Current Affair 1:

New Collective Quantified Goal

 

As part of the Paris Agreement, it was agreed that prior to 2025 a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) should be set from a floor of US$100 billion per year, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.

This new goal will be set in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.

As per the statement by India,

The new quantified goal should specify not only the (i) quantity of the long-term finance, but its (ii) quality, (iii) scope, (iv) access to and operating mechanism of the finance and (v) the methods of tracking the flows of such finance in a transparent manner.

Current Affair 2:

Ecological Impact of Biofortified Seeds

 

What is Biofortification?

Fortification is the practice of intentionally increasing the amount of an essential micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals in daily meals, so as to improve the nutritional quality of the meal and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.

Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through conventional plant breeding, agronomic practices and modern biotechnology. Biofortification differs from conventional fortification in that biofortification aims to increase beneficial nutrient levels in staple food crops during plant growth rather than through manual means during processing of the crops.

Since 2014, 142 biofortified varieties including 124 of field crops (Rice - 10; Wheat - 43; Maize - 20, Pearl millet - 11, Small millets - 13, etc.  have been developed under aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The information given below is as per the government mentioned in PIB.

These biofortified varieties don’t have any impact on ecological conditions especially on soil and water, as these are normally bred varieties and their water and nutrient requirement is like traditional varieties.

All the biofortified varieties are equal or better in yield to conventional varieties of respective crops. Produce of these biofortified varieties is not expensive than the existing varieties in the market, as there is no yield penalty and no extra cost incurred in cultivation of biofortified varieties.

Under National Food Security Mission (NFSM), assistance is given through State/Union Territory to the farmers for interventions like cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices, demonstrations on cropping system, seed production, distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/ hybrids, cropping system-based trainings etc.

The Mission also provided support to the ICAR, State Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras for technology back stopping and transfer of technology to the farmer under supervision of Subject Matter Specialists/ Scientists.

Under NFSM, States/ ICAR may organize latest crop production technology demonstrations/ Cluster Frontline Demonstrations/ Front Line Demonstrations on bio-fortified varieties.

Current Affair 3:

Assam catkin yew

 

News:

About Assam Catkin Yew:

1. It is an endemic specie found only in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. The species, a conifer and part of the Taxaceae genus, primarily grows in the subtropical biome at altitudes of 1,600 to 2,000 metres.
3. The original habitat and ecology of this plant have undergone severe land transformation, rendering it critically endangered due to its low reproduction rate.
4. It is believed to have evolved during the age of the dinosaurs.
5. Conservation status:
   • IUCN: Critically Endangered
   • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 6

Why does it need conservation?

This species is critical and is found nowhere else worldwide, except in two regions in Arunachal Pradesh.

The species faces a severe risk of extinction due to unknowing and reckless exploitation in the area, requiring thorough study and evaluation. Owing to its strength and fortification, it is highly threatened by accidental cutting for construction purposes, or use in households and other utilities.

The species holds a unique identity in the context of Arunachal’s flora, and has great potential for wildlife tourism in the state.

Current Affair 4:

GI Tags for Meghalaya

 

News:

Recently, four products from Meghalaya received GI Tag.

About GI Tag products:

Lakadong turmeric: Lakadong turmeric is one of the world's best varieties of turmeric, with a curcumin content of around 6.8 to 7.5 per cent. I

Garo dakmanda: Dakmanda is a handwoven ankle-length lower garment which is part of the traditional attire of Garo women of Meghalaya.

Larnai pottery: Larnai pottery is made of black clay from Larnai village and the art form has been passed down through generations.

Garo chubitchi: Chubitchi is a rice-based fermented drink of the Garo community consumed during feasts and ceremonies.

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