CONTENTS
- AFSPA and the Northeast
- Dip in Chilika lake’s dolphin population
- Genome editing technology
- World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
- National Pension Scheme
AFSPA and the Northeast
Context:
The Centre significantly reduced the footprint of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 in the Northeast, withdrawing it entirely from 23 districts in Assam, and partially from seven districts in Nagaland, six districts in Manipur, and one district in Assam.
- Once the decision is notified in the gazette, AFSPA remains in force in parts of these three states as well as in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Relevance:
GS III- Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)
- AFSPA Acts in force
- Powers Given to an officer of the Armed Forces in a “disturbed” area under AFSPA
- After being in force for many years, why has AFSPA been withdrawn now?
- Why was AFSPA imposed on the Northeast in the first place?
- Arguments Against AFSPA
- Arguments in Favour of AFSPA
- Important Criticisms of AFSPA and commissions regarding AFSPA
- Supreme Court judgment on AFSPA
Click Here To Know More: AFSPA and the Northeast
Dip in Chilika Lake’s Dolphin Population
Context:
The dolphin population along Odisha’s coast and in its waterbodies has increased but the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika lake has fallen.
- Months after undertaking a census in different waterbodies and off the coast of Odisha, the Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) has provided data, recorded across the State’s Wildlife Divisions, on the number of dolphins, which have overall gone up from 544 in 2021 to 726 in 2022.
Relevance:
Prelims, GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Species in news, Conservation of Ecology and Environment, Protected Areas in News)
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Chilika Lake
- Threats to Chilika Lake ecosystem
- About Irrawaddy dolphins
- Steps taken to protect Dolphins
Click Here To Know More: Dip in Chilika Lake’s Dolphin Population
Genome Editing Technology
Context:
The central government paved the way for easy introduction of genome edited crops. The government has clearly distinguished such crops from genetically modified crops and has prescribed relatively easier norms for their introduction.
Relevance:
GS III- Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is genome editing?
- How is gene editing different from GMO development?
- Regulatory issues which have prevented wider adoption of this technique
Click Here To Know More: Genome Editing Technology
World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
Context:
The International Renewable Energy Agency(IRENA) has released a report titled “World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022”.
Relevance:
GS III- Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key findings of the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
- What steps should be taken to move towards clean energy?
Click Here To Know More: World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022
National Pension Scheme
Context:
Many states are attempting to reinstate the Old Pension Scheme while discontinuing the National Pension System (NPS).
Relevance:
GS II- Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is the old pension scheme or the Defined Pension Benefit Schemes?
- What is the National Pension System (NPS)?
Click Here To Know More: National Pension Scheme
