Today Current Affairs 26&27 Jan 2025

By | 27 January 2025

Odisha Villages Receive Direct Funds for Forest Protection

The government of Odisha is starting a scheme to give local communities more control over forest management. One hundred villages will get direct bank account funding as part of a new phase under the Forest Rights Act. By facilitating local administration through gram sabhas (village councils) this effort seeks to improve forest management and protection.
Overview of the Initiative
The Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for one hundred Odisha villages. There is a plan to expand the effort to 400 villages after this test phase.
For the creation and implementation of these strategies, the PAC has set out ₹16 crore.

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Funding Mechanism
Every year, ₹15 lakh will be transferred straight to the gram sabha’s bank account in each village. By enabling the villagers to handle their own finances this financial empowerment promotes accountability and local decision-making. Additionally ₹1 lakh would be given to technical agencies to create management plans.
Role of Gram Sabhas
Gram sabhas will oversee tree planting initiatives and create community-specific strategies based on needs. Funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) were previously administered by the Forest Department. Gram sabhas will now assume this duty improving local governance.
Transition from Forest Department Control
The new project represents a departure from Vana Surakhya Samiti (VSS) and the Forest Department’s authority. In order to encourage self-governance and community participation in forest protection villagers will now oversee Community Forest Resource Planning directly.
Geographical Reach
This effort involves the following districts: Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, Bargarh and Kandhamal. Forest resources and biodiversity abound in these regions.
About Forest Rights Act, 2006
The goal of the Forest Rights Act of 2006 is to acknowledge the rights of Indian communities that live in forests.
It emphasizes securing sustainable use of forest resources, empowering people, and safeguarding livelihoods.
The Act permits sustainable forest management by recognizing the rights of both individuals and communities.

Community Forest Resource Rights
The rights to preserve, restore and sustainably manage forests are included in the Act’s Community Forest Resource Rights. These rights enable local people to control access to water bodies, manage grazing and use minor forest products.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite the positive framework, challenges remain. Progress is hampered by delayed implementation and challenges demonstrating eligibility. Additionally conflicts with conservation laws and opposition from industries reliant on forest resources complicate the situation.
Current Status of CFR Titles in India
Maharashtra is at the forefront of recognizing community forest resource rights as of late 2024 having awarded titles to more than 8,661 villages. Chhattisgarh follows with 4,328 titles
Odisha ranks third with 3,659 titles issued

Rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases in Maharashtra

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases have increased recently in Pune where 59 people have been identified 12 of whom need ventilator support. This abrupt increase is being looked into by the Maharashtra health department. According to health professionals, GBS does not cause significant outbreaks but it can happen following infections.
About Guillain-Barré Syndrome
The autoimmune disease known as GBS occurs when the immune system unintentionally targets peripheral nerves.
This causes numbness, weakness and in extreme situations, paralysis.
The etiology of GBS is yet unknown but infections frequently occur before symptoms appear.
Types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
GBS encompasses several forms. The most prevalent is Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) which is mostly found in Europe and North America. Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN) which is common in some places like China and Japan, and Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) which is characterized by paralysis connected to the eyes, are other forms.

Symptoms of GBS
Usually beginning in the feet and legs, the first symptoms are often tingling and weakness.
More severe weakness or paralysis may result from these symptoms spreading to the upper body as the illness worsens.
Severe discomfort, a fast heartbeat and issues controlling the bladder are possible additional symptoms, along with issues with vision, swallowing and facial motions.
Causes and Triggers
Although the exact origin of GBS is unknown, two-thirds of individuals report having diseases such gastrointestinal or respiratory disorders before developing GBS. Notably GBS has been connected to diseases including COVID-19 and the Zika virus. Although it is more common in adults, the illness can afflict people of any age.

Treatment Options
Currently, there is no definitive cure for GBS. The goals of treatment are symptom relief and accelerated healing. Treatments include plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) help lessen the severity of the illness. Most patients recover fully although recovery can take months to years.
Public Health Response
Health officials are keeping a careful eye on the situation and conducting an investigation because of the recent increase in GBS cases in Pune. In order to ensure that those who are impacted receive prompt diagnosis and treatment, public health organizations seek to increase knowledge of the illness and its possible triggers.

Vishwamitri River Flood Mitigation Project

Vadodara’s Vishwamitri River is undergoing a flood control project as a result of significant flooding in the past. Important steps to relocate the almost 300 crocodiles that live in the area are part of the three-phase plan that the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has started to desilt, dredge and alter the river channel.
Project Details
River Modifications: To enhance the river’s capacity to carry 1,100 cumecs of water, some meandering sections should be straightened, and the channel should be modified.
Additional Structures: Ajwa Dam’s crest level will be lowered and a second spillway will be built.
New Buffer Pond: Dredging of ponds in Dhanora, Vadadala, and Haripura, as well as the construction of storage close to Kotambi and Bhaniyara.
Storm Water Network: To lessen the amount of water entering the city, stormwater drains (such as Bhukhi and Ruparel kaans) should be upgraded and redirected.
Rainwater Harvesting: Piezometers and flood warning systems are installed and rainwater recharging is promoted.

Concerns about the Environment
Crocodile Relocation:
The project includes the relocation of approximately 300 crocodiles (Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972).
This requires approval from the National Wildlife Board.
Relocating crocodiles requires scientific tagging and monitoring.

Impact on Wildlife:
The river is home to cobras, monitor lizards, Indian porcupines, crocodiles and Indian softshell turtles.
Wildlife may become agitated and move into human settlements as a result of disturbances from machinery and habitat changes.
The forest department advises phasing activities around the crocodile breeding season and avoiding disturbing nesting habitats.

Recommendations for Wildlife Protection
To facilitate crocodile nesting, experts advise avoiding disturbance in specific riverine habitats. To ensure the protection of the displaced crocodiles throughout the project’s implementation the VMC intends to construct temporary shelters for them. The preservation of other species’ natural habitat, including those of turtles and monitor lizards, is also a priority.
Future Considerations
Ongoing monitoring of wildlife during and after the project will be essential. Tagging is one of the scientific relocation techniques that will help guarantee the safe return of crocodiles to their natural habitats. The project marks the need for balancing urban development with wildlife conservation efforts.

Unified Lending Interface (ULI) Pilot

To make lending easier the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Unified Lending Interface (ULI). ULI has helped distribute ₹38,000 crore across 7.5 lakh loans since the start of its pilot program in August 2023. By giving lenders access to a variety of data sources via a single interface this platform seeks to transform the way loans are delivered.

What Is the Unified Lending Interface?
A technological platform called ULI was created to make it easy to access digital financial and non-financial data.
It uses standardized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to link lenders to a number of data service providers.
Borrowers can obtain loans more easily because of this “plug and play” method which streamlines the credit underwriting procedure.
Key Features of ULI
The ULI allows lenders to access a comprehensive range of data including land records, satellite imagery and financial insights.
First-time borrowers without conventional credit records will especially benefit from this. The speed and complexity of loan approvals are decreased by ULI which enables lenders to rapidly evaluate an applicant’s creditworthiness using the data at their disposal.

Benefits for Borrowers
Now, borrowers can obtain loans without requiring a lot of paperwork, especially those from remote locations. Lenders can automate decision-making by using ULI’s essential information about their economic activity. For example cash flow information from milk cooperatives and land ownership documents may be used to determine a dairy farmer’s loan eligibility.
Expansion and Future Scope
The RBI intends to add new loan kinds and data suppliers to ULI in order to broaden its reach. This includes kisan credit cards housing loans and micro-business loans. The goal is to enhance the platform’s capabilities and further simplify credit access for diverse borrower profiles.
Digital Public Infrastructure
India’s use of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) promotes efficiency and transparency in a number of areas. ULI is a crucial part of this infrastructure, working to dismantle data silos that impede efficient credit distribution. By integrating diverse data sources ULI enhances the overall digital ecosystem for financial transactions.
The Role of FinTechs
FinTech companies stand to benefit from ULI. They are able to offer more in-depth client information because they have access to several lenders via a single platform. This collaboration between traditional banks and FinTechs is expected to enhance the lending landscape further.

India Faces Water Storage Decline

According to recent assessments India’s biggest reservoirs are storing less water. Water levels have dropped for the eleventh consecutive week according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). Deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall which affects a significant section of the nation is blamed for this loss. According to recent data 155 large reservoirs’ total storage has decreased to 66% of their full capacity. Concerns over water availability for different sectors are raised by this circumstance..

Current Water Storage Statistics
As of now the water storage in the major reservoirs stands at 119.505 billion cubic metres (BCM) out of a total capacity of 180.852 BCM. This figure is higher than last year’s storage levels and the average of the past decade. However, the ongoing deficiency in rainfall poses a serious threat to future water supply.
Deficient Rainfall Overview
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) from January 1 to January 24, 83% of India had insufficient rainfall. More than 60% of the nation has had little to no rainfall throughout this time. In particular, it is reported that January’s winter rainfall is 62% below average.
Regional Water Storage Analysis
Eleven reservoirs in the northern region are currently at 38% of their full capacity in terms of storage. Himachal Pradesh’s reservoirs are at 31% capacity, while Punjab’s Thein dam has fallen to 18%. In contrast reservoirs in Rajasthan are already filled to 68% of their capacity indicating that the state has fared better.
The eastern region’s 25 reservoirs are currently at 63.64 per cent of their total capacity. In Bihar, the lone dam’s storage is at 25 per cent while Nagaland’s dam is at 46 per cent. Other states like Jharkhand and Tripura report levels above 70 per cent.
The situation is comparatively stable in the western region. The capacity of these 50 reservoirs is 78%. At 93% the reservoir in Goa is almost full, compared to 79% and 73% in Maharashtra and Gujarat respectively.
The 26 reservoirs in the central region are full to 69% of their capacity. Madhya Pradesh maintains a higher level of 73%, while Uttar Pradesh’s storage has fallen below 60%.
The forty-three reservoirs in the southern region are at sixty-six percent capacity. Notably 86% of Tamil Nadu’s dams are filled. Telangana reports levels of 74%, while Andhra Pradesh has levels of 77%.
Future Rainfall Projections
Until February 5 the IMD predicts below-normal rainfall. According to this forecast, water storage levels might keep dropping over the next few weeks making the water problem in the impacted areas worse.

INS Sarvekshak Completes Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius

A significant hydrographic survey in Mauritius has been successfully completed by the Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak. More than 25,000 square nautical miles were surveyed. On January 23, 2025 the survey results were formally turned over. Anurag Srivastava the Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, gave President Dharambeer Gokhool the nautical charts and fair sheet. This occasion represents a turning point in the maritime cooperation between Mauritius and India.

Significance of the Hydrographic Survey
The goal of the hydrographic survey is to improve the maritime infrastructure of Mauritius.
Planning for coastal development and resource management will be aided by the recently produced nautical charts.
The close ties between Mauritius and India are demonstrated by this project.
Additionally, it supports India’s SAGAR initiative, which emphasizes growth and security in the region.

INS Sarvekshak’s Capabilities
INS Sarvekshak has state-of-the-art hydrographic survey equipment. These consist of different survey boats and sonar devices. The ship also has a Bofors 40 mm cannon and a helicopter. Its role in marine security and surveys is enhanced by its operational adaptability.

Bilateral Defence Cooperation
India and Mauritius share extensive defence cooperation. At the Information Fusion Center in India, Mauritius has an International Liaison Officer. As part of a collaborative coastal surveillance system Mauritius also runs radar centers. This collaboration strengthens regional maritime security.

Capacity Building Initiatives
India has stepped up its attempts to develop its capabilities in the Indian Ocean. Enhancing littoral states’ capacities is the goal of these programs. Over the course of five years the Indian Navy has carried out collaborative survey activities spanning 89,000 square kilometers. 96 nautical charts are produced as part of this.
Future Prospects for Collaboration
The survey’s success lays the groundwork for upcoming cooperative marine security projects. It is anticipated that the partnership would grow concentrating on resource management and sustainable development. The cooperation has potential given Mauritius’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

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