Prelims Focus – 5th March 2024

1.Advanced MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters

Recent News:

At the end of January 2020, India received MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the US. At an Indian naval airbase near Kochi in the south of India these will begin flying very soon. Since getting these new and ever more advanced naval helicopters India’s navy overseas strength as a whole has surged and become quite substantial.

Details:

• In addition to being fitted with a wide range of features for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, more than ever, Naval multi-mission capability, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter is designed for surveillance as well. 
• It can track 360 separate targets along a horizontal plane. It operates quickly across multiple Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sectors. 
• As a naval helicopter, it has active various functions. The helicopter, which belongs mainly to the United States Navy, can be fitted to a variety of other platforms. 
• It is fitted with advanced sensors that detect and image For instance, a periscope. 
• To conduct anti-submarine warfare it is also armed with sonobuoys, a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and torpedoes. 
• The helicopter features advanced communication and integration systems. It’s employed globally for maritime security and has regular updates made to its technology in order to cope with new threats.

2.World’s Tiniest Frog

Recent news:

In Brazil, the Scientific Research Team has recently discovered the world’s smallest frog, which is also potentially known as the smallest vertebrate. That is also termed as The adult male Brazilian flea toad. 

Details:

• They found a tiny frog in Brazil. The smallest male measured 6.5 mm and the females were slightly larger at 8 mm.
• Mauro Teixeira Jr., a member of Brazil’s PANA Party for the Environment in Southern Brazil, last week announced they have succeeded in finding the tiniest frog of all.
• The ultra-small frog only has two toes on each foot, quite different from most frog species which have five toes.
• Organ development, life stage durations, and physical dynamics can pose special challenges for those species whose body is smaller than 6 mm. Dr. Sole is open to re-examining possibilities if the present round of research turns up yet more minute organisms.
• Micro endemics, or small species, are an important factor in conservation efforts because they are able to survive in fragile ecosystems that are highly at risk. 
• Maintenance of these small species’ habitats is thus as crucial as obtaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity in this region.

3.World Wildlife Day

In News: Each year on 3rd of March, the entire world celebrates World Wildlife Day to spread awareness regarding sustainable practices for conserving biodiversity.

• History

• • • The UN General Assembly adopted a decision in December 2013 and celebrated March 3 as World Wildlife Day in 2014. 
    • The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), was signed on this day in 1973.
    • CITES is a global agreement to make certain that international trade in specimens of untamed animals and flowers does not threaten their survival.

• World Wildlife Day 2024

• • The WWF Environmental Information and Assessment Center Program (EIACP PC-RP), running beneath the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, marked the day on the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
  • Theme: “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”.

4.Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)

In News: Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH has recently  inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named ‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU).

• The Ocean Grace is the primary make in India ASTDS (Approved Standardised Tug Design and Specification) Tug advanced by means of the Cochin Shipyard Limited below MoPSW. 
• The Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) is a part of the port’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. 
• The aim of the GTTP is to transform as a minimum 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030 and to have Green Tugs operating in any other main ports.
• It will convert all tugboats working within the country  into ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, running on non-fossil fuel like Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen.
• By imposing measures to reduce greenhouse fuel emissions, home/short sea transport ferries, port vessels (tugs/crafts/dredgers) India pursues to reap an exquisite reduction of 50% by 2030 to 70% by 2047.

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