Which park has been declared as India's first "Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures" (OECM) site?

Daily Current Affairs

Keoladeo National Park

Mukurthi National Park

Aravalli Biodiversity Park

Sultanpur National Park

Correct Answer : Aravalli Biodiversity Park

The Union Ministry of environment, forest and climate change announced Aravalli Biodiversity Park as India’s first "Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures" (OECM) site on the occasion of World Wetlands Day on Wednesday(2nd Feb 2022).

The proposal to declare Aravalli Biodiversity Park an OECM site was sent by the National Biodiversity Authority to the IUCN in December 2020.

Vineet Kumar Garg, the chairman of the Haryana State Biodiversity Board was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying, ‘’The OECM tag is given by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to areas that are not protected but support rich biodiversity. Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram has been notified as to the first OECM site in the country. It’s a matter of pride.’’

The Aravalli Biodiversity Park is spread across 390 acres and has semi-arid vegetation, with around 300 native plants, 101,000 trees, 43,000 shrubs, and several species of birds.

The park was transformed into a city forest from a 40-year-old mining site through the efforts of citizens, ecologists and scientists along with the help of the urban local body of Gurugram.

Source : India Today

Published On : February 4, 2022

Understanding the Phenomenon “Midnight Sun”

The midnight sun, a phenomenon where the sun remains visible even at midnight, is a rare spectacle witnessed in select regions near the Arctic Circle. During specific periods of the year, these locales experience daylight stretching into the late hours of the night, creating a surreal landscape bathed in perpetual sunlight. Among these regions, one country stands out as the quintessential embodiment of this phenomenon.

Which Country is Known as “Land of Midnight Sun”?

Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes and pristine fjords of Scandinavia, Norway emerges as the quintessential “Land of Midnight Sun.” Situated on the northernmost edge of Europe, a portion of Norway lies within the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun graces the skies during the summer months. From late May to July, certain areas of Norway bask in the radiant glow of the sun, witnessing sunset and dawn merge seamlessly without a moment of darkness in between.

Published On : April 26, 2024

Q .

India's Pharmaceutical Exports Surge to ____ Billion in FY24

$18

$23

$28

$35

Correct Answer : Option (C) - $28

India’s pharmaceutical exports witnessed robust growth in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching $28 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite a 3% dip in total exports, the pharmaceutical sector demonstrated resilience and significant expansion.

Key Highlights

March Performance : Pharmaceutical exports in March soared by 12.73% to USD 2.8 billion, indicating a strong upward trajectory in the sector’s performance.

Year-on-Year Growth : Year-on-year, India’s drugs and pharmaceuticals exports escalated by 9.67%, totaling USD 27.9 billion in 2023-24, showcasing steady progress.

Top Export Markets : The United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Brazil emerged as the top five export destinations. Notably, the US accounted for over 31% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports.

Expansion into New Geographies : India’s pharmaceutical exports penetrated new markets including Montenegro, South Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland, Chad, Sweden, Haiti, and Ethiopia, underscoring the sector’s growing global footprint.

Future Projections : Experts predict that India’s pharmaceutical industry could surpass USD 130 billion by 2030, driven by expanding market opportunities and rising demand overseas, as compared to the over USD 50 billion valuation in 2022-23.

Industry Standing : India’s pharmaceutical industry ranks third globally by volume and 13th by value, boasting a portfolio of more than 60,000 generic drugs across 60 therapeutic categories.

Government Initiatives : To bolster domestic manufacturing, the government has introduced two production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes targeting key pharmaceutical ingredients and generic medicines, aiming to enhance self-reliance and competitiveness in the sector.

Published On : April 26, 2024

Q .

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as 'Land of Tigers'?

Bahraich

Baghpat

Budaun

Hapur

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Baghpat

India, with its 28 states and 8 union territories, boasts diverse regions, each with its unique cultural and geographical characteristics. Among these, certain districts stand out for their distinctive identities, contributing to the country’s rich tapestry of diversity. One such district in India is Baghpat, known as the “Land of Tigers.” Let’s delve into the features and significance of this district, nestled in the heart of the nation.

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is known as “Land of Tigers”?

Baghpat district derives its nickname, the “Land of Tigers,” from its historical roots and geographical attributes. Formerly known as “Vyagprastha,” meaning the land of tigers, the district has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The name reflects the region’s once abundant tiger population, symbolizing its untamed wilderness and natural beauty.

Geographical Significance of Baghpat, the Land of Tigers :

Nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River, Baghpat district boasts picturesque landscapes and fertile plains. The district’s proximity to the river not only enriches its agricultural prowess but also adds to its scenic charm. The Yamuna River serves as a lifeline for the region, shaping its ecosystem and sustaining its agrarian economy.

Published On : April 26, 2024