Current Context : The Indian Ministry of Culture is planning to revive the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) to better preserve ancient texts in India, and they may set up an independent body, likely called the National Manuscripts Authority, for this purpose.

• NMM currently operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA).

About National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

• Established: Launched in February 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
• Motto: “Conserving the past for the future.”
• Scope: Aims to uncover, protect, and share the rich collection of manuscripts in India, estimated at around 10 million—the largest in the world.
• Languages: 75% of these manuscripts are in Sanskrit, and 25% are in regional languages.

What is a Manuscript?

• A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically on materials like paper, palm leaf, or metal, and must be at least 75 years old with historical or cultural importance.
• It’s different from printed books or records, and often contains knowledge or insights valuable for historical study.

Current Context : Recently, Kochi city of Kerala, won the “City with the Most Sustainable Transport System” award at the 17th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• Theme: The conference focused on “Standardisation and Optimisation of Urban Transport Solutions.”
• Awards: Recognized cities for achievements in public, green, and intelligent transport.

About Sustainable Transport System Award:

• Purpose: Recognizes cities for promoting eco-friendly, efficient urban transport.
• Organized by: Presented at the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference.
• Awarded for: Excellence in public transport, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing sustainable urban mobility.

Observed annually on October 31.

• Purpose : Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and honors his efforts in unifying India post-independence.
• Significance : Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played a crucial role in integrating over 560 princely states into a single, united India.
• Initiation : Introduced by the Indian government in 2014 to inspire unity and patriotism among citizens.
• Statue of Unity : A 182-meter statue in Gujarat commemorates Sardar Patel as a symbol of national integration and resilience.

Current Context : UNEP has released a report titled- the Emissions Gap Report 2024.

Highlights of the 2024 EGR:

• Temperature Projections: If current policies continue, global temperatures could rise by 1°Cabove pre-industrial levels.
• Necessary Emission Cuts:
  • To achieve the 5°Ctarget, GHG emissions must be cut by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035.
  • For the 2°Ctarget, reductions of 28% by 2030 and 37% by 2035 are required.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries need to enhance their climate action plans to meet these targets; otherwise, temperatures could rise by 6-3.1°Cby the end of the century.

Current Emissions Trends:

• Increase in GHG Emissions: Emissions rose by 3% in 2023compared to 2022, with the power sector being the main contributor.
• Major Contributors: India saw the highest increase among major economies at 1%, followed by China at 5.2%.
• Reduction in Developed Nations: The EU and US saw decreases in emissions, by 5%and 1.4%, respectively.
• Global Context: The six largest GHG emitters account for 63%of global emissions, while least developed countries contribute only 3%.

About the Emissions Gap Report (EGR):

• Published by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) annually.
• Purpose: Tracks progress in limiting global warming to below 2°C and aiming for 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.
• Focus: Assesses the difference between expected future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the levels needed to prevent severe climate change impacts.

Kadar tribes takes up restoration of natural forests at Pothupara under Vazhachal division.

About Kadar Tribe:

• Location: The Kadar tribe mainly lives in the forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, in southern India.
• Status: They are recognized as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) by the Indian government.
• Name Origin: The name “Kadar” comes from “kaadu,” meaning forest in Tamil and Malayalam, showing their strong connection to forests.
• Language: The Kadars speak a Dravidian language known as Kadar, influenced by Tamil and Malayalam.
• Lifestyle: Traditionally semi-nomadic, they practice a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying on forest resources like honey, fruits, and medicinal plants. They are also known for their traditional medicinal knowledge.

Sustainable Practices: The Kadar follow traditional protocols for sustainable resource use, ensuring regeneration of forest products like honey and herbs.

Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the 21^st Livestock Census in New Delhi.

About 21st Livestock Census:

• Objective: Conducted every five years, this census counts all domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in India, covering species, breeds, and the ownership status of each animal.
• Timeline: The enumeration process for the 21st census is set from October 2024 to February 2025.
• Species Covered: Sixteen main animal species, such as cattle, buffalo, yak, sheep, and goat, are included, as well as poultry like chickens and ducks. Data will be collected for 219 indigenous breeds recognized by the ICAR-NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources)
• Digital Collection: Like the previous census, data will be collected digitally through a mobile app, including location coordinates. A digital dashboard will monitor the process, and data will be compiled into a report using dedicated software.
• New Data Areas: This census introduces data collection on pastoral animals and the socio-economic contributions of pastoralists to the livestock sector. Their livestock holdings and socio-economic status will be documented for the first time.

During the 8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival, 95 bird species and 22 butterfly species were spotted at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Benog Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: About 11 km from Mussoorie in the Garhwal region of
• Establishment: Founded in 1993, named after the 2,250-meter-high Benog Hill, the highest peak in the area.
• Association: Part of Rajaji National Park, set on pine-covered slopes with views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

River: The Aglar River, a Yamuna tributary, flows through the sanctuary.

China “Deploys” Counter-Stealth Radar, Anti-Ship Missile Battery To Fortify Triton Island.

About Triton Island :

• Location: Part of the Paracel Islands chain in the South China Sea, positioned southwest of the main islands.
• Size: About 1.2 square kilometers; approximately 4,000 feet by 2,000 feet.
• Political Sensitivity: Claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, making it a contested territory.
• Strategic Importance: Although uninhabited, it’s valuable due to its proximity to rich fishing areas and potential oil and gas reserves.

About South China Sea:

• Geography: Western Pacific Ocean arm, bordered by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
• Connections: Linked to the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait and to the Philippine Sea through the Luzon Strait.
• Major Islands: Includes the Paracel Islands (controlled by China) and the Spratly Islands.
• Climate: Tropical, with monsoon-driven weather patterns.

Recently, a collaborative initiative called the Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India Framework (DiGi Framework), launched by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

• Aim : to support India’s digital infrastructure growth.
• Purpose: Focuses on enhancing secure, sustainable, and resilient digital ecosystems in India, with private sector involvement to strengthen technology development.
• Supporting Agencies: Backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Korea Eximbank, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), providing technical and financial support.
• Strategic Goals: Aligns with broader trilateral objectives to ensure economic security, resilient digital supply chains, and a stable digital landscape, bolstering Indo-Pacific regional stability.​

Over 40 migratory birds, belonging to two to three different species, have been found dead around Sambhar Lake in Jaipur district.

About Sambhar Lake:

• Location: Sambhar Lake is located in Rajasthan, across Nagaur, Jaipur, and parts of Ajmer districts.
• Size: Covers 190-230 sq. km, with seasonal water depth variations (up to 3 meters in monsoons).
• Ramsar Site: Recognized in 1990 for its ecological importance.
• Water Sources: Fed by Mendha, Roopangarh rivers, and other rivulets.
• Migratory Birds: Hosts flamingos, pelicans, shelducks, and lapwings, especially in winter.
• Salt Production: Major salt source since Mughal times, producing 2,10,000 tonnes yearly.
• Tourism: Part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with new tourist points and a “salt train” proposed.​