The Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA), an initiative recently approved by the Union Cabinet, aims at safeguarding and promoting the growth of cows and their progeny. The formation of this organization aligns with the announcements made in the Union Budget 2019-20. Similarly, a resurgence in drug-related crimes has prompted Sri Lanka to reconsider capital punishment, a decision met with criticism by human rights groups. Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization’s latest report draws attention to global warming, declaring 2018 as the fourth hottest year ever recorded.
Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog: An Initiative for Cattle Conservation
Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog is committed to the conservation, protection, and development of the Indian cattle population, with a primary focus on indigenous breeds. This initiative hopes to facilitate inclusive growth in the livestock sector, positively impacting women and small-scale farmers. RKA will be collaborating with veterinary, animal sciences or agriculture universities, departments or organizations of the Central/State Government. These collaborations will focus on research related to cow breeding and rearing, organic manure, and biogas.
Sri Lanka Revives Capital Punishment Amidst Drug Crime Surge
Sri Lanka’s recent decision to lift the moratorium on capital punishment, imposed in 1976, has been sparked by a drastic increase in drug-related crimes. Despite backlash from human rights groups, who argue against the efficacy of execution as a deterrent to drug use or trafficking, the decision stands.
Global Execution Trends
| Status | Number of States |
|---|---|
| Abolished Death Penalty/Introduced Moratorium | 170 |
| Executed at least once in the past decade | 23 (including India) |
World Meteorological Organization’s Warning: 2018, the 4th Hottest Year
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that 2018 ranks as the fourth warmest year in recorded history, emphasizing the need for immediate action to combat global warming. A comparison with pre-industrial baseline levels shows that the average global surface temperature in 2018 was 1°C (1.8°F) higher. The year 2016 still holds the record for the hottest year, aided by a potent El Nino. Of particular concern is the fact that the 20 warmest years all took place in the last 22 years, a period marked by increasingly extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, droughts, and flash flooding.
About World Meteorological Organization
The World Meteorological Organization is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 192 Member States and Territories. It evolved from the International Meteorological Organization, which was formed following the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress. On March 23, 1950, the ratification of the WMO Convention led to its establishment. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, WMO focuses on meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences. Geneva, Switzerland, is home to the WMO headquarters.
