In this comprehensive article, we delve into a variety of topics ranging from wildlife conservation in India to recent technological developments and initiatives in the country. Topics of discussion include the status of Asiatic lions in Gujarat’s Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the United Nations’ telecom body ITU’s plans for an Innovation Centre in India, and the rediscovery of a wood snake species last seen over a century ago.
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Asiatic Lions
Located in Junagadh, Gujarat, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2007 as an extension of the preservation efforts initiated when Gir Forests were declared a sanctuary in 1965. According to the most recent census, conducted in 2015, the sanctuary is home to 33 of the 523 Asiatic lions found in and around the region.
These Asiatic lions, considered the cousins of African Lions, are believed to have diverged from their counterparts approximately 100,000 years ago. They can be distinguished by their slightly smaller size and a distinct skin fold along their belly. Notably, Gir sanctuary houses the only wild population of Asiatic lions in the world, and these creatures have been listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Appendix I of CITES, and categorized as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. With an aim to bolster the ongoing conservation measures for Asiatic lions, the Indian government has launched “The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project”.
ITU’s First ever Innovation Centre in India
The United Nations’ telecom body, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), plans to establish its first ever Innovation Centre in India. With the goal of incorporating technologies from South Asian countries and emerging economies into global standards, the Innovation Centre will allow Indian technology firms to influence these standards, which have been primarily shaped by companies from developed countries. The Centre will also facilitate joint research in the field of standardization for emerging technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence.
| ITU Facts |
|---|
| Oldest among the 15 specialized agencies of UN |
| Allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits |
| Membership includes 193 Member States and around 800 public and private sector companies |
| India has been regular member since 1952 |
Rediscovery of the Wood Snake Species
After more than a century, a species of wood snake last spotted in 1878 has been rediscovered by scientists in the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary, located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, borders the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, acting as an important buffer zone for tiger populations and an essential elephant corridor. The wood snake species is endemic to the Meghamalai forests and the Periyar Tiger Reserve landscape.
Geographic Indication (GI) Tag for “Sirsi Supari”
Joining the list of agricultural produce with a geographical indication (GI) tag is the ‘Sirsi Supari.’ Grown in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, this arecanut is distinct for its round, flattened shape, unique texture, and hard seed.
Phased Manufacturing Programmes for Electric Vehicles
The Indian government has introduced phased increase in basic customs duty on parts of electric passenger vehicles and imported lithium-ion cells to promote domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles. This forms part of a comprehensive road map aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing of electric vehicles, their assemblies, and related parts over time.
Developments in Defence: PINAKA and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently test-fired the indigenously developed Guided PINAKA rockets, equipped with a state-of-the-art guidance kit. In other news, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has revised regulations to facilitate power trading with neighboring countries. Bangladesh, being the largest buyer of Indian power, stands to benefit from these modifications.