part 26

[Virtual Presenter] Headquarters – New York City, the United States of America Established – 1945 About Food and Agriculture Organization(F-A-O--): Director General(D-G---)– Qu Dongyu Headquarters – Rome, Italy Established – 1945 International Abhidhamma Divas 2024 – October 17 International Abhidhamma Divas 2024 was celebrated by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India(GoI), in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (I-B-C--) on 17th October 2024 in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi. International Abhidhamma Divas is annually observed across the globe to commemorate the descent of Lord Buddha from, Tavatimsa devaloka, the celestial realm of the thirty three divine beings, to Sankassiya (now Sankisa Basantapur in Uttar Pradesh(U-P---). Observance: The celebration of Abhidhamma Divas coincides with the end of the first Rainy Retreat (Vassa) and the Pavāraņā festival, a time when monks and nuns conclude their retreat period with a ceremony. The Pavarana Day is celebrated on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month, which usually falls in October. Abhidhamma: i.In Pali, abhi means “higher” or “further,” while dhamma refers to the teachings, principles, and truths. The Abhidhamma, or “Higher Teaching” of the Buddha, is a collection of teachings, or suttas that essentially form Buddhism’s map of the mind. Abhidhamma was formulated by the Buddha in the 4th week following his enlightenment. ii.It is the third section of the Pali Canon or Tripitaka, a body of scriptures attributed to the historical Buddha that is central to the Theravada school of Buddhism. iii.The Abhidharmma teachings, made up of 7 books explore various aspects of human experience, including the nature of consciousness, universal mental factors et cetera, 2024 Event: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (P-M---) of India led proceedings of the observance of International Abhidhamma Divas 2024 in New Delhi. The celebration brought together more than 1000 participants, including ambassadors,monks, scholars, and young experts from 14 countries. PM Modi highlighted the relevance of Abhidhamma teachings and efforts to preserve Pali as a classical language. Highlights: i.The celebration included academic sessions on themes “The Significance of Abhidhamma in the 21st Century” and “The Origin of Pali Language and its Role in Contemporary Times.” ii.Two exhibitions were also organised during the event, one on the evolution of Pali from Ashokan Brahmi script across Southeast Asia, featuring important Buddhist texts like Dhammapada and Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta, and the other focusing on “The Life and Teachings of Buddha.” Note: On 3rd October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the classical language status for Pali along with Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, and Prakrit. Classical Status to Pali language : On 24th October 2024, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (I-C-C-R-) held a conference of Buddhist monks and scholars in Colombo, Sri Lanka on bequeathing Pali the status of a classical language by the GoI. Report Errors in the P-D-F [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 328.

[Audio] The conference witnessed the participation of Buddhist scholars and the monastic community from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. World Trauma Day – October 17 2024 World Trauma Day is annually observed across the globe on 17th October to create awareness about trauma which refers to an injury to the body or an event that causes long-term mental or emotional damage. The day acts as a platform to support trauma victims and educate people to adhere to preventive measures to avoid traumatic incidents. 17th October 2024 marks the observance of the 14th World Trauma Day. Theme: The theme for World Trauma Day 2024 is "Workplace Injuries: Prevention & Management". The 2024 theme highlights the importance of creating safe working environments and addressing the risk of occupational injuries. Background: i.The first observance of the World Trauma Day was established in 2011 in New Delhi, Delhi. ii.The observance was established as a part of the efforts to reduce the number of casualties and long-term effects of trauma incidents across the globe. iii.In India, over 400 people are killed every day in traffic-related incidents. Points to note: i.According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 3 million workers die every year due to work-related accidents and diseases ii.Around 2.6 million deaths are due to work-related diseases and an additional 330,000 deaths are due to work accidents. iii.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50 lakh people die each year as a direct result of injury. This equates to one death every six seconds and 9 percent of all deaths worldwide. Annually, it is estimated that 10 lakh people in India will die due to injuries, and another 2 crore will be admitted to hospitals. iv.According to a World Bank report, India accounts for 11% of global road death, with 53 road crashes occurring every hour. In the last decade, 13 lakh people died and 50 lakhs were injured in India. Bone & Joint Action Week: World Trauma Day is observed as a part of the Bone & Joint Action Week which is annually observed across the globe from 12th to 20th October. The observance includes 5 special days. They are, October 12 – World Arthritis Day October 16 – World Spine Day October 17 – World Trauma Day October 19 – World Pediatric Bone and Joint (PB&J) Day October 20 – World Osteoporosis Day National Solidarity Day – October 20 2024 National Solidarity Day is annually observed across India on 20th October to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty to the nation during the 1962 Indo-China War, which began on 20th October 1962 and ended on 21st November 1962. The day also honours the bravery and strength of the personnel of the Indian armed forces..

[Audio] Background: i.In 1966, a committee elected by then Prime Minister(PM) Indira Gandhi declared the 20th October of every year as National Solidarity Day to honour soldiers and their families who sacrificed in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. ii.The first National Solidarity Day was observed on 20th October 1966. 1962 Indo-China War: i.Indo-China War or Sino-Indian War was the conflict between India and China centred on the disputed Aksai Chin region. ii.The war of 1962 happened in two regions, one was in Ladakh in the area of Aksai Chin and the second in Arunachal Pradesh(AR). iii.The conflict ended when China unilaterally declared a ceasefire on 20 November 1962 and announced its withdrawal to its pre-war position, the effective China–India border (also known as the Line of Actual Control). iv.The war is considered a defeat for the Indian Armed Forces. Result of the 1962 War: i.Around 7,000 soldiers of the Indian force were killed or captured. ii.India lost a portion of territory in Aksai Chin and the lowlands of Assam lay open to the invaders. Param Vir Chakra: i.The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) winners of the Sino-India war of 1962 are Major Shaitan Singh (Posthumously); Major Dhan Singh Thapa; and Subedar Joginder Singh (Posthumously). ii.The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.The PVC has been awarded 21 times since its inception in 1950. 14 of the 21 were awarded posthumously. World Osteoporosis Day 2024 – October 20 World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), annually observed across the globe on 20th October, is a global awareness campaign to highlight the importance of Osteoporosis and to raise global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. The WOD campaign is a global initiative supported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) member societies worldwide to drive action on osteoporosis and the prevention of fragility fractures Theme: The 2024 campaign theme and message is 'Say no to fragile bones'. The theme of WOD 2024 aims to break the existing stagnation regarding bone health by encouraging individuals of all ages to recognize and protect their bones. Background: i.World Osteoporosis Day was initially launched in 1996 by the United Kingdom's (UK's) National Osteoporosis Society and was supported by the European Commission. ii.In 1998, the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (EFFO) and the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD) merged to form the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). iii.The first-ever WOD was observed on 20th October 1996. Note: In 1998 and 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) acted as co-sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day. About Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition causing weakened and fragile bones. Due to decreased bone strength, the risk of fractures after minor incidents increases. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected].

[Audio] Causes: It is commonly caused by various factors including ageing, hormonal shifts particularly the decline in estrogen levels in women after menopause, deficiencies in nutrition such as calcium and vitamin D and lack of physical activity. Symptoms: It is also known as a "silent disease" because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs, which often occurs in the hip, spine and wrist. About the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF): President – Professor Nicholas Harvey CEO – Philippe Halbout (Switzerland) Headquarters – Nyon, Switzerland Established – 1998 Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day 2024 – October 21 World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is annually observed across the globe on 21st October to raise awareness about the crucial role of iodine in human health and the serious consequences of iodine deficiency. Theme: The theme of World Iodine Deficiency Day 2024 was 'A daily dose of iodine keeps you fit and fine'. Key Points: i.Iodine is an essential micronutrient necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are vital for fetal and infant development. ii.Insufficient iodine intake can lead to a range of health issues collectively known as Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD). Iodine deficiency can result in severe health problems, including: Goitre: An enlarged thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism: A condition that can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. Cognitive Impairments: It is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities worldwide. Developmental Delays: Particularly harmful during pregnancy and early childhood, leading to stunted growth and learning difficulties. iii.Approximately 30% of the world's population lives in areas at risk for iodine deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1.88 billion people are affected by inadequate iodine intake. iv.India has implemented programs such as the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), which aims to eliminate iodine deficiency through strategies like universal salt iodization. Under this, the production of iodized salt has reached 65 lakh metric tonnes (MT) annually, which is sufficient to meet the dietary needs of the Indian population. According to Regulation 2.3.12 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011, the sale of common salt for direct human consumption is not permitted unless it is iodized. 'Karmayogi Saptah' – National Learning Week – 19th to 25th October 2024 On 19th October 2024, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, launched the 'Karmayogi Saptah' – National Learning Week(NLW), running from 19th to 25th October 2024 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. The week-long program aims to foster a 'One Government' vision by instilling a commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement for over 30 lakh central civil servants. The observance of the week-long Karmayogi.

[Audio] Organiser: The Karmayogi Saptah was collaboratively organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension(MoPP&P); the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat. 'Karmayogi Saptah' – NLW: i.The observance is envisioned as an annual celebration of continuous learning for civil servants. ii.This observance will provide strength and help to improve working systems and support to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Objective: Align civil servants with national goals and service missions Encourage continuous capacity-building across ministries and sectors Build a cohesive learning ecosystem with active participation and reflection Points to note: i.The participants of the Karmayogi Saptah were committed to a minimum of 4 hours of competencylinked learning over the National Learning Week. ii.The learning will be through, iGOT courses: Completing recommended courses on the iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) platform Daily webinars: Insightful lectures and policy masterclasses MDO-specific programmes: Engaging in Ministrywise learning sessions through iGOT and internal seminars. iii.The learning objectives of the Karmayogi Saptah is in line with the broader goals of Mission Karmayogi, reinforcing the Chaar Sankalp of a Karmayogi: Vikasa, Garva, Kartavya and Ekata. About Mission Karmayogi: i.The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) – Mission Karmayogi was approved by the Government of India(GoI) on 2nd September 2020. ii.Aim: To create a competent civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a shared understanding of India's priorities, working harmoniously for effective and efficient public service delivery. iii.The 6 key pillars of Mission Karmayogi are: Policy Framework, Institutional Framework, Competency Framework, Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi), the electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) and the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Events of 'Karmayogi Saptah': i.On 21st October 2024 (3rd day of National Learning Week), Union Minister, G Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Mines, awarded the Adarsh Karmayogi Awards to 13 employees who completed over 100 courses on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. All 13 employees belong to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Attached Office (8); Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) (3); Indian Bureau of Mines(IBM), Subordinate Office (2), under the Ministry of Mines. ii.Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) chaired a training of Safai Mitras on the 'Swachhata hi Sewa' module on the iGOT Platform as a part of the Karmayogi Saptah. Around 90 Safai Mitras attended the event at Nirman Bhawan and more than 3500 Safai Mitras were trained in the Institutes under the Union Health Ministry across India. iii.On 24th October 2024, The Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) organised a webinar on the theme "जनजाति संवाद: चुनौतियां और पहल" (Tribal.

[Audio] iv.Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, launched a nationwide Behavioral Sensitization program in CBIC. The programme was started with 52 batches across all 32 zones of CBIC. The program aims to enhance the capabilities of the CBIC workforce through a Behavioral Sensitization Training Program. This is designed to train approximately 35,000 officials at various levels, including Inspectors, Superintendents, Assistant Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners. Police Commemoration Day 2024 – October 21 Police Commemoration Day is annually observed across India on 21st October to honour police personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The day remembers the martyrdom of 10 policemen who were killed by Chinese troops during a reconnaissance mission in Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959. Background: i.In January 1960, a resolution was passed at the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union territories, recognising October 21st of every year as the Police Commemoration Day. 21st October of every year since 1960 is observed as "Police Commemoration Day. History: i.On 20th October1959, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrolled the India-Tibet border with three units of the 3rd Battalion, primarily monitoring the India-China border in Ladakh. Only two units returned; the third, which included two Police Constables and a Porter, went missing. ii.In response, a search team of 20 personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the CRPF, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Karam Singh, was deployed. Out of 20, 10 police personnel were killed, and seven were captured by Chinese forces. The bodies of the ten martyrs were returned by China on 13th November 1959, three weeks after the incident, and were cremated with full police honours at Hot Springs in Ladakh. Note: Hot springs in Aksai Chin in Ladakh is situated between 15,000 and 16,000 feet above sea level on the Indo-Tibet border which was being manned by the Indian Police. National Police Memorial: i.During the 2018 Police Commemoration Day, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial (NPM) in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi to the nation. ii.The memorial comprises a Central Sculpture(a 30-foot-tall granite monolith cenotaph), the 'Wall of Valour' and a Museum(that details the history of policing in India). Events in 2024: Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led the tribute ceremony on Police Commemoration Day 2024, at the NPM in New Delhi, Delhi on 21st October 2024 featuring a parade and community activities, including wreath-laying, blood donation drives, and competitions. Police Commemoration Week 2024 – 21st to 26th October 2024 Police Commemoration Week 2024 was observed from 21st to 30th October 2024. As a part of the observance, the Railway Protection Force.

[Audio] About the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Director-General– Anish Dayal Singh Establishment- 27 July 1939 Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi World Snow Leopard Day 2024 – October 23 World Snow Leopard Day(WSLD), also known as International Snow Leopard Day, is annually observed across the globe on 23rd October to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), one of the world's most elusive and endangered big cats, and their natural habitat. 23rd October 2024 marks the observance of the 11th International Snow Leopard Day. Theme: The theme of WSLD 2024 is "Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats for Future Generations". The theme highlights the critical importance of protecting the natural habitats of snow leopards to ensure their survival and the health of mountain ecosystems. Significance: i.The Day commemorates the adoption of the 'Bishkek Declaration,' as well as the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Program, by all snow leopard range countries on 23 October 2013, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. ii.The Bishkek Declaration emphasises the commitment of Snow Leopard Range Countries. It focuses on creating thriving ecosystems for both snow leopards and the local communities. iii.The Bishkek Declaration also declared the year 2015 as the International Year of the Snow Leopard. Background: i.During the Global Snow Leopard Conservation Forum held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from 22-23 October 2013, the 12 snow Leopard range countries adopted the Bishkek Declaration on the Conservation of the Snow Leopard and declared the 23rd October of every year as the International Snow Leopard Day. With the adoption of this declaration, the Snow Leopard Range Countries endorsed a comprehensive, long-term GSLEP Program ii.The first-ever International Snow Leopard Day was observed on 23 October 2014. GSLEP Program: GSLEP is an unprecedented alliance of all snow leopard range countries that aims to save the snow leopard and their habitat and to identify and secure at least 20 snow leopard landscapes across the cat's range by 2020. The snow leopard range countries have identified a total of 24 landscapes to be secured for snow leopards Snow Leopard: i.Snow leopards live in high alpine areas, mostly above the tree line and up to 18,000 feet in elevation. It is estimated that around 4,080-6,590 snow leopards are in the wild. ii.The 12 Snow Leopard Range Countries are Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan), Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. iii.The Snow Leopard is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Snow Leopards in India: i.The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program was the first-ever scientific initiative to report a snow leopard population of 718 individuals as of 2024. Report Errors in the PDF.

[Audio] ii.Hemis National Park is a high-elevation national park in Hemis in Leh district of Ladakh, is belived to have the highest density of Snow leopard in any protected area in the world. International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2024 – October 20 to 26 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week(ILPPW) is annually observed across the globe in the last full week of October to raise awareness about the harmful effects of lead poisoning(lead exposure). i.The 12th ILPPW (2024) took place from 20th -26th October 2024. ILPPW 2023 was observed from 22nd to 28th October 2023 and ILPPW 2025 will be observed from 19th to 25th October 2025. ii.The 2024 campaign focused on "Bright Futures begin Lead-Free". This acts as a reminder for governments, civil society organisations, health partners, industry and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect children's health. iii.The annual observance of ILPPW is led by the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint(Lead Paint Alliance), jointly with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organisation(WHO). Points to Note: The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that more than 1.5 million deaths globally were attributed to lead exposure in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects. Additionally, lead exposure was estimated to account for more than 33 million years lost to disability (Disability-Adjusted Life Years, DALYs) worldwide in 2021. APPS & WEB PORTAL UP CM Yogi Adityanath Unveiled Multi-Coloured Logo & App for Mahakumbh 2025 Uttar Pradesh(UP) Chief Minister(CM) Yogi Adityanath unveiled the new multi-coloured logo for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad),UP. During the event, the CM launched the website and application(app) for Kumbh Mela 2025. The Kumbh Mela 2025 is one such festival admired by the Hindus and scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025. Mahakumbh is a Persian name that is derived from Sanskrit. Symbolism of the Mahakumbh Logo :- i.The design of the logo features a temple, a seer, an urn, the Akshayvat tree and an image of Lord Hanuman, representing the confluence of nature and humanity in the Sanatana civilization. ii.The logo prominently features the city's most sacred site, the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. iii.The logo symbolizes both religious and economic prosperity, featuring the Amrit Kalash, represents the sacred vessel that symbolizes the nectar(Amrit) of immortality in Hindu mythology. Facts About Kumbh Mela Kumbh Mela is a Hindu religious festival celebrated four times over 12 years, rotating among four sacred pilgrimage sites along major rivers. The festival takes place at Haridwar (Uttarakhand) on the Ganges River, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) on the Shipra, Nashik (Maharashtra) on the Godavari, and Prayag (modern Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. Report Errors in the PDF -.

[Audio] This festival is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' is considered the world's largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims. With the motto "Sarvasiddhipradah Kumbhah" (Kumbh bestows all types of spiritual powers), the Maha Kumbh serves as a profound symbol of spiritual significance. EAM Jaishankar Launches e-Migrate V2.0 Web Portal & Mobile App for Safer Global Mobility On 14 October 2024, Union Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), launched the e-Migrate V2.0 web portal and mobile app at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi. This aims to ensure safe and more regulated overseas travel for Indian workers. This aligns with Goal 10 of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: "Reduce inequality within and among countries". About e-Migrate V2.0: i.e-Migrate V2.0 is an updated version of the e-Migrate portal, developed by MEA in 2014. ii.This enhances the earlier version by incorporating additional features for greater transparency, efficiency, and user convenience. Key Features: i.The upgraded portal includes a 24/7 multilingual helpline to assist migrants with urgent issues. ii.The portal integrates with DigiLocker for secure document storage. iii.The portal focuses on expanding opportunities for overseas employment by providing a one-stop marketplace. This marketplace provides verified information about employers and recruitment agencies, enabling Indian workers to make informed decisions about their job opportunities abroad. iv.With a partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI), the portal allows digital payment services with no transaction fees. It also aims to enhance the social security of immigrants by providing insurance coverage. v.Through a collaboration with Common Service Centres (CSC), immigration services will be made available in rural areas and local languages, making it easier for more individuals to access these services. About the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Union Minister– Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Rajya Sabha – Gujarat) Minister of State– Kirti Vardhan Singh(Constituency- Gonda, Uttar Pradesh); Pabitra Margherita- (Rajya Sabha- Assam) ENVIRONMENT Exostoma sentiyonoae: New Catfish Species Discovered from Nagaland Scientists have discovered a new species of glyptosternine catfish, Exostoma sentiyonoae, has been discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland. The details of the discovery is published in journal Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists. The new species was discovered by Dr. Limatemjen, Professor and Dean of Sciences at Kohima Science College, Nagaland, and Bungdon Shangningam a scientist from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB). Dr Limatemjen said he named the species in honor of his daughter, combining "Senti" from the Ao Naga language and "Yono" from the Angami Naga language. Report.

[Audio] About Exostoma sentiyonoae: i.It measures 75.8 mm and is cataloged as holotype ZSI FF 9871. ii.Unique characteristics include an adipose fin attached to the upper caudal-fin rays, tubercles on the dorsal-fin spine, a slender head, a large gap between dorsal and adipose fins, small eyes, and 41 vertebrae. iii.It is differentiated from related species E. berdmorei and E. gaoligongense based on fin length, distance between fins, and eye size. iv.This is the fourth species of Exostoma described from the Barak drainage and the first from the Dzuleke River. Note: Dr. Limatemjen's previous work includes discoveries like Chordodes combiaerolatus (2015), Beatogordius (2017), Platylomia kohimanensis (2021), and Pterocryptis barakensis (2023), highlighting his contributions to taxonomy. India Records 1st Sighting of Rare Reef Fish off Andhra Pradesh Coast A four-year faunal survey by the ZSI along Andhra Pradesh's (AP) coast led to the first-ever Indian sighting of Entomacrodus thalassinus, a rare reef fish. It was previously recorded in regions like Japan, French Polynesia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, New Caledonia, Seychelles, Madagascar. Key Points: i.Entomacrodus thalassinus was found among intertidal rocky reefs near Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour during low tides. ii.ZSI scientist J.S. Yogesh Kumar, along with support from Livein Adventures, led the research. iii.The survey also discovered 13 new sea slugs, 11 undocumented fish species, and 2 new brachyuran crabs along the Andhra Pradesh coast. iv.A medium-sized whale shark was spotted near Santhapalli Rocks off Visakhapatnam. Recent Discoveries in Biodiversity: DiCaprio's Himalayan Snake, New Tenkana Spider, and Two New Orchid Species According to recent research, scientists have discovered new species of snake , spider and orchid in the Western Himalayas, Southern India, and Northeast India. These findings highlight the region's rich biodiversity. Scientists have identified a new snake species named Anguiculus dicaprioi (DiCaprio's Himalayan Snake), a new genus of jumping spiders called Tenkana, and two new orchid species: Crepidium assamicum and Coelogyne trip urensis. About Anguiculus dicaprioi : i.A team of researchers from India, Germany, and the United Kingdom(UK) discovered this new snake species named 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' in the western Himalayas. It was first observed by researcher Virender Bhardwaj during the COVID-19 lockdown in his backyard. ii.This species was named in honor of Hollywood actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his contributions to conservation. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 337.

[Audio] iii.This small snake, measuring about 22 inches long, has a broad collar with dark brown spots, a robust skull, and a steeply domed snout. iv.This snake is found in Chamba, Kullu and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh(HP), Nainital in Uttarakhand and Chitwan National Park in Nepal. About Tenkana : i.In another significant finding, a team of arachnologists from India and Canada identified a new genus of jumping spiders called 'Tenkana', which inhabits southern India and northern Sri Lanka. The genus name Tenkana is derived from the Kannada word for "south". ii.This genus includes two previously known species and the newly described 'Tenkana jayamangali', named after the Jayamangali River in Karnataka, where it was first observed. iii.Tenkana belongs to the Plexippina subtribe, distinct from related genera like Hyllus and Telamonia. Tenkana spiders prefer drier ground habitats, unlike other jumping spiders that thrive in forests. The genus now includes: Tenkana manu (formerly Colopsus manu) – found in southern India and Sri Lanka Tenkana arkavathi – identified in Karnataka Tenkana jayamangali – the newly named species About Crepidium assamicum: i.A new species of orchid named 'Crepidium assamicum' was discovered in Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam by assistant professor of the Department of Botany, Guwahati College, Dr. Jintu Sarma and Khyanjeet Gogoi, popularly known as the Orchid Man of Assam. With this discovery, India's orchid diversity, raising the total to 19 species nationally and 281 globally. ii.There are about 27,000 species of diverse orchids in the world, with India hosting about 1,265 of them and Northeast India about 800. Assam harbors about 414 species of orchids. iii.Classified as Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, this species highlights the urgent need for conservation. iv.Notable features include a larger flower cover, blooming from July to August,preference for open grasslands rather than dense forests and minimal fragrance About Coelogyne tripurensis: i.Another species of orchid named 'Coelogyne tripurensis' was discovered in Jampui Hills in the North District of Tripura.The findings emphasize the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these unique species. ii.This orchid is part of a genus with about 600 species, known for its ornamental value. iii.Coelogyne orchids typically feature: A free labellum with erect lateral lobes. Various keel types, including smooth, warty, or absent. Aspirant Queries Aspirant: Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations? Affairscloud: We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 338.