CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/10/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/10/2023

Centre seeks inclusion of traditional medicine on WHO’s list

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH 

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The Indian government has initiated efforts to include Ayurveda and related traditional medicine systems in the 11th revision of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as part of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

• This move aims to establish standardized terminology for traditional medicine and integrate it into the global healthcare framework.

Key Highlights

• Global Standardization:
  • The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems in the ICD aims to provide a common, standardized language for traditional medicine, allowing healthcare professionals to collect and report information consistently across the world.
  • The Ministry of Ayush Secretary, expressed optimism that the addition of Module-2 for Ayurveda in the ICD could occur as early as January, enhancing the global recognition of this Indian system of medicine.
  • Ayurveda and other Indian traditional healthcare systems are widely practiced and formally recognized in India, making a strong case for their inclusion in global healthcare standards.
• Standardization for Regulation and Research:
  • Standardized information is essential to effectively regulate traditional medicine and integrate it into the healthcare system.
  • This initiative will help establish evidence-based information to support the practice of traditional medicine.
  • The ICD-11’s traditional medicine chapter provides a framework for conducting research and evaluation of traditional medicine’s efficacy, contributing to its integration into conventional healthcare.
• Integration and Regulation:
  • The inclusion of a traditional medicine chapter in ICD-11 responds to the increasing demand for better regulation of traditional medicine and its integration into mainstream healthcare and information systems.
• Chinese Medicine Inclusion:
  • ICD-11 previously included Module-1 for traditional medicine conditions originating in ancient China, which is commonly used in countries like China, Japan, and Korea.
• ICD-11 Overview:
  • The 11th revision of the ICD comprises approximately 17,000 unique codes and over 120,000 codable terms, all in digital format.
  • It became effective in January 2022.
  • The use of ICD-11’s traditional medicine chapter, alongside other relevant chapters, can improve the reporting of adverse events, facilitate the integration of traditional medicine into insurance coverage and reimbursement systems, and align with the WHO’s goals for universal health coverage.
• Support by the Ministry of Ayush:
  • The development of Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems is actively supported by the Ministry of Ayush.
  • It builds upon the experience gained through the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic portal and the Ayush Health Information Management System.

What is World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD)?

• The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally recognized and standardized system for classifying and coding various health conditions, diseases, injuries, and other health-related issues.
• It serves as a foundational tool for epidemiology, healthcare management, clinical research, and healthcare billing.
• Key features of the ICD include:
  • Standardization:
    • The ICD provides a common language for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to communicate and share information about health conditions and diseases.
    • This standardization is crucial for consistent data collection and reporting on a global scale.
  • Coding System:
    • The ICD uses alphanumeric codes to represent specific diseases and health conditions.
    • Each code corresponds to a particular diagnosis, procedure, or health-related issue, enabling easy data retrieval and analysis.
  • Disease Classification:
    • The ICD classifies diseases and health conditions into categories and subcategories.
    • It allows for the systematic organization of a wide range of medical conditions, making it easier to track and analyze health trends.
  • Updates and Revisions:
    • The ICD is periodically updated and revised to reflect advances in medical knowledge, changes in disease patterns, and evolving healthcare needs.
    • The latest version is the ICD-11.
  • Global Applicability:
    • The ICD is used internationally and serves as the basis for health statistics and data collection by WHO member states.
    • It plays a crucial role in monitoring and addressing public health issues on a global scale.
  • Healthcare Management:
    • Beyond diagnosis and disease classification, the ICD is also used for healthcare management, including billing, insurance reimbursement, and resource allocation.
  • Research and Epidemiology:
    • Researchers and epidemiologists use the ICD to track the prevalence and incidence of diseases, assess health outcomes, and identify patterns in health data.
• Public Health Policy: Governments and healthcare organizations rely on ICD data to inform public health policy decisions, prioritize health interventions, and allocate resources effectively.

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How a 6.3 magnitude quake caused another of same intensity?

(General Studies- Paper 1)

Source : TH

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Herat, Afghanistan, experienced a series of shallow earthquakes, including one with a 6.3 magnitude on October 7 and another of the same magnitude on October 11.

• These thrust faults, caused by horizontal compressive stresses, led to crustal shortening and raised questions about whether the second earthquake on October 7 should be considered an aftershock.

Key Highlights

• Earthquakes in Herat:
  • October 7 Quakes:
    • Two shallow earthquakes, both with a magnitude of 6.3, struck Herat, Afghanistan, within 30 minutes of each other.
    • The earthquakes resulted from thrust faulting near the western terminus of the Hindu Kush Mountain range.
• October 11 Quake:
  • Four days later, another 6.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Herat, Afghanistan, with a focus just 9 km below the surface, similar to the previous ones on October 7.
• Thrust Faults and Earthquake Cause:
  • Thrust Faults:
    • The earthquakes in Herat were caused by thrust faults, also known as reverse faults, resulting from horizontal compressive stresses, leading to the shortening of the Earth’s crust.
    • In a thrust fault, one block or wall moves up relative to the other.
  • Aftershocks vs. Fresh Quakes:
    • To be classified as an aftershock, an earthquake’s magnitude must be lesser than the main event’s magnitude.
    • In the case of the October 7 earthquakes, both had a magnitude of 6.3, leading to the second quake being considered a “fresh quake.”
    • This can occur when one fault ruptures and releases stress, which may then trigger another earthquake of similar or even greater magnitude.
  • Interplay of Faults:
    • In Afghanistan, where the fault can be long and wide, earthquakes can trigger one another when occurring in the same fault.
    • The two earthquakes on October 7 happened in the same fault and were relatively close to each other, about 20 km apart.
  • Migration of Quakes:
    • The three earthquakes in Herat displayed a systematic migration pattern from west to east, possibly due to an interplay of parallel thrust faults.
    • In a thrust fault environment, multiple parallel thrust faults can exist.
  • Tectonic Activity in Afghanistan:
    • Tectonic Plate Interaction:
      • Afghanistan experiences frequent earthquakes due to the interaction between three tectonic plates: Arabia, Eurasia, and India plates.
      • The northward movement of the Arabia plate relative to the Eurasia plate primarily influences seismic activity in western and central Afghanistan.
    • Lithospheric Subduction:
      • Earthquakes beneath the Pamir-Hindu Kush Mountains of northern Afghanistan can occur at depths of up to 200 km due to lithospheric subduction.
      • Shallow crustal earthquakes in this region take place primarily along active Quaternary faults, such as the Main Pamir Thrust, accommodating crustal shortening.
    • Thrust and Strike-Slip Mechanisms:
      • The western and eastern margins of the Main Pamir Thrust exhibit a combination of thrust and strike-slip mechanisms.

All about Earthquakes: Terminologies

• Earthquakes are natural phenomena characterized by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, leading to the generation of seismic waves that cause ground shaking.
• Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, or other geological processes.
• Focal Point (Hypocenter):
  • The focal point, also known as the hypocenter, is the precise location within the Earth where the earthquake originates.
  • It is the point at which the seismic energy is initially released. It is typically located below the Earth’s surface.
• Epicenter:
  • The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focal point (hypocenter) of an earthquake.
  • This is the location where the earthquake’s effects, including ground shaking, are most strongly felt.
• Seismic Waves:
  • Seismic waves are the vibrations or energy waves that radiate outward from the earthquake’s epicenter.
  • There are two main types of seismic waves:
  • Primary Waves (P-Waves):
    • P-Waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to arrive at a seismograph.
    • They are compressional waves that move through both solids and liquids.
  • Secondary Waves (S-Waves):
    • S-Waves are slower than P-Waves and can only travel through solid materials.
    • They are shear waves that move particles perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
  • Surface Waves:
    • Surface waves, including Love waves and Rayleigh waves, travel along the Earth’s surface and are responsible for the most significant ground shaking and damage during an earthquake.
  • Magnitude:
    • Magnitude is a measure of the size or energy released by an earthquake.
    • The Richter scale and the moment magnitude scale (Mw) are commonly used to express earthquake magnitude.
    • A higher magnitude indicates a larger earthquake with more significant energy release.
  • Aftershocks:
    • Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow a larger, main earthquake.
    • They occur as the Earth’s crust adjusts to the changes caused by the main shock. Aftershocks can be of varying magnitudes.
  • Foreshocks:
    • Foreshocks are smaller earthquakes that precede a larger, main earthquake. They occur as stress accumulates in the Earth’s crust before the main event.
  • Fault:
    • A fault is a fracture or zone of weakness in the Earth’s crust along which movement has occurred.
    • Earthquakes typically occur along faults as tectonic plates shift or slide past each other.
  • Seismograph:
    • A seismograph is an instrument used to detect and record seismic waves generated by earthquakes.
    • It measures ground motion and provides data used to determine earthquake location, depth, and magnitude.
  • Tectonic Plates:
    • The Earth’s outer shell is divided into large, rigid plates called tectonic plates.
    • The boundaries where these plates interact are often regions of heightened seismic activity due to plate movements.
  • Subduction Zone:
    • A subduction zone is a tectonic plate boundary where one tectonic plate is being pushed beneath another.
    • Subduction zones are known for producing powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity.

What is ‘Thrust Fault’ and ‘Crustal Shortening’?

• Thrust Fault:
  • A thrust fault is a type of geological fault that occurs when rock layers in the Earth’s crust are pushed together by compressional forces, resulting in one block of rock moving up and over the other.
  • This type of fault is associated with horizontal crustal compression and is characterized by a low-angle fault plane.
• Crustal Shortening:
  • Crustal shortening is a geological process in which the Earth’s crust undergoes horizontal compression, resulting in a reduction in its length or width in certain areas.
  • This shortening occurs due to tectonic forces that push rock layers together, leading to the deformation and folding of rocks.
  • Crustal shortening is commonly associated with regions where tectonic plates converge and collide.

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The world needs to stop taking water for granted

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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The theme for World Food Day on October 16, ‘Water is Life, Water is Food,’ highlights the critical need for effective water management, given the increasing climate extremes.

• As countries grapple with challenges like droughts, floods, unseasonal rains, and prolonged dry spells, the United Nations food agencies emphasize innovative and collaborative approaches to manage and conserve scarce water resources.

Key Highlights

• Water’s Impact on Food Security:
  • Rainfed Agriculture in India:
    • Approximately 60% of India’s net sown area relies on rainfed agriculture, contributing significantly to food production.
    • However, this method is highly dependent on water availability, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in rain and soil moisture, which can impact food and nutrition security.
  • Climate Change Adaptation:
    • There is an urgent need to adapt to climate change by promoting technologies and practices that enhance the resilience and sustainability of rainfed agriculture.
    • Sustainable water management plays a crucial role in addressing looming threats to food and nutrition security.
  • Irrigated Agriculture:
    • Globally, 72% of freshwater withdrawals are used for irrigated agriculture.
    • This intensive use of water resources can have long-lasting detrimental effects on ecosystems, such as seasonal rivers and deep aquifers.
  • Water and Crop Production Challenges
    • Poor water management, pollution, and climate change have degraded freshwater resources, making small-scale farmers vulnerable.
    • Approximately 40% of the world’s land is degraded, reducing land productivity.
    • Over 80% of global farmers are small-scale, and they often lack access to resources like finance, technology, and irrigation, affecting their livelihoods.
    • Extreme weather events and changing water availability negatively impact agriculture.
    • Climate change leads to reduced crop yields and food availability.
  • Government of India’s Assessment
    • India’s government has assessed climate change impact in 2050 and 2080 using models.
    • Without adaptation, rainfed rice yields could decrease by 20% in 2050 and 47% in 2080.
    • Irrigated rice yields may decline by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080.
    • Wheat and maize yields are also projected to decline significantly.
    • The FAO is piloting a crop forecasting framework incorporating climate, soil, and market data to assist rainfed farmers in making informed decisions for food security.
  • Role of Irrigation in Resilience
    • Irrigation can enhance agricultural resilience by allowing for the cultivation of high-value crops like fruits and vegetables.
    • Controlled irrigation leads to increased crop yields, improving food security.
    • Irrigation enables year-round cultivation, crop diversity, and income generation for farmers.
    • Irrigation helps mitigate the impact of climate change and reduces farmers’ vulnerability to erratic weather patterns.
  • Global Support and IFAD’s Role
    • In 2021, 8.7 million people across 49 countries directly benefited from support for irrigation and agricultural resilience.
    • IFAD supports Indian States in leveraging the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme, focusing on environmentally and socially sustainable and financially viable micro-irrigation infrastructure.
  • FAO’s Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives
    • FAO supports the transformation of agrifood systems and climate-smart agriculture practices to improve water-use efficiency.
    • FAO aided smallholder farmers through initiatives like the farmer water school program in Uttar Pradesh.
    • The Andhra Pradesh Farmer Managed Groundwater Systems project reached 638 habitations in drought-prone districts, incorporating a hydrological monitoring program.
  • IFAD’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
    • IFAD has integrated climate change adaptation into its core strategies, aiming to leverage climate financing and address adverse agriculture impacts, while helping farmers adapt to weather volatility.
    • IFAD invests in soil health, water resource preservation, and modern technologies merged with indigenous knowledge for resilient production systems and value chains.
    • IFAD-supported projects in Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and Mizoram promote climate-resilient crops and train farmers in climate-sensitive agricultural practices and soil management.
    • The WFP collaborates with the Government of Odisha to enhance smallholder farmer resilience through solar technologies, climate advisory services, and a millet-value chain to reduce water usage and improve nutrition, with a focus on women.
  • Steps for Global Food and Nutrition Security
    • Achieving global food and nutrition security requires both political commitment and concrete investment.
    • Policies and investments should promote innovative technologies for increased productivity, climate adaptation, and resilience for farmers.
    • Environmentally, socially, and financially viable irrigation and water management strategies are essential.
    • Strategies to reduce the climate footprint of agricultural production, minimize bio-hazards and environmental pollution, and improve sanitation and water supply to rural households are crucial.
    • Adoption of efficient food and water recycling strategies is needed.
    • Institutional capacity for sustainable and equitable water regulations, management, access, and ownership should be reinforced.

About the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

• The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in December 1977.
• IFAD’s primary focus is to address rural poverty and hunger in developing countries by providing financial and technical assistance to support agriculture and rural development projects.
• Headquarters: IFAD’s headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.

• Funding:
  • IFAD is funded by contributions from member countries, loans, grants, and its own resources.
  • It also works in partnership with other organizations and institutions to leverage additional resources.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • IFAD’s work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

About the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP

• The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.
• WFP’s primary mandate is to provide food assistance and support to vulnerable populations in countries affected by emergencies, conflicts, natural disasters, and food crises.
• It also focuses on long-term development initiatives to address food security and nutrition challenges.
• Foundation:
  • WFP was established in 1961 and became a part of the United Nations in 1965.
  • Its headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.
• WFP is led by an Executive Director, who is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
• WFP operates in more than 80 countries and assists millions of people each year.
• It provides a wide range of food assistance programs, including in-kind food distribution, cash and voucher assistance, school feeding, nutrition support, and more.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • WFP’s work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

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Israel, Hamas, and the laws of war

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

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On October 7, Hamas, a Palestine-based terrorist group, launched an attack on Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking many hostage.

• Israel has retaliated with all its might, triggering a war in West Asia.
• This has led to the discussions about the laws of war.

Key Highlights

• Jus ad Bellum:
  • This relates to the conditions and circumstances under which countries can use force in international relations.
  • It is regulated by the United Nations (UN) Charter.
  • A country’s use of force must be justified under the UN Charter.
• Jus in Bello:
  • This pertains to how a war should be fought, including the rules governing military actions.
  • Even when a country is justified under the UN Charter to use force, it must ensure that it complies with international law during the conduct of the war.
• International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The Law of War
  • IHL, also known as the law of war, provides rules for the conduct of parties or groups involved in an armed conflict.
  • It is designed to reduce the suffering caused by war and protect civilians.
  • Sources of IHL:
    • IHL is derived from customary international law and international agreements, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977.
  • IHL Objective:
    • The primary objective of IHL is to safeguard civilians during armed conflicts and mitigate the harm caused by warfare.
  • Application of the Laws of War to Ongoing Conflict
    • The military conflict between Israel and Hamas qualifies as an armed conflict under international law.
    • As stated in the case of Prosecutor versus DuskoTadić by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, an armed conflict exists when there is a resort to armed force between States, protracted armed violence between governmental authorities and organized armed groups, or such conflicts within a state.
  • Classification of Armed Conflicts:
    • International law classifies armed conflicts into two categories:
      • International Armed Conflict (IAC) and
      • Non-International Armed Conflict (NIAC).
    • IAC includes conflicts between two or more countries, such as declared wars.
    • NIAC encompasses situations where non-governmental armed groups (like Hamas) are in conflict with governmental forces (like Israel).
    • Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions applies to NIAC.
  • Obligation to Abide by IHL:
    • Both Israel and Hamas are obliged to comply with IHL in their ongoing armed conflict.
    • Regardless of the justifiability of the war, warring parties are bound by IHL to protect civilians and adhere to the rules of warfare.
  • Civilian Killings in Armed Conflict
    • The core objective of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in an armed conflict is to maintain a clear distinction between combatants and civilians.
    • Parties in a conflict are permitted to target combatants and military objectives while being strictly prohibited from attacking civilians and civilian objects.
    • Indiscriminate attacks that fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians are illegal under IHL.
  • Hamas’s Actions
    • Hamas, by killing civilians, is in violation of IHL.
    • Even Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory does not justify Hamas in killing or harming Israeli civilians or targeting civilian installations.
    • Any military attack that disproportionately harms civilians in comparison to the expected military benefit is forbidden.
  • Israel’s Actions
    • Israel’s reported use of disproportionate force, such as dropping 6,000 bombs on Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and death, constitutes a violation of IHL.
    • These actions are considered grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and are classified as war crimes.
  • Hostage-Taking as a War Crime
    • Hostage-taking, which Hamas has engaged in by taking Israelis hostage, is recognized as a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute, establishing the International Criminal Court.
    • International law, specifically the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages, criminalizes hostage-taking.
  • The Gaza Strip Blockade and Collective Punishment
    • Israel’s plan to block essential supplies like food, electricity, water, and fuel to the Gaza Strip, where nearly two million people reside, constitutes collective punishment.
    • Collective punishment is retaliating against a group for the actions of individuals belonging to that group, and it violates a fundamental principle of IHL.
    • Such actions are deemed illegal and tantamount to war crimes.
    • Under IHL, warring parties must provide advance and effective warnings to civilians to evacuate before an attack.
    • However, the air and sea blockade of Gaza has rendered the warning ineffective, as civilians lack a realistic opportunity to move to safer locations.
  • IHL Obligations and the Need for Investigation
    • Both sides involved in the conflict must adhere to their IHL obligations.
    • The alleged war crimes should be investigated to ensure accountability and justice.

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Why is Kenya leading an UN-approved international mission for troubled Haiti?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

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On October 2, the UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution allowing international intervention in Haiti to restore security, protect critical infrastructure, and address escalating violence.

• The resolution was drafted by the United States and Ecuador, with 13 of the 15 UNSC members voting in favour.

Key Highlights

• Context of Violence in Haiti
  • Over the past year, Haiti has experienced a surge in violence as armed groups, including the “G9 and Family,” took control of significant parts of the country, leading to widespread killings and unrest.
  • Nearly 2,800 people, including 80 minors, were killed between October 2022 and June 2023.
  • Human rights groups reported a rise in sexual violence and crimes against women.
  • Mass looting and house burnings resulted in the displacement of thousands, with around 200,000 people forced to flee their homes.
  • Nearly half the population requires humanitarian assistance.
• Reasons for Intervention
  • The UNSC expressed concern over widespread violence, criminal activities, and human rights abuses affecting peace and security in the region.
  • Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry sought international support after gangs blocked the main fuel port, causing fuel shortages and disrupting the countries functioning.
  • Hospitals and medical institutions were significantly affected.
  • The international community was initially hesitant to lead an intervention, but Kenya volunteered to lead a multinational force, prompting the resolution.
• Characteristics of the Mission
  • Unlike the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti that ended in 2017, the current multinational security mission (MSS) will not be operated by the United Nations.
  • Kenya has taken the lead, with support from countries like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda.
• Mission’s Goals and Powers
  • The force will provide operational support to the Haitian National Police, enhance their capabilities to combat gangs, improve security, and secure critical locations like ports, airports, and intersections.
  • The force has the authority to make arrests in coordination with Haitian police.
  • The mission aims to create conditions conducive to holding elections, which have not taken place in Haiti since 2016.
• United States’ Role
  • The United States pledged $100 million in logistical support, such as intelligence, communications, airlift operations, and medical aid.
  • However, it will not send troops.
• The mission has been approved for one year, with a review scheduled after nine months.
• The deployment date has not been announced, but it is expected to occur within two to three months or early January.
• Reasons for Delay
  • Haiti’s history of foreign military interventions, including the troubled experience with a UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSTAH) that led to a cholera epidemic and allegations of sexual abuse, made Haitians skeptical about foreign armed forces.
  • The 2004 overthrow of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and subsequent foreign military involvement also played a role in the delay.
  • Concerns about Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s lack of popular support added to the delay in securing international assistance.

About G9 and Family

• The “G9 and Family” refers to a coalition of nine powerful and heavily armed gangs in Haiti that have joined forces.
• These gangs, often operating in the neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, have been responsible for a significant increase in violence and criminal activities in the country.
• They have played a key role in controlling various parts of Haiti, including the capital.
• The G9 and Family coalition was formed as a response to various social and political issues in Haiti, including economic challenges and political instability.
•  Their actions, which have included blockades, attacks, and criminal activities, have had a significant impact on the daily lives of Haitian citizens and the functioning of the country.

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Centre may raise retirement age of scientists from 60 to 65

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

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The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is working on a proposal to increase the retirement age of scientists from the current retirement age of 60 to 65.

• The primary aim of this proposal is to retain top senior scientists who are increasingly leaving for universities and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) where the retirement age is already set at 65.

Key Highlights

• Current Retirement Age
  • Currently, scientists in most government departments retire at the age of 60, while scientists working at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) retire at 62.
• MoST Note on the Proposal
  • On October 6, 2023, the MoST issued a note indicating that a “proposal for enhancement of retirement age of scientists in autonomous bodies of science departments/Ministries is underway.”
  • The note was sent to 14 autonomous bodies funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and requested information about the total sanctioned strength of scientists in their autonomous bodies, the number of scientists retiring in the next five years (November 2023–March 2028), and the financial implications of the enhanced retirement age.
• Origins of the Proposal
  • The proposal is said to have originated from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), where concerns have been raised over senior scientists nearing retirement leaving institutes for careers in academia.
  • The aim of the proposal is to achieve parity and prevent Ministry-affiliated scientists from being disadvantaged in comparison to scientists working in institutions with a retirement age of 65.
• Scientists working in autonomous institutions of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) are also likely to be included in the proposal.
• Previous Proposal in 2015
  • The government had previously proposed raising the retirement age of scientists in 2015, aiming to bring parity in service conditions among research scientists in different government departments.
  • Previously, short-term contract extensions were offered to scientists nearing retirement to retain their services, but the government shifted to short-term contracts and did away with extensions.

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Kaziranga reopens with tribute to British-era officer

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The TH

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The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, located in Assam, India, reopened for tourists with a literary tribute to a British-era forest officer named Patrick D. Stracey.

• This UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning 1,300 sq. km, is known for its one-horned rhinoceros population and is considered the safest habitat for this species.

Key Highlights

• Nature and Wildlife-Specific Library
  • The park introduced a nature and wildlife-specific library at the Centenary Convention Centre in the Kohora area of Kaziranga.
  • The library is named after Patrick D. Stracey, an Indian Forest Service officer, who played a significant role in renaming the Kaziranga Game Sanctuary as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and made valuable contributions to wildlife preservation.
  • The PD Stracey Library offers books and magazines related to the world of nature and wildlife, along with merchandise for visitors to take home as memories of Kaziranga.
• Greater Kaziranga Concept
  • To reduce tourist pressure on the central ranges of Kohora and Bagori, the concept of “Greater Kaziranga” was introduced.
  • Visitors are encouraged to stay for at least three nights to explore the park beyond the two popular ranges.
  • The initiative includes a nature walk trail in Burhachapori-Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, a boat ride for dolphin watching in the Brahmaputra, visits to tourist village BiswanathGhat, trekking, and birdwatching opportunities.
  • BiswanathGhat was declared India’s best tourism village for 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism.

About the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

• Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
• The park is renowned for its Indian rhinoceros population, hosting approximately two-thirds of the world’s Indian rhinoceroses.
  • The 2018 census reported a rhino population of 2,613.
• Kaziranga National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006, emphasizing its significance in tiger conservation.
• The park is home to significant populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.
• Recognized by BirdLife International, Kaziranga is designated as an Important Bird Area, contributing to the conservation of various avifaunal species.
• Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park boasts high species diversity and offers excellent wildlife visibility.
• Kaziranga features a diverse landscape, including tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, crisscrossed by major rivers, with the Brahmaputra being one of them.
• The park celebrated its centennial in 2005, commemorating its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site:
  • Kaziranga National Park holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable conservation efforts and wildlife diversity

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