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Writer's pictureSmriti IASxp

Today's Brief 26/10/2024



1.Middle-Class Squeeze: FMCG Sales Slowdown (GS-3): Nestlé India's chairman, Suresh Narayanan, has expressed concern over the declining demand for packaged food and beverages from middle-income households, especially in urban areas. This trend is not unique to Nestlé, as Hindustan Unilever and Tata Consumer Products have also reported similar issues. The weakening of urban consumer demand, previously masked by premiumization and polarization, is now becoming more apparent.


Several factors contribute to this slowdown:


  • Food Inflation: High food inflation is eroding purchasing power and limiting households' ability to diversify their spending.

  • Muted Income Growth: Stagnant real incomes are further constraining consumer spending.

  • Satiated Pent-Up Demand: The pandemic-era pent-up demand for passenger vehicles is largely exhausted.


To address these challenges, the government and the Reserve Bank of India can take several measures:


  • Import Liberalization: Keeping import duties low can help control food prices.

  • Rational MSP Hikes: Avoiding politically motivated MSP hikes can prevent unnecessary cost pressures.

  • Interest Rate Cuts: The RBI can stimulate economic growth by lowering interest rates.


By implementing these measures, policymakers can help alleviate the pressure on consumer spending and foster a more robust economic recovery.


2 .Great Indian Bustard (GS3): The Great Indian Bustard, also known as the Indian Bustard, is a majestic bird native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is recognized for its distinctive appearance with a long neck, long legs, and a horizontal body.


Rajasthan's In first, Great Indian Bustard chick born through artificial insemination.


National Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer

The great Indian bustard is a highly endangered bird species found in the Thar area of Rajasthan. Today, only 173 birds are left, of which, 128 are found in the wild, while others are bred in captivity.


Key Facts about the Great Indian Bustard:

  • Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps

  • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

  • Habitat: Dry grasslands and scrublands

  • Distribution: Primarily found in India, with smaller populations in Pakistan

  • Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance


Why is it Critically Endangered?


The Great Indian Bustard is facing a severe decline due to various factors:

  • Habitat Loss: Conversion of grasslands into agricultural land and human settlements has significantly reduced their natural habitat.

  • Hunting: Illegal hunting for their meat and feathers poses a threat to their survival.

  • Human Disturbance: Increased human activities, such as infrastructure development and tourism, disrupt their breeding and foraging behaviors.

  • Power Lines: Collisions with power lines are a major cause of mortality.


Conservation Efforts:


Efforts are underway to protect the Great Indian Bustard, including:

  • Habitat Conservation: Establishing and managing protected areas.

  • Anti-Poaching Measures: Implementing strict anti-poaching laws and patrolling.

  • Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts.

  • Breeding Programs: Captive breeding programs to increase the population.

  • Mitigation Measures: Reducing the impact of power lines and other infrastructure.


3 .Abhay(GS-3):the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 25 Oct 24 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli.


The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata in Apr 19. Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.

The ASW SWC ships are approx 77 m long, with a maximum speed of 25 knots & endurance of 1800 NM.


4 . Pandemic Fund Project(GS-2): The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, launched a $25 million Pandemic Fund Project aimed at strengthening animal health security in India.


This project is funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund and will focus on enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.


released two important documents:


  1. Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG): Outlines best practices for veterinary care to improve livestock health and productivity.

  2. Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases: Provides a framework for managing and responding to animal disease outbreaks.


The Minister emphasized the importance of a "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent and manage future health emergencies.


This project will play a crucial role in reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and strengthening India's defenses against future pandemics.


Thanks For Visiting!!


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