Daily Current Affairs.16.JULY.2023
- The GOBAR-Dhan Yojana
- Dirham
- AI and meteorology
- Impacts of non scientific development in urban areas
- Kuno National Park
1.The GOBAR-Dhan Yojana
The GOBAR-Dhan Yojana, also known as Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GODHAN) scheme, is a government initiative launched in India as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission). The scheme was announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (formerly Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation) in 2018.
The GOBAR-Dhan Yojana aims to promote sustainable solid waste management in rural areas and to generate energy from cattle waste, particularly cow dung. The scheme focuses on the effective utilization of cow dung and other organic waste to produce biogas, bio-CNG, and bio-fertilizers. This initiative aligns with the goal of achieving a clean and green environment while also providing economic benefits to rural communities.
Under the GOBAR-Dhan Yojana, the government encourages the construction of biogas plants and the setting up of cattle dung-based energy generation units at the village level. The scheme provides financial support, technical assistance, and training to rural households, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs interested in implementing such projects.
By implementing biogas plants and other waste-to-energy initiatives, the GOBAR-Dhan Yojana aims to address multiple issues. It helps in the proper management of cattle waste, reduces environmental pollution caused by open defecation and unscientific disposal of waste, promotes rural sanitation, and provides an alternative source of clean energy. Additionally, the scheme encourages organic farming practices by promoting the use of bio-fertilizers produced from cattle waste.
The GOBAR-Dhan Yojana has the potential to bring about a positive impact on rural livelihoods by generating income and employment opportunities. It also contributes to the overall goal of making India cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.
2.Dirham
The dirham is the currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also used in the emirates of Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. The dirham is subdivided into 100 fils.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of AED 3.67 to USD 1. This peg has been in place since 1978.
The dirham is a relatively strong currency. As of July 16, 2023, 1 AED is worth approximately 22.35 Indian rupees.
The dirham is a popular currency for tourists to the UAE. It is also used in some other countries in the region, such as Oman and Qatar.
The dirham:
The dirham is the official currency of the UAE since 1973.
The dirham is named after the Arabic word for “weight” or “balance”.
The dirham is a fiat currency, which means that it is not backed by any physical asset.
The dirham is issued by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
3.AI and meteorology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in meteorology to improve weather forecasting. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of weather data, identify patterns, and make predictions. This can help meteorologists to better understand the weather and to provide more accurate forecasts.
AI is being used in meteorology:
Predicting extreme weather events. AI can be used to predict the likelihood of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. This information can be used to help people to prepare for these events and to reduce the risk of damage.
Improving short-term forecasts. AI can be used to improve short-term forecasts, such as those for the next few hours or days. This can help people to make better decisions about travel, outdoor activities, and other activities that are affected by the weather.
Understanding climate change. AI can be used to understand the effects of climate change on the weather. This information can be used to help policymakers to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
AI is still a relatively new technology in meteorology, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way that weather is forecast. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that AI will become even more important in meteorology.
Here are some of the challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully utilize AI in meteorology:
Data availability. AI requires large amounts of data to train and operate. This data can be difficult to obtain, especially for rare or extreme weather events.
Model complexity. AI models can be very complex, which can make them difficult to understand and interpret. This can make it difficult to use AI models to make accurate predictions.
Bias. AI models can be biased, which can lead to inaccurate predictions. This bias can be caused by the data that the model is trained on or by the way that the model is designed.
Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to revolutionize meteorology. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that AI will become even more important in meteorology.
4.Impacts of non scientific development in urban areas
Non-scientific development in urban areas can have a number of negative impacts, including:
Increased pollution. When development is not planned in a scientific way, it can lead to increased pollution in the air, water, and soil. This can have a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, cancer, and birth defects.
Deforestation. When development destroys forests, it can lead to a loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the amount of clean air and water. Forests also play an important role in regulating the climate, so deforestation can contribute to climate change.
Increased flooding. When development is not planned in a way that takes into account the natural landscape, it can increase the risk of flooding. This is because development can disrupt natural drainage patterns and make it more difficult for water to absorb into the ground.
Heat islands. Urban areas that are not well-planned can become heat islands, which are areas that are significantly warmer than the surrounding countryside. This is because concrete and other materials used in urban development absorb heat and release it slowly. Heat islands can make it difficult for people to stay cool during hot weather and can contribute to heat-related illnesses.
Increased traffic congestion. When development is not planned in a way that takes into account transportation needs, it can lead to increased traffic congestion. This can make it difficult for people to get around and can contribute to air pollution.
Social inequality. When development is not planned in a way that takes into account the needs of all people, it can lead to social inequality. This is because development can displace people from their homes and communities, and it can make it difficult for people to access essential services.
There are a number of things that can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of non-scientific development in urban areas. These include:
Planning for sustainability. Development should be planned in a way that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts. This means considering things like the use of renewable energy, the preservation of natural resources, and the needs of all people.
Using green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a way of managing the environment that uses natural systems to provide benefits such as flood control, water purification, and recreation. Using green infrastructure can help to reduce the negative impacts of development on the environment.
Involving the community. Development should be planned in a way that involves the community. This means giving people a say in how their communities are developed and making sure that their needs are met.
5.Kuno National Park
Kuno National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is spread over an area of approximately 750 square kilometers (290 square miles) and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
The primary objective of establishing Kuno National Park was to reintroduce the Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) that historically inhabited the region but became extinct in the wild. The park was identified as a potential translocation site for lions from the Gir Forest of Gujarat, the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions at that time.
Efforts for the translocation of lions to Kuno National Park began in the early 2000s. The park underwent habitat restoration and management activities, including the relocation of villages from the core area to create a suitable environment for the lions. Extensive measures were taken to enhance the park’s prey base, including the protection and management of herbivore populations.
After years of preparation and legal proceedings, the first phase of lion translocation from Gir Forest to Kuno National Park was initiated in June 2021. This historic step aims to create a second home for the endangered Asiatic lions and to reduce their vulnerability to a single habitat.
Besides the Asiatic lions, Kuno National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife species. It boasts a rich biodiversity, including leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, chinkara gazelles, nilgai antelopes, Indian wolves, Indian gazelles, and numerous bird species. The park also features diverse vegetation, including dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems.
Kuno National Park offers wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers opportunities for wildlife safaris and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the park’s natural beauty and observe its diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitats.
Please note that as my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, it’s advisable to refer to recent sources or official websites for the latest updates on Kuno National Park, including the status of lion translocation and visitor information.
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