Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The core area of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) has been closed to human activity from July 1 to September 30 to facilitate an uninterrupted tiger breeding season.
Key points
- Annual three-month ban on human activity in NSTR core areas.
- Aims to provide complete tranquility for tiger courtship and breeding.
- Covers forest divisions in Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu districts of Andhra Pradesh, extending into Telangana.
- Regulated access for pilgrims to Srisailam temple will be maintained.
Background & context
Tiger reserves in India are crucial for conservation efforts, and seasonal closures are often implemented to protect breeding populations. NSTR is a significant tiger habitat in South India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
NSTR spans parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment and Biodiversity (Conservation efforts, Wildlife Protection).
Why in news?
The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to repeal amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and its rules, citing concerns about constitutional and federal principles.
Key points
- Resolution passed with 111 votes in favour and 2 against.
- Amendments are alleged to create a crisis for voluntary and charitable organizations.
- These organizations play a vital role in social welfare, health, and education sectors.
- The state government views the amendments as a breach of federal principles.
Background & context
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, regulates foreign contributions received by persons and associations in India. Amendments are often debated for their impact on civil society and national security.
★ Prelims fact capsule
FCRA regulates foreign funding for NGOs in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance (Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies), Polity (Federalism, Centre-State relations).
Why in news?
Doctors at Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, performed India's first multi-visceral transplant, involving the transplantation of five organs into a single patient.
Key points
- Five organs (stomach, duodenum, pancreas, small intestine, right colon) transplanted into one patient.
- 36-hour marathon surgery performed on a 30-year-old engineer.
- Organs were donated by a brain-dead woman, who also donated her eyes, skin, liver, and kidney.
- Highlights the advanced medical capabilities of government-run hospitals in India.
Background & context
Organ transplantation is a complex medical procedure. Multi-visceral transplants are rare and require highly specialized teams and infrastructure. Osmania General Hospital is a prominent government hospital in Telangana.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The surgery involved transplanting five organs into a single patient.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance (Health), Science and Technology (Medical advancements).