Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.Srinagar: World Craft City

About Srinagar

• Located on historic Silk Route
• Rich in arts and crafts
• Hub for trade, culture, and knowledge exchange
• Centuries-old craft influences
• Opportunities for craftsmen to enhance skills

World Craft Council (WCC)

• Founded: 1961
• International organization
• Promotes and preserves traditional crafts

Srinagar as World Craft City

• Designated by WCC
• Fourth Indian city after Jaipur, Mamallapuram, and Mysore
• Previously designated as UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk arts (2021)
• Recognizes Srinagar’s rich craft heritage
• Provides platform to promote local crafts and craftsmen
• Expected to boost tourism and economic growth

Significance of the Designation

• Global recognition for Srinagar’s crafts
• Revival of craft sector
• Opportunities for craftsmen to showcase and sell their products
• Potential for job creation and economic development
• Increased tourism to the region

Key Crafts of Srinagar

• Papier-mâché
• Walnut wood carving
• Carpets
• Sozni embroidery
• Pashmina and Kani shawls

 

 

2.Ladki Bahin Yojana

About the Scheme

The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a scheme initiated by the Maharashtra government. Under this scheme, eligible women aged between 21 and 65 years will receive Rs 1,500 every month directly into their bank accounts.

• Eligibility: The scheme is targeted at women whose family income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh per year and no member of the family pays income tax.
• Purpose: This scheme has been announced as a social welfare measure in the state budget.

Challenges Faced by the Scheme

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed against the scheme, arguing that taxpayer’s money is collected for infrastructure development and not for such schemes. However, the Bombay High Court dismissed the PIL, stating that paying taxes is a compulsory duty and one cannot dictate how the collected taxes should be utilized.

Key Points

• Objective: The primary aim of the scheme is women empowerment and financial assistance.
• Beneficiaries: Poor women in the age group of 21-65 years.
• Financial Benefit: A monthly financial assistance of Rs 1500.
• Challenges: Concerns regarding the financial implications of the scheme and its effectiveness.
• Outcome: The Bombay High Court has dismissed the petition challenging the scheme.

 

 

 

3.Bhoj Wetland

About Bhoj Wetland

• Consists of Upper Lake and Lower Lake
• Upper Lake: Created by Raja Bhoj in 11th century
• Lower Lake: Created nearly 200 years ago
• Located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Designated as Ramsar site in November 2002

Ramsar Convention

• International treaty for wetland conservation
• Adopted in Ramsar, Iran in 1971
• Entered into force in 1975
• Countries designate wetlands of international importance as Ramsar sites
• Criteria for Ramsar sites:
  • Support vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species
  • Support threatened ecological communities
  • Support 20,000 or more waterbirds
  • Important source of food for fishes, spawning grounds, nursery
• India joined in 1982
• India has 82 Ramsar sites

Bhoj Wetland and Ramsar Convention

• Recent reports of potential delisting denied by government
• Bhoj Wetland is a crucial ecosystem
• Faces threats due to urbanization and pollution
• Conservation efforts are essential to protect its biodiversity

 

 

4.Methanotrophs

About Methanotrophs

• Bacteria that oxidize methane for energy
• Crucial in mitigating methane, a potent greenhouse gas
• Contribute to global warming reduction
• Methylocucumis oryzae: A novel methanotroph discovered in India
• Found in rice fields and wetlands
• Promotes rice plant growth
• Shape: Oval and elongated, resembling a cucumber

Methane

• Second most important greenhouse gas
• 26 times more potent than carbon dioxide in global warming
• Contributes significantly to climate change

Significance of the Discovery

• India’s first indigenous methane-mitigating agent
• Potential for wider application in methane reduction
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection
• Advancements in microbiology and biotechnology