Konkan sanctuary for the first time in recorded history
News: Wildlife researchers recently documented the presence of an Indian gaur in the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), Maharashtra.
Facts:
Indian gaur
- World’s largest and tallest wild bovines
- Listed as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Explained: What is Economic Survey, and why is it important?
News: The Economic Survey for 2019-2020 will be tabled in Parliament on Friday (January 31).
Facts:
About Economic Survey
- It is a report the government presents on the state of the economy in the past one year, the key challenges it anticipates, and their possible solutions.
- It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor (currently Dr Krishnamurthy Subramanian.)
- The first Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51
Significance:
- Crucial document as it provides a detailed account of the state of the economy, prospects and the policy challenges.
- Carries sectorial overviews and comments on reform measures that are required.
- Survey’s outlook serves as a marker about future policy moves.
Note: Government is not constitutionally bound to present the Economic Survey or to follow the recommendations that are made in it.
Livestock Census: No. of stray cattle down in country, up in UP
News: According to the 20th Livestock Census, the number of stray cattle in the country has marginally come down to 50.22 lakh in 2019 from 51.88 lakh in 2012.
Facts:
20th Livestock Census: Key Takeaways:
- Total Livestock population: 535.78 million
- Total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak): 302.79 Million
- Total poultry: 851.81 million
Additional Information:
About Livestock Census
- Conducted Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Conducted quinquennially (every five years) since 1919-20
- Covers all domesticated animals and its headcounts
Explained: The debate over UN’s new rules for ships in the Arctic region
News: International Maritime Organization (IMO) put forward new regulations, called IMO 2020
Facts:
IMO 2020
- Bans ships from using fuels with a sulphur content above 0.5 per cent, compared with 3.5 per cent previously.
- Only ships fitted with sulphur-cleaning devices, known as scrubbers, are allowed to continue burning high-sulphur fuel.
- Ships can opt for cleaner fuels, such as marine gasoil (MGO) and very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).
Rationale behind the ban: Sulphur oxides (SOx), which are formed after combustion in engines, are known to cause respiratory symptoms and lung disease, and also leads to acid rain.
Concern over VLSFO: Contribute to highly polluting black carbon emissions.
Additional Information:
International Maritime Organization
- A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships.
- Founded in 1948 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
- Main international convention aimed at the prevention of pollution from ships caused by operational or accidental causes.
- Adopted by IMO in 1973.
Govt gives nod to amendments in National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019
News: The Union Cabinet has approved the amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019
Facts:
- The Bill seeks to repeal the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973
Key features of the bill:
- Sets up the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) which will frame policies for regulating medical institutions and homoeopathic medical professionals.
- Sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCH. These boards are:
- Homoeopathy Education Board
- Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy
- Board of Ethics and Medical Registration for Homoeopathy
- Central government will constitute an Advisory Council for Homoeopathy. It will be the primary platform through which the states/union territories can put forth their views and concerns before the NCH
- There will be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to under-graduate homoeopathy education in all medical institutions
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