The Government’s Great Nicobar Project is set to justify the felling of approximately 9.64 lakh trees, a number significantly higher than the previous projection of 8.5 lakh. This intimidating project has faced significant challenges from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) surrounding the issue of deforestation. The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project spans the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering an extensive area of 16,610 hectares.
Great Nicobar Island Project: An Overwhelming Endeavor
The grandeur of the GNI Project is further emphasized by its individual components. This includes an international container transshipment terminal and a greenfield international airport. Additionally, plans for comprehensive township development and a formidable 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant are in progress.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Aiding Post-Harvest Progress
However, the distribution of funds since the inauguration of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in 2020 paints an entirely different picture. Despite the proposed ₹1 lakh crore allocation for post-harvest infrastructure development, only a mere 15% has been distributed so far. Nonetheless, the AIF is pioneering by providing financial support to farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, farmer groups like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), etc. They offer a 3% interest subvention and credit guarantee support via the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for loans amounting up to ₹2 crores.
Climbing the Chess Ladder: Gukesh D Overtakes Viswanathan Anand
In the realm of sports, a new prodigy rises in the form of Gukesh D, a disciple of the five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand, who advances to become the highest-rated Indian in the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) monthly rating list for classical chess. This breakthrough overthrows Anand’s 36-year-long reign and propels Gukesh into the top 10 rankings – a first in his career. Furthermore, as the youngest player to defeat the World No. 1 chess maestro, Magnus Carlsen, his feat establishes him as the third Indian to reach this level.
Viswanathan Anand: The Titan of Indian Chess
Viswanathan Anand’s illustrious career includes winning the FIDE World Chess Championships five times, the World Rapid Chess Championship twice, and the World Blitz Chess Championship twice. He becomes the only player ever to have secured a world title in all three play formats.
The Western Tragopan: Resilience in the face of Adversity
Shifting focus towards wildlife conservation, there is an increase in the population of the Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus). This species, designated as Himachal Pradesh’s state bird and known locally as ‘jujurana’ or ‘king of birds’, has battled habitat loss but thrives due to sustained conservation efforts at the Sarahan pheasantry. With its majestic appearance and sizeable build, the Western Tragopan is considered one of the rarest living pheasants. Native to the northwest Himalaya region, its diet primarily consists of leaves, shoots, seeds, and various insects. They are currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN status.
