India is host to 457 migratory fauna
- The total number of migratory fauna from India comes to 457 species
- Birds comprise 83% (380 species)
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) had for the first time compiled the list of migratory species of India under the CMS before the Conference of Parties (COP 13)
- ZSI’s list had 451 species of migratory animals found in India, recently six species have been added which are as follows,
Asian elephant,
Great Indian bustard,
Bengal florican,
Oceanic white-tip shark,
Urial hammerhead shark,
Smooth hammerhead shark.
National Sports Development Fund
- Established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890 and notified by the Government of India in November 1998.
- The purpose of creation is to impart momentum and flexibility to assist the cause of sports. The role of the Fund is supplementary to the overall policy and activities of the Department of Sports in achieving excellence in sports.
Rare Disease Day is observed on February 29
- A rare disease also referred to as an orphan disease, is any disease that affects a small percentage of the population.
- Most rare diseases are genetic, and are present throughout a person’s entire life, even if symptoms do not immediately appear.
- The most common rare diseases recorded in India are Haemophilia, Thalassemia, sickle-cell anemia and primary immunodeficiency in children
Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan
- The U.S. signed a deal with the Taliban on Saturday that could pave the way for a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represents a step towards ending the 18-year-war in the nation.
- While the agreement creates a path for the U.S. to gradually pull out of its longest war, many feel that the talks, scheduled to take place between the Afghan sides, could be much more complicated.
- The deal was signed in the Qatari capital Doha by U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
RaIDer-X
- It is an explosives detection device. It can detect up to 20 explosives from a stand-off distance of two meters. Developed by the High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMRL) — an arm of the DRDO — in Pune and the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
Inner Line Permit
- The Inner Line Permit is an extension of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873.
- It is a document required by non- natives to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system.
- At present, four Northeastern states are covered, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.
- Both the duration of stay and the areas allowed to be accessed for any non-native are determined by the ILP.
- The ILP is issued by the concerned state government and can be availed both by applying online or in person.
Ekam Fest:
- Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” is being organized by National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) under M/o Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Aim: To promote craftsmanship & products of divyang (physically-challenged) artisans and entrepreneurs.
Eurasian Otter:
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
- Protection: CITES: Appendix I, Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.
- Habitat: Found throughout Europe and in Asia. In India, the species is distributed in the Himalayan foothills, southern Western Ghats and the central Indian landscape.
- Spotted in Chilika lake.
Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus
- Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer.
- Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with old age, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light and a weak immune system.
Pakke Tiger Reserve
- Lies in the foothills of the eastern Himalaya in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
- Falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.
- Known for its amazing sightings of four resident hornbill species.