Current Affairs 15-MAR-2024 (The Hindu)

Olive Ridley Turtles

C => (Pg-9)

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu Forest Department establishes 10 hatcheries to enhance Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchling survival during nesting season, equipped with data loggers and adaptable roofing to address climate change effects.

Olive Ridley Turtles

The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. They inhabit the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. The name "Olive Ridley" is tied to the color of its shell.

Characteristics:

• Growth:
  • Length: 2 feet
  • Weight: 50 kgs
• Males and females grow to the same size, with females having a slightly more rounded carapace.

Consumption Pattern:

• Carnivores - feed on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, mollusks, and a variety of fish and their eggs.
• They spend their entire lives in the ocean, migrating thousands of kilometers between feeding and mating grounds.

Nesting Pattern:

• They dig a conical nest about one and a half feet deep with their hind flippers.
• The largest mass nesting for the Olive Ridley turtles occurs on the coast of Orissa in India, followed by the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica.
• Hatching takes about 45-65 days.

Protection Status:

• IUCN – Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• CMS: Appendix I and II

Conservation Efforts:

• Ten hatcheries have been set up along the Tamil Nadu coast, equipped with data loggers to monitor temperature continuously.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements with reference to Olive ridley turtles:

1. Their population is distributed across the globe except polar regions.
2. Their peculiar behavior of synchronized nesting in mass numbers is known as ‘Arribada’.
3. Gahirmatha Beach in Orissa is one of their few nesting grounds in the world.

How many statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None of the above

India-Bhutan Relation

C => (Pg-10)

Why in News?

Bhutan Prime Minister proposes "Gelephu Mindfulness City" as a regional economic hub, seeking Indian support for infrastructure development and investment in a carbon-neutral city focusing on IT, education, and health sectors.

Practice Question – Mains GS – III

Discuss the significance of India – Bhutan relationship and the challenges therein. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction

• Longstanding partnership characterized by mutual respect, shared cultural values, and historical ties.
• Evolved over decades, underpinned by cooperation in various sectors.
• Common vision for regional stability and prosperity.

Significance for Bhutan

• Trade: Bhutan's trade with India has grown significantly, making India its largest trading partner.
• Security Cooperation: India assists Bhutan in border protection and counter-insurgency efforts, crucial for Bhutan's stability.
• Diplomatic Support: India's diplomatic backing is key to Bhutan's international presence and sovereignty.
• Socio-economic Development: India's assistance since the 1960s in various forms has been fundamental to Bhutan's development.

Significance for India

• Strategic Location: Bhutan's position next to China makes it strategically important as a buffer state for India.
• Security Assurances: Bhutan's role is vital for the security and stability of India's northeastern states.
• Cultural Connections: Shared cultural elements enrich the India-Bhutan relationship and support India's cultural diplomacy.
• Hydroelectric Projects: These projects are crucial for India's clean energy needs and contribute significantly to Bhutan's revenue.

Challenges in the Relationship

• China's Influence: The growing Chinese presence near Bhutan's disputed borders poses strategic concerns for India.
• Border and Hydropower Concerns: Disputes and differing perspectives on hydropower agreements have created tensions.
• Trade Imbalance: The trade deficit with India is a concern for Bhutan, seeking better market access.
• Sovereignty and Dependence: Navigating the fine balance between dependence on India and maintaining sovereignty is challenging for Bhutan.
• Environmental Concerns: Climate change and shared resources necessitate cooperative environmental management but pose challenges due to differing priorities.
• Cultural and Social Dynamics: The evolving social landscapes of both countries require efforts to maintain strong people-to-people ties.

Way Forward

• Increasing trade, investments, and collaborations in sectors like infrastructure and tourism can benefit both nations.
• Transparency, dialogue, and improved connectivity and defense cooperation are essential.
• Joint efforts in environmental management and addressing climate change are crucial.
• Encouraging cultural exchanges and interactions to strengthen the foundational bonds between India and Bhutan.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

C => (Pg-10)

Why in News?

Officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized shipping bills and materials used for concealing pseudoephedrine in health mix powder packets from Jaffer Sadiq's godown in Perungudi. The international drug trafficking syndicate was exposed following information from Australia and New Zealand authorities about contraband consignments.

Background:

• India is a signatory to several international conventions related to narcotics control, including the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances 1971, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988.
• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution provides a directive principle for the state to endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.
• The NCB operates under three central acts: the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985; and The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.

Functions of NCB:

• Coordinates with various offices under any act in connection with the enforcement provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
• Carries out India's commitments under numerous international conventions and protocols related to narcotics control.
• Provides assistance to concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organizations.
• Coordinates actions taken by other concerned authorities in matters relating to drug abuse.
• Serves as the apex coordinating agency responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.
• Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and has representation on the Economics Intelligence Council.
• Not subject to the Right to Information Act under Section 24(1) of the RTI Act 2005.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following functions of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):

1. Investigating cases of drug trafficking and abuse.
2. Prosecuting cases traffickers in court.
3. Raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse
4. Regulating the cultivation of opium poppy.

How many of the functions mentioned above is not the function of NCB?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four