Daily Current Affairs Summary 23rd APRIL 2025

First Human Case of Screwworm Myiasis Reported in Mexico

1. Recently, Mexico’s Health Ministry has confirmed the first-ever human case of myiasis caused by the New World screwworm (NWS).
2. The infection was detected in a 77-year-old woman from Acacoyagua, a municipality in the southern state of Chiapas.
3. Authorities have reported that the patient is in stable condition and currently undergoing antibiotic treatment.

What is Myiasis?

1. Myiasis is a parasitic infection that occurs when fly larvae (maggots) infest human or animal tissue.
2. The larvae feed on living or necrotic flesh, typically entering through open wounds, mucous membranes, or natural body openings such as the nose, eyes, or mouth.
3. If left untreated, this infestation can lead to severe tissue damage, secondary infections, and significant pain, although it is generally not fatal.

About the New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)

1. The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a fly species known for its aggressive parasitic behavior.
2. It is named for the unique, spiral-like motion of its larvae as they burrow ("screw") into living tissue.
3. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NWS infestations are primarily found in livestock, but in rare cases, they can also affect pets, birds, and humans.
4. Screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds and mucous membranes, where they lay clusters of 200–300 eggs.
5. Over a female fly's 10–30 day lifespan, she may lay up to 3,000 eggs.
6. After hatching, the larvae tear into living tissue using sharp mouth hooks, feeding and causing extensive tissue damage. They eventually drop to the ground to pupate, later emerging as adult flies, thereby continuing the cycle.

Historical Context and Spread

1. Historically, the New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States and Mexico through sustained control programs involving the release of sterile male flies.
2. However, the species remains endemic to parts of South America and the Caribbean, posing a continuous threat to regions with tropical or subtropical climates.
3. In humans, cases are extremely rare but possible, especially in areas where the fly is present and risk factors such as open wounds, poor hygiene, or proximity to livestock exist.

Symptoms of Screwworm Myiasis

While not usually fatal, screwworm myiasis can be extremely painful and debilitating. Symptoms may include:

1. Unexplained skin lesions or wounds that do not heal
2. Painful sores that worsen over time
3. Bleeding or discharge from open wounds
4. A foul-smelling odor from the infested area
5. Sensation of movement under the skin or in natural openings like the eyes, nose, or mouth
6. Visible maggots (larvae) in or around the affected site
7. Fever or chills in cases of secondary bacterial infections

Who is at Risk?

According to the CDC, the risk of NWS myiasis is significantly higher for individuals who:

1. Travel to endemic areas in South America or the Caribbean
2. Have open wounds, even as small as insect bites or scratches
3. Have weakened immune systems due to HIV, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications
4. Sleep outdoors or work in close proximity to livestock
5. Suffer from chronic medical conditions that cause open sores, such as skin or sinus cancers

Implications for India

1. India’s large livestock-reliant population and tropical climate make it vulnerable
2. Strengthening One Health approaches integrating veterinary and human health
3. Need for early detection systems and public education on wound care and fly-borne diseases
4. Focus on biosecurity, especially in animal husbandry and rural healthcare sectors

Treatment and Management

1. Physical removal of larvae (may require surgery)
2. Antibiotics to prevent/treat bacterial infections
3. Self-removal not recommended

Prevention Strategies

1. Keeping open wounds clean and properly covered
2. Using EPA-registered insect repellents
3. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, socks)
4. Treating clothing with permethrin (0.5%)
5. Avoiding sleeping outdoors or using insect-proof screens
6. Practicing good personal hygiene and wound care when handling livestock

The case in Mexico is a public health alert that underscores the risk of neglected tropical diseases in regions with high exposure to livestock and poor sanitation. For India, it is an opportunity to proactively strengthen surveillance, raise awareness, and invest in integrated zoonotic disease control frameworks.

Project SeaCURE: A New Frontier in Ocean-Based Carbon Capture

The ocean is one of Earth’s most effective natural carbon sinks, absorbing about 25% of CO₂ emissions from human activities. In a pioneering initiative on England’s south coast, a project named SeaCURE is exploring a way to enhance the ocean’s carbon absorption capacity.

This experimental project seeks to transform the ocean from a passive absorber into an active tool against climate change.

What is Project SeaCURE?

1. Location: Based in Weymouth, England.
2. Objective: Test whether extracting CO₂ from seawater can become a scalable, cost-effective method of reducing atmospheric carbon.
3. Unlike direct air capture or emissions-source capture, SeaCURE targets carbon already dissolved in seawater, which is up to 150 times more concentrated than in the air.

How the Technology Works

1. Step 1: Seawater is pumped from the English Channel into a treatment facility.
2. Step 2: The water is made more acidic, prompting dissolved carbon to convert into gaseous CO₂.
3. Step 3: The released CO₂ is captured before escaping into the atmosphere.
4. Step 4: CO₂ is then absorbed using sustainable sorbents, such as charred coconut husks.
5. Step 5: The treated water is neutralised and returned to the ocean to absorb more CO₂.

Current Impact

1. The pilot project currently removes only ~100 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to emissions from one transatlantic flight.
2. However, SeaCURE estimates that if just 1% of ocean surface water were treated using this method, it could remove up to 14 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.
3. This figure is achievable only if powered by renewable sources, such as offshore floating solar panels.

Challenges and Environmental Concerns

1. The process requires substantial energy to create acidic and alkaline substances needed for carbon extraction.
2. If non-renewable energy is used, the environmental benefit may be significantly reduced.
3. Ecological risks include:
   1. Disrupting the natural carbon balance in marine ecosystems.
   2. Potential harm to marine organisms like phytoplankton (which need CO₂ for photosynthesis) and mussels (which need it to form shells).

Context: Ocean Acidification

1. Increased CO₂ absorption by oceans makes water more acidic, a phenomenon known as ocean acidification.
2. Though oceans are still slightly alkaline, even minor pH changes can affect corals, mussels, and shell-forming species.
3. SeaCURE highlights the importance of balancing carbon removal with ocean chemistry health.

Broader Relevance and Future Potential

1. SeaCURE is one of 15 early-stage projects testing new methods for carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
2. Climate experts stress that novel carbon capture approaches are essential to meet global net-zero targets.
3. If successful, ocean-based projects like SeaCURE could become a cornerstone in climate change mitigation strategies.

The ocean has always acted as a natural stabiliser of Earth’s climate. Projects like SeaCURE represent a paradigm shift, transforming a passive process into an active climate solution. While technical and ecological hurdles remain, the promise of scalable ocean carbon capture could mark a turning point in the fight against global warming.

Surat ETS: World’s First Market for Trading Particulate Emissions Shows Promising Results

1. A recent evaluation of the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) indicates a 20–30% reduction in particulate matter emissions since its launch.
2. The scheme also led to a 10% drop in pollution control costs for industries.
3. Compliance with environmental regulations has significantly improved among participating industrial units.

About the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)

Global First

1. Launched in 2019, Surat ETS is the world’s first market-based system specifically designed to trade particulate matter emissions.
2. It is also India’s first emissions trading mechanism of any kind.

Inspiration

1. The concept of ETS originated in the United States to control sulfur dioxide (SO₂) pollution.
2. Similar cap-and-trade models are widely used in Europe for greenhouse gases and in China for carbon dioxide emissions.

Objectives of Surat ETS

1. The scheme follows the polluter pays principle, aiming to reduce air pollution in a cost-effective and accountable manner.
2. It encourages industries to limit emissions while providing economic incentives for cleaner practices.

How the Scheme Works: Cap-and-Trade Mechanism

1. Under the cap-and-trade system, a total emission limit (cap) is set for the group of participating industries.
2. Industries are allocated emission permits based on this cap.
3. Units emitting less than their quota can sell surplus permits, while others needing more can buy them.
4. This creates a financial incentive for reducing emissions.

Monitoring and Enforcement

1. Industries are required to install Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to track real-time pollutant levels.
2. The data collected ensures transparency and accountability in trading operations.

Trading Platform

1. Trading takes place through a digital platform developed by NeML (NCDEX e-Markets Limited).
2. The platform facilitates seamless and regulated exchange of emission permits between units.

Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC)

1. Participating industries must also deposit an Environmental Damage Compensation amount.
2. The compensation rate is calibrated according to the size and category of each industry.
3. This mechanism strengthens the financial liability of polluters and supports environmental governance.

Why It Matters

1. Surat’s ETS is a pioneering initiative demonstrating how market-based solutions can effectively control industrial pollution.
2. By lowering both emissions and compliance costs, the scheme sets a model for other Indian cities and developing countries.
3. The success of this pilot could pave the way for nationwide expansion of emissions trading systems.

Working Mechanism of ETS

India to Fully Cover Pakistan Border with Electronic Surveillance in Four Years: Home Minister

The Government of India has announced that electronic surveillance systems will be deployed along the entire India–Pakistan border within the next four years.

This strategic move aims to curb cross-border infiltration, narcotics trafficking, and the circulation of counterfeit currency originating from Pakistan.

International Land Border Indo-Afghanistan

India’s Border Profile at a Glance

1. India shares land borders with seven countries, with the India–Pakistan border spanning approximately 3,323 km.
2. The remaining borders are with Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan (via PoK).

Key Surveillance Technologies Being Deployed

Laser Walls and Laser Fencing

1. Use infrared sensors and laser beams to detect intrusions in terrain where conventional fencing is unfeasible.
2. Particularly useful in marshy, riverine, and mountainous stretches.

Electronic Surveillance Systems

1. India is developing two integrated models combining sensors, communication networks, real-time intelligence, and command-control solutions.
2. These systems are designed to detect both surface-level and underground infiltrations, including tunnels.

Layered Security Architecture

A multi-tier setup that includes:

1. Three-tier physical fencing
2. Floodlighting
3. Thermal imagers
4. Vibration sensors
5. Manual patrolling by Border Security Forces (BSF)

Other Technological Tools

1. Deployment of drones (UAVs) for aerial surveillance.
2. Use of Long Range Reconnaissance and Observation Systems (LORROS) for high-resolution, real-time video monitoring.
3. Tunnel detection radars for identifying underground threats.

 

Major Government Initiatives for Border Security

1. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), 2016

• Aims to achieve 24x7 surveillance of sensitive borders through technology.
• Initially rolled out along India–Pakistan and India–Bangladesh borders.
• Focuses on integrating intelligence inputs, sensor data, communication, and coordination.

2. Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme

• A Central Sector Scheme that funds:
  • Border fencing
  • Floodlighting
  • Border outposts (BOPs)
  • Construction of roads and bridges
• Enhances infrastructure for BSF and other border guarding forces.

3. Strategic Connectivity Projects

• Implementation of Bharatmala Pariyojana for building all-weather roads in border areas.
• Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme to develop infrastructure and ensure socio-economic support for populations in border villages.

Urban Transformation in Asia and the Pacific – ESCAP Report Highlights

1. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has released a report on urban transformation in the region.
2. The report warns that Asia’s megacities are facing an increasingly uncertain future.
3. Seven out of the world’s ten most populous cities are located in Asia, including Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Dhaka.

 

Key Findings of the Report

1. Rising temperatures are placing severe pressure on urban infrastructure and healthcare systems.
2. The urban heat island effect is intensifying city temperatures, with serious consequences for the elderly and economically vulnerable.
3. Ageing population is a major concern, with older persons in Asia and the Pacific projected to reach 1.3 billion by 2050, nearly double the 2024 figure.
4. Informal settlements are expanding as housing costs rise while wages remain stagnant, leading to the growth of slums.

Recommendations for Addressing Urban Challenges

1. Strengthen regional cooperation to foster knowledge sharing and encourage cities to become leaders in sustainable urban development.
2. Implement integrated national urban policies to improve coordination across governance levels and align with national development goals.
3. Build local and subnational capacities to effectively use disaggregated data for localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
4. Promote innovative urban financing mechanisms, including property tax reforms to enhance municipal revenue generation.
5. Improve urban planning capabilities to manage issues like population ageing, youth migration, and cross-border migration.

About ESCAP – United Nations Regional Commission

1. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions under the United Nations framework.
2. It was established in 1947 as the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), and renamed to ESCAP in 1976.
3. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.
4. It works with 53 member States, including India, and 9 associate members.
5. ESCAP’s core mission is to promote regional cooperation and provide solutions to sustainable development challenges.

Amaravati: India’s Visionary Capital on the Path to 100% Renewable Energy

1. Amaravati, the planned capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is poised to become the world’s first city powered entirely by renewable energy.
2. Conceived as a futuristic greenfield capital, Amaravati is not only a symbol of administrative ambition but also a bold step toward India’s commitment to clean energy and climate resilience.

Background and Vision

1. Amaravati is the brainchild of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who envisions the city as a modern, eco-conscious “people’s capital.”
2. Spread over 217 square kilometres along the Krishna River, between Vijayawada and Guntur, the city is part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, covering approximately 8,352 sq km.
3. With an estimated cost of ₹65,000 crore, the project aligns with India’s broader mission to combat climate change through renewable energy and urban sustainability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the city this month.

 

A Fully Renewable Energy-Powered City

1. Amaravati is setting a global precedent with its ambitious target of generating 2,700 megawatts (MW) of electricity exclusively from solar, wind, and hydropower sources by 2050.

1. This clean energy target matches the city’s projected electricity demand.
2. It aims to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, making Amaravati a benchmark in sustainable urban development.

2. At least 30% of the city’s power needs will be met through solar and wind energy. One of the key initiatives includes mandatory rooftop solar installations on one-third of all government housing rooftops, integrated into the building approval process.

Green Urban Infrastructure and Transport

The Amaravati project emphasizes green construction and energy efficiency:

1. All government and commercial buildings will be required to:
   • Install solar panels
   • Comply with green building standards
   • Adopt net metering systems
2. Public spaces such as parks, bus stops, and walkways will also feature solar installations.

The city’s public transportation, including the proposed Amaravati Metro and electric bus network, will run entirely on renewable energy. To support this, an expansive EV charging infrastructure will be developed across both public and private sectors.

Cooling the Capital Sustainably

1. Given Andhra Pradesh's vulnerability to extreme heat—recording 47.7°C in 2024 and the highest number of heatwave days in South India—cooling has emerged as a critical urban challenge.
2. To address this, Amaravati is pioneering the use of District Cooling Systems (DCS):

1. In 2019, the AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) partnered with Tabreed, a UAE-based energy company, to implement a 20,000 Refrigeration Tonnes (RT) DCS for the Amaravati Government Complex.
2. The system will supply efficient cooling to key buildings like the High Court and Secretariat, reducing energy consumption for cooling by up to 50%.
3. DCS technology minimizes the need for individual cooling units, thereby reducing electricity demand and carbon emissions.

Current Progress on the Ground

Steps have already been taken to put the vision into practice:

• 415 kW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed across:
  • 16 Anganwadis
  • 14 e-health centres
  • 13 public schools
  • A multi-faith funeral facility

These early installations reflect the city’s commitment to embedding renewable energy within essential public services.

RBI’s Revised Liquidity Coverage Ratio Norms

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the final guidelines for the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) under the Basel III framework, introducing significant changes that will come into effect from April 1, 2026.
2. These revisions are designed to enhance the liquidity resilience of Indian banks while aligning domestic practices with global regulatory standards.
3. The new rules, applicable to all commercial banks (except Payments Banks, Regional Rural Banks, and Local Area Banks), follow the RBI’s draft circular issued in July 2024, which proposed substantial modifications to the LCR framework.

Understanding Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)

1. The LCR is a key prudential requirement under Basel III norms, aimed at ensuring that banks hold enough High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) to withstand a 30-day period of financial stress.

1. HQLAs include government securities and AAA-rated corporate bonds.
2. If a bank anticipates ₹120 in outflows and ₹100 in inflows over 30 days, it must hold ₹20 in HQLA to bridge the gap.

This requirement enhances a bank's short-term liquidity preparedness, especially during market volatility or sudden deposit withdrawals.

Historical Context and Rationale for Change

1. India adopted LCR norms with a delay, beginning implementation in 2019, allowing time for banks to align with international frameworks while complying with domestic mandates like the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), which already requires banks to invest about 18% of their deposits in government securities.
2. However, the rise of tech-enabled banking, particularly deposits through internet and mobile banking (IMB), has increased liquidity volatility.
3. This triggered the RBI’s proposal in 2024 to recalibrate the LCR framework, with the final norms now reflecting stakeholder feedback and a more balanced approach.

Key Highlights of the Revised Guidelines

1. Additional Run-Off Rate for IMB-Enabled Deposits

1. Deposits accessed via internet or mobile banking by retail and small business customers will attract an additional 2.5% run-off rate.
2. This is lower than the 5% proposed in the draft norms and reflects a tempered response to concerns over penalizing digital adoption.

2. Run-Off Rate Adjustments for Retail Deposits

1. Stable retail deposits: 7.5% run-off (up from 5%).
2. Less stable deposits: 12.5% run-off (up from 10%).
3. These figures are lower than the draft proposal, which had suggested 10% and 15%, respectively.

3. Haircuts on Government Securities

1. Banks must now apply haircuts on the market value of Level 1 HQLAs (such as government securities).
2. These haircuts will be aligned with margins under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF).

4. Revised Treatment of Wholesale Funding

1. Deposits from non-financial entities like educational institutions, religious bodies, charitable trusts, LLPs, and partnerships will now attract a 40% run-off rate, down from the previous 100%.
2. Deposits from corporates will continue to carry a 40% run-off.
3. Funding from financial institutions (e.g., IREDA, PFC) still requires full coverage via liquid assets, maintaining a 100% run-off rate.

5. Callable Deposit Clarification

1. Non-callable fixed deposits pledged as collateral will now be treated as callable for LCR calculations.
2. These will be included in the computation of net cash outflows if pledged to secure credit facilities.

Impact on the Banking Sector

1. An impact analysis (based on data from December 31, 2024) shows that the revised norms will improve aggregate LCR by approximately 6 percentage points.
2. Despite the higher run-off rates for certain categories, all banks are projected to meet the minimum LCR requirement without significant difficulty.
3. The changes ease the overall liquidity burden while still accounting for emerging digital banking risks and wholesale funding volatility.

Strategic Significance

These guidelines reflect RBI’s effort to:

1. Reinforce financial system stability.
2. Incorporate technological and behavioral changes in depositor profiles.
3. Strike a balance between regulatory stringency and operational flexibility for banks.

By updating these norms, the RBI is ensuring that Indian banks remain well-capitalized, stable, and resilient against liquidity shocks, without unduly penalizing innovation or financial inclusion.

The RBI’s revised LCR guidelines represent a progressive regulatory evolution. By moderating earlier proposals and factoring in stakeholder feedback, the central bank has achieved a framework that strengthens the liquidity profile of Indian banks while remaining aligned with international best practices.

As the financial system adapts to digitization and diversification of funding sources, these calibrated measures will be crucial in ensuring that liquidity management remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking.

China Tests Hydrogen-Based Explosive Device in Controlled Field Trial

1. Chinese scientists have successfully conducted a controlled field test of a hydrogen-based explosive device without using any nuclear materials.
2. The test marks a significant breakthrough in both military technology and energy-based weapon development.

Device Specifications and Performance

1. The test involved a 2-kilogram device developed by Research Institute 705, under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

• CSSC is a key player in China's underwater weapons systems development.

2. The device generated a fireball exceeding 1,000°C, lasting over 2 seconds.
3. This duration is approximately 15 times longer than that produced by conventional explosives like TNT.
4. Notably, the device does not contain radioactive or nuclear materials, eliminating nuclear contamination risks.

Core Technology: Magnesium Hydride

1. The device’s explosive capability is based on magnesium hydride, a silver-colored metallic powder.
2. Magnesium hydride is a solid hydrogen storage medium, capable of storing significantly more hydrogen than conventional pressurized tanks.
3. Initially, the material was intended to supply hydrogen to remote areas through fuel cells for clean energy.
4. In the military domain, its role has evolved into a high-energy thermochemical weapon component.

Mechanism of Explosion

1. The explosion is initiated by the thermal decomposition of magnesium hydride, triggered by conventional explosives.
2. This process releases hydrogen gas, which ignites instantly, forming an intense fireball.
3. According to Wang Xuefeng, lead scientist of the project, hydrogen explosions:
   1. Require very low ignition energy.
   2. Have a broad explosion range.
   3. Produce rapidly spreading flames with extensive coverage.

Strategic Implications

1. The technology combines energy efficiency with high destructive potential, without involving radioactive fallout.
2. It represents a possible shift toward next-generation thermochemical weapons.
3. The breakthrough is likely to raise global concerns, potentially triggering a new arms race based on chemical energy technologies.

Arsenic Pollution and Its Emerging Health Risks

A recent study suggests that climate change may be elevating arsenic levels in rice, raising concerns over long-term health and cancer risks.

Understanding Arsenic Pollution

1. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust.
2. It is commonly present in the air, water, and soil, making it a widespread environmental contaminant.
3. The inorganic form of arsenic is particularly toxic and hazardous to human health.

Health Impacts of Arsenic Exposure

1. Long-term exposure to arsenic through drinking water and contaminated food can lead to cancer and skin lesions.
2. It is also linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
3. Prenatal and early childhood exposure has been associated with impaired cognitive development.
4. Such early exposure is also connected to a higher mortality rate in young adults.

Fiscal Slippage

The government’s debt is being managed well and will not lead to fiscal slippage, the Union Finance Minister stated recently.

About Fiscal Slippage

1. A situation where a government’s actual fiscal performance deviates from its planned or targeted fiscal targets, usually resulting in higher-than-expected budget deficits, increased public debt, or a combination of both.
2. It can be due to reasons such as  farm loan waivers, cut back on GST collection, reduction in VAT and excise due to lessen the impact of rising Brent crude oil price.

Nano-Sulphur Developed by TERI – A Sustainable Alternative in Agriculture

1. Scientists at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have introduced a new innovation: nano-sulphur.
2. According to TERI, this nano-sulphur can deliver yield enhancements similar to the genetically modified mustard DMH-11, even when using conventional mustard varieties.

Key Features of TERI’s Nano-Sulphur

1. Nano-sulphur is a fully green product, developed using biological agents such as plant growth-promoting bacteria.
2. These bacteria produce enzymes and metabolites, distinguishing nano-sulphur from other nano-fertilizers like nano urea and nano diammonium phosphate.
3. It is environmentally friendly and designed to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Functional Properties and Advantages

1. Nano-sulphur exhibits antibacterial and insecticidal properties, offering added protection to crops.
2. It functions as a plant growth promoter, stimulating healthier and faster plant development.
3. Enhances plant resistance to stress, making crops more resilient to adverse conditions.
4. Improves the nutritional quality of plants, contributing to better crop value and food quality.

Salami Slicing

China is using South China Sea-Style “Salami Slicing” Tricks In The Yellow Sea to capture new territory.

About Salami Slicing

1. The term was coined by Stalinist dictator Mátyás Rákosi.
2. It  is a divide-and-conquer tactic used to dominate opposition territory, piece by piece.
3. Advantage: Operations are too small to result in a war, They leave a neighboring country confused about how it should respond and it helps in avoiding international diplomatic attention but gives benefits in the long term.
4. Recently, the term has been increasingly used to describe China's unilateral military actions in India, Japan and countries in the South China Sea region.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries recorded its highest ever turnout of Rs. 1 lakh 70 thousand crore.

KVIC played key role in it. 

About Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

1. It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
2. Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
3. Objective: To promote rural development through the production and promotion of khadi (hand-spun, hand-woven cloth) and village industries, along with employment generation.
4. Key Initiatives: Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) scheme, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme, etc.

First-ever image of Colossal squid

Recently, scientists have captured the first-ever image of colossal squid in the southern Atlantic Ocean.

About Colossal squid

1. The first report of a colossal squid was in 1925, when the head and arms were discovered in a sperm whale stomach.
2. It is a massive deep-sea squid species found in the Antarctic waters, primarily south of 40°S, living at depths usually greater than 1,000 meters.
3. They can reach from 7 to 14 metres in length and weigh as much as 500 kilograms.

Reviving the Royal Munnar Road

1. A proposal to revive the centuries-old Royal Munnar Road, linking Kochi to Munnar in Kerala, has sparked a storm of debate between conservationists and proponents of development.
2. While the road promises shorter travel times and tourism potential, it also threatens to fragment a critical stretch of the Western Ghats, raising serious environmental and ethical questions.

Background and Historical Context

1. The Royal Munnar Road was a key colonial-era route linking Aluva (Kochi) to Munnar in Kerala.
2. Originally built to aid British-run Kanan Devan tea estates and connect to Kochi Port.
3. Destroyed during the Great Flood of 1924, which lasted ~3 weeks.
4. In response, the Travancore state built an alternative road via Neriyamangalam, still in use today.
5. The original route was upgraded in 1914 from a bridle path to a cart road and was known as the Western Outlet Road.

Environmental Concerns

1. The proposed revival route passes through ~400 sq. km of contiguous forests in the Pooyamkutty Valley, Western Ghats.
2. Forest types affected: reed forests, semi-evergreen, evergreen forests.
3. Located near ecologically sensitive areas and protected wildlife corridors.
4. Risk of habitat fragmentation, increased human-wildlife conflict, and soil erosion.
5. A study by Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) warns against ecological damage.
6. 763 wild elephants and 50+ tigers reportedly died in Kerala (2016–2023).

Biodiversity and Wildlife Conflict

1. Revival of the road likely to:
   1. Disrupt elephant migration corridors.
   2. Increase human-wildlife conflicts in Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
2. ANEC (Animal and Nature Ethics Committee) has escalated the issue to the Prime Minister’s Office.

 

Alternative Route Suggested

1. KFRI recommendation: Alternate route via Kuttampuzha → Mamalakandam → Avarkutty → Anakulam → Mankulam.
2. Would avoid forested zones and benefit tribal access and connectivity.

Cruise Operations Begin at Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT)

1. Cruise operations have officially commenced from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT).
2. MICT is now recognized as India’s largest world-class cruise terminal.
3. This development is part of the ambitious Cruise Bharat Mission (2024).

About Cruise Bharat Mission (2024)

1. Objective: To position India as a leading global hub for cruise tourism.
2. The mission promotes India as a premier global cruise destination.
3. It aims to double cruise passenger traffic by 2029.
4. Also targets to increase cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030.
5. The mission will roll out in three phases over five years (2024–2029).

Key Cruise Segments Under the Mission

1. Ocean & Harbour Cruise Segment – Focuses on sea and coastal tourism experiences.
2. River & Inland Cruise Segment – Targets navigable rivers and inland waterways.
3. Island Cruise Segment – Connects various island destinations for unique cruise offerings.

Other Government Initiatives Supporting Cruise Tourism

1. Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to establish India as a key player in the global cruise industry.
2. River Cruise Tourism is gaining momentum with support from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
3. Cruises are operational on major rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra, and backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala.
4. MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, was launched in 2023, setting a benchmark in river tourism.

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