Cephalopods

Source:  TH  Context: Cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, are gaining attention for their intelligence, prompting calls for humane treatment regulations akin to those for vertebrates. About Cephalopods: Classification: Belong to the class Cephalopoda in the phylum Mollusca. Includes species like Octopus vulgaris, Sepia officinalis, and Architeuthis dux (giant squid). What they are: Marine invertebrates with …

Eurasian Otter

Source:  IE Context: A rescue operation conducted by the Pune Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust has revealed a rare Eurasian Otter in Indapur, Pune District, a species previously unrecorded in this area. About Eurasian Otter: Scientific name: Lutra lutra Habitat: Found in streams, rivers, lakes, freshwater and peat swamps, ocean shores, and rice fields; …

Tenkana

Source: TH Context: A team of scientists from India and Canada has identified a new genus of jumping spiders, Tenkana, in South India. About Tenkana: New Genus: The genus Tenkana was discovered in southern India, named after the Kannada word for “south.” Species Relocation: Two previously known species, Tenkana manu (South India and Sri Lanka) …

Indian Wild Ass

Source:  PIB Context: The population of wild asses in Gujarat, India, has seen a significant rise, reaching 7,672 as per the 2024 Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE). This marks a 26.14% increase from the 6,082 wild asses recorded in 2020. About Indian Wild Ass: Species and Habitat: It is a sub-species of the Asian Wild …

Rhinos

 Source: IUCN Context: On World Rhino Day 2024, the status of the world’s five rhino species presents a mixed outlook. In Africa, the rhino population, comprising both black and white rhinos, increased to approximately 23,885 by the end of 2023, despite continued poaching. However, the critically endangered black rhino population slightly declined by 1%, primarily …

Naga king chilli

 Source: DTE Context: Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated its third annual Naga king chilli festival on showcasing the raja mircha, one of the world’s hottest chillies. This festival, which combines agriculture, culture, and community spirit, highlights the significance of the king chilli, known for its extreme heat and cultural value. Certified by Guinness World Records …

Mikania micrantha

  Source: DH Context: Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR) is facing a biodiversity threat from the rapid spread of the invasive weed Mikania micrantha, which now covers 10%-15% of the reserve. This aggressive creeper, known as the “mile-a-minute” vine, has caused similar damage in other reserves like Chitwan in Nepal and Valmiki in Bihar.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These …

Operation Bhediya

Source: Economic Times Context: In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, a series of wolf attacks have led to the death of a three-year-old girl and injuries to two women, despite ongoing efforts under “Operation Bhediya.” The operation, aimed at capturing the man-eating wolves responsible for several attacks, has successfully caught four wolves, but the community remains frustrated …

Northern bald ibis

Source: TH Context: The northern bald ibis, once extinct in Europe due to hunting, has been revived through breeding and rewilding efforts.  

Blueberries

Source: LM Context: India has implemented strict measures for importing pest-free blueberries from Poland, reflecting the growing demand for the fruit among health-conscious consumers. The Indian government now requires blueberries to be sourced from Polish orchards registered with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) and accompanied by phytosanitary certificates confirming they are free from specific …