CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• A newly identified snake species, Ahaetulla Longirostris, has been discovered in India.
• About Ahaetulla Longirostris:
• Overview:
  • This newly classified snake, commonly referred to as the long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla Longirostris), features an exceptionally long snout.
  • It was recognized after specimens were found in distinct regions: Bihar in the east and Meghalaya in the northeast.
• Characteristics:
  • The snake is distinguished by its slim, elongated body and vivid coloration.
  • It can reach lengths of up to 4 feet and typically displays bright green or orange-brown hues, with an orange underside.
  • Its standout feature is its long snout, which extends approximately 18% of the length of its head, setting it apart from other vine snakes.
  • The head is triangular in shape, complementing the extended snout.
  • This species has been seen in both forested areas and human-altered environments like urban areas, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability.

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• Natural geographic isolation among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat is currently not prompting the need for their translocation, according to the Director General of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
• About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
• Overview:
  • The IBCA was established by the Indian Prime Minister in Mysuru on April 9, 2023, during the celebration of 50 years of Project Tiger in India.
• Objective:
  • The alliance's primary goal is to enhance global cooperation and conservation efforts for seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma, along with their habitats.
  • Of these seven species, five—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah—are native to India.
• Scope and Mission:
  • IBCA aims to engage with 97 countries that encompass the natural ranges of these big cats.
  • It is envisioned as a coalition involving multiple countries and agencies, designed to boost global collaboration and mobilize financial and technical resources for the conservation of these species and their ecosystems.
  • The alliance will act as a dynamic platform for integrating knowledge and best practices, supporting existing inter-governmental initiatives, and directly aiding recovery efforts in potential range habitats.
• Functions:
  • IBCA will employ a multi-faceted approach to broaden its impact, including knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, networking, advocacy, and resource mobilization.
  • The governance structure includes an assembly of members, a standing committee, and a secretariat based in India.
• Funding:
  • The Government of India has committed an initial support of ₹150 crore for a five-year period (2023-24 to 2027-28).

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• A Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russian cosmonauts and one American astronaut recently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), accomplishing the task a little over three hours after its launch.
• About the Soyuz Spacecraft:
• Overview:
  • The Soyuz (pronounced saw-yooz) is a Russian spacecraft and holds the record for being the longest-running human spaceflight program in history.
• Capabilities:
  • The Soyuz is designed to transport cosmonauts and astronauts to and from the ISS.
  • It also delivers essential supplies such as food and water to the space station.
  • The spacecraft has a mass of 7 tonnes, with a length of 7.2 meters and a diameter of 2.7 meters, accommodating up to three crew members.
  • Serving a dual role, the Soyuz acts both as a transport vehicle and an emergency escape pod. At least one Soyuz remains docked to the ISS at all times to ensure that the crew can swiftly evacuate and return to Earth if necessary.
• Structure:
  • The Soyuz spacecraft is composed of three main modules:
  • Orbital Module: This module, similar in size to a large van, provides living space for the crew during their time in orbit and can dock directly with the ISS.
  • Descent Module: Used during launch and re-entry, this module is designed to endure the stresses of re-entry and ensure a safe landing on Earth.
  • Service Module: Contains crucial life support systems, including batteries, solar panels, and propulsion engines, essential for the spacecraft's operations and crew's safety.
• Launch and Operation:
  • The Soyuz capsule is launched into space by a Soyuz rocket, which detaches once the spacecraft reaches orbit.
  • The rocket returns to Earth, while the capsule continues its journey, reaching space in approximately nine minutes.

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• The Supreme Court recently stated that the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas across India would enhance access to justice.
• About Gram Nyayalayas:
• Overview:
  • Gram Nyayalayas, or village courts, were established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, to provide quick and accessible justice to people in rural areas of India.
  • The Act applies throughout India, with exceptions for Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and tribal areas listed in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Purpose:
  • Gram Nyayalayas aim to deliver affordable justice directly to rural populations at their doorsteps.
• Constitution:
  • State governments are authorized to establish one or more Gram Nyayalayas in each Panchayat at the intermediate level or in a group of adjacent Panchayats within a district, following consultations with the respective High Court.
  • However, the creation of Gram Nyayalayas is not compulsory under the Act.
  • According to Section 4 of the Act, the headquarters of a Gram Nyayalaya can be located in the Panchayat or another location designated by the state government.
• Presiding Officer:
  • Each Gram Nyayalaya is overseen by a Nyayadhikari, who is appointed by the State Government in consultation with the High Court. The Nyayadhikari holds powers, salary, and benefits equivalent to those of a Judicial Magistrate of First Class.
• Functionality:
  • The Nyayadhikari conducts periodic visits to villages, where they may hear and resolve cases outside the Nyayalaya's headquarters.
  • State governments have the authority to modify the territorial jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas as needed.
• Jurisdiction and Procedures:
  • Gram Nyayalayas handle criminal cases, civil suits, claims, and disputes outlined in the Act's First and Second Schedules.
  • They use a summary procedure for criminal trials and emphasize conciliation between parties, utilizing appointed conciliators.
  • Gram Nyayalayas are not bound by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023’s rules of evidence but must adhere to principles of natural justice and any rules set by the High Court.
• Appeals:
  • For criminal cases, appeals can be made to the Sessions Court within the jurisdiction.
  • For civil matters, appeals can be filed with the District Court of the relevant jurisdiction.

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• For the first time, the Mithun, a bovine animal, has been spotted in Assam, according to the state’s Chief Minister.
• About Mithun:
• Overview:
  • The Mithun, also known as the gayal (Bos frontalis), is a robust, semi-domesticated bovine species.
  • Believed to have originated over 8,000 years ago, it is thought to be a descendant of the wild Indian gaur or bison.
  • Often referred to as the ‘cattle of the mountain,’ the Mithun is a significant animal in its native regions.
• Distribution:
  • The Mithun is primarily found in the northeastern region of India, with Arunachal Pradesh having the largest population.
  • It also inhabits parts of Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
  • These regions are typically covered with tropical evergreen rainforests.
  • The Mithun is the state animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
  • The ‘Soulung’ festival is held annually by the Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate the Mithun’s arrival on Earth.
• Physical Features:
  • The Mithun resembles the Guar (Indian bison) but is smaller in size.
  • It is a sturdy, large-sized animal, weighing between 400-650 kg on average.
  • A distinctive feature of the Mithun is its head, which has a broad frontal bone and a flat face. Viewed from the front, it resembles an inverted triangle from which two horns protrude.
  • The horn color can range from whitish yellow to dark black.
  • Young Mithuns are light to dark brown, darkening with age. Adult Mithuns commonly exhibit black with white markings or white with black markings, though pure black and albino variants are also observed.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I

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• Recently, the Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister of India, approved the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) proposal for the 'PM E-DRIVE Scheme.'
• About the PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
• Overview:
  • The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme has been allocated ₹10,900 crore over the next two years to promote electric mobility across India.
• Components of the Scheme:
  • Subsidies and Demand Incentives:
    • A total of ₹3,679 crore has been earmarked to incentivize the purchase of electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), electric ambulances, trucks, and other emerging electric vehicle (EV) categories.
  • E-Vouchers for EV Buyers:
    • Electric vehicle buyers will receive an e-voucher as part of the scheme, which will be Aadhaar-authenticated and sent to their registered mobile numbers following the purchase. This voucher will allow them to access demand incentives.
  • E-Ambulance Deployment:
    • ₹500 crore has been designated for deploying electric ambulances. This initiative aims to provide comfortable, eco-friendly patient transport. Performance and safety standards for e-ambulances will be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Incentives for E-Trucks:
    • ₹500 crore will be allocated to encourage the deployment of electric trucks, which are significant contributors to air pollution. Incentives will be available to those who present a scrapping certificate from authorized MoRTH Vehicle Scrapping Centres (RVSFs).
  • Charging Infrastructure:
    • To alleviate range anxiety and support the expansion of electric vehicles, ₹2,000 crore will be invested in installing public charging stations (EVPCS) in cities with high EV adoption and along key highways.

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• Recently, the President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2024.
• About the National Florence Nightingale Awards:
• Background:
  • Established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in 1973, the National Florence Nightingale Awards recognize exceptional nursing personnel.
• Purpose:
  • The awards honor outstanding nurses employed in Central, State/UTs, and Voluntary Organizations for their distinguished service to society.
  • Eligible candidates include nurses working in hospitals, community settings, educational institutions, or administrative roles.
• Award Details:
  • Each award includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal.
  • Who Was Florence Nightingale?
• Overview:
  • Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer, statistician, and the pioneer of modern nursing.
  • She gained recognition for her role in managing and training nurses during the Crimean War, where she organized care for wounded soldiers in Constantinople.
  • Nightingale’s efforts to systematize nursing education led her to establish the first evidence-based nursing school—the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.

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• Recently, a Southern Birdwing butterfly was spotted at the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.
• About the Southern Birdwing:
• Overview:
  • Also known as the ‘Sahyadri Birdwing,’ the Southern Birdwing is India’s second-largest butterfly species.
• Distribution:
  • This striking butterfly is predominantly found in South Asia, particularly in the Western Ghats.
  • Notable for its impressive size, the butterfly has wings that are larger than those of many smaller birds, which is reflected in its name, "birdwing."
• Appearance:
  • Males typically feature black wings adorned with greenish-blue markings, while females display a broader pattern with cream-colored markings.
  • It is recognized as the state butterfly of Karnataka.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Least Concern