TITBITS:
1.In a first-of-its-kind initiative to bring more foreign tourists to India, the government will allow "friends" of diaspora members to get free visas.Up to five foreign nationals nominated by OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders on a special website will be eligible for the gratis e-visa, The Indian Express has learnt.
2.India and Uzbekistan
signed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) aimed at boosting the confidence
of investors of both countries.The BIT between India and Uzbekistan assures
appropriate protection to Uzbekistan investors in India and Indian investors in
the Republic of Uzbekistan, in light of relevant international precedents and
practices, an official statement said
3.The Supreme Court
questioned the effectiveness of the Commission for Air Quality Management's
(CAQM) interventions to curb pollution, saying that its directions only have a
temporary impact on violators. The court referred to specific provisions under
the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and
Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, which provide teeth to the CAQM.
4.In a report submitted to
the Union Home Ministry, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
has asserted that "Bangladeshi infiltration" is taking place in
Jharkhand's Santhal Pargana region, and that the demography of the region has changed
significantly due to this reason, officials of the Commission have said.
5. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Rare
weather phenomenon destroyed thousands of trees.
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One of the oldest sanctuaries in
Warangal, Telangana (established in 1953).
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Bounded by Laknavaram Lake.
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Perennial River Dayyam Vagu flows through, dividing
the sanctuary into two parts.
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Hosts Sammakka Sarakka Jathra,
one of Asia’s largest tribal jathras, occurring every two years.
6.EU
Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Despite
protests from India, Brazil, Indonesia, and
US, EU will implement EUDR from December 30, 2024.
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Entered into force in 2023.
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Aims to curb global forest degradation,
protect biodiversity, and reduce GHG emissions.
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New obligations on companies importing, exporting, or selling
certain products in the EU.
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Commodities must not come from land deforested or degraded after December 31, 2020.
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Includes cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm
oil, soy, timber, rubber, and derived products like beef, furniture, chocolate.