Current Affairs 19-MAR-2024 (The Hindu)

Anthropocene Epoch

C => (Pg-Science)

Why in News?

Geologists recently debated the proposed start of the Anthropocene Epoch, rejecting a 1952 marker in favor of a broader view that human impacts intensified with the Industrial Revolution. The Anthropocene Working Group suggested linking the epoch's start to a specific geological layer, but the proposal was ultimately turned down, leading to continued discussions on when the epoch truly began.

Anthropocene Epoch

• Significant and lasting impact of human activities on Earth's geology.
• Coined by Nobel Prize-winning atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000.
• Proponents argue that human actions have become the dominant force shaping the Earth's environment.
• Debates around Anthropocene focus on its formal recognition as a geological epoch by the International Commission on Stratigraphy.
• Reservations exist due to its utility and precision in geological terms.

Other Epochs

• The Holocene Epoch: Last 11,700 years, represents the current geological epoch preceding the proposed Anthropocene.
• The Pleistocene Epoch: 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. Characterized by glaciations and the emergence of modern humans.
• The Mesozoic Era: 252 to 66 million years ago. Characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs and eventual mass extinction.
• The Paleozoic Era: 541 to 252 million years ago. Witnessed complex organisms and several mass extinction events.

Practice Question– Prelims

Consider the following statements about the Anthropocene epoch?

1. The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch dating from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth until now.
2. As of March 2024, neither the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) nor the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has approved the term as an official subdivision of geologic time.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) None of the above

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2022

C => (Pg-Science)

Why in News?

The Centre has issued new rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, easing conditions for transferring elephants within or between States.

Key Features of the Act

• Insertion of new schedule - specimens listed in the appendices under CITES.

CITES

• Expansion of CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
• An international agreement between governments.
• Aim - ensure international trade in specimens of wild animals & plants does not threaten survival of the species.
• Mandates to regulate trade of all listed specimens through permits.
• Aims to regulate possession of live animal specimens.

Rationalisation of Schedules - WPA, 1972

• Earlier - WPA, 1972 had 6 schedules.
• 2022 amendment – to 4 schedules.
• Power to the central govt to regulate the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species.
• Power to Chief Wildlife Warden to control, manage & maintain sanctuaries in a state.

Increase in Penalty

• Enhancement in fine amount for violation of the provisions of WPA, 1972.

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. With reference to ‘The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2022’, consider the following statements:

1. This act inserted a new schedule in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES.
2. It empowers the central government to notify a particular area as a conservation reserve.
3. This Act entrusts the Chief Wild Life Warden of a state to control, manage, and maintain all sanctuaries in a state.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3