Daily Current Affairs 31 July 2024, WBPSC Exam Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs for WBPSC Exam

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Art & Culture

India's First Sunken Museum at Humayun Tomb

• Scheduled to open its doors to the public on July 30, 2024.
• Grand opening ceremony on July 29, 2024, coinciding with the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session.
• Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prince Rahim Aga Khan to attend the launch.

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its architectural brilliance and historical significance.
• Built in the 16th century, it stands as a prime example of Mughal architectural grandeur and intricate design.
• Represents a pivotal cultural landmark in Delhi, showcasing the artistic and cultural achievements of the Mughal era.

• Inspired by traditional Indian 'baolis' (stepwells or water tanks).
• Combines historical architectural elements with contemporary exhibition techniques.
• Designed to enhance visual appeal and connect visitors with historical architectural styles.

Governance

Project Tiger and Displacement of Tribal Communities

• RRAG report estimates displacement of 550,000 Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers due to Project Tiger.
• Pre-2021 data shows displacement of 254,794 people from 50 tiger reserves, averaging 5,000 per reserve.
• Post-2021, average displacement in six reserves jumps to 48,333, a 967% increase.

• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan: 160,000 people displaced.
• Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh: 72,772 people displaced.
• Ranipur Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh: 45,000 people displaced.
• Other reserves like Ramgarh Vishdhari and Srivilliputhur-Megamalai also face significant displacement.

• RRAG report highlights forced evictions, loss of homes, resources, and cultural sites for indigenous communities.
• Government accused of bypassing Forest Rights Act's free and informed consent provision.
• Affected people face threats, violence, and arbitrary arrests for resisting displacement or engaging in subsistence activities.

Science & Technology

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite

• NISAR, a collaborative venture between NASA and ISRO, will employ advanced radar technology to monitor Earth's dynamic processes.
• Key areas of observation include glacier movements, volcanic activity, and other surface changes.
• The satellite's ability to map the entire planet every 12 days will significantly contribute to Earth science research.

• NISAR will utilize a dual-frequency radar system to detect surface changes as minute as a few centimeters.
• It will map diverse features such as forests, glaciers, and potential hazards.
• With an operational lifespan of over three years, NISAR is poised to provide invaluable data for climate change studies.
• The mission underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing Earth science research.

International News

South Africa’s New Climate Change Law

• South Africa’s dependence on coal for electricity positions it among the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
• In 2022, the country released 405 million tonnes of CO2, slightly lower than previous years. The energy sector is responsible for approximately 80% of these emissions.

• Countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their emission reduction strategies.
• South Africa submitted its first NDC in 2016 and updated it in 2021. The revised plan targets a 31% reduction in emissions, with goals of limiting CO2 emissions to 398-510 million tonnes by 2025 and 350-420 million tonnes by 2030.