Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves 

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated 11 new Biosphere Reserves:

• Locations: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, Philippines, South Korea, Spain (first time for Belgium-Netherlands & Italy-Slovenia transboundary reserves)
• New Biosphere Reserves:
  • Kempen-Broek (Belgium, Netherlands)
  • Darien Norte Chocoano (Colombia)
  • Madre de las Aguas (Dominican Republic)
  • Niumi (Gambia)
  • Colli Euganei (Italy)
  • Julian Alps (Italy, Slovenia)
  • Khar Us Lake (Mongolia)
  • Apayaos (Philippines)
  • Changnyeong (South Korea)
  • Val d’Aran (Spain)
  • Irati (Spain)

Biosphere Reserves:

• Designated under UNESCO’s MAB Programme.
• Launched in 1971, MAB aims for a balanced human-environment relationship.
• Functions:
  • Conserve biodiversity & cultural diversity.
  • Promote sustainable economic development.
  • Provide logistical support for research, monitoring, education & training.
• Zones:
  • Core Areas: Strictly protected for conservation.
  • Buffer Zones: Allow activities compatible with conservation.
  • Transition Areas: Promote sustainable human activities.

India:

• Has 18 biosphere reserves (12 under MAB program).
• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – India’s first.

Significance of Biosphere Reserves:

• Scientific research & monitoring.
• Support global development targets (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework).
• Promote sustainable development, biodiversity & combat climate change.

 

2.National Security Council (NSC)

• Established: 1998
• Apex body for national security issues (political, economic, energy, security)
• Advises PM on national security policies.

Structure:

• Three tiers:
  • Strategic Policy Group: Long-term planning & policy formulation.
  • National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Expert advice.
  • National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS): Coordinates NSC work.
• Led by National Security Advisor (NSA) who advises the PM on security threats.
• Located in PM’s executive office.
• Deals with internal & external security, military affairs, defense etc.

Recent News: Restructuring of NSCS for improved efficiency and potentially stronger role for NSA in decision-making.

 

3.Lebanon-Israel ‘Blue Line’ Frontier

Context

• The UN voiced deep concern at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, which separates Lebanese and Israeli armed forces.

About

• The Blue Line is a demarcation line dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights. 
• It was marked by the United Nations in 2000for the purposes of determining whether Israel had fully withdrawn from Lebanon.

 

4.Karnataka’s ‘Naavu Manujaru’ Programme

Target: Government, aided & private primary/high schools

Objective: Promote social harmony, tolerance & scientific temper.

Implementation:

• 2 hours/week (3 periods of 40 mins each)
• Discussions & dialogues on:
  • Social harmony
  • Local & national festivals
  • Folk games & sports
  • Social reformers’ thoughts
  • Visits to local landmarks
  • Nuclear families
  • Eliminating inequality
  • Constitutional values (equality, liberty, fraternity)

Expected Outcome: Transform schools into hubs for social values & responsible citizens.

 

 

5.Right to Repair Portal India

Launched by: Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA)

Purpose:

• Empower consumers with repair information for various products (automobiles, durables, electronics, farm equipment).
• Reduce e-waste by promoting repairs and reuse.
• Align with government’s vision for a circular economy (minimizing waste and maximizing resource use).

Features:

• Access to product manuals and repair videos.
• Information on spare part prices and warranties.
• Feedback mechanism for consumers.

Benefits:

• Informed consumer decisions on purchase and maintenance.
• Promotes environmentally friendly practices.

News: Government urging automobile companies to join the portal.