Prolonged periods of warm temperatures have been identified as a major factor in the severe pest attack in Assam. The attack, reportedly caused by the Mythimna separata, affected about 28,000 hectares of paddy crop across 15 districts. Commonly referred to as the ear head cutting caterpillar, rice ear-cutting caterpillar, or armyworm, this pest is particularly destructive as it feeds on leaves and can cut off panicles from the crop plant’s base. The aftermath often looks like a field grazed by cattle.
Temperature and rainfall are the two main drivers of pest and disease spread in a warming world. Every small increase in global temperatures can reduce insect lifecycles, resulting in larger pest populations, more generations, expanded geographical ranges, and extended development seasons. This also creates higher risks of invasion by migrant pests and overwintering.
Humanitarian Pause in Gaza Facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States
A four-day humanitarian pause in Gaza was negotiated successfully through mediation efforts by Qatar, Israel, and Hamas. Despite not being an official ceasefire, the agreement aims to bring some relief to Gaza, with the possibility of extension. According to the United Nations, a “humanitarian pause” refers to a temporary halt in hostilities for purely humanitarian purposes. Such pauses are generally limited to a specific period and area where humanitarian activities take place. A ceasefire, on the other hand, is defined as a suspension of fighting agreed upon by conflict parties, typically part of a political process, with dialogue initiation, including the possibility of reaching a permanent political settlement, as its goal.
Girish Chandra Murmu Elected Vice-Chair of UN Panel of External Auditors
Girish Chandra Murmu, the current Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the United Nations Panel of External Auditors for 2024. This represents a significant milestone regarding India’s participation in international audit governance. The position was awarded during the sixty-third session of the Panel of External Auditors at the United Nations headquarters.
The Panel, which is composed of Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) globally, supervises the external audit of the UN Secretariat, Funds, and Programmes, and Specialized Agencies. Their responsibilities span from conducting financial and performance audits to ensuring compliance within entities of the UN.
Zero Draft Text to Mitigate Plastic Pollution
The 3rd session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) recently concluded at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters, focusing on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. While progress was made, challenges emerged as reaching a consensus on the zero draft text of the instrument proved difficult.
The zero draft outlines proposed elements for the instrument on plastic pollution, placing emphasis on the marine environment. The draft targets prevention, regulation, and mitigation, comprising technical, regulatory, institutional, and procedural elements crucial for effective implementation.
Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also referred to as Gurpurab, is a celebration marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion. Born in the village of Talwandi Rai Bhoe, near Lahore, Guru Nanak Dev championed inter-faith dialogue and conversations across religious denominations in the 16th century. His compositions were incorporated into the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh guru, and later enhanced by the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, into the Guru Granth Sahib.
Remembering Lachit Borphukan on Lachit Diwas
Lachit Diwas, held annually on 24th November, commemorates the birth of Lachit Borphukan, a commander and Borphukan (viceroy) in the Ahom kingdom, present-day Assam, India. He is renowned for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, where he successfully led his forces against an invading Mughal army sent by Emperor Aurangzeb. His birth anniversary is celebrated with state-wide vigour, and a Gold Medal in his name is awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence Academy.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024