These current affairs are written in a easy to remember format and are useful for competitive exams like - UPSC Civil Services, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPPSC, State PSCs and other competitive examinations.
Critically Endangered, Sumatran Tiger
Two rare Sumatran (Indonesia) tigers at the zoo in the Indonesian capital are recovering after being infected with COVID-19.
Sumatran tigers are the most critically endangered tiger subspecies and are under increasing pressure as their jungle habitat shrinks.
The Sumatran tiger is one of the smallest tigers.
The Sumatran tiger persists in small and fragmented populations across Sumatra in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park and mountain forests of Gunung Leuser National Park.
Major threats include habitat loss due to expansion of palm oil plantations and planting of acacia plantations, prey-base depletion, and illegal trade primarily for the domestic market.
Sumatra's total tiger population was estimated at 441 to 679 individuals in 2017.
IUCN: Critically Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Environment
Genetically modified (GM) Soybean
The poultry industry is demanding that the Central government permit the import of crushed genetically modified (GM) soy seeds for captive consumption of farmers.
A GM crop can contain a gene(s) that has been artificially inserted instead of the plant acquiring it through pollination.
India allows the import of GM soybean and canola oil.
Read More: GM crops in India
Science & Tech
Positive effects of "Ashwagandha" on COVID
The Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to conduct a study on "Ashwagandha" for promoting recovery from COVID-19.
Ashwagandha, commonly known as Indian winter cherry, is a traditional Indian herb that boosts energy, reduces stress and makes the immune system stronger.
The positive effects of "Ashwagandha" have been observed in Long COVID, which is a multi-system disease with no evidence of its effective treatment or management.
It is an annual evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
It is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body to manage stress.
Ashwagandha is widely grown in dry parts of subtropical regions - Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are major ashwagandha growing states in India.
Being a hardy and drought-tolerant crop, ashwagandha requires a relatively dry season throughout its growing period. Areas with 60-75 cm rainfall are suitable for its cultivation.
Temperature between 20°C to 35°C is most suitable.
It grows well in sandy loam or light red soils having pH 7.5-8.0. Black or heavy soils having good drainage are also suitable for ashwagandha cultivation.
Science & Tech
Dholavira in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch
Discovered in 1968 by former Archaeological Survey of India Director General Jagat Pati Joshi, the site dates back to 3,000 BCE to 1,500 BCE, covering nearly 1,500 years of continued habitation.
The city is believed to have had trade ties with Mesopotamia and Oman peninsula.
Spread over 70 hectares, the remains are encompassed within an outer fortification and make for the fifth largest Harappan site after Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Rakhigarhi and Ganweriwala, or sixth if Lakhanjo-daro is taken into account.
Read More: World Heritage Sites in India
Art & Culture
100th year of the Madras Legislative Council
The Assembly chambers at Fort St. George, the 17th-century vestige of the colonial era, and Tamil Nadu's seat of power have completed 100 years of existence.
Fort St. George is the first English fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai.
Tamil Nadu witnessed elections in November 1920 as a result of the Montagu-Chelmsford Report and the Government of India Act of 1919.
Electors (only men), accounting for just 3% of the population.
The concept of dyarchy (two people ruling a polity together - 1919?35) came into being with Ministers, who were Indians, gaining limited control over certain subjects, such as local self-government and education.
It was then that the office of the Chief Minister, also called Premier, got instituted.
Art & Culture
Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor project
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor project at Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
As per the action plan of the project, various developments will be done under this project which includes construction of temple parks, parikrama path, strengthening and beautification of roads and main gate, shopping centres, parking facilities, ropeway etc.
According to the Hindu mythologies, Vindhyavasini was the sister of Lord Krishna and the wife of Lord Shiva.
Her temple is located at Vindhyachal which is in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Amit Shah also laid the foundation of a forensic sciences institute in Lucknow (UP).
Art & Culture
Kuthiran Tunnel in Kerala
This is the first road tunnel in the state and will drastically improve connectivity to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The 1.6 km long tunnel is designed through Peechi-Vazahani wildlife sanctuary.
It is located on National Highway 544, owned and operated by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Social Issues