Current Affairs 6th July 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Biodiversity Register

Context: Thazhakara became the first grama panchayat in Kerala to develop and release a detailed People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).

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• The recently updated document noted the populations of species like the Indian black turtle (now dwindling due to poaching), Indian garden lizards, barn owls, Indian flying foxes, and plants such as henna and palash have decreased.
• Also noted an increase in species such as rock pigeons and rufous treepies.

About People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

• The People’s Biodiversity Register is a detailed account of the bio-resources found in a specific area or village, encompassing information about the landscape and local demographics.
• It is compiled by Biodiversity Management Committees, as stipulated under the Biodiversity Act of 2002, in collaboration with local community members.
• Kerala was the first state in India to publish a volume of PBR across all local bodies.

Indo Russia Venture

Context: The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a collaboration between India and Russia, has produced and delivered 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

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• IRRPL was set up in 2019.
• IRRPL is a collaboration between India’s Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL), and Russia’s Rosoboronexport (RoE) and Kalashnikov concern in Russia.
• The Indian Army is transitioning away from INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles, opting instead for more modern weapons.
• India has set a goal to manufacture AK-203 rifles with 70% of the parts made domestically within the next two years. Currently, about 25% of the parts are produced in India.
• It is anticipated that full-scale production of the rifles, with 100% of the parts manufactured locally, will be achieved within the next 2-3 years.

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